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"This is for all you new people..."

Printed From: NYC Midnight : Creative Writing & Screenwriting
Category: GENERAL DISCUSSION
Forum Name: Creative Writing Corner
Forum Description: Discuss NYC Midnight Creative Writing Competitions or Creative Writing in general.
URL: https://forums.nycmidnight.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12975
Printed Date: 28 Mar 2024 at 9:15am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: "This is for all you new people..."
Posted By: nixie
Subject: "This is for all you new people..."
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2016 at 12:15am
[subject proudly borrowed from the Starship Troopers screenplay]

The following is not ‘official’ in any way. It merely reflects my observations from participating in the forum. 

Veterans: If you have had a different experience or expectation, please comment!

Noobs: This should serve as a basic introduction, and get you started.


When Do I Post?

After you receive your confirmation e-mail from NYCM.  (Not the auto-message from Submittable, but the one that comes directly from NYCM a few days later)

Where Do I Post?

Creative Writing Corner is an open forum. This means that anyone on the internet can see what is here.  When posting links to stories, you are *strongly* advised to post in the forum for your contest – which can only be accessed by those in your contest.

What If I Posted in the Wrong Place?

You can't delete posts - even your own.  But you *can edit them.  Visit your post, click "post options" in the top right corner, and select the "edit" option.  You can then erase your text, replace it with a message that it was posted in error (sometimes, if you change the subject to "please delete - posted in error" the admins will take it down for you), or even add a link to your correct/preferred post.

What Do I Post?

Add a “New Topic” (this will start your very own thread - so be sure you do it from within your contest's forum, and not here in CWC) and in the subject, include the Challenge #, Group/Heat number, and the Title of your piece:

Ch2 Gr17 My Title

In the body of your post, include the prompts, title, and synopsis/logline

Link your story.

  • Pasting your story into a post means it will be here forever - you can't delete the post.  
  • Sharing your story read-only from your google drive, onedrive, or blog allows you to unshare, remove, or password-protect it later. 
  • Pasting the link without making it live (clickable) is sufficient - but there are lots of stories to read, and the time it takes to copy and paste that into a browser is enough to send some people on their way.  The easier you make it for people, the more people will respond :)

If you use Google, please note that if you are looking at your story, you can’t just copy the address from your browser – it will point users to their own google drive, or give a permissions error (depending on how you go about it).  Most reliable: look at your google drive.  See your story in the list of files? Right-click it and choose the option to share a link (or whatever they are calling it this week).  Make sure you chose “view” permissions – and use that link.

For additional info, check out JensPenDen's " http://forums.nycmidnight.com/how-to-post-your-story-on-the-forum_topic10076.html" rel="nofollow - How To Post Your Story To The Forum "! 

Wait – How Do I Link Stuff?

In the body of your post (for example, if you want the title of your story to be a clickable link to your story):

Type your text   “MY TITLE” - then highlight that text.

Click the 5th button on the toolbar (earth + links of chain)

In the box that comes up, leave the two drop-downs alone – you are looking for the third box, the text-box with no drop-down! If you selected text before clicking the link button, that text appears in this box.

Replace “MY TITLE”  with “myurl.com”  (note that I did *not include http:// in that – it will be added by that drop-down box just left of where you are typing.  If you include it here, your link will be http://http://myurl.com and will not work)

[step by step with images http://dianabrown.net/creating-a-link-in-your-post/" rel="nofollow - here ]

Linking In Your Signature

This one is a bit more challenging because you have to do it like a programmer ;)  Some people link directly to their story in their signature, but it is probably preferable to link to your forum post – that way folks also know where to leave you feedback!!

To add a link to your signature:

  •        Click member control panel
  •        Click profile
  •        Scroll down til you see the box for your signature
  •        Follow the example below (Parentheses have been added in order to ensure the text is displayed and not 'interpreted" and presented as an actual link - replace them with square brackets.  Replace the first blue text with your link. Replace the second blue text with the 'friendly' words you want to appear in your signature)

 (URL=http://mylink.com) The text I want you to see (/URL)

 That says:

["this thing is a url"] "display this text*["/end of the url stuffs"]

There is a limit to the number of characters in your signature. (150 characters max)  If you have multiple entries in your signature and your edits don't seem to save - length is usually the issue.  Try a link shortener like Tinyurl to cut the length of your links. 

How Do I Get/Give Feedback?

Getting feedback:  Post in the forums, and review other peoples’ stories!

Giving Feedback:

  1. “I liked your story” is not really very helpful feedback.  While it is nice to hear, the point of feedback is to make us better writers.  So take a minute to talk about *why you liked (or disliked!) a piece.  What, as a writer, struck you?  Strong, defined characters? Descriptions that made it easy to visualize? Dialog that felt so real you thought you were standing there? Just as importantly, what didn’t work for you, and why didn’t it?  “I didn’t like X” isn’t very helpful either – talk about why X didn’t hit you quite right, or what felt off about it.
  2. It is customary to review the work of those who have reviewed yours.  If you do not return feedback, you will find that as time goes on people realize this and are less willing to invest in critiquing your stories.
  3. Think about what would help you as a writer – and start there.  With a short time and tight word count, we know everyone is rushed – a few minor typos or punctuation errors are going to creep in. Are they worth commenting on?  If it is every sentence – maybe.  But if is it a handful – maybe that’s not the most constructive thing you can offer your colleague.  

It’s hard work to come up with real, Writer-y feedback.  If you can’t think of any, it’s OK to say so.  That’s a statement in itself.  Take a minute to explain what you felt was right with the piece, in that event, so the author knows “what to do more of.” Don’t have time? It’s OK to let it lie and come back another day. Most writers will appreciate quality feedback over immediate response, so if you don’t have time to do it well, it’s OK to wait until you do. If you are worried about it, you can always pop a quick comment of “loved this – have more extensive feedback but no time to type – back to you tomorrow!”

Quality trumps instant gratification. Star


SPOILERS

Got something to say but don't want to ruin the fun for everyone else?  You can use the "SPOILER" code to hide your text.  here are the rules (As above, replace the () with square brackets):

(SPOILER)The word "spoiler" should be in all caps. Hitting "enter" will end the 'hide". If you need a line break, use shift+enter. When you're done, end your spoiler by adding

(/SPOILER)

(Same text, but with square brackets):

Spoiler Spoiler
The word "spoiler" should be in all caps. Hitting "enter" will end the 'hide". If you need a line break, use shift+enter. When you're done, end your spoiler by adding


*********

As I step away from managing the Master List, I am adding this https://dianabrown.net/making-a-master-list/" rel="nofollow - link , with instructions for making and maintaining a master list.  As that task changes hand for any given contest, hopefully the info there will make it easier on each new person.




Replies:
Posted By: Scarlet Screenwriter
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2016 at 12:22am

Nixie?  You bucking for an Admin's job at NYCMMM?  You''re putting them to shame! 

Do you think it's worth making screen videos of the various steps for linking things etc.  ... not talking heads, just what's on your computer screen with voice over ... "how to" videos ...






Posted By: nixie
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2016 at 12:28am
Originally posted by Scarlet Screenwriter Scarlet Screenwriter wrote:


Nixie?  You bucking for an Admin's job at NYCMMM?  You''re putting them to shame! 

Do you think it's worth making screen videos of the various steps for linking things etc.  ... not talking heads, just what's on your computer screen with voice over ... "how to" videos ...



I actually have docs with screenies for some of these processes - but, for very good reasons, NYCM does not allow attached files in the forum.  I am hesitant to link to external resources - someone who is feeling generous and offers web site space could go away, site could go away, etc. - so was looking to make as simple a 'one-stop' as I could.

And no - i already have a beyond-full-time job. lol  But I have spent nearly as much time in the last 48 hours sharing this info individually as I have spent on the List - and it is the same set of questions every time we have a new contest.  The info is scattered around the forums - if you know where to look. But the people who need it most have no way to know where to look. 

So am hoping to create a place where they can find it without too much trouble - and if they don't, that I can link rather than retyping, copying, pasting, etc. :)  So - how do I continue to be supportive of new folks - and lazy at the same time, so I can get some good reads in?  Voila! :)

Nix

(and p.s. - totally stole plkphoto's feedback post while i was at it!!!)

Anything else already in the forums that should be immediately stolen and added above for the new folks?


Posted By: Scarlet Screenwriter
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2016 at 1:27am

Never heard they didn't allow video files to be attached in the discussion forums ... of review forums ... unless it is a new rule ... I have dine it before ... You might have to put them on YouTube first ... I'll try one from YouTube and one from my web storage ... EDIT: IT SEEMS TO HAVE TO BE YOUTUBE LINKS ...






Posted By: plkphoto
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2016 at 1:29am
I think that she's trying to write a post where nothing is hosted on an external site, just in case someone removes it or cancels their YouTube account, or something. That way this post can carry on from year to year.

Of course, nothing stopping people from adding cool links and videos in the comments! It's just the first post that would really need to carry over. Smile



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FFC 2018

Ch1 Gr62 -- https://forums.nycmidnight.com/c1-g62-the-other-side-of-the-coin-thriller_topic18521_post230678.html" rel="nofollow - The Other Side of the Coin (Thriller)


Posted By: milesmum
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2016 at 1:33am
Originally posted by Scarlet Screenwriter Scarlet Screenwriter wrote:


Nixie?  You bucking for an Admin's job at NYCMMM?  You''re putting them to shame! 

Do you think it's worth making screen videos of the various steps for linking things etc.  ... not talking heads, just what's on your computer screen with voice over ... "how to" videos ...


Totally! NYCM Academy!


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%5bURL=http://www.example.com" rel="nofollow - 250R1-The Butterfly Effect


Posted By: Scarlet Screenwriter
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2016 at 1:34am

Here's a YouTube uploaded "How To" screen recording ... So, I guess, everything must be uploaded to YouTube, which converts it to a Flash Video File ...









Posted By: Scarlet Screenwriter
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2016 at 1:39am
Originally posted by plkphoto plkphoto wrote:

I think that she's trying to write a post where nothing is hosted on an external site, just in case someone removes it or cancels their YouTube account, or something. That way this post can carry on from year to year.
Of course, nothing stopping people from adding cool links and videos in the comments! It's just the first post that would really need to carry over. Smile


I have created a personal YouTube channel with private uploads for family ... it seems to be forever ...






Posted By: plkphoto
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2016 at 2:06am
Originally posted by Scarlet Screenwriter Scarlet Screenwriter wrote:

Originally posted by plkphoto plkphoto wrote:

I think that she's trying to write a post where nothing is hosted on an external site, just in case someone removes it or cancels their YouTube account, or something. That way this post can carry on from year to year.
Of course, nothing stopping people from adding cool links and videos in the comments! It's just the first post that would really need to carry over. Smile


I have created a personal YouTube channel with private uploads for family ... it seems to be forever ...



I like the how to videos - so it's great that you can do that. Smile



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FFC 2018

Ch1 Gr62 -- https://forums.nycmidnight.com/c1-g62-the-other-side-of-the-coin-thriller_topic18521_post230678.html" rel="nofollow - The Other Side of the Coin (Thriller)


Posted By: Kmax
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2016 at 2:47am
This is great thank you for doing this. I feel like I have followed the directions but i still cant create a link.
I got as far as shortening the Google Drive Link and that Bit.ly version opened fine in Facebook.
Im on a Mac and tried both Firefox and Safari and now I'm losing my mind.
This is as far as I can get. Looks right but doesn't come up in preview and on my other posts it doesn't work. Im guessing it wont here either. And yes-A video or screen shots would be super helpful for us newbies.

http://bit.ly/2a4SYUh" rel="nofollow - Dont Drink the Kool-Aid

http://bit.ly/2a4SYUh" rel="nofollow - http://bit.ly/2a4SYUh  


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http://bit.ly/2a4SYUh


Posted By: plkphoto
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2016 at 3:12am
Originally posted by Kmax Kmax wrote:

This is great thank you for doing this. I feel like I have followed the directions but i still cant create a link.
I got as far as shortening the Google Drive Link and that Bit.ly version opened fine in Facebook.
Im on a Mac and tried both Firefox and Safari and now I'm losing my mind.
This is as far as I can get. Looks right but doesn't come up in preview and on my other posts it doesn't work. Im guessing it wont here either. And yes-A video or screen shots would be super helpful for us newbies.


Your link worked fine for me… I've deleted them from the quote because this area (Creative Writing Corner) is open to the public and you might want to remove them from your reply above. But if you copy/paste those links into your story post in the Review subforum, they seem to be working and should copy/paste okay. Otherwise do the same thing again! I ended up at your Google Drive story when I clicked. Smile


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FFC 2018

Ch1 Gr62 -- https://forums.nycmidnight.com/c1-g62-the-other-side-of-the-coin-thriller_topic18521_post230678.html" rel="nofollow - The Other Side of the Coin (Thriller)


Posted By: topangarose
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2016 at 4:09am
Nixie- This is a great post.

Can I just add, in case it's not completely clear yet... a copy of something I have already put on three people's threads? Pasting it in here, so maybe it will be easier to see in this thread for all the new people, If I'm repeating, sorry, I skimmed above, but it bears repeating:

 Instead of linking to your actual story in your signature-- link to your story THREAD on NYC.  If you link straight to your story, we have to go looking for you to critique your story and many won't bother. It's hard with this many contestants to find.

 Linking your thread takes a person right from any post you make right to your story thread. If you critique another's story on their story thread, they can just click on your signature and get straight to  your story thread. Once they get to your story thread they will find the link to your actual story which you've placed in the first post announcing your story and title, etc.

It's the easiest way to get as many critiques as possible. If you comment on another's story and they haven't commented back, this could be why. They just can't find you.

To find the URL address to put into your signature... go to your story thread page and copy the URL at the top of that page and insert THAT into your signature, NOT your blog or googledoc URL.

To see what I mean, just click on my signature below and see where it takes you. (Then read my story!) - (Hah! Just kidding)


Hope that helps someone!





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https://forums.nycmidnight.com/r1-grp205-colorado-gold-comedy_topic46009.html" rel="nofollow - SS2022COLORADO GOLD

https://forums.nycmidnight.com/topic46960_post492364.html#492364" rel="nofollow - Micro100rnd1



Posted By: plkphoto
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2016 at 4:19am
YES!! YES!! To what topangarose said. :)

The link (or shortened bit.ly or tinyurl) in your signature should take you to the first post in your topic in the review thread… 

Then people can click on (or copy/paste) the link to your story.

Not only is this easier for us to leave feedback -- it's also necessary if you plan to publish your story somewhere.

You want people to find your story from anywhere, and your signature goes on all your posts… which means if you comment in the Creative Writing Corner and have a link to your Google Doc -- anyone can click on it and go read your story… Posting like that (or on an open access blog) is considered pre-published by some journals. Which will reduce your chances of getting good money for your story.

But, if you link to the Review post, random person from the internet can see the link and click on it, but they'll get a "please log in" message and won't be able to see your post. Only forumites can see the posts. In the publishing world, having your story posted in a private group like this is just considered a writer's workshop -- so not pre-published.

In that vein, it's also good to use Google Docs and set privacy settings to "people with link can view" so that it's not searchable. Or on a blog, have it password protected and give the password in your Review post.

Big smile

You can see an example in my signature.


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FFC 2018

Ch1 Gr62 -- https://forums.nycmidnight.com/c1-g62-the-other-side-of-the-coin-thriller_topic18521_post230678.html" rel="nofollow - The Other Side of the Coin (Thriller)


Posted By: nixie
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2016 at 7:41am
plk has the right of it - I want the original post to stand alone no matter what happens on an external server. I absolutely support linking such files in the comments, and encourage you to include a headline matching the wording above to the viideo/resource. Even YouTube cancels and/or removes files and accounts. :)

K - your link is fine.  Stories don't "preview" the way a video does. That's OK.

plk and Rose - I added some shiny red highlights to draw attention to the core concepts. Does that help?


Posted By: plkphoto
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2016 at 7:49am
Originally posted by nixie nixie wrote:

plk and Rose - I added some shiny red highlights to draw attention to the core concepts. Does that help?

Yep, yep! Looks good. 

I just wanted to clarify a bit in the comments -- too long for the all in one post to hit all the little details, but I thought it was good to mention the "previously published" conundrum. Smile


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FFC 2018

Ch1 Gr62 -- https://forums.nycmidnight.com/c1-g62-the-other-side-of-the-coin-thriller_topic18521_post230678.html" rel="nofollow - The Other Side of the Coin (Thriller)


Posted By: nixie
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2016 at 8:11am
Originally posted by plkphoto plkphoto wrote:


I just wanted to clarify a bit in the comments -- too long for the all in one post to hit all the little details, but I thought it was good to mention the "previously published" conundrum. Smile

I think that's perfect.  Like Scarlet's videos, it adds value, and by appearing in the comments, it keeps the main post short, simple, and focused on the essentials.  A great way to consolidate the content in a way that doesn't overwhelm, but does give a central resource.

(and for that reason, I am going to prune some of my comments once we have this bit sorted out - if they don't pertain directly to the post above, I am gonna remove them once resolved, to try to keep the thread clean for those who need info without wading through crap.  I encourage others to do the same. )


Posted By: The Red Lion
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2016 at 9:46am
nixie, you're rockin' it this year with the useful posts! I would recommend all new forumites read this--because wow there are a lot of new people this year! Hopefully this can get pinned (or at least bumped back up at the start of each new round/contest).

Keep being awesome.


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https://forums.nycmidnight.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=43498&PID=509577&title=author-archive#509577" rel="nofollow - My Archive


Posted By: ShroudedWolf
Date Posted: 29 Jul 2016 at 12:33am
Sometimes I don't like critiquing with constructive criticism, because I think the authors think I'm being mean.  I explain my critiques and have only the best intentions, but am pretty straight-forward with what I think.  I do give them things I like as well.  It's hard to have people feel bad about things I write to try to help them.

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CH2:G96
https://forums.nycmidnight.com/g96c2-hist-fic-betting-on-the-future_topic49213.html" rel="nofollow - "Betting on the Future" Historical Fiction


Posted By: plkphoto
Date Posted: 29 Jul 2016 at 8:28am
Originally posted by ShroudedWolf ShroudedWolf wrote:

Sometimes I don't like critiquing with constructive criticism, because I think the authors think I'm being mean.  I explain my critiques and have only the best intentions, but am pretty straight-forward with what I think.  I do give them things I like as well.  It's hard to have people feel bad about things I write to try to help them.

Check out Jenna's blog post that I linked in the first post http://forums.nycmidnight.com/go-slow-and-leave-good-feedback_topic12884.html" rel="nofollow - HERE . It gives some tips for how to avoid that. 

But really, most of us want to improve, and the only way to do that is if people tell us what they think. Of course, as an example, let's say you hate horror as a genre… You shouldn't go onto everyone's story that wrote horror and say, "I hated this story because I hate horror." That's not constructive for them… That's an extreme example, but I've seen similar comments that were slightly more subtle.

The other thing is, give constructive FEEDBACK, not constructive CRITICISM… what's the difference? you might ask… Feedback helps the author understand both what didn't work and also what DID work. That's important. What did you like? Why? You can always find something you liked… And, for what didn't work, don't focus on every single nitpicky detail if there are structural problems. Figure out what level the problem comes in, and address that. If you loved a story but found a few grammatical problems, by all means point them out. But if you were really struggling to follow a story, give a few pointers for what was confusing, but don't worry about nitpicking a spelling error.

I generally try to give around 3 "this really worked well" and 3 "you could improve this" suggestions, sandwiched in between some overall impressions (both positive and negative). If you balance positives and negatives, then it doesn't feel so much like critique/criticism, but more like nice helpful, constructive feedback.

And ditto for authors -- before you get upset, remember everyone's trying to help out. They're not trying to be mean. Wait a day before responding to the feedback -- whether your response is positive or negative… give yourself time to digest it and get over the knee-jerk reaction.

Smile


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FFC 2018

Ch1 Gr62 -- https://forums.nycmidnight.com/c1-g62-the-other-side-of-the-coin-thriller_topic18521_post230678.html" rel="nofollow - The Other Side of the Coin (Thriller)


Posted By: maiaco
Date Posted: 29 Jul 2016 at 8:45am
Originally posted by Kmax Kmax wrote:

This is great thank you for doing this. I feel like I have followed the directions but i still cant create a link.



Kmax, I see you've created a post in the Review forum, so the best thing to do is to put a link to that post in your signature. 

Copy and paste this into your signature and it should work;

[URL=http://forums.nycmidnight.com/group-23-scifi-laundromat-tongue-ring_topic12981_post148473.html?KW=#148473]Dont drink the Kool Aid[/URL]


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No baby acorns were harmed in the writing of this story



Posted By: plkphoto
Date Posted: 01 Aug 2016 at 11:55am
Thumbs Up


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FFC 2018

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Posted By: maiaco
Date Posted: 01 Aug 2016 at 1:30pm
+1

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No baby acorns were harmed in the writing of this story



Posted By: plkphoto
Date Posted: 04 Aug 2016 at 10:24pm

^^^^^




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Posted By: Scarlet Screenwriter
Date Posted: 04 Aug 2016 at 10:36pm

Yesterday I had to upload a video/audio for a client ... a large one ... I ended up putting a still over it in iMovie and then uploading it to YouTube ... and storing it as "unlisted" ... meaning only people who click the link can view it ... I've had videos up there for nearly 10 years ...







Posted By: nixie
Date Posted: 05 Aug 2016 at 3:57pm
Originally posted by Scarlet Screenwriter Scarlet Screenwriter wrote:


Yesterday I had to upload a video/audio for a client ... a large one ... I ended up putting a still over it in iMovie and then uploading it to YouTube ... and storing it as "unlisted" ... meaning only people who click the link can view it ... I've had videos up there for nearly 10 years ...



Nobody's debating that. Scarlet.  I think I was very clear that *I* wrote a post, for which it was *my* intention that the information be wholly self-contained and not reliant on external resources (regardless of how reliable one thinks they may be.  TWA and E. F. Hutton were considered stable and unassailable right tile they disappeared, after all. *I* chose for *my* post not to link outward). I also noted that those who wished to were welcome to link external resources in the comments - indeed, encouraged it.

If you wish to link external resources, feel free. If you wish to rewrite the post the way you think it should be done, and post it "your way," you are welcome to do that. If you feel the need to hijack the usefulness of this thread by turning it into a public debate on why "your way" is the only right way - I'm afraid my current schedule doesn't leave time for that sort of thing. :)


Posted By: milesmum
Date Posted: 05 Aug 2016 at 4:18pm
Originally posted by topangarose topangarose wrote:

Nixie- This is a great post.

 Instead of linking to your actual story in your signature-- link to your story THREAD on NYC.  If you link straight to your story, we have to go looking for you to critique your story and many won't bother. It's hard with this many contestants to find.

 Linking your thread takes a person right from any post you make right to your story thread. If you critique another's story on their story thread, they can just click on your signature and get straight to  your story thread. Once they get to your story thread they will find the link to your actual story which you've placed in the first post announcing your story and title, etc.



I'll add that if you want to reciprocate a critique of someone's story who didn't link to their NYCM post, you can click on the little black arrow beside that person's handle on the left side of your thread and click "Find Members' Posts" and then select "Search for Topics This Member Started". That'll get you there, but don't assume people know to do this. I've been doing these competitions since 2008 and I only figured that one out a couple of weeks ago! (Hopefully this also wasn't mentioned already. I'm at work, so can only skim).


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%5bURL=http://www.example.com" rel="nofollow - 250R1-The Butterfly Effect


Posted By: KCBabe13
Date Posted: 07 Aug 2016 at 8:21am
As a noobie...This was very helpful! Thanks so much for the info. Clap

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Read my 1st Round story titled https://bit.ly/3b3HykZ" rel="nofollow - The secret Olive


Posted By: nixie
Date Posted: 07 Aug 2016 at 5:01pm
Originally posted by milesmum milesmum wrote:



I'll add that if you want to reciprocate a critique of someone's story who didn't link to their NYCM post, you can click on the little black arrow beside that person's handle on the left side of your thread and click "Find Members' Posts" and then select "Search for Topics This Member Started". That'll get you there, but don't assume people know to do this. I've been doing these competitions since 2008 and I only figured that one out a couple of weeks ago! (Hopefully this also wasn't mentioned already. I'm at work, so can only skim).

A great thing that people might not find on their own at first - thank you!  I also recommend looking at the filtering options - that search can be limited to the FFC review forum, to the last few weeks, etc. - lots of ways to narrow down the number of posts you look through to find them. :)


Posted By: TiggersGirl
Date Posted: 12 Aug 2016 at 4:04pm
I do not see this in the comments so I will ask if anyone knows how to do this or even if it's possible. Is there a way for me to reply to a comment on one of my entries and have my reply drop down immediately underneath their comment? It seems like I should be able to do this. Just clicking reply doesn't seem to work.

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https://forums.nycmidnight.com/topic32234_post332879.html#332879?KW=#286774" rel="nofollow - Second Time Around


Posted By: Scarlet Screenwriter
Date Posted: 12 Aug 2016 at 4:30pm
Originally posted by TiggersGirl TiggersGirl wrote:


I do not see this in the comments so I will ask if anyone knows how to do this or even if it's possible. Is there a way for me to reply to a comment on one of my entries and have my reply drop down immediately underneath their comment? It seems like I should be able to do this. Just clicking reply doesn't seem to work.


No, you just have to quite the whole comment and take it down with you.




Posted By: Schrifty
Date Posted: 12 Aug 2016 at 5:00pm
Originally posted by TiggersGirl TiggersGirl wrote:

I do not see this in the comments so I will ask if anyone knows how to do this or even if it's possible. Is there a way for me to reply to a comment on one of my entries and have my reply drop down immediately underneath their comment? It seems like I should be able to do this. Just clicking reply doesn't seem to work.


When you click the "quote" button rather than the "reply" it'll copy/paste the text of the comment you're replying to, but there's no way for it to nest the comment directly under the one you're replying to.

If you're worried that the person you're responding to won't see your response you could try sending a PM to the user directly.


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MFC2019: https://cutt.ly/qeiQSvD" rel="nofollow - R1 G4: Cat Got Your Tongue (Fairy Tale) 2nd Place
MFC2019: https://shorturl.at/oyJX9" rel="nofollow - R2 G16: Second Chances (SciFi)


Posted By: nixie
Date Posted: 13 Aug 2016 at 1:03am
Originally posted by TiggersGirl TiggersGirl wrote:

I do not see this in the comments so I will ask if anyone knows how to do this or even if it's possible. Is there a way for me to reply to a comment on one of my entries and have my reply drop down immediately underneath their comment? It seems like I should be able to do this. Just clicking reply doesn't seem to work.

If you are talking about sequencing of the posts - so that your reply appears as the post right after their comment - no.  posts appear in the order created.

If you are talking about their text - like the quote above - two things:
1. if you click "quote" instead of reply, it will include their text
2. if you want to break it up, use the tags  bracket-QUOTE-name-bracket to open a quote, and bracket-slash-QUOTE-bracket to close it so you can control what appears in your quote.

Using method #2:

Originally posted by TiggersGirl TiggersGirl wrote:

I do not see this in the comments so I will ask if anyone knows how to do this or even if it's possible.

answer to the first part

Originally posted by TiggersGirl TiggersGirl wrote:

Is there a way for me to reply to a comment on one of my entries and have my reply drop down immediately underneath their comment?

Answer to the second part

Hope one of these answers your question Tigger


Posted By: Suesoss
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2016 at 3:14pm
Over time, I finally got a link to my story to appear in the list of stories (Group34, "Gotcha!").  However, I can't seem to place a link in the signature section so they appear below my comments.  Any "directions for dummies" would be helpful -- assume I do not speak any tech.  Thanks. 

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I'd love your feedback. Thanks.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hnL0POrYN6vDzoFOPuy4TZBlAm8hjDnECs9S4Gcp5rU/edit?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow - David and Goliath: Take Two (Group 34, Challenge 2)


Posted By: nixie
Date Posted: 15 Aug 2016 at 7:23am
Originally posted by Suesoss Suesoss wrote:

Over time, I finally got a link to my story to appear in the list of stories (Group34, "Gotcha!").  However, I can't seem to place a link in the signature section so they appear below my comments.  Any "directions for dummies" would be helpful -- assume I do not speak any tech.  Thanks. 

Sorry, Sue - I have rendered that as simply as I am able in the instructions already posted here. Hope someone else is able to assist - or you may want to "phone a friend" who can walk through those instructions and show you how to work through them.  (In fact, I highly recommend that, so that they can show you any other tips that may help.  as a 21st-century writer, basic web skills will be an essential, so finding a good tutor may be a huge bonus anyhow :) )


Posted By: Enneidra
Date Posted: 15 Aug 2016 at 1:51pm
I am sorry.  I, too, am working from a Mac. I can't seem to understand or follow these directions.  It's not working for me.  I am disappointed Angry and confused.  I so want to be a part of these forums and get feedback on my story.  Hope you can help me. 


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https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4fnFUr5kSlVeEZTWVd0M2t1cHc/view?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow - She Remembered


Posted By: Enneidra
Date Posted: 15 Aug 2016 at 1:52pm
I see I have a signature but no story. Confused.



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https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4fnFUr5kSlVeEZTWVd0M2t1cHc/view?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow - She Remembered


Posted By: nixie
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2016 at 10:05am
Originally posted by Enneidra Enneidra wrote:

I am sorry.  I, too, am working from a Mac. I can't seem to understand or follow these directions.  It's not working for me.  I am disappointed Angry and confused.  I so want to be a part of these forums and get feedback on my story.  Hope you can help me. 

URLs and posting a message to the forums do not work any differently on a Mac than on a PC.  I am sorry you are having difficulty understanding the instructions - but if you don't relate to the way i explained it, I am probably not the person to assist.  you may want to recruit a web-savvy friend to look over them with you and see if they are  able to assist.


Posted By: plkphoto
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2016 at 8:21pm
Just want to remind everyone that nixie is not being paid by NYCM for any of these posts and is just a writer participating in the contest like the rest of us. So thank you for putting this post together nixie!

Also make sure you read the instructions set out by NYCM in the pinned post in the Review forum, as that might help clarify things.

Enneidra -- The forums should work the same for Mac or PC… I'm on a Mac too. 

In your post for the review forums, you need to host your story on an outside site (not copy and paste it directly into the message body). You can edit your post to include a link to your story on Google Docs or an outside blog site. Do you have a Google (or gmail) account? If so, you should already have an account for Google Docs. Otherwise, it's easy to set up. You can just go to https://docs.google.com/ and set up an account with your email address. They have a heap of "getting started" instructions -- what you want in the end is a link to "share" with the option that "anyone with the link can view" in your privacy settings. You can then put that web address in the forum post.

For your signature… Copy and paste the following entire line of code into the signature box and you should have a link to your story:

[URL=http://forums.nycmidnight.com/ch1-gr32-grave-trap_topic13144_post152908.html?KW=#152908]Round 1: Grave Trap[/URL]

Hope this helps.


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FFC 2018

Ch1 Gr62 -- https://forums.nycmidnight.com/c1-g62-the-other-side-of-the-coin-thriller_topic18521_post230678.html" rel="nofollow - The Other Side of the Coin (Thriller)


Posted By: Enneidra
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2016 at 8:54pm
I will change it as soon as possible. Thank you. I appreciate all of your help.

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https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4fnFUr5kSlVeEZTWVd0M2t1cHc/view?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow - She Remembered


Posted By: nixie
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2016 at 10:46pm
Thanks plkphoto. That is some great added detail that I am sure will be helpful.

And I see my note sounded a little less friendly than I intended - sorry E! I didn't mean to infer that "you don't get it" just that "my way of explaining wasnt working for you." No insult intended - but when I saw the quote I realized it could have sounded snippy, which I didn't intend!



Posted By: Enneidra
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2016 at 10:52pm
Nixie. No worries. I'm just excited to have someone review my story. This is the first time I have ever let any if my stories into public. Just anxious. I will get it hopefully.

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https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4fnFUr5kSlVeEZTWVd0M2t1cHc/view?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow - She Remembered


Posted By: nixie
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2016 at 11:08am
Originally posted by Enneidra Enneidra wrote:

Nixie. No worries. I'm just excited to have someone review my story. This is the first time I have ever let any if my stories into public. Just anxious. I will get it hopefully.

I am sure you will. :) Sometimes, it just takes finding the person who says things in a way that makes sense to your brain.

True story: my nephew got suspended from school and my husband, who happened to be off work during that time, agreed to watch him and make sure his homework got done.  Each night, he'd read the homework, and next day would work with the nephew to 'teach' it. Except the algebra - that book did not 'speak' to my husband. or nephew.  They are both sort of circular thinkers. 

I could *not explain the linear algebra-logic to my nephew. But I could explain it to my husband, who could explain it to my nephew.  So every night I did the algebra homework, then walked my husband through my work - which he could then teach to my nephew. lol

Communication style matters. You'll find the person you need - or maybe a little googling and you will find a web site that works for you, that you can turn to over and over :)


Posted By: WriterByNight
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2016 at 2:56pm
Originally posted by plkphoto plkphoto wrote:

Just want to remind everyone that nixie is not being paid by NYCM for any of these posts and is just a writer participating in the contest like the rest of us. So thank you for putting this post together nixie!

Also make sure you read the instructions set out by NYCM in the pinned post in the Review forum, as that might help clarify things.

Enneidra -- The forums should work the same for Mac or PC… I'm on a Mac too. 

In your post for the review forums, you need to host your story on an outside site (not copy and paste it directly into the message body). You can edit your post to include a link to your story on Google Docs or an outside blog site. Do you have a Google (or gmail) account? If so, you should already have an account for Google Docs. Otherwise, it's easy to set up. You can just go to https://docs.google.com/ and set up an account with your email address. They have a heap of "getting started" instructions -- what you want in the end is a link to "share" with the option that "anyone with the link can view" in your privacy settings. You can then put that web address in the forum post.

For your signature… Copy and paste the following entire line of code into the signature box and you should have a link to your story:

http://forums.nycmidnight.com/ch1-gr32-grave-trap_topic13144_post152908.html?KW=#152908" rel="nofollow - Round 1: Grave Trap

Hope this helps.


Thank you PlkPhoto! This is my first time logging into the forum in awhile and I'm amazed how much time Nixie has spent on this post and behind the scenes. She should be paid, NYCM Tongue

It looks like you guys have gotten the help you need. I'm excited to see new members on the forum. 

I wanted to add one thing --- the forum is not only open to people in the contest. Anyone with a login/password can see any contest from any year, whether they entered NYCM or not. So, you can always password protect stories for an extra layer of protection when you post them.

Thanks, Nixie. Great work here. 




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FFC Final| Beyond the Veil
Micro R1 | How Could You?


Posted By: ABC
Date Posted: 01 Feb 2017 at 2:36pm



Posted By: plkphoto
Date Posted: 04 Feb 2017 at 7:34am
Bumping back up to the top (in case there's a weekend rush of newbies coming to put up stories).

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FFC 2018

Ch1 Gr62 -- https://forums.nycmidnight.com/c1-g62-the-other-side-of-the-coin-thriller_topic18521_post230678.html" rel="nofollow - The Other Side of the Coin (Thriller)


Posted By: LaissezFaire
Date Posted: 05 Feb 2017 at 10:03pm
I have a tip for the newbies who are hesitant to comment.

1.  Everyone feels that way the first few times

2.  Everyone has something valuable to add.  Maybe you are good with commas, or dialogue punctuation, or maybe you can share an impression of what worked well / impressed or what you stubbed your toe on. 

3.  Use the "rule of three" if you are unsure where to start.   (1) Greet and offer an opening impression and overall remarks -- What drew you into the story?  How were the prompts handled, etc.    (2)List three favorite things -- you can cut and paste favorite lines for example   (3) List three areas of improvement -- errant comma, wrong word, tense problem, character questions, unanswered questions, possible plot hole, points of confusion...etc 


  


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http://tinyurl.com/3347p24j" rel="nofollow - Deflection SSCR1
https://tinyurl.com/y72rn3ob" rel="nofollow - Fix Your Sig


Posted By: plkphoto
Date Posted: 08 Feb 2017 at 6:33pm
Hmm -- seems to be a few new wrong spot posts, so I'll bump this back up.

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FFC 2018

Ch1 Gr62 -- https://forums.nycmidnight.com/c1-g62-the-other-side-of-the-coin-thriller_topic18521_post230678.html" rel="nofollow - The Other Side of the Coin (Thriller)


Posted By: plkphoto
Date Posted: 29 Mar 2017 at 9:02pm
Bumping for round 2. Hope this helps some newbies. :-)

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FFC 2018

Ch1 Gr62 -- https://forums.nycmidnight.com/c1-g62-the-other-side-of-the-coin-thriller_topic18521_post230678.html" rel="nofollow - The Other Side of the Coin (Thriller)


Posted By: Esmeralda
Date Posted: 30 Mar 2017 at 4:24pm
Hi,
This my second round entry, "A Drug Run". The genre is horror. I was to include an assembly line worker and a live performance. Thanks
 

http://www.theunexpectedtnt.com/2017/03/a-horror-story-drug-run.html" rel="nofollow -

http://www.theunexpectedtnt.com/2017/02/inner-wall.html" rel="nofollow -

 


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http://www.theunexpectedtnt.com/2017/10/nyc-flash-fiction-tree-warriors.html" rel="nofollow - R1 Heat 41 "Pillow, Poppy, Opiate" Science Fiction


Posted By: plkphoto
Date Posted: 31 Mar 2017 at 3:08am
Originally posted by Esmeralda Esmeralda wrote:

Hi,
This my second round entry, "A Drug Run". The genre is horror. I was to include an assembly line worker and a live performance. Thanks
  

This isn't the right place to link your stories. You need to post them in the Review sub-forum if you want people to comment. Read the first post in this series to figure out how.


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FFC 2018

Ch1 Gr62 -- https://forums.nycmidnight.com/c1-g62-the-other-side-of-the-coin-thriller_topic18521_post230678.html" rel="nofollow - The Other Side of the Coin (Thriller)


Posted By: nixie
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2017 at 12:31am
Just throwing this thread back up to the top as we enter a new "first round!"

Welcome, newbies :)


Posted By: lisafox10800
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2017 at 12:51am
Giving this another bump!

I was a newbie at this time last year and this was probably one of the most valuable posts on the forum. ESPECIALLY on submission night and just after.

So if this is your first NYCM challenge, be sure to read! Welcome!


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lisafoxiswriting.com
My short story collection, Core Truths, is now available wherever books are sold.


Posted By: nixie
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2017 at 1:11am
Originally posted by lisafox10800 lisafox10800 wrote:

Giving this another bump!

I was a newbie at this time last year and this was probably one of the most valuable posts on the forum. ESPECIALLY on submission night and just after.

So if this is your first NYCM challenge, be sure to read! Welcome!

SO glad it was helpful :) 

It will also be linked at the top of the Master List posts, to make it easy to find.

Wheeee.... here we go again! Clap


Posted By: Émile
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2017 at 5:59am
Thanks a lot nixie. That's some great material you're giving us. :)


Posted By: plkphoto
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2017 at 7:45am
bumping back up...

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FFC 2018

Ch1 Gr62 -- https://forums.nycmidnight.com/c1-g62-the-other-side-of-the-coin-thriller_topic18521_post230678.html" rel="nofollow - The Other Side of the Coin (Thriller)


Posted By: nixie
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2017 at 9:03am
Originally posted by Émile Émile wrote:

Thanks a lot nixie. That's some great material you're giving us. :)

Welcome - but I am only the typist.  The info has been gathered, amended, enhanced, and generally refined over several years, and many of the "regulars" here have had a hand in making it a useful reference :)

You'll find the NYCM forums are unquestionably a group effort, and by far the most valuable part of the contest experience. :) The forumites are a true treasure.

Nix


Posted By: ASharedNarrative
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2017 at 9:53am
Originally posted by plkphoto plkphoto wrote:

In that vein, it's also good to use Google Docs and set privacy settings to "people with link can view" so that it's not searchable. Or on a blog, have it password protected and give the password in your Review post.

This is a personal preference thing, everyone else's mileage may vary.

I am less likely to review your work if you block off the ability to print your story from Google. Most of my reading gets done away from my desk, or over food--places where I can't traditionally have my laptop out.

Is that a pet peeve for anyone else? There are totally understandable reasons for doing it like that, and I get them. Entirely. But if I can't carry your story with me, it's really unlikely I'll have the time/ability to review it for you.


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2018 SSC
R1 G62 (Spy) - http://bit.ly/2EKzhl0" rel="nofollow - Ex Parte


Posted By: nixie
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2017 at 11:28am
Originally posted by ASharedNarrative ASharedNarrative wrote:

Originally posted by plkphoto plkphoto wrote:

In that vein, it's also good to use Google Docs and set privacy settings to "people with link can view" so that it's not searchable. Or on a blog, have it password protected and give the password in your Review post.

This is a personal preference thing, everyone else's mileage may vary.

I am less likely to review your work if you block off the ability to print your story from Google. Most of my reading gets done away from my desk, or over food--places where I can't traditionally have my laptop out.

Is that a pet peeve for anyone else? There are totally understandable reasons for doing it like that, and I get them. Entirely. But if I can't carry your story with me, it's really unlikely I'll have the time/ability to review it for you.

Since many contestants plan the potential for future publication, the ability to maintain control over distribution and copying of their materials is often a priority when posting. Keeping their content out of general-internet searches limits its visibility to NYCMers who are led there, which is a significant difference.

There are many potential reviewers here, and the dynamic is such that someone who doesn't read doesn't get critiques in return, so missing one or two people who "might have read but didn't" is often not seen as much of a cost, in comparison.   

While I can certainly empathize with the need/desire for portability, the vast majority of users achieve that by reading on portable devices, from phones to tablets, so that too is not as prevalent a use case.

We all take different protective measures, depending on our priorities.  My links, for example, are open - and are deactivated, the documents pulled down altogether after reviews start to die down.  Someone else might leave it open on their blog, a third person might choose a middle ground such as plk's.  To me, the far more important point of her post is that many people who might *like* to protect their work but aren't necessarily familiar with the options for that got the opportunity to discover that those options exist.  :)



Posted By: plkphoto
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2017 at 5:40am
You can also set it to view only without turning off the ability to download/print. Some people turn it off, others don't. I'm mostly concerned with searchability... I don't want them to be searchable.

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FFC 2018

Ch1 Gr62 -- https://forums.nycmidnight.com/c1-g62-the-other-side-of-the-coin-thriller_topic18521_post230678.html" rel="nofollow - The Other Side of the Coin (Thriller)


Posted By: nixie
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2017 at 8:49pm
Originally posted by plkphoto plkphoto wrote:

You can also set it to view only without turning off the ability to download/print. Some people turn it off, others don't. I'm mostly concerned with searchability... I don't want them to be searchable.

Some others are concerned with the definitions that some publishers use for "Previously published" - having it out on your blog or otherwise searchable + accessible on the web is enough to DQ some markets if you want to pitch it later.


Posted By: MattrickBT
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2017 at 9:15pm
I don't think previously published is that big of a deal in terms of landing a publisher. If anything, having a following due to self-publishing will actually help you land a traditional publisher. However, I don't think having the same book they're trying to sell available for free will help with that endeavor. Anything that helps you be marketable is an asset to a publisher.  For 'previously published' they're more concerned with contracts and copyrights. Self-publishing through Amazon actually says that they only have claims over it so long as it's available through Amazon, so if you take the book off, they no longer have any claim on ownership. Basically, read fine print always.


Posted By: sootfoot5
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2017 at 9:44pm
If you can get someone who will take it after it has already been published. Usually the answer to that is "no".

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https://shorturl.at/frKM9" rel="nofollow - The Newbie


Posted By: nixie
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2017 at 10:17pm
Originally posted by MattrickBT MattrickBT wrote:

I don't think previously published is that big of a deal in terms of landing a publisher. 

If you intend to self-publish this piece, and then try to get a publisher for something else, based on existing audience, I am sure that is true. However, there are quite a few people who takes the pieces they generate here, polish them, and sell those stories to pro markets - which generally will *not take a piece that has been previously published. 


Posted By: stephenmatlock
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2017 at 11:09pm
I seriously have issues with documents that I can't copy/paste, because I want to quote lines that work/don't work, and if you make it so the PDF is just an image, or you block copy in Google Docs -- you make it highly unlikely I'll really spend time reviewing your work.

That is entirely on me and my processes. I don't like reviewing ebooks that won't let me really mark up a copy. I prefer PDFs that are editable or printed books.

Someone sent me a 300+ pg PDF to review and I couldn't print it.

Like ye gods.


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Pithy sayings are for the apt. For a longer message, you need a condo.



Posted By: nixie
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2017 at 11:13pm
Originally posted by stephenmatlock stephenmatlock wrote:

I seriously have issues with documents that I can't copy/paste, because I want to quote lines that work/don't work, and if you make it so the PDF is just an image, or you block copy in Google Docs -- you make it highly unlikely I'll really spend time reviewing your work.

That is entirely on me and my processes. I don't like reviewing ebooks that won't let me really mark up a copy. I prefer PDFs that are editable or printed books.

Someone sent me a 300+ pg PDF to review and I couldn't print it.

Like ye gods.

ouch. 300 pages!!

I can agree with you completely when dealing with an individual - there is a relationship there of some sort, though, and I absolutely can't fault those who post to a semi-public forum and take steps to protect themselves and their work.  After all, with 2000+ people, they can't really know who is looking :)


Posted By: plkphoto
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2017 at 12:28am
Originally posted by MattrickBT MattrickBT wrote:

I don't think previously published is that big of a deal in terms of landing a publisher. If anything, having a following due to self-publishing will actually help you land a traditional publisher. However, I don't think having the same book they're trying to sell available for free will help with that endeavor. Anything that helps you be marketable is an asset to a publisher.  For 'previously published' they're more concerned with contracts and copyrights. Self-publishing through Amazon actually says that they only have claims over it so long as it's available through Amazon, so if you take the book off, they no longer have any claim on ownership. Basically, read fine print always.

This doesn't really work for short stories, though. Having a following is good for non-fiction, and they don't care if it was self-published on a blog first. But to have a big enough following to matter in short fiction, you'd have to have a lot more blog readers than most would. Most markets don't want stories that have been accessible for free at any time in the past, because why would someone buy their product if they can get it for free...


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FFC 2018

Ch1 Gr62 -- https://forums.nycmidnight.com/c1-g62-the-other-side-of-the-coin-thriller_topic18521_post230678.html" rel="nofollow - The Other Side of the Coin (Thriller)


Posted By: number13
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2017 at 9:18am
Is the feedback forum likely to launch soon? :)


Posted By: plkphoto
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2017 at 9:25am
Originally posted by number13 number13 wrote:

Is the feedback forum likely to launch soon? :)

When they start to send out confirmations, they'll open the sub-forum. They predict they'll have them out by midnight Wednesday, but if they have any technical problems, they'll send out a notice that they're running late.

But the confirmations often come in waves, so remember to wait until you get your own personal confirmation before posting your story... Should be by the end of the day, though. 


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FFC 2018

Ch1 Gr62 -- https://forums.nycmidnight.com/c1-g62-the-other-side-of-the-coin-thriller_topic18521_post230678.html" rel="nofollow - The Other Side of the Coin (Thriller)


Posted By: PRamm
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2017 at 10:23pm
I'm still struggling to get the URL to activate in my signature. Is there any more of an explanation that could be added. My issue is that the link isn't activating, no matter what configuration I put the [] "" URL= parameters in. 

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http://forums.nycmidnight.com/topic15149_post180867.html#180867" rel="nofollow - R1 Gp1 Sci-Fi 'Tequila Shot"


Posted By: Joni
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2017 at 10:35pm
Originally posted by PRamm PRamm wrote:

I'm still struggling to get the URL to activate in my signature. Is there any more of an explanation that could be added. My issue is that the link isn't activating, no matter what configuration I put the [] "" URL= parameters in. 

 paste this smaller link in the link spot instead of the entire one -  http://bit.ly/2trWVjZ " rel="nofollow - http://bit.ly/2trWVjZ  ;

I think it was maybe not having the smaller bit.ly link for it - the signature section is limited on spacing I think, and messes it up if you don't use the shortened version. 





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R2 - https://shorturl.at/fFP12" rel="nofollow - Race to the Tomato Plant


Posted By: maiaco
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2017 at 10:46pm
Originally posted by PRamm PRamm wrote:

I'm still struggling to get the URL to activate in my signature. Is there any more of an explanation that could be added. My issue is that the link isn't activating, no matter what configuration I put the [] "" URL= parameters in. 


This  should work
[URL= http://forums.nycmidnight.com/topic15149_post180867.html#180867%5d" rel="nofollow - http://forums.nycmidnight.com/topic15149_post180867.html#180867] R1 Gp1 Sci-Fi 'Tequila Shot"[/URL]






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No baby acorns were harmed in the writing of this story



Posted By: PRamm
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2017 at 10:49pm
Originally posted by Joni Joni wrote:

Originally posted by PRamm PRamm wrote:

I'm still struggling to get the URL to activate in my signature. Is there any more of an explanation that could be added. My issue is that the link isn't activating, no matter what configuration I put the [] "" URL= parameters in. 

 paste this smaller link in the link spot instead of the entire one -  http://bit.ly/2trWVjZ " rel="nofollow - http://bit.ly/2trWVjZ  ;

I think it was maybe not having the smaller bit.ly link for it - the signature section is limited on spacing I think, and messes it up if you don't use the shortened version. 




Haha, still having issues. Such is life. 


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Posted By: PRamm
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2017 at 10:51pm
Originally posted by maiaco maiaco wrote:

Originally posted by PRamm PRamm wrote:

I'm still struggling to get the URL to activate in my signature. Is there any more of an explanation that could be added. My issue is that the link isn't activating, no matter what configuration I put the [] "" URL= parameters in. 


This  should work
%3ca%20href=" rel="nofollow - http://forums.nycmidnight.com/topic15149_post180867.html#180867 - R1 Gp1 Sci-Fi 'Tequila Shot"





Thanks, perfect!


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Posted By: nixie
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2017 at 12:48am
Thanks maiaco - busy day and i didn't get out to CWC til now .

@Joni - the signature is limited -but not *that limited,  It's over 100 characters - maybe over 200 (i just dont recall at the moment - anyone?).  With shortened urls I have been able to get four rounds of stories in my sig.  The ugly part is, it doesn't tell you when you have exceeded - it just refuses to save :(


Posted By: plkphoto
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2017 at 10:37pm
bumping as it's been buried...

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FFC 2018

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Posted By: nixie
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2017 at 10:41pm
:)  It's also linked at the top of the Master List - at the end of the red text


Posted By: plkphoto
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2017 at 10:57pm
True -- but that assumes people have already found the master list... Smile

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Posted By: nixie
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2017 at 11:00pm
lolyep - which is why i come back and bump it during round one too lol  


Posted By: Michaela
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2017 at 8:03pm
Well, I don't think I am ready for this level education! Tried to jump on board at the last minute because it looked so fun. But... I am on an extended RV vacation with less than stellar tech options. I received feedback that my link is not working. Yesterday after I did what I could, I checked and it seemed all functional (I celebrated a bit because it is all new to me). Today I went back to try to fix the link and then the whole body of my post changed to show all the 'coding language'?. 

Now I am stuck. If there is anyone who might want to talk me through at least fixing it or even removing it, I would be thrilled!

Pacific standard time here. My time online will be hit and miss over the next two days! 
Thank you!

Michaela


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Posted By: plkphoto
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2017 at 8:51pm
You've put the link to the "edit post" in your signature rather than to the post itself, which could be causing some of your difficulties.

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FFC 2018

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Posted By: queer curmudgeon
Date Posted: 23 Jul 2017 at 9:44pm
thank you

http://bit.ly/2uK7q1V" rel="nofollow - http://bit.ly/2uK7q1V


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Posted By: lisafox10800
Date Posted: 02 Aug 2017 at 10:07pm
Bumping this back up, as I've seen a few folks a little bit confused on where and how to post.

If you're new to the competition and posting for the first time, be sure to read this - it's super-helpful.

And welcome!!! Clap


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lisafoxiswriting.com
My short story collection, Core Truths, is now available wherever books are sold.


Posted By: Lookit There
Date Posted: 20 Sep 2017 at 10:21pm
N/M posted in the wrong spot!

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Posted By: localhomiesexual
Date Posted: 20 Sep 2017 at 11:10pm
Is there any way to pin this post?

Super useful!

Thanks so much nixie. Smile


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FFCH2 2017 — Harlowe and the Frost King


Posted By: nixie
Date Posted: 20 Sep 2017 at 11:18pm
Originally posted by localhomiesexual localhomiesexual wrote:

Is there any way to pin this post?

Super useful!

Thanks so much nixie. Smile

A forum admin could do so if they wished.  I don't have permissions on this forum, so instead, I link it at the top of EVERY Master list post. :)

YW - I am glad you find it helpful :)


Posted By: plkphoto
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2017 at 8:47am
Bumping it periodically also works pretty well... especially right after confirmations have come out. 

Wink


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FFC 2018

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Posted By: ShadowBeast
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2017 at 9:41pm
<is a good Shadowbeast and pokes at the thread to bring it back up to the useful tippty-top for folks... poke poke>


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Posted By: plkphoto
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2017 at 4:44pm
<good Beastie>

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Posted By: tcFlash
Date Posted: 16 Nov 2017 at 8:21pm
I am embarrassed to say that after four years in ff and ss challenges, I don't know how to make my topic line bold. Can you discreetly pass on this info so that I can pretend I knew it all along?Confused There isn't an emoticon for hanging head in shame.

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Posted By: milesmum
Date Posted: 16 Nov 2017 at 8:25pm
Originally posted by tcFlash tcFlash wrote:

I am embarrassed to say that after four years in ff and ss challenges, I don't know how to make my topic line bold. Can you discreetly pass on this info so that I can pretend I knew it all along?Confused There isn't an emoticon for hanging head in shame.


It will be bold if you have new comments, and then it will unbold once you open the post to read them. Or that is what I have deduced.


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Posted By: tcFlash
Date Posted: 16 Nov 2017 at 9:04pm
Originally posted by milesmum milesmum wrote:

Originally posted by tcFlash tcFlash wrote:

I am embarrassed to say that after four years in ff and ss challenges, I don't know how to make my topic line bold. Can you discreetly pass on this info so that I can pretend I knew it all along?Confused There isn't an emoticon for hanging head in shame.


It will be bold if you have new comments, and then it will unbold once you open the post to read them. Or that is what I have deduced.

Oh, so can you tell me how to delete my question? Embarrassed I know they are undeletable, but maybe some sort of magic would do it. Thanks for the info. There is no emoticon for slapping yourself silly. 


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Posted By: Trond24
Date Posted: 16 Nov 2017 at 9:19pm
tc - you can always edit your post and blank out the question.

... nothing you can do about the people who copied your question into THEIR posts. *grin*


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"Every time I think I've seen it all, a person comes along and objects to the mistreatment of rubber chickens."


Posted By: tcFlash
Date Posted: 16 Nov 2017 at 10:54pm
Originally posted by Trond24 Trond24 wrote:

tc - you can always edit your post and blank out the question.

... nothing you can do about the people who copied your question into THEIR posts. *grin*
I'm on my way to check out your posts. Censored


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Posted By: stephenmatlock
Date Posted: 16 Nov 2017 at 10:57pm
Originally posted by lord peter wimsey lord peter wimsey wrote:

Originally posted by richard nixon richard nixon wrote:


... nothing you can do about the people who copied your question into THEIR posts. *grin*
I'm on my way to check out your posts. 


It's worse than that...


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Posted By: tcFlash
Date Posted: 16 Nov 2017 at 11:12pm
Originally posted by stephenmatlock stephenmatlock wrote:

Originally posted by lord peter wimsey lord peter wimsey wrote:

Originally posted by richard nixon richard nixon wrote:


... nothing you can do about the people who copied your question into THEIR posts. *grin*
I'm on my way to check out your posts. 


It's worse than that...

There goes my reputation. 


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Posted By: nixie
Date Posted: 16 Nov 2017 at 11:20pm
Originally posted by tcFlash tcFlash wrote:

Originally posted by stephenmatlock stephenmatlock wrote:

Originally posted by lord peter wimsey lord peter wimsey wrote:

Originally posted by richard nixon richard nixon wrote:


... nothing you can do about the people who copied your question into THEIR posts. *grin*
I'm on my way to check out your posts. 


It's worse than that...

There goes my reputation. 

worse still...


Posted By: tcFlash
Date Posted: 16 Nov 2017 at 11:59pm
Originally posted by nixie nixie wrote:

Originally posted by tcFlash tcFlash wrote:

Originally posted by stephenmatlock stephenmatlock wrote:

Originally posted by lord peter wimsey lord peter wimsey wrote:

Originally posted by richard nixon richard nixon wrote:


... nothing you can do about the people who copied your question into THEIR posts. *grin*
I'm on my way to check out your posts. 


It's worse than that...

There goes my reputation. 

worse still...
In the SSC, I'll have a name change. Maybe a sex change. You'll never know me.


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Posted By: tcFlash
Date Posted: 17 Nov 2017 at 12:02am
Originally posted by tcFlash tcFlash wrote:

Originally posted by nixie nixie wrote:

Originally posted by tcFlash tcFlash wrote:

Originally posted by stephenmatlock stephenmatlock wrote:

Originally posted by lord peter wimsey lord peter wimsey wrote:

Originally posted by richard nixon richard nixon wrote:


... nothing you can do about the people who copied your question into THEIR posts. *grin*
I'm on my way to check out your posts. 


It's worse than that...

There goes my reputation. 

worse still...
In the SSC, I'll have a name change. Maybe a sex change. You'll never know me.
Lord Peter Wimsey I can handle, but Tricky Dicky?


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Posted By: Joni
Date Posted: 17 Nov 2017 at 12:04am
Originally posted by tcFlash tcFlash wrote:

Originally posted by nixie nixie wrote:

Originally posted by tcFlash tcFlash wrote:

Originally posted by stephenmatlock stephenmatlock wrote:

Originally posted by lord peter wimsey lord peter wimsey wrote:

Originally posted by richard nixon richard nixon wrote:


... nothing you can do about the people who copied your question into THEIR posts. *grin*<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style=": ; cursor: pointer; : 2147483647; : transparent; top: -100000px; left: -100000px;">
I'm on my way to check out your posts. 


It's worse than that...

There goes my reputation. 

worse still...
In the SSC, I'll have a name change. Maybe a sex change. You'll never know me.


That escalated quickly.

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Posted By: tcFlash
Date Posted: 17 Nov 2017 at 12:22am
Originally posted by Joni Joni wrote:

Originally posted by tcFlash tcFlash wrote:

Originally posted by nixie nixie wrote:

Originally posted by tcFlash tcFlash wrote:

Originally posted by stephenmatlock stephenmatlock wrote:

Originally posted by lord peter wimsey lord peter wimsey wrote:

Originally posted by richard nixon richard nixon wrote:


... nothing you can do about the people who copied your question into THEIR posts. *grin*<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style=": ; cursor: pointer; : 2147483647; : transparent; top: -100000px; left: -100000px;">
I'm on my way to check out your posts. 


It's worse than that...

There goes my reputation. 

worse still...
In the SSC, I'll have a name change. Maybe a sex change. You'll never know me.


That escalated quickly.
All because of a stupid question. 


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