Chatter Posts
Each weekday, moderators post a "chatter post" in which links to recent important posts are included. Chatter posts cover a wide variety of topics, but each individual one has a narrow focus and summary question to which members can respond and is intended to encourage discussion so members can get to know each other.
Who writes the chatter posts?
Any member who wishes to do so may "host" a chatter post. Simply email your chatter to the community account, and one of the moderators will post it within the next few days. When there are no submitted chatter posts, the moderators write their own. However, it's hard to come up with a new one every day, so member submissions are always more than welcome! Having a variety of contributors keeps the community fresher, and it keeps everyone happier and more involved.
How can I participate on a chatter that's been posted?
Easy! Comment, answer the question, talk with other members, and have a good time. There's no big push to keep every comment on topic, so don't worry if you get distracted in a political chatter talking to someone about your favorite TV show. All we ask is that you stay respectful, open, friendly, and supportive of other members.
What are all these links above the chatter?
Moderators try to keep all members up-to-date on the week's doings every day. There are a lot of posts going on, so each chatter includes reminders, which link to the weekly topic, the poll if it's open or the results once they're in, the editing post, editing signups, Writer's Showcase, and anything else that's going on.
How do I write a chatter post?
For an idea of how the format works, just look at some of the recent chatters. Don't worry about getting together the reminders - whoever posts your topic will take of that. Try to keep your topic fresh by not using anything that has been discussed recently. It can be personal, political, or absolutely anything you want, but there are just a few guidelines we ask you to follow:
- At the end of the chatter post, wrap up with a short question to which members can respond.
- Do not mention or promote any entries or competing members in a way that looks like you're encouraging people to vote for them.
- If possible, join in the on the conversation in the chatter post more than usual. Respond to other people's comments and generally be a good host - after all, you're running the party for the day!
If you'd like to discuss a topic that you feel might raise some hackles, feel free to do so. However, please avoid resorting to using personal pronouns that single the person out or put them on the defensive such as "you", "your type", or anything that's meant to be more antagonistic than constructive. Be open, seek understanding, and remember that no one can be forced to change their minds. We have a supportive, open, and friendly group, and it's been my experience that we're capable of keeping things respectful even when the topics are personal, controversial, or sensitive in nature. In fact, that's when we shine the brightest.