Published December 29, 2010
I almost hate myself for joining the "Insert Number of Reasons Why" trend that is ravaging our beloved website, but I thought to myself, "Why not fight fire with fire?" This is something I'm pretty sure we can all agree on. However, if you're anything less than a dedicated YWS fanatic, you might want to stop reading right here. Don't say I didn't warn you.
Reason 1: Reviews, reviews, reviews!
YWS is, to my admittedly limited knowledge, the only website (or at least the only one anybody knows about) where you can not only share your work, but also get comprehensive peer reviews on it. I mean, there's nothing better for an aspiring writer than getting a solid review from someone who actually knows what they're talking about. Your mom may think your story is terrific, and your dad may not be able to tell a comma from a lounge chair, but the kids on this site are legit. They'll give it to you straight, and sometimes I do believe they review by the principle "Revenge is a dish best served cold." In any case, you may join YWS a literary wreck, but like it or not, you will emerge a New York Times best-selling author. Well, maybe. But no money back if I'm wrong.
Reason 2: Custom Titles
What began as the little space beneath your username that listed your rank (Novice, Writer, Speaker of the Forum, etc.) has now grown into a full-scale creative phenomenon. I mean, where else can you have a special little place to be completely and utterly random? Unless, of course, you choose to be boring and use it for your rank, it has no purpose whatsoever except to serve the people. Some users are sticky about signatures (it has to be funny, it has to be deep, it has to be a quote, blah blah blah) and though you can get quite quirky with your location (Narnia, the toilet, the fourth dimension, etc.), it still has to be something that can be defined as a place. Not so with your custom title. It is yours and yours alone; and whether you want it to be about cupcakes or your favorite band or the end of the world, no one can justly nitpick it, because it is a custom title, in the purest sense of the word. Where else can you find something that compares to that?
Reason 3: Having your cake and eating it too
Let me explain. On Facebook, you can have friends, give information about yourself, and post statuses, right? Well, guess what: you can do that on YWS too! We've even got a "Like" button! So basically YWS has all the good qualities of Facebook combined with its own literary opportunities, in which Facebook and all other social networking sites are sadly lacking. In addition, you have at least one thing in common with every friend you make on YWS: we're all writers. So quit posting those self-pitying Myspace statuses about your miserable life and lack of friends and start connecting with people who are actually like you. And wipe that smile off your face. This is the army!
Reason 4: NO censorship!
When I post a status on Facebook, I oftentimes have to be very careful what I say, because I know that 417 people (some of whom I don't know, and some of whom know me too well) will be looking at it, and I don't want them thinking "Well! That is not the kind of girl I want my daughter hanging around!" or better yet "Oh she did, did she? I just might have to tell her parents that interesting tidbit." And I'm not just talking about language or whatever. You have no privacy, therefore no freedom of expression. No catharsis. But on YWS, you can write a page-length, over-the-top, emo/cutting/suicide/death/despair/darkness poem with no problem. I mean, you may get some pretty scathing reviews (guilty), but at least you know you're safe from the unfriendly stares of your community.
Reason 5: It's NOT a waste of time
Finally, a website frequented by young people that is actually worthwhile! Think about it. You could be chatting with your next-door neighbor on Facebook, listening to the latest Ke$ha monstrosity on Playlist, and/or engaging in a game that was probably designed by a 12-year-old boy for twelve-year-old boys, or you could be doing something that both enhances your writing abilities and helps you appreciate those of others. Which will get you farther in life: searching desperately for "gorgeous singles in your area" or honing your writing skills? Because in the end, we may be geeks, but we are the geeks who will shape the future--one heavily edited literary work at a time.
Thank you, YWS!
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137,712 Literary Works • 672,063 Reviews
Here's a sixth reason why YWS is better than every other website to have ever been made in the history of history: featured members!
Seriously, can you be a featured member on Wattpad? Facebook? Twitter? Thought not.
This person was the first. Who are they?
By the way, you may need to click on a link after finding their profile... it starts with the letter 'b'.
Also, please don't give away the answer in the comments!
LOVE THIS!!
My friend is absolutely crazy about facebook and used to be crazy about myspace. But she is just another poor human brainwashed into believing that everyone actually cares what she had for lunch or what latest 'cutest thing ever' thing her boyfriend. She's my friend, and I don't care. So what makes her think everyone else does? BUT YWS IS BETTER!! Like you said, we can be crazy without persecution. It's where we can go to be our actual selves, instead of who everyone we know wants us to be. THANK GOD FOR YWS!!
Ooh, I liked this! It was great
And so true.
I can totally agree with the points you’ve brought up in this list, Warrior Princess.
And I like how you’ve jazzed up your answers with humorous comments here and there.
There is just something about your work that is just down-to-earth and can be easily related back to the reader.
A marvellous, clever, informing and enjoyable piece of writing, and it can also be said that it is very persuasive. Let’s just see if anyone can bag out YWS just as well as you’ve praised it up!
This is great! I love your whole fight fire with fire line. Very true. All these reasons are valid and very agreeable. The fact that it has all the perks of Facebook and more is perhaps the best reason. Plus the fact that it is an educated sight where you can be whoever you want to be without getting judged by "your community." Simply brilliant!
AAAAAHHHHH! I love this! I'm glad someone finally put my feelings into words. Since I've come to YWS, I've begun to loathe Facebook (I was kinda loathing it before anyway, but coming here made it more set-in-stone). You're right that you've got to worry about everything you put on there, because someone is ALWAYS watching for you to screw up. Thanks for posting this! I love it!
Luxy
The first reason is probably the reason I love this website so much, though; I been on here for two/three weeks (At the most). I've loved writing ever since I was in the first grade. Not only do I get to share my work with fellow "amatures", but they give me constructive criticism. I have yet to come across anyone mean (not yet anyway, time will tell). I've only posted a few of my short shories and poetry; but the reviews I've gotten are so encouraging and helpful! I can be a bit timid to put my work out there because people one the internet can be so blunt and harsh, but not on TWS.
! No matter if you're just aspiring to become a better writer, become a published author, or maybe both like me, I hope it happens.
It's a process of becoming a better writer. Sometimes I don't even feel the need to put my writings up on here; because reading is enough for me. All these brilliant idea for stories coming from such young people; you have no idea how much of a breath of fresh air it is to read something that isn't about stupid vampires, wearwolfs, and young "love". Yes I know I'm a teenager but that's not all I wanted as an option to read when I go to Boarders.
I just can't wait for the day when I have read something on YWS and then years down the line that person is on The New York Times best seller list and it would be all because of the persistance and hard work the writer went through. And maybe, just maybe it might be because of some nice soul choose to use constructive words instead of destructive words to better that person as a writer.
I wish the best for everyone on this website, even though I don't know any of you
From the second I read the title, I loved it.
You are so right!
YSW is the best website and in enriches your life and doesn't rot your brain like most websites do!
I am planning to study journalism in university, witch is pretty much language arts!
But, if I am a bad writer, then I shouldn't waste my money on college for journalism.
But here, people your age, that have the same common interest and want to help you grow writing skills can tell you if you a good writer or a bad writer!
This was a very good and I enjoyed it very much!
Happy New Year!
I say amen to that, sister!
It's true! YWS is the only site that offers concrete reviews, as far as I know. I mean, I know that there are some fanfiction sites, and other writing sites that let people review, but, seriously? The reivews on there are about as solid as jell-o, and consist mainly of "OMG, dat wuz amazinnnnggg!!!! srsly, i lk, <3 it!!" And other such painful things.
Thank you for putting this out there! Anyone who thinks otherwise shouldn't be fouling up YWS space. Or, if they do think otherwise, should keep it to themsleves.
-Kelcie
Hey, my username is cupcake! Hehehe.
That was so true! Everything you said in there, is how I feel about all of us YWS people. I feel like I am more productive on this site than any other, also I stopped reading books a lot. Now when I want to read a book, I turn on my iPod and go on YWS and pick a story and chapter. Haha, I love you all.
Jenn aka hockeyfan87
One word: AGREED.
This website is the best!
Keep Writing!
Nike
~Ladypurple
@ everyone confused
I meant it the other way around! My bad...
Couldn't have put it better myself! Excellent.
*Claps, hands award, pins badge on shirt*
Had nothing that I didn't agree with. Good good good!
Talented writer award.
Love kaka x
I'm glad to say that this is one of the first '5 reasons...' posts that I have actually enjoyed and didn't offend anyone. I'm glad that you chose reviews as number one. Unfortunatley, I think this is so good, I am not going to get nitpicky. I'm just going to write this post to thank you for making this post which everyone has enjoyed reading and not just for the points or for a badge.
But more to the point. Excellent points! I liked that you put a description after each thing you said. Also the presentation and colours were really eye-catching, but not too harmful to the eyes. I agree with you that YWS is NOT a waste of time and that this is the best kid-friendly website I've ever participated in! Go YWS!
I won't agree with number two, 'cause just so people know, there are other forums with custom titles.
), I think you could have put it in a countdown layout . XD Like:
But other than that, this is an amazing article. Good job! I totally agree with the others. Though if I have to nitpick this article (oh, c'mon this is a review! XD At least I'm trying to help improve even if you don't want it.
...and number one...tadarada!
REVIEWS!
HAHA.... =))
Anyway, thanks for posting this. YWS is number oooonnneee! =D/ yaaaay... (I'll miss this when I'm not young anymore. *pouts*)
~ jash ♥
Wow.
I guess, that's all that I can say. I wouldn't want to nitpick too. YWS is a really great site, filled with open-minded people. You wouldn't receive as many reviews as you do in YWS than in the other writing sites as far as I've experienced.
P.S.
This is the only '5 reasons' post I read. xD
Great! That was hilarious, thank you. That made my day. I'm still quite new on the site and am busy ALL the time, so i haven't even been able to post any of my own work yet, but this has got me excited. You gave me a bit of perspective on what I should be focusing on and some insporation. Thank you
YWS is based in america.
This is awesome. I had started to dread the 5 reasons why pieces, but this one is actually pretty cool.
I agree to everything you said, WPrincess. I actually use my vacant time here than on Facebook.
How can I not agree with you?
This piece made me even more grateful for YWS. Thanks for the read.
KD
This. Is. Totally. Awesome.
I think you summed up everything all of us writers on this site think about YWS. It's great, and though I'm not always able to get on, I know that I'll always have plenty of friends here to support me in almost anything I do. YWS is totally awesome, and for the reasons you mentioned above, I do not have a Facebook. Severe privacy issues on that site. But on YWS you really can be yourself. That, I think, is the best thing about this supportive writers' community.
My two cents.
YWS isn't based in Europe?
I absolutely love this!
But one nitpick: I do know of another website that does this, but it's based in the USA rather than in Europe. I used to hang out there, but I actually like this one better
Brilliance, brilliance, brilliance. I could think of about 50 more reasons off the top of my head, but I think you did well enough with your five!
Sucks to you, Facebook!
Preach, mate. Lovely work.
Um, thank you for posting this. I can finally tell all my Farmville-addict friends that I'm a geek for the greater good.
Honestly, what's so great about planting a virtual farm?
I like this, and your comparison with Facebook is entirely true. Besides, this is WAY more addictive. Reviewing somebody else's work,and crossing your fingers for a return review... [shrugs meaningfully] Don't if you don't wanna, but I just had to give you something for this one! So have your Christmas cake, and Burj Khalifa souvenir (I live in Dubai).
Please do write more.
- Alexandra
P.S. I study in a GEMS school, so we've got the GEMS learning gateway,a sort of school-based Facebook. Juggling three social networking sites is no bother for me, but I spend more time on this one. I love YWS!
P.S.S. I bet Nate's real happy.
These are all the reasons I love this site! I can be on here for a straight hour and never feel like I'm wasting my time, like I do just goofing off on Facebook. This isn't really the sort of thing you review, but it was worth saying that this is awesome.
Guilty of both of these. Hahahaha.
I really like this...what ever this may be.
*applauds* And you know why I like this so much? Because while pretty much all of the other "5 reasons why" posts are mostly opinion (and highly exaggerated opinion at that) this one is true, so true. Pretty much fact (except for maybe the last one about not being a waste of time. It depends on who you ask). I mean, I'm constantly not posting something on Facebook because then I'll have to explain it or because it reveals something I'd rather not or because I know people who would find it inappropriate. So for this, I applaud you. *applauds again*
Again, I have clicked on one of these trending subjected pieces, and unlike the others, I find this one to have no way of attacking any person or people or anything like that. This was a great idea, and I'm honestly kind of jealous that I didn't think up the idea myself! Anyways, I know this is supposed to be a review, but, as far as I can tell, you didn't have any problems with grammar (or at least any bad misuses of improper grammar) or spelling. And content is amazing. I was caught from the very first line (actually, make that the title)and I couldn't stop reading whether I wanted to or not. Now, of course, as I've heard others say about the other trending pieces, if you wanted this to be like an actual article, you would maybe want to change the title to something like "Five Reasons Why: YWS is the Best Web Site" or something like that. But, other than that, I'm glad somebody wrote this, and this also makes me think if somebody else will start another one of these except about maybe why football is the best sport, or why the saxophone is the best instrument (just saying) or anything of that nature. Gotta say, this is a great kick off in the right direction for a trend that has only been making people angry.