I thought I'd give a current dated review as at Feb'19.

With reviewing WF.org you need to put somethings into context or balance. The first and foremost thing to bear in mind it's a FREE community and discussion board. The Moderators are volunteers and suspect the administers also give their free time.

This opening statement is important to understand as this media area now in general attracts more professional organizations like Wattpad. WF dose not try to sell anything, not even an Amazon list. Just a small generic adds and the donations are its only sources of income.

General Overview...
The WF site is usually recommended in any top10 list of forums to visit. The Site is messy though, but plans are underway for a revamp. Newbies will find it difficult at first with NO tutorials or How to... sections. The New Members Guide is a sitemap only and not a guide.

The Forum Rules...
Unfortunately, this needs to be mentioned early on. A Newbie maybe crushed at the wall of words displayed. The RULES actually are a common structure with many of its peers. The fine print needs reading, for instance to get your work Critiqued in a workshop you need first to be a member for 14days... then have made 20 posts anywhere on the site. Finally, two constructive critiques to others work within the workshop...

This is fair, but confusing. There is a Support post area to ask questions which helps. However, using the Contact Us link fails to gain any replies in my experience.

Critique Responses...
The poor reviews here focus on RUDE critiques. Seriously, they're missing the point of critiquing. If you want someone to give you encouragement and empathy or be a friend, by a dog or join Wattpad. You need fresh eyes looking at your work. If you can't handle criticism don't post your work.

The Monthly contests are a brilliant proving and highly recommended. The Research section also for thought ideas as well.

The Community...
Like all forum community places, you get the $#*!. On the whole though they are very experienced and usually offer solid realistic advice. I find getting work critiqued properly in the Workshop is a hit and miss affair, but I've had some brilliant analysis feedback.

Most action revolves around the forum "Creative Writing" subsection threads answering questions to ideas rather than story critiquing.

In Closing...
I've run into some real problem issues with this site so be careful. The Site Support and Admin staff are very poor in communicating to questions. This even though they are clearly online posting and using the site. This goes back to my opening point regarding reviewing the site as a whole in context.

A Paid for, or sales centric site would have a different ethic and standard. At the same time, they lose that critique edge that WF carries...

My view, use it but don't be totally reliant on it. Its part of your tool kick...

Regards

Norfolk

THEY WERE RUDE!

Fun, helpful, writing COMMUNITY.