Wow, what a thread. First off, I'm thinking with every person who is a member automatically being in this 'Premium' group, doesn't this make it the main forum? I'm wondering what the forum looks like in 'Basic'. I haven't been over there in months (heck I haven't been anywhere in months)
Second, I'm thinking that this forum is pretty much like the old one. Different threads, each with a long list of responses. Since this is the main forum, I'd be looking in here for general writing tips, general marketing tips, general whatever, and the like. If I'm looking for something YA specific, I may look in here or I may look in one of the YA groups. (I hear there are some reallllyyyy good writers in there) And the same with thrillers or sci-fi, which I sometimes like to read, but can in no way write.
Finally, I probably could be the poster child for hating change, but hey, progress happens and if it steps on your toes that means you didn't move your feet fast enough. I also strongly dislike all things technical - as in computers and social media. But I need these things to do what I do, so I gather what few brain cells I have and go talk to my grandchildren for advice on how to use things like Twitter!
It boils down to this - Sol created this amazing place where I got a foothold in the writing world. I've learned more from TNBW than from any workshop of university program I ever paid for and I don't want to see it fall apart. With technology evolving at the rate of rabbits having babies, we have no choice but to move along. Yes, we are more fractured - if we only focus on our individual groups. But Duh, there's how many thousands of members in Premium? You can't get more common or main than that.
Instead of grumping about how it used to be and how bad it is right now (other than expanding the forum notices on the right side of the screen) why don't we start using this forum in Premium like we used the forum in the old site? I never posted much, but I can tell you I read much of hey penang along with a whole bunch of other threads. And I can tell you that every question and concern I had which I started a new thread to ask, got answered. If we want to discuss something in public, just start the thread! If it is something too narrow and only fits in your genre, then by all means, post in your group.
Well, I'll get off the apple crate now and get back to writing. I need to catch up and start posting again.
MzP