I had no idea when I was searching the internet for an online magazine to write for, that I would encounter far more than I knew, by picking this site. I was just beginning a divorce, and I needed to write. There is electricity running through my fingers, and if I don't write, I don't know what I'd do as I await a very difficult process taking place in my families lives. I have Crohn's and have not been able to work for a while, and TV is the pits. I take care of the usual cleaning house and running errands, and then, I plop myself into my computer chair, and a whole new world opens up to me.
I have made a very comfortable spot for myself to write, and to be creative, with some of my favorite things on my computer table. Sometimes, I light an incense, and I usually have a candle lit. I always feel a need to get something written, and usually, something comes to me. I even enjoy hitting the keys on my keyboard. I like sharing my thoughts and opinions with others, and out of hundreds of comments, I have never gotten a bad one. It appears that because the tone of this site is one of brotherhood and a love of God, there is a certain mindset that allows people to gravitate to Searchwarp, and begin their writings.
The site is attractive, and it gives incentives with scoring, and allowing us to know how many people are reading our articles. There are contests to enter, and one just feels cozy and comfortable being a part of this wonderful writing tool. We get to have our articles commented on and graded by the editors, and then again, by those who are moved enough to leave a message. The feedback from both is a great tool in gauging how our readers are feeling about our material. We can include pictures, which I believe is a great plus. The Senior editors are always on hand through e mail to answer any questions, or to just stay in touch. The other editors take their time in reading our articles, and truly care that their marks and comments will be advantageous to our writing.
There is a reader's club that exposes us to a whole array of authors, most of whom are just starting out. I suggest all to take a peak into this club, and give the same support to those newcomers as we had first starting out. They all appreciate the input, and the generosity of authors who have been on the site for a day or 3 years. Some of these authors are timid and afraid their articles will go nowhere. We have the choice to boost their spirits and give them the heads up to continue writing. We also have a fan club, which I think is a great addition. Those who are happy with your articles, can join your fan club, and will read most of your articles.
The friends I have made on Searchwarp are priceless, and have helped me through this difficult time. Another good idea is to add your e mail address, so those who want to say something personal can do so. You can even start a new e mail just for this reason, and keep your private e mail to yourself. You may be picked to be the article highlight, or the pick of the day, getting a huge amount of exposure. After a while, there will be those who like your writing, and are always there with their comments, like the trusted friends they are. Most people can be so kind and encouraging. Although we can't meet in person most of the time, there is a bond between authors who read each other's work and are avid fans of each other's writing.
I have noticed one thing I'd like to see changed, and that is the comments to the articles. I think if you don't like the article, and you want to bash it and bring it down, you might want to refrain from leaving a comment. Nothing can diminish one's spirit as much as a nasty or negative comment. However, most articles are very good, and when you see that they have had 400, 600, 1,000, readers, and not one comment, I have to wonder why. It takes probably under a minute to jot a quick note letting the author know you enjoyed their article, and the repercussions could push that author forward into writing more and more articles.
I wish those who read this would take that into consideration. Put yourself into the author's shoes. You write an article, and you get no feedback, you're bummed out, then the next article, 5 people leave comments. It is very helpful in the writing arena to know what your audience is enjoying, and what they are not. I think if an article has moved us, or made us think, or made us smile or laugh, we owe them a nice comment. So, let's take that minute, and improve someone's day. I read about so many people who want to help others along their journey. You don't even need to move from your computer to do so by leaving a nice comment to the person who just had you smiling, or crying, or thinking.
God sends us what we need, and for the past 2 years, I have needed this family of writers and editors and readers. Even over the internet, I have become close friends with so many people, from all different countries, states, and walks of life. I suffer from depression, and in these past 17 months, there has been nothing but, and normally, I would have spent these two years in bed. Instead, this is my 601st article, and I spend hours a day either reading or writing. It keeps my mind sharp, and my mind clear of thinking about more unpleasant things. When I write a good article, and get a good rating, and good comments, I am spiritually lifted, as I'm sure many are. So, let's get those fingers used to leaving a comment when we read an article that someone wrote for your enjoyment. I look forward to hearing from you!
My special thanks to Bruce and Jean, and the other editors who make my day one after the other. This is not only a user friendly site, but a people friendly site as well. To care about others in this way, is to make humanity more a part of our lives, as we also share what we want to write. I highly recommend anyone who wants to take a stab at writing, to submit an article or poem, and find out what it feels like to have a blanket of decent, honest, and caring people at your fingertips!
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