I decided that screen shots were okay but a LIVE DEMO would be better. So, with a little editing of the original code, I was able to create a demo database that is separate from the real database and allows the visitor a chance to test drive the program. Of course, I kept a few bells and whistles hidden -- like the chat room and game room. Last thing I need is a visitor chatting up with other visitors or lingering around playing games because they are there. So, writers, there are 2 areas that only you get to see when you sign up for membership to EG -- ah, that's short for Emporium Gazette.
Please note that this is NOT just another critique site. The other writer members of this site are not critiquers of your writings. They "could" be when you get to know them but YOU decide who will be able to come onto the site to read your stuff. I've had 2 people already give me a little static about this site. One said that she already had a peer group in place to edit and critique her stuff. That is all fine and dandy. This place would consolidate all of it into one location. She didn't see that. The other person thought that only the other members would critique him and wondered how he should approach them not knowing their skills. I again explained to him how this works and he walked away shaking his head. He didn't have anyone that he would allow to edit his stuff except real qualified writers. More power to him. "Real" writers are usually going to charge big bucks to edit, IF they do it.
Who are my readers? Friends and family. Some of my friends are writers, both published and un-published, so I get some feedback from all types of people that read. Yes, writers do read. Of course, some of my readers don't enjoy my particular genre but y'know what? Their input can be viewed with as a slanted angle and might just given you that twist you were looking for. I had one reader, years ago, read one of my stories and she said that she hadn't expected my particular ending. She then gave me her views on a different aspect, one that I hadn't even thought of. A re-write commenced almost immediately and those that read the genre loved the new version better than the original.
So, anyway, here's hoping that visitors will give this site the test drive.
