Welcome to the Writer's Workshop!
Workshop FAQ
Q: What is the Writer’s Workshop?
A: The Writer's Workshop is an alternative review option for completed threads where the writer can get feedback from multiple peers, rather than a normal judgment from a single judge. It provides a more casual format and allows a writer to receive critiques from multiple people, ask questions, and build bonds with other writers.
Q: How does one submit a thread to the Writer's Workshop?
A: Simply click the “Submit thread for judgment” link in your thread, and select the Writer’s Workshop option on the submission page. A judge will then create a thread in the Writer's Workshop forum for you so that your peers can read and review your work. You will immediately receive rewards based on a quick assessment of your writing by the attending judge. Then, your Workshop thread will remain open for a full 30 days to allow feedback. If your thread is longer, an extension to 60 days will be made.
Q: How does experience and gold work without a score?
A: Each thread will be given an estimated score after a quick assessment by the attending judge. These rewards are then calculated and given immediately. Should community feedback return overwhelmingly positive, additional awards may be given at judge discretion.
Q: Are there any requirements for submitting a thread?
A: No, anyone can submit for a workshop. In fact, it is encouraged since you will not only get a review from one person, but several. This will provide you with more ideas and suggestions to improve and grow.
Q: Can I submit a battle to the Writer's Workshop?
A: Yes and no. The Writer’s Workshop wasn’t designed with battles in mind, since it does not go in depth to the reasons for a winner and loser. However, you may still submit a battle thread, but it will be treated as a quest in terms of rewards. In terms of feedback, you can have your peers root for who they think won and still get bragging rights. If you like, a poll can be added to these workshops to encourage winner voting.
Q: Can I submit a thread in progress to the Writer's Workshop?
A: Unfortunately, no. Any threads posted here by members not on staff will be relocated to the appropriate place. For Workshops on threads in progress, please post them in The Role Player's Corner.
Critique Guidelines:
1.) Standard rules for etiquette apply. No spamming or off-topic posts, no personal attacks or trolling. Focus on critiquing the thread, not the writer. Use constructive criticism and try to speak in terms of "strengths" and "weaknesses". For example: "Your story was strong, but the action seemed a little weak. Try using more adverbs to describe actions or use a thesaurus to spice up your word choice."
2.) Likewise, those who have asked for a workshop should take criticism gracefully. Use it to better yourself. These are not intended to offend or belittle, only show you opportunities to grow.
3.) If at any point you notice improper conduct, contact an administrator immediately. Bullying of any kind will not be tolerated. Arguing will also be regulated heavily. Polite, constructive debate is permitted within reason.
Rewards for Feedback:
Yes! You can get rewards for helping out your peers. The rewards are simple. So long as your review is helpful, elaborate, and considerate, you will be eligible for a lump some of EXP and GP in relation to how long the thread was and what level you are.
For those who understand equations, your rewards are:
(Post Length of Thread/10) * ((EXP Needed to Level)*0.05) EXP
(Post Length of Thread) * (2) GP
For Example: You read your friend's thread which is 23 posts long. You post a decent sized review with valuable observations of strong and weak areas. For each post you read, you will earn a fraction more needed to level. For this thread, if you are level one (2,000 EXP needed to level), you will get 230 EXP & 115 GP!
Another Example: You read your friend's thread which is 10 posts long. You post a decent sized review with valuable observations of strong and weak areas. For this thread, if you are level 5 (6,000 Needed to level), you will get 300 EXP & 50 GP!
You will also earn AP for your contributions. The general costs are outlined below:
ACTION AP EARNED Adequate Workshop Response
Contributing to a workshop without using a rubric.1 AP Exceptional Workshop Response
Contributing on a higher level to a workshop without using a rubric.2 AP Basic Workshop Response
Contributing to a workshop using the basic judgment rubric.3 AP Condensed or Full Workshop Response
Contributing to a workshop using the condensed or full judgment rubric.4 AP Exceptional Condensed or Full Workshop Response
Contributing in an exceptional way to a workshop using the condensed or full judgment rubric.5 AP
Please note, this is not an entitlement to reward. Your feedback must be helpful, elaborate, and considerate to be considered. The judge may then also edit your rewards as he or she sees fit, to reflect overall quality. Rewards for review will be posted when the window for feedback closes.
Again, Welcome to the Writer's Workshop! We encourage to to utilize this newly revamped community tool!
If you have any questions, please contact Lye. If your question is good, it may be added to the guide to help all your fellow writers.
