The Daily "Chatter Post"
Every weekday and once on the weekend, the moderators post a "chatter post". These posts serve as a daily way to update the members on the community news, to congratulate weekly winners of the main contest, and to provide links to all important posts so members don't have to dig through the community to find them.
In addition to the daily update, the chatter post is there to serve as a daily gathering place, where members can converse with one another, discuss the daily topic, and generally enjoy each other's good company. Members are invited to comment to one another on whatever's being discussed there. 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, I'd even say that's when we shine the brightest.
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.
Ultimately, months pass in the community with no need for the moderators to get involved in any conflicts, and no moderator has ever had to ban a member, freeze a thread, delete a comment, or disqualify a member. We're pretty laid back and respectful here.
Submitting a Chatter Post
Any member who wishes may "host" a chatter post if they'd like. To do so, simply e-mail your chatter post idea to one of the moderators (usually
If you're writing a chatter post, please try to write one that hasn't been used before- at least in the last six months. Your topic can be personal, political, or anything else you want, but we ask that you follow these guidelines:
- At the end of every chatter post you submit, wrap your conversation up with a question that is no more than one line long.
- Do not mention or promote any entries or competing members in a way that looks like you're advocating them for voting purposes.
- If possible, join in on the conversation in the chatter post more than usual. Respond to other people's comments, get some conversation going, and generally be a good host. After all, you're running the party for the day. ;-)
I love getting chatter posts from members. It keeps the community fresh, it keeps me from burning out (writing these things every day gets hard after a year!), and it keeps everyone happier and more involved in the community.