Diary Preview And Questions Thread

[Frootloop]

What would you think about cutting out the idea of prediction contests on weekly shows, and just having them for PPVs with the prizes being more "major?" I figure that way I can book and write in bulk, and then have more time for PPV write-ups and things of that nature to make them more special.

[LordJaguar]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Frootloop" data-cite="Frootloop" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="34866" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>What would you think about cutting out the idea of prediction contests on weekly shows, and just having them for PPVs with the prizes being more "major?" I figure that way I can book and write in bulk, and then have more time for PPV write-ups and things of that nature to make them more special.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Awesome!</p>

[RingRider]

Hey Folks,

 

I'm just curious to run an informal poll to see what attracts you to a diary. I realize some prefer Mods and other Cornellverse, but beyond that:

 

Are you attracted to certain time periods or brands?

 

Format/writing style?

 

Fan interaction (predictions, signs, etc.)

 

Surprises?

 

Quality Angles?

 

Long vs. short match write-ups?

 

Realistic booking vs. fantasy booking?

 

Pics?

 

I realize that this is a large, open-ended question, but I'd like to see what you guys think.

[Self]

I appreciate brevity and focus. I think a lot of diary writers use far too many words to tell their stories, and I think they give you too many story threads to pay attention to at once. I have a ridiculously short attention span. Five to seven matches is plenty for PPV. Less for TV. One important angle is far more memorable than three.

 

Formatting and pictures are a must for me. If it looks like you care about your words, I'm more likely to take the time to read them.

 

Realistic vs Fantasy is a tricky thing. I tend towards realism. If I see a WWE diary with AJ Styles and Kings of Wrestling in it, or an SWF diary with the Gauges and Nicky Champion, I immediately lose a certain amount of interest. There are exceptions to every rule though. You can earn amazing fantasy angles.

 

Personally, I don't 'get' prediction contests. I understand they're a simple way of getting responses to your diary, but I find they give me very little useful feedback. Perhaps because my TV is booked very predictably. I'm always more interested in who the readers like as opposed to having them guess upcoming decisions. Reader interaction is important, but I think there are better ways to do it.

[Jingo]

<p>I prefer C-Verse over Real (or any other mods) mostly because i don't play many other mods myself and need to know a little about who i'm reading about, i also haven't watched wrestling regular for 10 years or so.</p><p> </p><p>

If we are talking time periods for 'Real' then i lean towards it being an interesting period (for me) or an interesting scenario, the WCW inVasion of WWF would be an interesting one, or WCW around 96 when they first got "bigger" with the nWo etc.</p><p> </p><p>

I am not a fan of walls of text, which mostly means long match descriptions i salute anyone who can write a long match but i am afraid more than a couple of lines and i drift away and just skim read .. Sorry. As for angles i like them clear and with nice promo's even if it is just catchphrases - which i feel are essential.</p><p> </p><p>

I like predictions mostly because it gives me something to write, for dynasties without predictions i tend to not write anything even if i am reading, sorry that sounds bad now i think about it, but i guess i am a little lazy when it comes to writing on the internet...</p><p> </p><p>

Surprises!? Who doesn't like surprises? No when you say surprises i am with Self on the fact that if suddenly i am reading a real world mod and Shane McMahon shows up in WCW i am turned off, or Paul Heyman is suddenly the booker anywhere (for some reason that bugs me, i don't know why so i can't explain better, maybe it's everyone love for Heyman that i never got, always seemed like a snake oil salesman to me).</p><p> </p><p>

As for C-Verse i am open to any surprises, cannot think of anything off the top of my head that would be considered too much (if done correctly..) maybe BSS always showing up somewhere he shouldn't.. But if you make it seem plausible i'm in.</p><p> </p><p>

Booking is how you book it, i find other peoples booking is their own thing, no preference. I like a good solid big menacing guy though, so always sign one for me... <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

Finally there has to be pics, i need to visualize and if you don't put pics in even though i probably know what they look like i just can't seem to do it in my head, i'm going to go off on a tangent but it's why i can't listen to Football (Soccer) on the radio, i just can't picture whats going on.</p><p> </p><p>

Hope this has helped you, remember it's just my point of view.</p>

[Voeltzwagon]

<p>I tend to prefer C-verse or mods like Thunderverse due to a bit more flexibility that I get to create personas and characters. They are more mine to mold and do what I want with. I feel there is less of that with Real World because I know how certain wrestlers are and I would just want to keep writing them that way.</p><p> </p><p>

I like pictures, but I don't consider them a must. A well written diary I think can get away with minimal or no pictures.</p><p> </p><p>

Match write ups are something I experiment with often. I have done it several ways in the various diaries I have done and haven't found something that sticks. I think more often than not I prefer shorter, but at the same time I do love detailed ones like the ones Eisen-verse does because they really draw me in.</p><p> </p><p>

Surprises? I like em as long as they often make sense. I guess that also says I prefer booking that is less fantasyish as well.</p><p> </p><p>

I also prefer to write up angles over matches nowadays as well. I think it is because I have been dabbling more into the entertainment companies with 2013 when I was all about the performance companies in 2010.</p><p> </p><p>

I enjoy interaction with people reading my diaries, but I also realize I suck at prediction contests and the like. Right now I post prediction keys for those that enjoy to guess. Like Self I think often most of my stuff is predictable at least when it comes to television shows, but I guess that is just ingrained from watching wrestling for years and I am used to upsets not being something that happens on television often and I want to save the surprise wins and such for the bigger shows.</p>

[RingRider]

Thanks to all who have answered so far... just thought I would comment with my views as well:

 

I have traditionally been attracted the Real World Mods/Diaries bc I know the players...but I'm starting to see the value and interest in the blank canvas that is the Cornellverse.

 

It's usually a turn off for me to see a bunch of "TNA guys" in WWE or "WWE guys in TNA" but I think I can buy into moving guys from SWF and TCW a lot easier assuming it's done well.

 

Like most everyone else as said, I do enjoy short match write ups and find myself scrolling through long ones to see a finish. If an angle is well written, I tend to read it.

 

As far as pics go, I hate when the pic is not embedded. I find I rarely click on a link to see it.

 

I too am terrible at prediction contests (but I have to admit to being a mark for fan signs). I know in my WWF '94 diary however, I'm having trouble drawing in new readers or soliciting a lot of reader response. If not a prediction contest, what other ways can you draw people in? Or, are people only going to read certain diaries based on interest in product/era? In terms of my WWF '94 game, I think it's not a "sexy" time for the WWF and staying within the bounds of realism is going keep reader interest down...? I'm not sure...still tinkering with this idea...

[smwilliams]

<p>I echo many of the above sentiments, but I think there's a lot of things that go into a "successful" diary (define success how you want, but I think a high number of readers probably would be most writers goal). To take two very different examples, one of whom posted above.</p><p> </p><p>

I had no history with CGC. Never played with them. Never read a CGC diary. Nothing. But, I checked out Self's CGC, loved the characters and his writing style and now I can't wait until another show is posted. On the flip side, The Final Countdown's WWF diary is from a time period most, if not all of us, know very well. That said, if I found the characterization lacking or the story boring, I would've stopped reading. A good writer makes a good diary.</p><p> </p><p>

Pictures help for me because it makes the diary visually appealing as opposed to giving off the vibe that I'm reading a book. </p><p> </p><p>

What I will tell you is that a lot of new writers find it tough to draw in readers at the level of some of the veterans, but that if you keep at it, one of your diaries will strike a chord and you'll have the board eagerly awaiting your next project.</p>

[LordJaguar]

<p>To drop my 2 cents in...</p><p> </p><p>

I need pics in any diary that features people I'm not familiar with, CVerse/TNA/ROH/Mods. </p><p> </p><p>

I hate forced surprises, ie. any surprise that makes no sense and was done just to make people's predictions wrong in other words The Gambler should never beat Hogan without a slow build up to the main event.</p><p> </p><p>

As long as the storyline makes sense, put WWE guys in TNA and vice versa.</p>

[Teh_Showtime]

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p>

</p><div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo"><div><iframe width="200" height="150" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/bK18b1fY10w?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="The Game - Intro (The Documentary) Lyrics"></iframe></div></div><p> </p><p>

</p><p><em>

Alot of people are advocating that the rich gets richer and the poor get poorer.</em></p><p><em>

Thats only because you dont understand whats going to happen to you,</em></p><p><em>

You see... its all just a game ladies and gentlemen,</em></p><p><em>

And the quality of your living depends entirely upon your ability to play the game...</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em>

And i play the game......</em></p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o758/drshowtime/TEWDiary/SamKeith_alt_zpsf76fbb13.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i.imgur.com/w2JdR7n.jpg</span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

Whenever this thing gets off the ground it will be using my CV2008 mod. Been doing a lot of planning and already have done of ton of (somewhat organized) writing.</p>

[Occasional_Z]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="RingRider" data-cite="RingRider" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="34866" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I too am terrible at prediction contests (but I have to admit to being a mark for fan signs). I know in my WWF '94 diary however, I'm having trouble drawing in new readers or soliciting a lot of reader response. If not a prediction contest, what other ways can you draw people in? Or, are people only going to read certain diaries based on interest in product/era? In terms of my WWF '94 game, I think it's not a "sexy" time for the WWF and staying within the bounds of realism is going keep reader interest down...? I'm not sure...still tinkering with this idea...</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Best way to get reader response is just to keep going - people will often wait for a diary to get going before they start reading. Don't worry about feedback- it'll come in time. </p><p> </p><p> Smwilliams hits the nail on the head really - keep at it and you'll develop a 'following'.</p>

[Eisen-verse]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="RingRider" data-cite="RingRider" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="34866" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Hey Folks,<p> </p><p> I'm just curious to run an informal poll to see what attracts you to a diary. I realize some prefer Mods and other Cornellverse, but beyond that:</p><p> </p><p> Are you attracted to certain time periods or brands?</p><p> </p><p> Format/writing style?</p><p> </p><p> Fan interaction (predictions, signs, etc.)</p><p> </p><p> Surprises?</p><p> </p><p> Quality Angles? </p><p> </p><p> Long vs. short match write-ups? </p><p> </p><p> Realistic booking vs. fantasy booking? </p><p> </p><p> Pics?</p><p> </p><p> I realize that this is a large, open-ended question, but I'd like to see what you guys think.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I'm a visual guy. You have to pull me in with something that provides this. Wrestling is a very visual spectacle. Without the ability to actually SEE things take place (matches, angles, characteristics of given people, mannerisms, voice tone, etc.), I need something that gives me a snippet of this. In doing so, it creates more of a 'real' experience (well, as close as we can get to one).</p><p> </p><p> Outside of that, when reading the thread or simply following the storylines, there has to be some thought there. Not so much realistic versus fantasy. It's more about dedication to quality work/booking. You want Billy Kidman to beat Hogan? Okay, it's a little out of left field; however, if you give me a reason as to WHY it happened, something that's interesting/intriguing/creative, and sell it to me strong, then I'm all for it. You want Paul Heyman to book a company? It's been done (many times) but give me a story that makes it seem like you have a creative thought in mind.</p><p> </p><p> Long shows versus short and concise? Doesn't really phase me either way. It's about the aspects I've talked about above (at least for me as a reader).</p><p> </p><p> More or less, creativity and dedication speaks to me. <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[BHK1978]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="RingRider" data-cite="RingRider" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="34866" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I too am terrible at prediction contests (but I have to admit to being a mark for fan signs). I know in my WWF '94 diary however, I'm having trouble drawing in new readers or soliciting a lot of reader response. If not a prediction contest, what other ways can you draw people in?</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> If you have the right people reading your diary, you will get more readers. I know people hate it when I say that but it is the truth. I have witnessed many writers on here who nobody paid attention to, all of a sudden become "great" writers after other big name diary writers took an interest in them. </p><p> </p><p> A diary must have pictures for me to keep up with it. I do not care how well written it is, if there are not pictures in it to break up the text the chances are I will not read it after a couple of shows. </p><p> </p><p> I also hate it when people make cheap bumps. Like the writers who tell their readers that they have 24 hours left to make picks in their prediction contests. Or people who post a show and because their show is not at the top of the diary section they feel the need to give some silly "update" in order for their diary to be on top. To me that is a jerk thing to do, because you are basically saying your diary is so important that it needs to be near the top all of the time. So if you make a cheap bump, chances are I will not follow it either.</p>

[3rdStringPG]

<p>Well...how do I start?</p><p> </p><p>

I guess I should start by apologizing for the cheap bumps, mainly the last calls for predictions. Granted, I'm far from being the only one who does so, but I'm one of the main offenders, so I guess it's time for me to cut that crap out - I've got enough loyal predictors, and those who've stopped predicting haven't stopped reading my diary. </p><p> </p><p>

But I will have to contest the first paragraph. I don't think that popular writers posting on a less-heralded writer's diary automatically makes them. For example, E-V has congratulated me on great shows and Phantom Stranger did the same once and predicted for a bit. But that didn't make my diary any more popular than it is. I still stick by the "if you write it, they will come" theory, "it" being quality storylines and/or engaging backstage segments. Not saying that I'm a "great" writer - actually far from it - but for me, content is still king.</p><p> </p><p>

In addition, I don't think periodically explaining to readers why certain shows may be delayed or advanced is tantamount to cheap bumping. As a reader, I personally appreciate it when someone says that he's busy with work or school and/or family, hence won't be able to post the next show as soon as he normally does. And I don't find it silly to post a dummy news article or a backstage segment as long as it's within context, and I wouldn't conclude that everyone does that in order to get their diaries up on the first page. Personally, if I'm "feeling it", I hammer out a new backstage segment or news article. It has nothing to do with wanting to be on page one, and everything to do with wanting to keep the diary updated by posting my ideas as they come. If people pay attention and comment, well and good. If they don't, then no biggie. That said, I've been chastised enough to apologize for those last calls for predictions. My bad entirely, even if I'd often try to accompany the last calls with an article/segment of substance.</p>

[Jingo]

I personally think that if the "Last call for predictions" is accompanied by an article of some substance than i don't find it offensive at all, otherwise though i am with BHK on the putting your dynasty ahead of others is a pretty crappy thing to do and it almost always puts me off reading.

[Phantom Stranger]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="BHK1978" data-cite="BHK1978" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="34866" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>If you have the right people reading your diary, you will get more readers. I know people hate it when I say that but it is the truth. I have witnessed many writers on here who nobody paid attention to, all of a sudden become "great" writers after other big name diary writers took an interest in them. </div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="3rdStringPG" data-cite="3rdStringPG" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="34866" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p> But I will have to contest the first paragraph. I don't think that popular writers posting on a less-heralded writer's diary automatically makes them. For example, E-V has congratulated me on great shows and Phantom Stranger did the same once and predicted for a bit. But that didn't make my diary any more popular than it is. I still stick by the "if you write it, they will come" theory, "it" being quality storylines and/or engaging backstage segments. Not saying that I'm a "great" writer - actually far from it - but for me, content is still king.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I'm actually with BHK here - and no, I'm not claiming responsibility for PG's success by doing so.</p><p> </p><p> I'm also with PG. I did a diary here that was read by very few people, but I did it for ages. When I moved on to do PPPW, I got a lot more readers from the off, not because of a big name poster, but because I'd shown that my diaries didn't just fade away, which I do think is important.</p><p> </p><p> But a couple of folks I got were then big names. And that brought more folks in.</p><p> </p><p> When I wrapped PPPW and started TCW, I started with a bigger crowd than I'd had before. I'd got the old following, plus new folks who'd found PPPW's length daunting by the time they noticed.</p><p> </p><p> Again, big names helped build that crowd, but they can't be the only thing; for one thing, if that's all you've got going for you, big names won't come.</p><p> </p><p> I don't think it's a bad thing; I mean, we're here to read good diaries. *I* sure as hell am not going to regularly keep up with something I don't enjoy just to help a guy, you know? This is where I come with my time off!</p><p> </p><p> (It's kind of equivalent to books by new writers getting blurbs from Gaiman and King, I think. Only on a waaaaaaaaay lower scale.)</p><p> </p><p> ...I should point out here that I DO read a lot of diaries I don't predict on. 3rdStringPG's is one; I stopped predicting when I realised I couldn't get near the booking there. So if I'm not posting, it doesn't mean I think you suck, and if I AM posting regularly, it's because I enjoy predicting. Other threads, you'll see the very occasional post from me when I'm questioning something someone's said or when the writer delivers something TRULY standout.</p>

[Eisen-verse]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="BHK1978" data-cite="BHK1978" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="34866" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p> I also hate it when people make cheap bumps. Like the writers who tell their readers that they have 24 hours left to make picks in their prediction contests. Or people who post a show and because their show is not at the top of the diary section they feel the need to give some silly "update" in order for their diary to be on top. To me that is a jerk thing to do, because you are basically saying your diary is so important that it needs to be near the top all of the time. So if you make a cheap bump, chances are I will not follow it either.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Little harsh, BHK <em>(Not that you have a point but the usage of 'jerk')</em></p><p> </p><p> I'll be the first to admit, I let people know 24 hours in advance that my show is up. Why? It helps those who want to read my project KNOW that results are coming. To me, it's more about informing others that it's coming versus simply trying to 'bump' it. A single show can take me anywhere from 3-5 days to write. More or less, it takes a good amount of time to work through it, format it, and throw it up there (plus the planning that goes with it). I, honestly, don't see anything wrong with a bump if your results are coming. </p><p> </p><p> As for the 'update' thing. Again, I do that. My results tend to be so long that, for whatever reason, my show posts but it doesn't go back to the top. How is anyone supposed to know that something new has happened? That's how we find out. </p><p> </p><p> You can have your views on the matter but it just seems a little harsh. Oh well. We've gone around on this before (cordially; that said). Just wanted to provide a counter-point on the matter.</p>

[Dawn]

Yeah, i also think that this is a bit harsh. Firstly i agreed, but now i don't see the point in don't reading a diary just because the writer does a 24 hour warning or something like that. It's your opinion though. But for me, the writer can do a cheap bump every minute and i'll still read, because there can be a gem of a diary right there. And with this, people know that the show is coming and if they forget about predicting on it, they are warned. Me, i do it only for PPVs or with articles nowadays.

[The Final Countdown]

Hmm...interesting. I usually do a 24-hour notice thing before my PPVs, but I also use that post to respond to any recent comments or questions I feel merit a reply. Fair or foul?

[Mattywood]

<p>I don't really give a flying whoop what one or two people think about me posting an update of how our diaries are coming along. What I care about is if people are enjoying reading it. If they are, great. If they're not, I can work on improving it. If anything, if there's a diary I'm following that hasn't had anything posted, I'd love to hear from the OP to know that they're OK. That's all I'm going to say on this matter, so if anyone has issue with my blunt honesty, take it up with me to PM.</p><p> </p><p>

PS: I didn't know it was a law that diaries <strong>must</strong> have pictures. I thought the content of the writing was what was important. I forgot I'm dealing with the Xbox generation here.</p>

[Eisen-verse]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Matt Shannon" data-cite="Matt Shannon" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="34866" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I don't really give a flying whoop what one or two people think about me posting an update of how our diaries are coming along. What I care about is if people are enjoying reading it. If they are, great. If they're not, I can work on improving it. If anything, if there's a diary I'm following that hasn't had anything posted, I'd love to hear from the OP to know that they're OK. That's all I'm going to say on this matter, so if anyone has issue with my blunt honesty, take it up with me to PM.<p> </p><p> PS: I didn't know it was a law that diaries <strong>must</strong> have pictures. I thought the content of the writing was what was important. I forgot I'm dealing with the Xbox generation here.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I wouldn't say it's a must entirely. It's more of a thing about bringing the show/writing to life with another element. Either way though, I'd rather take great writing/creativity over flashy graphics. While I am a visual guy, I need content too.</p>

[Dawn]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="The Final Countdown" data-cite="The Final Countdown" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="34866" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Hmm...interesting. I usually do a 24-hour notice thing before my PPVs, but I also use that post to respond to any recent comments or questions I feel merit a reply. Fair or foul?</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Very fair, IMO.</p>

[BHK1978]

<p>Jerk might have been a harsh word to use (I mean I personally do not find the word offensive or insulting but if others do I apologize to them.), I am one of those people that do not think about the how the words that I choose will be taken once I write them down. I should realize that just because I do not find something offensive, others might. It still does not change the way I feel when people cheap bump. </p><p> </p><p> If you subscribe to the theory that if you write it they will come, then why cheap bump? There is no need for it because the audience will be there no matter how long your diary is inactive for. </p><p> </p><p> Heck Nevermore updates his ECW once every two or three years and when he does people still flock back to his diary in droves, myself included.</p><p> </p><p> I forgot to quote Eisen's post but I will say this, yes it does take that long to write and format a show. That being said it takes others that long as well, so it does suck to see my stuff or anyone's stuff bumped down because someone wants to write:</p><p> </p><p> "Last call, for you to get your picks in."</p><p> </p><p> When I was doing diaries I was on the flip side of you, I never had a large or vocal audience who would bump my shows to make comments or picks (Well my SWF diary pulled good numbers but nobody really posted in it so I have no idea if the viewers were actual readers or bots who happened to be looking at my shows.<img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />). Therefore it meant more to my diary to stay on or near the top than it would for diaries that had a good following. So it would annoy me to see people post twenty-four hour warnings and bump my diary further down. </p><p> </p><p> Because let's face facts, there were not many that were going to bother looking for my diary if it was not on the first page.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="3rdStringPG" data-cite="3rdStringPG" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="34866" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Well...how do I start?<p> </p><p> I guess I should start by apologizing for the cheap bumps, mainly the last calls for predictions. Granted, I'm far from being the only one who does so, but I'm one of the main offenders, so I guess it's time for me to cut that crap out - I've got enough loyal predictors, and those who've stopped predicting haven't stopped reading my diary. </p><p> </p><p> But I will have to contest the first paragraph. I don't think that popular writers posting on a less-heralded writer's diary automatically makes them. For example, E-V has congratulated me on great shows and Phantom Stranger did the same once and predicted for a bit. But that didn't make my diary any more popular than it is. I still stick by the "if you write it, they will come" theory, "it" being quality storylines and/or engaging backstage segments. Not saying that I'm a "great" writer - actually far from it - but for me, content is still king.</p><p> </p><p> In addition, I don't think periodically explaining to readers why certain shows may be delayed or advanced is tantamount to cheap bumping. As a reader, I personally appreciate it when someone says that he's busy with work or school and/or family, hence won't be able to post the next show as soon as he normally does. And I don't find it silly to post a dummy news article or a backstage segment as long as it's within context, and I wouldn't conclude that everyone does that in order to get their diaries up on the first page. Personally, if I'm "feeling it", I hammer out a new backstage segment or news article. It has nothing to do with wanting to be on page one, and everything to do with wanting to keep the diary updated by posting my ideas as they come. If people pay attention and comment, well and good. If they don't, then no biggie. That said, I've been chastised enough to apologize for those last calls for predictions. My bad entirely, even if I'd often try to accompany the last calls with an article/segment of substance.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Honestly I think I have checked your diary out a couple of times, so I had no clue if you did or did not do that (Nothing against you, but when I was doing my SWF diary I tried to avoid all of the other SWF diaries like the plague because I did not want to get ideas from them.). </p><p> </p><p> Last Call for predictions have seemed to have become the new normal on here, I was not calling out anyone in particular for doing it. I just see that it happens so much on here now and I personally do not care for it. </p><p> </p><p> If there are writers that do it, that is up to them. I am just saying for me I would probably stay away from a writer who does that.</p><p> </p><p> As far as if the right people follow you, you will get more of an audience. Well it has happened in the past and I could tell you examples of who it has happened for via PM if you really would like proof of it. I am not saying it is a bad thing that it happens, I am just saying that it does help if popular writers follow your stuff. </p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Jingo" data-cite="Jingo" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="34866" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I personally think that if the "Last call for predictions" is accompanied by an article of some substance than i don't find it offensive at all, otherwise though i am with BHK on the putting your dynasty ahead of others is a pretty crappy thing to do and it almost always puts me off reading.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I should have said this in my previous post. I dislike it when people bump for the sake of bumping, if they put actual content up with their bump I have no problems. I just dislike it when they just put, "Last Call for picks", on the page and nothing all.</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Matt Shannon" data-cite="Matt Shannon" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="34866" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>PS: I didn't know it was a law that diaries <strong>must</strong> have pictures. I thought the content of the writing was what was important. I forgot I'm dealing with the Xbox generation here.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I did not see this little gem until after I wrote my post. First off I am three years older than you, so you are not dealing with someone from the "Xbox generation" (Whatever the heck that is, hell if anything I am from the Atari 2600 generation.<img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />), I think I do fall into the Generation X category though. Nice try, trying to be cool and condescending. It was a good effort on your part even if you failed.</p><p> </p><p> Like I said, I hate one massive wall of text. Pictures are a must for me; I am not sure why that would anger someone it is just an opinion. Hell I have said a lot more offensive stuff on this site in the past. </p><p> </p><p> If I was reading a book that would be a different subject, I just find that reading a wall of text on the computer simply does not retain my attention. Therefore, much like Eisen, I need something visual to be put in a diary. Pictures and graphics do help with that.</p>

[Self]

One theory I have about pictures is that they help the reader remember the characters. How many characters are on a wrestling show? Lots, right? It feels like a lot. Surely it's harder for the reader to get all those characters straight when they're just names on a page. Obviously, it's different for WWE diaries, but personally I'm not sure how many readers of my CGC project were familiar with the CGC roster before clicking on my thread. Pictures help paint that picture and differentiate the characters.

[3rdStringPG]

<p>Well put, BHK. You have your own idea of what constitutes a cheap bump and others (myself included) have theirs, and I respect your stand, though I may not necessarily agree on some points. As for the "jerk" thing, apology accepted. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

Regarding examples of lesser-known diarists who catapulted to fame because someone notable commented or predicted on their work, feel free to PM - I admit to being fairly new here, and I'm only getting to discover some of the previous going-ons in the forums from previous years. Like you said, it's not necessarily a bad thing if that happens, don't get me wrong. Being a musician since my teens, I've seen peers get fairly popular in the rock scene because certain musician(s) signed to a major label likes their stuff, or because they somehow become friends with said "rock stars." Sometimes they deserve it, sometimes they don't. With that in mind, I'm beginning to see where you and Phantom Stranger are coming from in that regard.</p><p> </p><p>

Regarding pictures, I have certain readers, such as TheEffect (on my TEW 2010 diary, which was pretty much practice for what I've put out on TEW 2013), who have helped convince me that they do matter. Content will always be what primarily keeps me reading a diary, but like E-V and several others, I'm more likely to be loyal to a diary if the content is accompanied by visuals.</p><p> </p><p>

I think I've said my piece on the matter. Glad to know, though, that things seem to be settling down a bit.</p>