Radical Change to YWS Coming

This was a pretty good joke. Not as great as some other ones, but thanks to everyone who jumped in the fun! If you're wondering where the screenshot came from, go here: http://techcrunch.com/2010/02/12/8d-world-china-cctv/

As many of you know, the Young Writers Society received a major facelift back in August. This was done primarily because the technology YWS was running on was old and no longer supported. Since I had to update the site anyways, I decided to give it a facelift to keep it abreast of latest web developments. The worse thing you can do is fall behind.

Unfortunately, things are moving faster than they used to. I remember how from 1996 to 2001, websites scarcely changed. Nowadays, it seems like every website I visit has a new design every month. This is because progress begets progress. That's a good thing, but it makes my job a little harder.

The latest development is to shift away from static and semi-dynamic pages, which a site like YWS has. Many sites are shifting so that each time you visit, it's new. This is done through integrating a number of social platforms.

But social integration is just the next step. Many expect the step beyond that to move beyond pages that merely mimic paper. Instead, experts expect that websites will be like large rooms that you can walk around and interact with. So that I don't have to update the site again, I will be upgrading YWS to this new dynamic over the next few weeks.

I've already been slowly testing out some things, and I've included a screenshot of what the new YWS will look like. It's a big change, but I ask you not to bash it yet! Changes will be made and user feedback will no doubt have a major impact.

I've been wanting to tell everyone about this since you suggested it in the mod forums - really glad you've finally announced it, because now everyone can bask in its awesomeness.

I'm gonne have a tail and wings. Rawr.

And it'll be in Japanese, like the picture, too?! You didn't say anything about the multicultural side in the mod forums. Why, you seriously spoil us.

Can we have monkey avatars? I mean... We have to have monkey avatars.

Yep, there'll definitely be monkey avatars, along with Chimps and Great Apes.

Blink ->> Thanks for pointing that out! It's actually Chinese, not Japanese. The reasoning is just that China has the largest population of Internet users. Appealing to that demographic would be very beneficial to YWS.

Those level things look like it will appeal to the rpg crowd.

I want that shirt too D: /really cool

Also, you'll be able to have pet pigs.

Whoa, that'll be awesome! So is that just going to be for the chat room or the whole site?

Snoink wrote:Also, you'll be able to have pet pigs.

Don't forget! You need to buy them using the in-game currency called Yewisollars, which you can only get by reviewing.

Ranger Hawk ->> The entire site. For example, when you load YWS, you'll be dropped into the Village Square. Walk north for the literary forums, and south for the community area. To the west is Fashion Plaza, and to the east are the Unknown Lands.

Ranger Hawk wrote:Whoa, that'll be awesome! So is that just going to be for the chat room or the whole site?

I was wondering the same thing. And, will this require some sort of fancy new flash player?

AspiringAuthorA..M. wrote:

Ranger Hawk wrote:Whoa, that'll be awesome! So is that just going to be for the chat room or the whole site?

I was wondering the same thing. And, will this require some sort of fancy new flash player?

YWS will actually be subscription based... it'll cost a mere $19.99 per month. Of course, right now, the new YWS will only be US-based until we talk with our sponsors more, but we're currently working out a deal with UK and Australia providers.

"Snoik wrote:
YWS will actually be subscription based... it'll cost a mere $19.99 per month. Of course, right now, the new YWS will only be US-based until we talk with our sponsors more, but we're currently working out a deal with UK and Australia providers.

I must admit, that is one scary post. I can't afford to pay that much per month.

*Is hoping that was only sarcasm*

Nate wrote:Ranger Hawk ->> The entire site. For example, when you load YWS, you'll be dropped into the Village Square. Walk north for the literary forums, and south for the community area. To the west is Fashion Plaza, and to the east are the Unknown Lands.

Ahhh gotcha. Kind of like the Wii Plaza I guess.

AspiringAuthorA..M. wrote:I must admit, that is one scary post. I can't afford to pay that much per month.

*Is hoping that was only sarcasm*

Um yeah, I'm with Gabriel here. Don't think I'll be able to afford that.

the new YWS will only be US-based until we talk with our sponsors more, but we're currently working out a deal with UK and Australia providers.

Which is obviously the reason I will be leaving the site once the changeover takes place.

I opposed this idea at the start, but recently, it's been sounding better and better! It's a pity I won't be able to join in the fun.