I have encouraged feedback from those of you who visit this site- and on several occasions I have received comments (good and bad) that I try to utilize in my endeavor to make this site better and improve the print edition.
I am grateful that so many of you have taken the time to visit this site- and read the stories that are offered quarterly online- and to those who have purchased our print edition. I also know that not everyone is going to like the way the site looks- or appreciate the stories that appear here...that is why there are literally hundreds of sites and various styles and types of stories and reading material available.
Our world has a rainbow of reading choices- from light to dark- from breezy and carefree to deeply moving stories of life experiences- and we are free to select what we read.. This site in particular is focused on science fiction and fantasy (and that odd genre that doesn't have a home elsewhere). I do not like gore or horror, so I do not offer it.
There are sites that not only present stories, but sites that make comments- express opinions- measure the quality- of what is available for readers. Many of these sites only wish to entertain or enlighten their readers...some just want bad mouth or degrade the efforts of others....this is America...they can do that.
One comment recently hit a sore spot with me- and I went back and read it several times just to make sure that I had not misinterpreted it. I did not. While I am keenly aware that my site does not meet what some consider professional standards- this site is meant only as a medium of entertainment. Stories are presented for people to read, and hopefully enjoy. The writers who offer their work are compensated (paid) for their stories. They work very hard at their craft, and while some stories may not be up to the standards of every reader, stating that adding graphics to a site in order to cover up substandard stories was not professional and distracted from trying to read the stories, was a remark that is offensive to me and to those writers whose work is presented online here. (not a direct quote- but strongly implied)
The writer meant to insult me- and probably hit the nail on many remarks. I am not a professional site builder----I don't have years of experience under my belt (unless you count up all the years I have been writing, critiquing and reading- not only about writing, but how to begin publishing a magazine- yes, I did a lot of research first!) and I don't have a staff of overpaid, overworked, and under appreciated people working under me.
What I do have is a site that welcomes everyone. I offer this site at no cost to the reader. I pay the writers who's stories I publish a fair price, which is agreed upon prior to publication. I give all writers who have stories in print, not only payment for their stories- but a contributor copy as well. All of these are industry standards. I make every effort to contact everyone who has submitted a story within two to four weeks (0occasionally longer when I am getting the next issue ready for publication) and I never insult the stories that don't make it.
I apologize to anyone who finds this site less than professional. Every day I try to do something to make this place better...to offer something that might interest just about any age reader...to let hard working writers have a place to showcase their talents If you feel that this site is not what you consider appropriate, then by all means -- you have the right to avoid it. If you sent a story in and changed your mind- don't accept the contract and don't accept payment.. I won't publish material that is not under contract. However, if you sign the contract, I can publish. If you change your mind later, I can delete the story. It's a simple process.......
I did not mean for this to be a venting session- and please do not think that I am angry about any comments made about the site. What bothers me is the fact that someone criticized the quality of the stories...and that belittles all the writers who appear online.
Many gifted authors have offered their stories, and I proudly display them on this site. If at any time, you, as a writer, find the graphics annoying- I will remove them from your story. My main concern is that the authors be satisfied with the end results. I make every effort to present things in a fun and entertaining manner.
This is my request to all those who take the time to visit this site:
Please take a moment to answer the few questions I have below, in order to help me improve the site and make it something that will make you want to come back and read (and hopefully enjoy) on a regular basis.
I thank you for your time and will use the information to make this site better in the future.
