Take a look at this one, Dirk. Sounds like an ad to me, but one never knows. He's made it restricted, so I can't see what he's advocating.

Snehal

Bill

Hi, MJ. My username on Booksie is the same as here. Their search function is none too great. I'll see if I can find you and try it from that direction.

EDIT: No luck. Apparently, you can't search for a specific author. Try searching for one of my posts. Give "Wanderlust" or "Snowbound!" a try.

Bill

Good idea, Dirk. I was looking at the problem from one angle and you the other. Anyone can join, but have the requirements spelled out in detail as to what we expect from the members of the House.

Bill

The only thing I can see that we should NOT do is set ourselves up as an elite group on Booksie. The clientele on Booksie may be young, but they're pretty perceptive. A lot of social media which encompasses "younglings" might resent a group they might be interested in, but is guarded by rules and regulations so stringent they cannot come aboard. Having said that, however, I also feel some sort of review panel might be in order to scan through the applications to the Advanced Writer's Group to weed out those not serious enough. Perhaps we could require a more serious bio than the little bit posted as a profile, or even add an optional request for a sample of their writing. After all, us, as senior writers, should encourage everyone to become better than they are.

Bill

Most of the books/short stories I've posted here on TNBW I've also posted on Booksie. So, in my case, no duplicative efforts need me made. I, too, have noticed the slow pace of postings on Booksie. It seems a lot of new accounts are being created every day, but none of them seem to be posting--or reviewing--other's works. The 'number of reads' system seemed to work for a while, but I now think a lot of the "reads" are simply bots who jump from post to post, but never leave anything behind other than one more "read."

As far as enhancements go, I'd love to see a much better way of deleting your followers other than 10 (or less) at a time. A simple check box would suffice, then click a button that gets rid of all the checked accounts. I have gone back to my early days and found scores of people who left Booksie ten years ago and have never returned, yet, they still appear in my fan list. Looks impressive, but I like my account to be a little more lean and mean.

Bill

Another newcomer:

pavingcotswold

Bill

Another:

tcruk586

Bill

Another one just joined:

Livstudio ----> Interior designers from Chandigarh, India

Bill

84

(4 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

I think you nailed it by your example, Dirk. The third "e" changed the dynamic from two "e"s (ie) to whatever you want. Add a fourth "e" and you'll stretch it out more.

Bill

I'm pretty sure "watkinsayden81" had something in their profile that indicated a business of some sort. I have them blocked, which is what I do for every account I post here as a spammer. Looks like the account is clean now, though. Let it ride.

Bill

86

(22 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Thanks, Dags. Much appreciated.

Bill

87

(22 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Had yet another visit to the hospital two weeks ago. While in the rehab facility following the bypass, I caught some sort of crud going around. It filled my lungs and caused me to head for the ER with lights and siren. I couldn't breathe and it was all attributed to "congestive heart failure." I don't remember a complete 24-hour period, but I woke up with a tube down my lungs for another day and a half. Doc says the first responders saved my life. Now I'm happy I always voted more money for them every election.

Bill

88

(9 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Wonderful news, MJ. I felt the same way once my cancerous kidney was removed 20 years ago. Nothing is more pleasurable than getting a clean bill of health from competent professionals.

Bill

Here's a Betting Parlor:

Asiatopaplikasi

Bill

So sorry to hear this, Alan. Special prayers for the both of you.

Bill

Here's another:

mitchellmarsh820

And another:

watkinsayden81

Bill

92

(13 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Oh, no, Marylin. So sorry to hear this. Upcoming times will hard to get through, I know for a fact, but I'm praying you'll endure and get back to us in fine form. It can be done, it just takes a while.

Bill

Outstanding, Randy. You deserve every bit of it.

Bill

94

(7 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Both my children have promised me they will do the same for me and/or my wife. Having had this close-up view of the level of assistance given to those who have been forced into care homes, and will never leave under their own steam, I do not wish to come here again. I am over 80 (soon to be 82) and my health has improved greatly since the bypass. I hope both my wife and I continue in relatively good health now that we've reached out 60th year of marriage.

A big round of applause to your healthcare insurance, Alan. A huge improvement over some companies I can name.

Bill

95

(22 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

I will leave the rehab center tomorrow (Friday, 5/26) and go home. They say I've made remarkable progress considering my surgery was just the 28th of last month. Be nice to get home and dive back into writing.

'Bill

New ones:

ketquamoinhat

Absorbent Socks

Bill

97

(22 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

One again, my thanks to all for your good wishes. I feel great and once I get my legs back into shape, I'm definitely going to be home.

Bill

98

(22 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Another update: Walking a lot more now, after a short setback due to mild flu at the rehab center. Ankles and feet swollen, but manageable with care. Hope to be home soon and back in full action.

Bill

More:

Vteam

WeWP

100

(22 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Thanks everyone. Much appreciated.

Bill