When we brainstormed the idea for the Writing Playground way back in 2005, we had no real idea of what it would become or how it would change over the years. We ran with our theme, creating cute and pun-filled features. We snickered to ourselves when we setup “Under the Bleachers” and put up the picture of PM and her whistle.So now, almost four years later, things have changed quite a bit around here. A few of us have sold. Parts of the site have become more important while others have faded to a less updated feature. As we sat down to start planning our schedule for the next six months, we started discussing the site and what we want to do with it next. We tossed a couple ideas around, then came up with an important thought.
We’d ask you.
Sure, we can post what we want to keep ourselves amused, but our readers need to have a reason to come back, too. So, commenters and lurkers unite! Step up to the plate and answer a couple questions for us. Your input will help us make the site a more fun and useful place for you to visit.
Now, the focus of this is primarily the website, not our blog, so if you haven’t hopped over there in a while, check it out: http://www.writingplayground.com/ then answer these questions...
1. What is your favorite part of the Playground?
2. What would you like to see more of?
3. What would you like to see less of?
4. Is there something you’d like us to add that we haven’t had on the site before?
5. For interviews and guest bloggers, is there anyone in particular you’d like us to invite over to play (authors, editors, other industry types)?
6. Are you signed up to receive the Playground News?
7. What is it about the Playground that brings you back each time?
Speak up! Have your voice heard! Win prizes! I’m not above a bribe. At least one, if not more of the commenters today will win something nifty for helping us out. Prizes will probably include a book and possibly more – chocolate perhaps? Let us know what you’d like to see and I will reward accordingly. (Extra points for lurkers who've never posted before.)
SP
PS. Oops, I almost forgot! It's Angel's birthday. Happy Birthday!!
16 comments:
I like hearing about how the Playfriends balance the mundane aspects of life with their writing. I would like to see more guest authors. I am signed up to receive Playground News.
Confession: I come to the Playground every day, but I don't usually read the blog when it's by guest authors. I come to check up on my Children, and make sure everything is right in the world. Your blogs are my favorite part of the site. I check out the new pictures of the Playfriends when I know some are going up, I enjoy Moan-Day (who wouldn't???) and if I have time I surf through the photos Under the Bleachers.
Things I enjoy that I don't see here are Lists. You know: Top Ten Lists, shopping lists for Conference, Lists of why HOD rocks, the fun we have, the things we do at the meetings. I like Lists. I'm a List-Maker. I like them so much I capitalize the word.
I also seem to remember a promise about Bobble-Head Dolls . . .
I admit I checked the Playground website a few times, but didn't read too many of the different areas. I only hit the blog on a daily basis.
But now I have gone through the site, and I am mentally kicking myself for not spending more time on it for a few reasons:
1) School: loved the articles about Pitching, Contests, Slush Piles, Grammar
2) Under the Bleachers also provided a wealth of information about lines I am targeting.
3) The pictures and interviews with the "graduates" inspire me and give me hope.
About the only thing I didn't think I'd return to was TIME OUT.
Well, I come to the blog almost every day (I miss now and then, for one reason or another) and if there's a guest I usually don't read. I'm sometimes very annoyed if a Child is not blogging. :-) I come to see what's going on with y'all.
I rarely spend time on the actual website, but I have checked out the yearbook a time or two. That's no help at all, I know. :-/
LJ
I like hearing about your everyday lives. I like the nostalgia pieces ... guess because I'm old!!
I like the guest authors. I would love SEP, VLT, Diana Palmer, Jill Shalvis, Janelle Denison, Rachel Gibson...
I'm going to sign up for the news.
1. You guys, and the blog to read about you guys! :) Oh, and well, to be honest, contests too. . . ;)
2. Can't think of a thing, actually.
3. Everything seems to be just fine
4. I have no idea, actually. LOL
5. For guests, and since I'm a plain and simple reader, so if it's any industry person other than authors, they really don't pertain to me much.
6. Yep for the news :)
7. Well, it is the blog, and it's to see what you guys are doing everyday. I'm not a writer, but sure still love knowing what you guys are doing! :)
Wow! I feel so special knowing our Mavens love us so much!!! :)
I'm definitely interested in what people want to see on the website. The prospect of revamping it a bit is exciting, because I just love something new.
For you readers, what would you prefer to see that pertains to you? I know we feature some authors, and the monthly book review. Hmmm....
Angel
I usually read just the blog. And yes, I'm signed up to receive the Playground News. Anyone in particular I’d like you to invite over to play... Hmmm, well Vicki Lewis Thompson comes to mind.
Hello,
I stop in from time to time. I'm not consistent in when I'll show up. When I sit down to read the blogs I follow, something has to grab me for me to stop. It usually depends on how many I have to get through. I do enjoy the guests bloggers. I find new authors this way. Have a great day.
There's a blog I visit occasionally that has theme weeks where each author blogs on the same topic that week. It's interesting to see how they all have a different answer or approach. They've had themes like places they've traveled or would like to travel, the best invention of their lifetime, if I had a million dollars I'd _____, a typical day in their life, products I can't live without, organization tips and money saving tips (great during this recession). They do their blog on the topic and the commenters will tell about places they've been or what they'd do with a million dollars or how they save money.
I honestly usually only come to the blog each day. I have it bookmarked so it comes right up. I also already subscribe to the newsletter.
I would like to see more guest authors and I love the idea that you each blog on the same topic from your point of view for a week. Sounds like fun.
Happy Birthday Angel!
Happy Birthday Angel! I read all the blog posts everyday on google reader. Love the posts.
happy b day
. What is your favorite part of the Playground?- authors, guest.contest
2. What would you like to see more of? book videos , excerpts
3. What would you like to see less of? nothing
4. Is there something you’d like us to add that we haven’t had on the site before?-excerpts,book videos
5. For interviews and guest bloggers, is there anyone in particular you’d like us to invite over to play (authors, editors, other industry types)? alll
6. Are you signed up to receive the Playground News? yes
7. What is it about the Playground that brings you back each time- great interviews and new authors
kh
A BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANGEL!!!!
1. What is your favorite part of the Playground? the swings of course. Just finding out what going on in the book world
2. What would you like to see more of? visiters
3. What would you like to see less of? nothing
4. Is there something you’d like us to add that we haven’t had on the site before? can't think of anything
5. For interviews and guest bloggers, is there anyone in particular you’d like us to invite over to play (authors, editors, other industry types)? Elizabeth Hoyt
6. Are you signed up to receive the Playground News? Yes
7. What is it about the Playground that brings you back each time? finding out whats going on. I come about every day I may now post but I do come to see whats going on. Thanks for being here for us.
Happy Birthday Angel!!
When I'm feeling well, I love to come more to Playground and read and chat. Often I get to read but not too much to chat and I really hope to do that more. I reading the humor, the serious issues, the writing, the books, everything has been super. I do love guest authors too and love to hear what you are reading too! We need books between yours and I love chatting about what I read with others. I do like things that have contest and all to stay up about 24 hours plus cuz of not getting on the same time each day. Too checking out today the site, I've found so much more so I'm thrilled you asked these questions because I took the time to see all I was missing!
Happy Birthday Angel. I like the guest authors.I would like to see more guest authors .And like to see more books reviews.
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