1. Overall Ease of Use/Appearance:
I like the appearance of this web site, in fact that is how I initially chose it. I also like the premise that this site is 'A World of Writing Tips, For Writers Around the World'. I think it is important to have a global perspective on the art of writing, and the markets thereof if you hope to be a successful writer.
This web site is very easy to navigate. Under the site's logo there are links to features that are routinely found here such as author's bookshelf, writers wanted, classes, contests and so on. Under this there is a rectangle box with over five different categories that deal specifically with writing. Examples of these are queries and manuscripts, freelancing, and columns and syndication. Under each topic are several sub topics that offer links to articles on that particular subject. The links are very simple and easy to operate and none of them send you to a web site that requires you to wait will it be loaded. Returning to the home page is equally effortless.
2. Quality of Content:
The information offered on this is site is extremely relevant to anyone who has ever tried to get something published, or has already been published. The topics and links cover all aspects of writing from getting started to publishing a book, and everything in between. I thought that the articles in the links were very informative and stuck to the topics. People who write the articles are published authors in all fields who know the ins and outs of the writing world. They offer practical advice and tips in a down to earth style that is not condescending.
3. "Style":
Style reveals the spirit or the essence of something and takes it's final shape in the attitude spoken or written. The essence of this web site is writing. The entire focus of Writing World is to get people writing and published. They offer contests, classes, and advice on every topic imaginable concerning writing. If you are not interested in writing in one form or another, this web site is not for you.
The information is presented in a laid back style that makes it easy to find what you are looking for. The topics are current and updated often to keep up with the fast paced world of e-writing and publishing.
4. Credibility:
Moira Allen is the editor and publisher of Writing World.com and the former editor of Inklings and Inkspot. She has been writing and editing for more than 20 years, and has published more than 300 articles and columns in The Writer. She is also the author of three books for writers: Creative Internet Strategies to Advance Your Writing Career, Starting Your Career as a Freelance Writer, and Writing.Com.
The articles featured in this web site, and it's many links, are written by published authors who offer free advice to their peers on getting started in the business. Many of these contributors have degrees, others do not, and their degrees come from the school of hard knocks or experience.
5. Commercial vs. Informative:
This site contains a lot of advertisements; in fact the ads frame the site. Some of them are the annoying type that constantly move or blink. They are distracting. The only redeeming quality is that they are all selling products that have something to do with writing. The ads are for software, editing services, and books that cover every conceivable aspect of writing.
There is no membership required to visit this site or any of the links they provide. Their biweekly newsletter is free and has 12,000 subscribers. Of course anyone can purchase advertising space in the newsletter, or their web site for a fee.
I found this to be an acceptable part of the site because after all Writing World.com.has to pay bills and some of the ads provide tools many aspiring writers might need to purchase.
Average Rating:
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