Newbie

  • Barny replied to the topic The Future of the Den in the forum Blogs 5 years ago

    DoW problems: Usability just isn’t what it should be; not being able to post pictures is a pain; definitely doesn’t promote idle chat.

    The wordcloud was very far from perfect, but had one significant difference: the course offerings meant new people were always joining, wondering wth was going on, some figuring it out or persisting without fig…[Read more]

  • It’s not great, but it’s an entry… 🙂

    THAT BIT BETWEEN WHITEKIRK AND TYNINGHAME, NEAR TO BINNING WOOD

    (276 WORDS inc TITLE)

    I wondered if there might be ticks. In the grass, I mean. After all, they’re rampant in this weather, aren’t they? And they’re nasty little buggers. The consequences of Lyme disease can haunt you for years…[Read more]

  • Athelstone replied to the topic The Future of the Den in the forum Blogs 5 years ago

    The garlic will be ready for harvesting in a few weeks.

    • Thea replied 5 years ago

      Ha, bet it’s nicer than shop bought! 🙂

      • How long does it keep for?

        • I’ve no idea…hang on…according to google, it lasts about a month just sitting around doing nothing, but if you put it somewhere warm and dry so that the skin-layer of leaves goes papery, it can last for several months.

          • I thought you were an experienced garlic grower but I see you’re a novice like us! At least yours has grown. Ours never showed its face!

            • Libby replied 5 years ago

              The best I’ve managed is chives.
              One thing about the weather this year: the patches of meadow pea on the lane’s verges are larger than usual. Rich golden yellow flowers liked by bees.

  • Athelstone replied to the topic The Future of the Den in the forum Blogs 5 years ago

    Well, there’s a lot to think about. And to get started on.

  • Libby replied to the topic The Future of the Den in the forum Blogs 5 years, 1 month ago

    I agree with everything said so far, from the time pressures for people with publications etc in the works via Richard’s points about the site layout right through to feeling that posting stuff may not be worth the effort. And yes, idle chat would be lovely.

    I don’t use social media but I’m quite active on Jericho Writers and therefore could…[Read more]

  • JaneShuff replied to the topic The Future of the Den in the forum Blogs 5 years, 1 month ago

    Deeply pleased to hear other people want idle chat.

    • Idle chat about what? Oh, … yeah. Yes please.

      • Been lucky enough to escape Covid testing but got to have two next week before travelling. Are they really as awful as people claim?

        • Barny replied 5 years ago

          Ah, I can spot idle chat when it slaps me in the face. Have done one of the lateral flow type – you have to stroke your tonsils with a long cotton bud, then right up your nose. Fun. I find the tonsils one really difficult, makes me retch. OTOH I was clear 🙂 In the UK we can get free tests from pharmacies. Go for it! Hope it’s a nice holiday.

      • Barny replied 5 years ago

        [idly] you did ask. Yeah let me know how it goes, but you can skim the details if you want.

  • Libby replied to the topic The Future of the Den in the forum Blogs 5 years, 1 month ago

    I like Kate’s suggestion of a fortnightly writing topic. A clearly marked heading and space might draw in potential new members among people who are Googling for writing advice. But it would need the links problem to be solved.

    I agree with Richard about subjects currently being hidden away.

    As a member of Kate’s SE 2016 group, this site has…[Read more]

  • RichardB replied to the topic The Future of the Den in the forum Blogs 5 years, 1 month ago

    Even after a year-plus of lockdown in various degrees I don’t do social media at all, no Facebook, no Twitter, no Zoom, no anything, so the Silence of the Denizens has been quite saddening for me. Not that I’ve been better (except in one respect) than anyone else. My problem is the opposite of that of several leading lights here: having…[Read more]

  • Athelstone replied to the topic The Future of the Den in the forum Blogs 5 years, 1 month ago

    I certainly agree with the point about idle chat.

  • JaneShuff replied to the topic The Future of the Den in the forum Blogs 5 years, 1 month ago

    My thoughts… I agree that the format doesn’t help and I’d love to see it changed. Maybe to something that would encourage more idle chat. Something about the format makes me feel I need to have something particularly worthwhile to say in order to post. I think idle chat is important for keeping relationships going but I may be in a minority…[Read more]

  • Raine replied to the topic The Future of the Den in the forum Blogs 5 years, 1 month ago

    First off, apologies. I am not as active on here as I was, and definitely not as active as I was on the Cloud. Partly, recently that’s been due to being swamped with book release stuff. Partly though it’s because of the format & the way the site kills off chat. Both in hiding replies and in it’s weird notifications limitations. I think that’s a…[Read more]

  • Squidge replied to the topic The Future of the Den in the forum Blogs 5 years, 1 month ago

    I don’t post here as often as I perhaps should, though I love knowing it’s here if I need it, or to celebrate good news with other peeps, and of course, to be challenged to write a short story every now and again.

    Beyond that, I think because I’m published, working on new material, editing for other people, testing a writing course, I don’t have…[Read more]

  • Sandra replied to the topic The Future of the Den in the forum Blogs 5 years, 1 month ago

    Site was ‘murdered’ because owner decided to shut it down then did so, Telling no-one and refusing to answer all communications thereafter.

    I do think we that were there were lucky, insofar as it was a chatty, supportive active group, probably at the peak of its activity, which made the death of it al the more tragic,

  • Athelstone replied to the topic The Future of the Den in the forum Blogs 5 years, 1 month ago

    I have belonged to one or two sites that have been invaded and effectively ruined by the invaders, after which they failed. How is a site murdered?

    As for contributers…well, that’s tricky. When it comes down to it, it’s people’s leisure time. If they feel compelled to contribute then I’d sort of hope it was some sort of internal compulsion…[Read more]

  • Sandra replied to the topic The Future of the Den in the forum Blogs 5 years, 1 month ago

    Read this, Ath, and will ponder (not that I think I’ve any answers.) but a year in which to turn around is an excellent idea.
    Another thought, along the lines of ‘if you pay for it you make sure you get your money’s worth; would be more convincing were this as lively and well-functioning as we’d like it to be.
    But, The site I cut my writing teeth…[Read more]

  • Athelstone posted an update 5 years, 1 month ago

    I have added a blog and I think it’s important for ALL members to take a look, Thank you.

  • 1) It’s that time of year when our hosting providers ask for some money again. As ever, this forum is free to members, but should anybody wish to contribute please head over to the Donations group where you will find information in the forum. You will need to join the group, which doesn’t commit you to anything, to view the posts.

    2) You can…[Read more]

  • Blimey, managed to write something and very pleased to be able to enter the comp. Was a bit concerned at managing to get to 250 words and wanting to post without having to DQ myself! Happily at 256 words including title. 🙂

    This might be the day.

    He hadn’t closed the curtains. The sunbeam found the bed at 6.37 and warmed his left foot at 6…[Read more]

  • Athelstone posted an update 5 years, 1 month ago

    A Bump re the monthly comp. You know it makes sense. Always let those words unload, because I won’t be there when you cross the road.

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