How To Post Your Story On The Forum

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   Do NOT post your story until you receive an official confirmation from NYCM! 

For those of you who would like detailed instructions on how to post your story to the forum, here you go!If any veterans see errors in the process I wrote/have additional tips to add, please do! **This is an updated post from previous challenges. If anyone would like to look at the old thread and see follow-up comments/suggestions/questions, click here. 
First off, here are NYC Midnight's instructions on posting your story to the forum: http://forums.nycmidnight.com/important-tips-for-using-the-review-forum_topic7709.html

Now, here step-by-step instructions: (Be sure to wait until AFTER you receive the confirmation email from NYC Midnight to post your story). 

1) Publish your story to a third party site (blog, Tumblr, etc.). If you don't have a site to post it to then use Google Docs. Google Docs will give you a shareable link to use (be sure to alter your privacy options so people can "view"). 

2) Log-in to NYC Midnight Forum

3) Click on "Creative Writing Corner" 

4) At the top, you'll see a "Sub Forum" with the title "Flash Fiction Challenge 2017 Review" (or something similar). Click on it and go into that part of the forum.

5) Click on "Post A New Topic". This will be a button under the title of the forum at the top

6) Subject: Round #, Group #, Genre, "Title of Story"...Ex: R1, Grp 43, Drama, "The Blue Divide" 

7) Don't worry about a message icon unless you want one.

8) Message: Do NOT copy and paste your story here. Copy and paste the LINK to the story. Some people don't get this and they get ignored/told to delete it. This is usually what my message section looks like: 

"Title of Story" (see below)
Synopsis
Group #, Prompts 
I usually add a little message that thanks people in advance for reading, and I'll be sure to return the favor. I might also add a line about my experience writing the story/how I feel about it/etc. I try not to post any spoilers. I want people to read it without knowing too much about the plot. 

*Title of Story: This is where I link my story. All you have to do is: 
1) Copy the URL from your website/blog with your story. 
2) In the Message, type out the title of your story and highlight it. 
3) Above the Font Bar at the top, there is a Globe with a chain link. Click on it. 
4) Paste the URL in "Address". Be sure to delete the extra "http://". 
5) Press "Preview" to make sure the link worked. 
6) Click ok! 

**If you can't get the hyperlink to work, don't worry. You can just copy and paste the web address straight into the message box 

9) Once you're satisfied with the appearance of everything, go to bottom and click, "Post New Topic". 

10) DONE! 

It might sound more complicated than it is, but it's not so bad. And if you get stuck, just ask! Someone on the forum, including myself, is always willing to help! 

A couple of useful tips I've figured out on the forum: 

1) If you want a lot of people to read/critique your story, then you need to read/critique a lot in return. It's a two way street. You can't expect to post your story and get a ton of feedback without returning the favor/being proactive.

2) Post the link to your story's thread on the forum in your "Signature". That way people don't have to hunt your thread down to read/leave a comment. You can do this by going into your Member Control Panel at the top of the page. Click on "Edit Profile", and scroll down to "Signature". Either paste your link directly there, or use one of the "BBCodes" to make it look pretty/easy to access. 

Hope all of that helps. 

If you need additional assistance, feel free to send me a private message.  Good luck, everyone! 

Edited by jenspenden - 19 Jul 2017 at 1:01pm