I'm not a bit surprised that keeping the lights on is expensive. One change I'd like to see is an annual or semi-annual pledge week in which AW actively seeks to fund-raise from those who use its resources. <snip>
I, too, think a lot of the older SYW posts could go, especially those in which the OP is long gone. (I would volunteer to research when's the last time the OP logged on to my area's SYW board.)
So, I like these suggestions from Maryn. Speaking as one who was just on here, looked at the giant blue subscription button at the bottom and went "oh crap, I should probably make my yearly contribution!"
Have a pledge week and keep it low-key, so members who aren't in a financial position to do so aren't feeling the squeeze, but those of us who, uh, *cough* kinda just need that reminder because we're absented minded adults *whistles* can scramble and take care of business. If you need volunteer minions for going out spreading the wonderful message in perhaps shineyyy and writerly ways on the various forum threads during said pledge week or whatever...*waves shineyyy scythe in tribute*
When it comes to SYW, I have to say I have found that to be IMMENSELY helpful. As in, I'm probably one of those rare weirdos who goes back and reviews my own SYW threads on occasion to remind myself of "Bad Winks" tics I may have forgotten and suggestions for fixing, on the super-duper-rare-and-totally-not-lying-about-that occasion said tic rises once more. I'd probably freak out if my SYW threads were deleted, so if you are considering that route, maybe deleting those of folks who are no longer active, like Maryn suggested? *hugs SYW* *mutters at having forgotten it's like hugging a porcupine*
I spend a fair amount of time lurking in some of the writing advice threads and noting things. And the stickies...SO HELPFUL. I love the stickied information.
I also tend to vary between spending my time in the writing advice, SYW, and office party threads, depending on where I'm at with my writing and IRL stressors. Sometimes the office party spaces are a great spot to just connect with fellow writers and destress, or share silly stories that only a fellow writer would laugh at. And heck, sometimes I get story inspiration from them. The big thing is that AW allows me to develop those relationships with fellow writers (and sometimes I can secretly stalk them to learn their 'style' in case I'm thinking of approaching them for advice / beta / whatever. I'm a shy person, and this has allowed me to connect with writers in a way that really works for me - both for advice and for acquaintances that have developed into long-standing friendships.)
I also love that I get a sneak peek behind the curtain at some AMAZING writing in SYW. And it makes me feel pretty good when I've offered an acorn that was useful to someone on their own writer journey. I also like that critters on SYW are willing to deliver constructive criticism - not everything is roses and sunshine. I'm not looking for roses and sunshine; I want to curse someone's parentage and three days later admit grudgingly they were right and grow because they dumped a bucket of rain on me. Well. Sometimes a gentle sprinkle is preferred. But you get the idea.
This is my first online forum ever, too, but I think it was fairly easy to learn the ins and outs because you have such knowledgeable and helpful moderators. And I've never worried about being trolled or flamed on because RYFW is taken very seriously. So thank you for that peace of mind.
I also like that most everything is self-contained within the AW forums. It makes it easier to find things, to interact with my fellow AWers on my own timetable, etc.
Hmm. I seem to have mostly "here's what I like" without concrete suggestions of what else I might like to see. I'll think on it more, but that's what I've got?
Thanks again! This has been an invaluable resource since I joined and I've greatly appreciated the advice, the encouragement, and the great people I've met here as a result.
Winks, shutting off the ramble now