The Western Online and its contributors received a very nice compliment. Many thanks to Scott Colbert for his kind words. You'll have to scroll down to the bottom of the page to see it.
http://www.cafedoom.com/forum/index.php?topic=3010.30;topicseen
The Official Blog of The Western Online
Friday, February 5, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Two New Short Stories at The Western Online
We published two new short stories today, both by K.S. Riggin. The first, "Saloon Sally" is a very fine story that grabs the readers attention from the very first line. "Devil John" is another very good story. Stop by the site for some fine Western fiction.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Reader Comments on Short Stories and Artwork
I've been considering allowing reader comments on stories and artwork published at The Western Online, and I keep going back on forth on the issue.
On one hand, I think it would be good because it would promote return visits from both readers and the writers who contribute to the site as they keep up with comments. Not to mention that every writer loves to hear from readers who enjoyed their work.
The downside to this is that some people can be overly and unnecessarily critical when commenting. Negative criticism, as long as it is constructive is not necessarily bad. However, I know from personal experience that a negative comment or review can totally destroy the writers thrill of having their work published, especially if that writer is relatively new, and especially if the comment is just absolutely absurd.
I've been writing NASCAR articles for Insider Racing News for about a year and a half, and at first, I was blown away at how passionate NASCAR fans can be. For just having a different opinion about a particular driver, I've been called just about every name under the sun, my editor was insulted, the site was insulted, even my mother was insulted. That's not necessarily criticism about my writing, but its shocking, none the less and its hardened me to the point that I don't care what other people say about my work. As long as the editor who published my work liked it, that's all that matters to me.
I've found several comment box applications that I'm considering, all of which allow me to delete comments that I don't like. However, I can't watch the site 24/7 and I don't want to take the chance of one of my contributors reading an uncalled for comment about their work.
Perhaps I'm being overly concerned about something that may never happen, but that's the way I feel about it. What are your thoughts on the issue?
What I'm looking for is a comment box system that would allow me to approve a message before it is posted to the site, but so far I've been unable to find anything that does that.
On one hand, I think it would be good because it would promote return visits from both readers and the writers who contribute to the site as they keep up with comments. Not to mention that every writer loves to hear from readers who enjoyed their work.
The downside to this is that some people can be overly and unnecessarily critical when commenting. Negative criticism, as long as it is constructive is not necessarily bad. However, I know from personal experience that a negative comment or review can totally destroy the writers thrill of having their work published, especially if that writer is relatively new, and especially if the comment is just absolutely absurd.
I've been writing NASCAR articles for Insider Racing News for about a year and a half, and at first, I was blown away at how passionate NASCAR fans can be. For just having a different opinion about a particular driver, I've been called just about every name under the sun, my editor was insulted, the site was insulted, even my mother was insulted. That's not necessarily criticism about my writing, but its shocking, none the less and its hardened me to the point that I don't care what other people say about my work. As long as the editor who published my work liked it, that's all that matters to me.
I've found several comment box applications that I'm considering, all of which allow me to delete comments that I don't like. However, I can't watch the site 24/7 and I don't want to take the chance of one of my contributors reading an uncalled for comment about their work.
Perhaps I'm being overly concerned about something that may never happen, but that's the way I feel about it. What are your thoughts on the issue?
What I'm looking for is a comment box system that would allow me to approve a message before it is posted to the site, but so far I've been unable to find anything that does that.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
New Story and Newsletter
We published some new fiction today. Off to War by Charles D. Phillips. It's a very well told story that is a good read as well. Stop by the site, you'll enjoy it.
I have found a new newsletter provider that allows me to send HTML formatted emails that includes images. It looks much more professional and is a lot easier to use. The only drawback is that with the service being free, it includes advertising. However, the ads are tastefully placed and don't take away from the newsletter at all.
Therefore, I will not be sending the current newsletter for very much longer and if currently receive it, you will need to re-subscribe in order to keep getting your updates. I will be sending out invites from the new provider in the near future, in the meantime you are welcome to re-subscribe on your own. There is a subscription box on the left hand side of the main page of the site for you to sign up. If don't subscribe to our current newsletter, sign up for our new one today.
I have found a new newsletter provider that allows me to send HTML formatted emails that includes images. It looks much more professional and is a lot easier to use. The only drawback is that with the service being free, it includes advertising. However, the ads are tastefully placed and don't take away from the newsletter at all.
Therefore, I will not be sending the current newsletter for very much longer and if currently receive it, you will need to re-subscribe in order to keep getting your updates. I will be sending out invites from the new provider in the near future, in the meantime you are welcome to re-subscribe on your own. There is a subscription box on the left hand side of the main page of the site for you to sign up. If don't subscribe to our current newsletter, sign up for our new one today.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
My short story published today
My new Western short story, Marked for Death, was published today at Frontier Tales Magazine. I hope you like it.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Interview
Mike and I were recently interviewed by T.J. McIntyre. We answered a series of thought provoking questions dealing with the Western genre in general as well as our reasons for starting The Western Online. You can find our answers in the Western Writers community or on T. J. McIntyre's personal blog.
Friday, January 1, 2010
New Story at The Western Online
We published a new short story today at The Western Online. "Standing Up" by Gary Addis. Its a very good story that features an appearance by a famous gunfighter. Stop by the site and check it out, you won't be disappointed.
I've also added a new poll to the website that can be found in the menu column of the main page. The question I ask is: Would allowing reader comments on stories and artwork published at The Western Online be a good idea? Be sure to vote and let me know what you think.
I've also added a new poll to the website that can be found in the menu column of the main page. The question I ask is: Would allowing reader comments on stories and artwork published at The Western Online be a good idea? Be sure to vote and let me know what you think.
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