I don't know many of the current regulars, but I'm sure a lot of people can relate to my experience here. I'll put my reasons for why YWS is important to me in the spoilers, feel free to read it (or just respond!)
Spoiler
I joined YWS way back in 2007 at a tender age of fifteen, and dove into writing truly terrible prose. Seriously, shocking stuff. But rather than being laughed off the site, I found people here who were willing to try and help- and I've made a hell a lot of my friends here.
It was here that I made friends I've now known for six years, some still around and some long gone (from this site, at least), and indeed where I first reconnected with my now best friend. While we'd awkwardly say hi in the halls at school and otherwise ignore each other, as soon as we were online we talked about anything and everything. It's probably more a testament to how badly I functioned socially at the time, but regardless, YWS was my safe place, where I could make those connections at such an awkward time of my life.
It was the first site in which I expressed myself in any creative medium- and even though these days I draw and do art related things more than write, I still have a soft spot for prose (is everyone ready for nanowrimo?) and that all started here. It was here where I first showed my (frankly, terrible) drawings, it was here where I first put out my writing to be viewed by anyone but myself, and it was here I came back time and time again over a period of years.
I haven't been around much lately, but YWS is still a big fixture in my past, and I imagine it'll continue to stick around into my future. It was the starting points to many friendships- and one ongoing relationship-, and helped me foster my creative side. I think it deserves a spot in my prints about importance.
Now to the discussion part! (after making you read all that)
It was here that I made friends I've now known for six years, some still around and some long gone (from this site, at least), and indeed where I first reconnected with my now best friend. While we'd awkwardly say hi in the halls at school and otherwise ignore each other, as soon as we were online we talked about anything and everything. It's probably more a testament to how badly I functioned socially at the time, but regardless, YWS was my safe place, where I could make those connections at such an awkward time of my life.
It was the first site in which I expressed myself in any creative medium- and even though these days I draw and do art related things more than write, I still have a soft spot for prose (is everyone ready for nanowrimo?) and that all started here. It was here where I first showed my (frankly, terrible) drawings, it was here where I first put out my writing to be viewed by anyone but myself, and it was here I came back time and time again over a period of years.
I haven't been around much lately, but YWS is still a big fixture in my past, and I imagine it'll continue to stick around into my future. It was the starting points to many friendships- and one ongoing relationship-, and helped me foster my creative side. I think it deserves a spot in my prints about importance.
Now to the discussion part! (after making you read all that)
How has YWS affected your life? Socially, Personally, Creatively or otherwise?
What represents your YWS experience for you?
If you've been around as long as I have(or possibly longer)- what long-gone features stick with you?
But one thing I remember was having to pay for a Storybook then having a Storybook mod approve it. We don't do that now, sadly! I have too many points for my own good, and not enough inspiration.
