Writing.com

Apparently I've been a member for a few years now but didn't know about it until yesterday. The site looked, at first, like a fun place to write and review the work of other writers but I seem to have stumbled into the elementary school section and can't find my way out. The stories I'm reading are about puppies, teenage angst and poetry about how life sucks now (but it didn't always). The reviews amount to nothing more than obnoxious graphics with rainbow colored emoticons and breathless reviewers praising the writer with profound perspectives such as: "I love this story so much! Thanks for saying what I would have said if I had only thought of it!" Anyway, I'm giving it a few more days but the complicated layout and busy, noisy graphics are not conducive to the hard work of writing. The site's been around for awhile so it must work for some people.

**Update** I'm quite sure now that I don't have any use for Writing.com. It apparently serves the needs of many 'writers' but it doesn't serve my needs. It's just for kids really.

At two years being home at Writing Dot Com, I developed my confidence most specially in Writing, even if I am an ESL(English Second Language), WDC helped me to grow, gave the booster that I need through valuable and honest reviews that I received from different views, as well as Writing tips from different Authors in any ages, race and thoughts.
I also gained friends around the world, and mostly they are all kind and friendly, so I feel I'm at home.
The awesome writing tools are very encouraging and stimulating in creating stuffs and this depends on how the Author will use it, even the reviews they gave, that reflects everyone's uniqueness.

I first found Writing.Com when it was still called Stories.Com. I have been a loyal member ever since and have loved it. The people that run the site are amazing, as are the members. There are so many great groups to join and a great deal of support. Whether you're a writer that wants to hone or share your talent or a person who just loves to read (or both!), Writing.Com is the place to be. There are no pressure free memberships and paid memberships. I've been an upgraded member for years and, even when I'm not actively writing on the site, I still maintain my membership, partly because I love keeping all my things in an online portfolio, but mainly to keep supporting Writing.Com financially so they can continue to be the site for writers and readers alike to spend their time. The website is set up in a lovely format that is easy to navigate. It is easy to gain exposure for your writing. There is also a currency in Writing.Com called gift points, or gps, that members can send to each other as thank you's or kudos, and can use to purchase digital awardicons for pieces that they particularly enjoy. So, in the words of this great website, Write on!

I've been a member of this site for nearly four years, and I have never once regretted joining.

Is Writing.com perfect? Of course not, but it is a wide and deep resource for newcomers to the writing craft and for well established writers. When I last checked, there were contributions from over 90,000 writers world wide held on the site. Sure, some will have walked away, and some will have passed away. But I have always found the people there genuinely helpful and wholly constructive.

Of course if all you want is to have your ego stroked, you're headed in the wrong direction. Feedback is almost always positive, but it may involve some critical deconstruction of your stories with the simple purpose of helping you to become a better author. I know that this is how it has worked for me.

And I have never met with arrogance, petty-mindedness, egotism or other nasties, and in turn, I always attempt to provide positive and supportive feedback.

Payment is not required, although rthe free service is quite limited. But it's a good place to start and get a feel for the community, and I always get my annual $50 worth from being a member of writing.com.

I have been a (very pleased) member of Writing.com since November, 2011, and the site just keeps getting better! While I would certainly recommend it to authors who seek helpful, honest reviews of their work, I would also recommend it to readers and to folks who just need some inspiration.

I love to write, but I don't aspire to be a professional author. One thing I love about the WDC community is that your reason for being there is not questioned. I was instantly welcomed into the community, and I have made many lifelong friends. The site owner regularly interacts with the members and works hard to ensure that each member is able to make the most of all the site has to offer.

As an attorney, I tend to shy away from social media. It seems that every time I sign into Facebook, I am bombarded with people seeking free legal advice or getting friend requests from clients. So, I go to Writing.com, where I can read, write, review, and chat, yet nothing is ever expected from me.

Writing.com costs absolutely nothing. I had free account for quite awhile and was very satisfied. I have since switched to a paid account, not because I felt that I had to, but because I wanted to expand my portfolio. Also, I realize the costs to maintain such an elaborate website, and I want to do what I can to support and maintain the site.
I'm very surprised that there are any negative reviews of Writing.com. I would highly recommend it to any writers and/or readers and anyone who wants to be a part of a warm and wonderful community.

Writing.com has been a phenomenal site. I've enjoyed being a member and participating in different challenges. Mostly, I am glad to have a place to post my work.

In 2002, I ventured into a world called Stories.Com, which is now known as Writing.Com. Prior to then I had never shared my writing with anyone, but the Members and the Creators were welcoming and super encouraging. Within the first few weeks, I found that I was no longer afraid to share my voice or opinions. I am an amateur writer, but this site has allowed me to improve my skills and step outside of my comfort zone.

We live in a world where people say they care, but it is often difficult to see proof of that in their actions. On two separate occasions, I had the pleasure of meeting the people behind the curtain (SM and SMs). I can honestly say that they truly care, not just about the site's success but about the actual Members. Both SM and SMs have limited time on their hands, yet they seem to have always made time for their Members.

Through the years, I have seen the site grow in size and what is offered. There are many useful tools for writers and those that have a creative spark. The site allows every writer to have their own portfolio, which can be organized to personal preference. You can create a wide range of items to share with others, such as books, static items, forums, photo albums, blogs, polls, contests, and so on. There is a numerous amount of material for the avid reader. There is something for everyone.

I have had many opportunities that I never would have had if it weren't for that site. I am grateful to the Creators and Staff, and will continue to support something that changed my life.

The WDC features are wonderful and I am able to take advantage of all types of activities and functions. Although I've investigated other very, very good writing sites, I find myself spending as much time enjoying the productivity, educational offerings, contest opportunities, group membership activities, reviewing and being reviewed, and many more things such as adding to my portfolio different items such as product reviews, taking advantage of blog, static item, and other types of creation and writing related activities. WDC is a very good investment onto writing because the members are friendly and willing to help you learn. There is a plethora of classes available for the beginning as well as experienced writer to choose from. I could write more about writing.com, however, I need to get back to WDC and enjoy my time on the site. Be careful because before you know it, time will be flying by while you are enjoying everything about WDC. Then you'll want to spend more time in the community. Yes this is the community I would definitely recommend for writers.

Having poured myself into my writing for two other writer's websites that changed into corporate monsters that do not allow any current access to my work, I was thrilled to find Writing.Com, which is a much more established website for writers, by writers and with writers and writing as the main focus of everything that is done on WDC!

Both of the unnamed, nefarious websites were started around 2005 to 2008, changing their policies, until finally users, like me, could no longer log-in to access our intellectual property.

In stark and wonderful contrast, Writing.Com, which was established on September 1,2000, is a much older, more mature, more consistent writer-operated and writer-focused writer's website.

I was severely burned as a writer on those two previous, distasteful occasions, but I don't see that happening here at WDC because the founder and his wife are very hands-on, very people-oriented individuals, caring very much about the individual writers, rather than about the Bottom Line that eats up all the sanity of true writing excellence.

Thank You so much, Story Master & Story Mistress, for a safe place to write, whether little or much, whether quickly or slowly. You make thoughts important as you keep people important! I am greatly HONORED to know you both! :D

It's an amazing site for all writers and poets all over the worl! I'm very satisfied with Writing.com! If You are looking for the right place, than Writng.com is more than that! Enjoy it!

I am a senior moderator in Writing.com and I have been a member since June 2001. I believe Writing.com to be the best site for improving one's skills and finding fair peer reviews for one's work.

Before Writing.com, I had a difficult time to get fair and knowledgeable opinions for my work unless I paid dearly for them. Since the site is a peer-review site, surely the opinions change, but still it is the best and cheapest way to find feedback for one's work. This, however, is not the only positive for this site.

Writing.com is also a community, in which we care for each other, and since it is a community, it has rules for the welfare of everyone. This is not a site for those who do not follow any directions, be it for their own good.

Writing.com also is a teaching site. It has teaching groups, contests, activities, and weekly newsletters addressing all areas of the writing craft. Just by reading the members' articles and other work, one can even learn to write on one's own.

Yet, more than all of the above, we have caring owner-administrators and staff who want the best for every writer in the site and work very hard for it.

The BEST community for writers!
I love writing.com because more than a site or space to write it's a family away from home. The community members help you so much. You grow as a writer by reading their comments and reviews on your writings. By participating in challenges you train yourself to be better and follow a deadline which is so helpful when you are working on a writing project and you need to meet a deadline. It also helps you deal with situations in which you need to be heard and gives you the freedom to state your own opinions. It's also safe and free of bullying and other kind of scenarios you see in other sites. It's not just a writing platform, it's definitely all you need to get from 0 to being a great writer, if you take it seriously and accept positive criticism, writing advices, follow deadlines and respect others as they respect you and your work. It's the best training there is, while you have fun and make friends.
If you love to write, no matter if you want to make a carreer, a hobby or just wanna have fun and meet some other writers like you, look no more! This is the place! Writing.com. My home away from home!