Topic: Are we losing old faithfuls?

I finally have a moment to read and review, so I went through my reading list. I had to remove several because the authors are no longer active (Only paid members have content for viewing.)--Some of these had been here before I joined. Are we losing our old faithful members? If so, why? Although I now have seven novels in publication, I still find the feedback here for works in progress phenomenal. This saddens me. I can say that I haven't really had very many new members read my material, only one or two. And, yes, I do reciprocate. I am most distressed by folks whose work I was greatly enjoying reading who are no longer with us. Thoughts? Comments?

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2 Reply by penang (edited by penang 2017-09-16 04:21:39)

Re: Are we losing old faithfuls?

I've just returned after almost two years of being basically inactive. I'm really hoping I can get lots of reviewing and posting done,
I will say the switch to the new site really threw me off for a while--not because I didn't like it but because I had so much going on that I didn't have time to learn the new system. I've also found my publishing schedule is very demanding and the turn over of having to read and review in order to post was too much for me to keep up with. I was chatting with Susan the other day and she was saying pretty much the same thing. It's time consuming to read and review while also writing and publishing. **I'm not complaining about that system at all. I think it is probably the most effective way to ensure people are getting eyes on their work and receiving valuable reviews.

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3 Reply by Sideman (edited by Sideman 2017-09-16 06:58:06)

Re: Are we losing old faithfuls?

Hi Janet,

Yes, a number of the "old faithfuls" are no longer active for one reason or another.  I joined  in May of 2008. I did leave the site for about two years and returned a couple of months ago. I think some have done the same thing ... check out other sites or have personal situations that take their time and attention. Also, health issues can affect a member's participation.

Flowing Pencil was one of my most consistent reviewers and posted fabulous poetry. But she has some health issues. Nathan B. Childs was as loyal as Flo. There are other things in his life that require his time. Payge Turner simply disappeared from the site - not sure why. A couple of readers and reviewers I had early have passed on.

I'm here very steady for a couple of weeks and then I'm sporadic for a similar time span. My wife is significantly disabled and in very poor health; thus I spend a lot of time assisting her and doing all the domestic chores. I finished 8 months of chemo less than a year ago and that put me out of the loop most of that time. I also am a professional musician and have music commitments that are time sensitive and sometimes I have to devote all my effort to completing the songs I write for TV, movies and other projects. They pay money, so they have to be my priority. But I am here as much as possible.

Since I've  been back, I've made some new friends who are great reviewers and I have come to like and appreciate them - folks like Randy Krzak, Sherry V. Ostroff and Michael Kent. There are others, too. So, I guess it's just part of the evolutionary process of a site. We hate to see the great and familiar leave, but it happens. We simple have to start embracing the newer members, some of whom will eventually be members of the "old faithful."

But I agree, it's sad to see some of the "oldies" no longer on the site. Best to you and good luck with your writing.

Alan

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Re: Are we losing old faithfuls?

I am still alive. Back very soon with the past behind me, but with lots of stories about that past.

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5 Reply by Randall Krzak (edited by Randall Krzak 2017-09-16 12:18:23)

Re: Are we losing old faithfuls?

Even though I've only been on the site for a couple of years, I've also noticed some contacts have disappeared, at least based on their inactivity. Hopefully some will return as/when time permits.

In the meantime, I need to amp up my reviewing as I've been a bit bogged down with a myriad of external issues as well as my own writing. Janet, Sideman, Michael, Sherry ... here I come!

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Re: Are we losing old faithfuls?

Having gone through dry spells myself, I have to say it's the nature of the writing beast. Add to that the fact that we'e all balancing the demands of career (congrats to those whose writing has taken off!!) and family plus other obligations and illness, and you can see why people seem to drop off. It's not that they're not interested anymore--things just have a way of catching up with you.
Naturally, when we come to tnbw all dewy-eyed and brimming with excitement at the possibility of becoming a real author, we dive in heartfirst, writing and reviewing like crazy. It's just that life has a way of getting in the way, and as time goes on, we don't participate as often as we'd like. I think the oldies are still out there, for the most part.

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Re: Are we losing old faithfuls?

max keanu wrote:

I am still alive. Back very soon with the past behind me, but with lots of stories about that past.

I wish you would write your memoir! I'd love to read it.  JP

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8 Reply by Rachel (Rhiannon) Parsons (edited by Rachel (Rhiannon) Parsons 2017-09-16 18:39:57)

Re: Are we losing old faithfuls?

My turn.  lol  Like Sideman, I have a creative outlet that actually pays money.  I am a tutor.  I also have a spouse who is disabled and have a lot of domestic chores to handle.  Like penang, I find it time consuming to do the reviews needed for posting, and although, not like Janet, I don't have seven novels published, I do have four that are steadily creeping toward that day, a fifth one that is still in review, and a sixth one that changes form.  I have a couple of short stories which will be thrown out the window to see if they fly soon, as well.  I've noticed some old timers are gone, and thanks for the update on some of them, Sideman. I still think this site is invaluable, unless you already have a connection with an agent and an editor.  (I suspect that the one novel that is on a publisher's desk will be sent to a professional editor of theirs and I'll be busy with that.  They resume their operations next month.  So we'll see.)  We are also, increasingly, those who are left, friends, and, like the people of Alexandria, are steadfast against the walking dead out there.  And Randy, I find your reviews great and by reading your stuff, you broaden my literary tastes, as I usually puke when I read anything of your genre.  But not when I read you.

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Re: Are we losing old faithfuls?

Thanks for the compliment, Alan.

This happens in every group. But when you have some leave, there are new people who come along. I joined back in June and have been very active.

As someone noted, it's difficult to get your writing done and keep up with reviews from others and my own. I spend much of the day doing that and don't get to my writing until the evening. And when I'm not doing that I'm out "touring" with my already published book. Writing, reviewing, and marketing is a full-time job.

Sherry

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Re: Are we losing old faithfuls?

Rachel (Rhiannon) Parsons wrote:

My turn.  lol  Like Sideman, I have a creative outlet that actually pays money.  I am a tutor.  I also have a spouse who is disabled and have a lot of domestic chores to handle.  Like penang, I find it time consuming to do the reviews needed for posting, and although, not like Janet, I don't have seven novels published, I do have four that are steadily creeping toward that day, a fifth one that is still in review, and a sixth one that changes form.  I have a couple of short stories which will be thrown out the window to see if they fly soon, as well.  I've noticed some old timers are gone, and thanks for the update on some of them, Sideman. I still think this site is invaluable, unless you already have a connection with an agent and an editor.  (I suspect that the one novel that is on a publisher's desk will be sent to a professional editor of theirs and I'll be busy with that.  They resume their operations next month.  So we'll see.)  We are also, increasingly, those who are left, friends, and, like the people of Alexandria, are steadfast against the walking dead out there.  And Randy, I find your reviews great and by reading your stuff, you broaden my literary tastes, as I usually puke when I read anything of your genre.  But not when I read you.


Hi Rachel, 

Glad you don't puke when you read my stuff.:)  I'll be back to reading/reviewing yours, too.  Regards, Randy

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Re: Are we losing old faithfuls?

Well, I've weeded through the books I had marked to read, and I am trying to review. I, too, have a lot going on as a teacher, and now I've started my own publishing company. Yes, we wear many hats. This site has been phenomenal in the feedback given. Let's keep it strong.

Max, I agree with JP. Your memoir would ROCK!

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Re: Are we losing old faithfuls?

I left the site for a long while.  I'm here again but I rarely post as I am not writing much at the moment.  I do review occasionally still.  Every once in a blue moon, I'll find a conversation to comment but not often.

Tirz

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Re: Are we losing old faithfuls?

TirzahLaughs wrote:

I left the site for a long while.  I'm here again but I rarely post as I am not writing much at the moment.  I do review occasionally still.  Every once in a blue moon, I'll find a conversation to comment but not often.

Tirz

Glad you found this one. smile You've always had valuable input.

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