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 Writing.Com 101   #101Printer Friendly Page Tell A Friend
Writing.Com 101
Entry #703794, added on 08-15-10 @ 7:31 am EDT
   Entry Access Restriction: None.
Get Started With Your AccountEntry #703794

Welcome to Writing.Com,
the premier online writing community!

This area gives you tips for quickly getting started with your account on Writing.Com. Think of this as your jump start for getting your work and presence online! The more you learn about this vast, exciting website, the more fun you will ultimately have each time you log in. (For complete information, please look over "Writing.Com 101" ). Choose a topic below to get started!

JUMP START YOUR ACCOUNT
*Bullet* Set up your BioBlock and Biography
*Bullet* Set up your Signature Block
*Bullet* Change Your Handle
*Bullet* Explore your Portfolio
*Bullet* Create your first Item
*Bullet* Say "Hello" & introduce yourself
*Bullet* Choose your Preferences
*Bullet* Open Instant Messages Console
*Bullet* Subscribe to Newsletters
*Bullet* Have questions or need help?

LEARN MORE ABOUT WRITING.COM
*Bullet* Membership Information
*Bullet* Writing
*Bullet* Reading
*Bullet* Reviewing
*Bullet* Interaction in the Community
*Bullet* Author Resources
*Bullet* Useful Editorials
*Bullet* General Information
*Bullet* Helpful Links


Explore Your Portfolio:   TOP
Your Portfolio is your homebase or work area within the site. From this area, you may create new items, edit or delete existing ones, organize your work, set up your biography, view information regarding your membership, and much more. (For complete information, read: Overview of Your Portfolio.)

How Do I?:
*Bullet*Click "Portfolio" in the left column.
*Bullet*Explore the various tabs at the top of your portfolio and click the links within each tab to become familiar with your personal tools.


Set Up Your BioBlock and Biography:   TOP
Your BioBlock and Biography is the welcome mat that you lay out for the visitors to your portfolio. Welcome your readers with a brief introduction about yourself, your writing or what makes you tick! (For complete information, read: "Portfolio" Tab and "Biography" Tab.)

How Do I?:
BioBlock
*Bullet* Click "Portfolio"in the left column.
*Bullet* Choose "Edit This Area" within your Portfolio tab.
*Bullet* Read the details and rules regarding your BioBlock.
*Bullet* Fill in your information.
*Bullet* Click "Submit Changes".

Biography
*Bullet* Click "Portfolio".
*Bullet* Choose "Manage Your Biography" within your Biography tab.
*Bullet* Fill in your information.
*Bullet* Click "Submit Changes".


Set Up Your Signature Block:   TOP
A Signature is text that will automatically show up in your emails, forum posts and journal entries. This is a very convenient way to leave an impression on those members with whom you're conversing! (For complete information, read: My Account.)

How Do I?:
*Bullet*Click "My Account", then the "Options" tab.
*Bullet*Choose "Manage Signature(s)".
*Bullet*Read the details and rules regarding your Signature Block.
*Bullet*Fill in your information.
*Bullet*Click "Submit Changes".

*Note* NOTE: If you'd like to check for mistakes and preview what will show up in your signature, just follow the directions from that area.


Create Your First Item:   TOP
To fill your portfolio with your writing, you need to create an Item. There are over 20 different item types available on Writing.Com; be sure to choose the best type for your particular writing purpose. (For complete information, read: How To Create an Item.)

How Do I?:
*Bullet*Click "Writing".
*Bullet*Read the description of each item type.
*Bullet*Choose the best type that fits the writing you want to post.
*Bullet*Read and follow the instructions on the item's creation page.
*Bullet*When you are finished filling in the information, click "Save Item".
*Bullet*To view your new item, click on it from within that same window or choose "Portfolio". You will find your item in there.

*Note* NOTE: When you have become familiar with the various item types on Writing.Com and no longer need the descriptions for each, you can easily create them from within your portfolio by clicking the "Create Item" link under your Portfolio tab. This will bring up the entire list of item types so that you can quickly access and create your next one.


Choose Your Preferences:   TOP
Setting your Preferences will make your stay here much more enjoyable by customizing certain site features to your liking.
(For complete information, read: My Account.)

How Do I?:
*Bullet*Click "My Account".
*Bullet*Choose the "Options" tab.
*Bullet*Read the details regarding all available preference settings.
*Bullet*Choose the preferred setting for each.
*Bullet*Click "Submit Changes".


Say Hello & Introduce Yourself:   TOP
Don't be shy; step up and introduce yourself to the community! We know you might feel a bit nervous, but we're happy you've found your way here and can't wait to hear from you! Don't be bashful; there are many members to meet and friends to be made! (Read: New Members ... Our "Newbies".)

How Do I?:
After you have filled out your BioBlock and Biography within your portfolio, make your way into the community and mingle! The quickest way to introduce yourself to everyone is to post your hello in various Message Forums around the site. Here are two great ones to get you started:
*Bullet*"Writing.Com General Discussion" 
*Bullet*"Noticing Newbies" 


Open Instant Message Console:   TOP
The Writing.Com IM System is a quick way to get in touch with other members who are online and a great way to view and/or participate in some of the site chatter! (For more info, read: Instant Message Console.)

How Do I?:
*Bullet*In the left column, click the "IM" link: <img src="http://www.writing.com/imgs/IM-dark.gif">
*Bullet*The upper portion displays members that are online and available for IM.
*Bullet*The lower portion is "Scrolling Message", a real time way to chat with other members.

*Note* NOTE: Any member may view and follow along with the chatter in Scrolling Messages. In order to participate, though, you must have an Upgraded Membership (see: Free and Paid Membership Benefits).


Subscribe to Newsletters:   TOP
Writing.Com Newsletters are a great resource for members and sent out on a weekly basis. Our newsletters cover a variety of topics from Romance to Horror and Short Stories to Contests. (For more info, read: Writing.Com Newsletters.)

How Do I?:
*Bullet*Choose "Newsletters" from the "Writing Resources" menu in the left column.
*Bullet*Click "Manage Newsletter Subscriptions".
*Bullet*Choose your favored topics.
*Bullet*Click "Submit Changes".

*Note* NOTE: Official Writing.Com newsletters are emailed every Wednesday; you will find your weekly issues in your email inbox.


Change Your Handle:   TOP
Your Handle is the text that shows up next to your portfolio icon. Unlike your username, which cannot be easily changed, you may update your handle at random. (For complete information, read: My Account.)

How Do I?:
*Bullet*Click "My Account".
*Bullet*Choose the "Options" tab.
*Bullet*Find and read the rules regarding the changing of your handle.
*Bullet*Fill in your new handle.
*Bullet*Click "Submit Changes".

*Note* NOTE: To view your new handle, go back to "My Account" and look for "Your Handle" under your Account Overview.


Have Questions or Suggestions?   TOP
If you've read over the Getting Started area and still can't find an answer to your question, there are various areas within the site that might help you.

How Do I?:
*Bullet* Help @ Writing.Com 
*Bullet* Technical Support Forum 
*Bullet* Non-Technical Support Forum 
*Bullet* Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
*Bullet* Have a Suggestion? Suggestion Box 

*Note* NOTE: Also, don't be afraid to ask other members if you have a question. You might find that you'll learn something new and make a new friend at the same time!


Writing   TOP

How To Create an Item: Learn how to begin filling your portfolio with your writing!

Rating/Reviewing Preferences: Understand the difference between these two options and choose which is best for any particular item in your portfolio!

Item & Writing Tools  : Find out more about the useful tools that will assist you with your writing!

Item Statistics: Learn how to understand your readers and their ratings by viewing an item's Extended Statistics!

Overview of Your Portfolio: Get to know the ins and outs of your private and public online portfolio.

Folder: Organize your portfolio and layout of items using folders!

Group: Gather groups of members with a common interest and work together!

Image: Upload images into your portfolio and enhance your items and signature!

Content Rating System (CRS): Each item posted on Writing.Com must be properly rated; familiarize yourself with our guidelines.

Writing.Com Copyright Policy: Get to know and understand our policies and procedures on copyright infringement.


Reading   TOP

Finding Items To Read : With so many items to read, where do you start?

Perusing Authors and Portfolios : Learn how to wade through all of the Authors at Writing.Com!

Writing.Com Newsletters : Each archive contains an abundant amount of helpful information, thought-provoking opinions and creative inspiration!

Reviewing On Writing.Com : Authors want and need your feedback for those Items you read!


Reviewing   TOP

Reviewing On Writing.Com : Honest, helpful feedback is invaluable to the Authors of the community; learn more about the reviewing system here.

Guidelines To Great Reviewing : Writing a detailed review takes time. Follow these guidelines for best results!

"How Should I Rate Items on Writing.Com?" : Learn to leave honest feedback for the authors of Writing.Com.

"Comment-In-A-Box" : An example of the criteria for choosing a rating for an item.

"The Review Request Page" : For serious feedback on your Static Items, post them here!

Awardicons : This is Writing.Com's Premiere Recognition System; hand out your very own ribbon or trophy!

How To Deal With Negative Comments : Read our advice on how to deal with an unconstructive and negative review.


Author Resources   TOP

"Site News & Announcements" : Find out about new and improved features, updates and news.

"The Shameless "Plug" Page" : Come and shamelessly plug your favorite item to the community!

"Writer's Resource" : Have a question on some aspect of the art of writing? Check here!

"Writing Contests @ Writing.Com!" : Exercise that mind and you might just win! Check for a variety of current running contests here!

"Writing.Com 101" : A complete guide to Writing.Com!


Useful Editorials   TOP

Gaining Exposure For Your Items : Learn a few ways to direct the community's attention to your portfolio!

Tell a Friend : Help spread the word about Writing.Com and gain exposure for yourself!


Membership Information   TOP

Register For Your Free Account : Learn the difference between our Guests and Members!

Free and Paid Membership Benefits: Find out more about the various Membership options at Writing.Com.

Portfolio Icons: Learn about the various colors of the Writing.Com portfolios!

Merit Badges: Recognize another member for effort and excellence with a Writing.Com Merit Badge!

"Writing.Com Images For Upgraded Members" : Need a new look? Grab a new image to spice up your posts, items and emails!


General Information   TOP

About Writing.Com: Find out what this community is all about and how it can help you!

Gift Points: Advertise items, encourage members or purchase products with our "virtual tokens"!

BidClick System: Sponsored Items, Links & Genres : Gain exposure for items and offsite links using our innovative advertising system!


Interaction in the Community   TOP

"Noticing Newbies" : Come and introduce yourself to new and not-so-new members! We're waiting to meet you!

"Writing.Com General Discussion" : Jump right in here and tell us about yourself! Maybe a mini-bio, your specialties, reading interests... let's hear it!

"Activities @ Writing.Com" : This is the place to find and advertise activities within Writing.Com!


Helpful Links   TOP

Self Publish Your Writing: If you've decided to take the next step in writing, check here first for all of your publishing needs.
          http://www.writing.com/main/showcase.php?t=pod&i=600

Link to Writing.Com: Have a personal website that you'd like to link to Writing.Com? Text links, banner ads and html are provided for you here!
          http://www.writing.com/main/linktous.php

Visit Our Online Shop: Support Writing.Com through the purchase of a paid membership or branded product!
          http://www.writing.com/main/store.php

Writing.Com Privacy Policy: Writing.Com has a firm commitment to our members' privacy; read to learn more.
          http://www.writing.com/main/privacy.php

Writing.Com Member Agreement: These are the terms and conditions that each member agrees to upon signing up.
          http://www.writing.com/main/agreement.php

Close an Account: Visit this area to close your Writing.Com account.
          http://www.writing.com/main/cancel

© Copyright 2010 SMs is CELEBRATING 10! (UN: storymistress at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
SMs is CELEBRATING 10! has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.
Writing.Com 101

Maintained by SMs is CELEBRATING 10!   
Created: 08-13-10 @ 6:10am | Modified: 08-15-10 @ 7:31am      
Entry Alias: 101_get_started