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Saturday
May 18, 2013
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WYRM
Rated: 13+ | Group | Reviewing | #1142497
A group for those dedicated to writing and reviewing speculative fiction.


[ What Does WYRM Stand For? ]

WYRM is the asylum for speculative fiction writers who are dedicated to giving in-depth, constructive reviews and appreciate the same in return. Our focus is on fantasy and science fiction, but all manner of speculative fiction is welcome.

We deal in short stories and novels in any format (such as static items, book items, and folders). Novels, novellas, and novelettes will be tackled on a chapter-by-chapter basis.

Members of WYRM are expected to offer in-depth constructive criticism for one another, but we also strive to get to know one another in our general discussion forum. Members are encouraged to visit the discussion forum, which is open to all group members, no matter where they are in the induction process.

We use the general discussion forum to share news and updates, ask advice on our writing endeavors, and stimulate one another's creativity. (Sometimes, "stimulating one another's creativity" involves telling jokes, just saying hi, or sharing ups and downs.)

When we get to know each other this way, we can better understand one another's ideas and goals. It's just one more tool for making us better reviewers and better writers.

As for member obligations, each member is required to turn in one review per week. We do have a spring break, a winter break, and occasionally other limited breaks, depending on member votes. Full Members also have the option of taking a month-long hiatus when they need the extra time.

It is not required that a member have an item up for review at all times, as we know that writers do not always have an item ready for analysis. However, members are still required to do their weekly reviews except during spring break, winter break, and hiatus.

What the acronym, WYRM, stands for is far less important than what the group stands for. And the group stands for itself. For its members. There is no group leader, only Application Period Members, Probationary Members, and Full Members.


[ Origins of WYRM ]

When Longswords, Lasers, & Literature looked as if it was about to go into retirement, many of us were devastated to see our time with some of the most dedicated reviewers we had ever known coming to an end. Fearful that we might lose all that we had worked for, WYRM was set up as a haven in case LL&L went down. It was also an opportunity to change the rules around and try new things. We had this lifeboat, stocked and ready to shove off should our ship succumb to the waves.

It didn't (at that time), but this dream of a group that was centered on its members did not die. WYRM has a longer period between acceptance and elevation to Full Member status, but Full Members are entitled to everything that is usually reserved for group leaders. There will always be someone updating the boards, changing out items that need changing, and keeping up with which members fulfill their duties. As the Full Member who houses this group item, I make the pledge that if no one else can meet these obligations, I will always find time to do it.


[ Becoming a Member ]

There are two steps in the WYRM application process. Both were inspired by LL&L, as they have proven to be excellent in the way of assessing potential members.

Please note, WYRM only accepts applications from Writing.com members who are eighteen years of age or older.

[ Step One ]
Review an item listed in the "Application Review Forum and make sure you post your review to that forum. You will find sample reviews from some of our members in there. We also mark which application reviews make the cut. This should give you an idea of the types of reviews we expect.

[ Step Two ]
Once you have completed Step One, please fill out the "Application Form

If accepted, you will enter an Application Period of two weeks, during which time you are expected to submit one review per each of those two weeks. That's a total of two reviews that must meet or exceed the quality of the application review the member submitted in Step One of the application process. (That does not necessarily mean it needs to meet or exceed the application review's length. Never confuse quantity with quality.) It is also a time for Application Period Members to get a feel for how we do things. And we're not heartless. We'll be there to answer any questions, offer guidance, and encourage you however we are able.

After fulfilling the requirements of the two-week Application Period, the member becomes a Probationary Period Member. You may then submit an item for review and other members of WYRM will be free to offer criticism.

After a Probationary Period of four additional weeks, the Probationary Member will become a Full Member, assuming you continue to meet WYRM's requirements. Full Members are eligible to vote on group matters (including the induction of new members and implementing new ideas for the best ways to run the group), and they have full editing privileges on WYRM group pages such as the WYRM Review Forum, which is where members' items are linked for review.

If you have any questions or comments about WYRM, please stop by the public forum linked under "Activities." If you’d rather keep things between yourself and the group, feel free to email any member of WYRM, all of which are listed at the bottom of this item. That member will get the message to the rest of us.


[ Activities ]

We run an annual marathon reviewing and writing contest in the late summer, and occasionally we get a chance to present other activities. These are open to all of Writing.com. We also visit the Public Reviewing Page when we can and reward the good reviews we see.

*Bullet* "WYRM's Gauntlet [18+]
Check it out now, my funk-soul brother. Unless you're scared?

*Bullet* "Talk to the WYRMs [18+]
This is the place to get in touch with the group as a whole. Ask questions, leave comments, or just let us know you stopped by.


[ Donations ]

We use donations to reward good public reviews (of all genres), give merit badges out to shining reviewers of speculative fiction, and pin awardicons to outstanding pieces of speculative fiction or pieces concerning in-depth reviewing. Once a year, we will be using them to run our contest, "WYRM's Gauntlet.

                                       "The Image Bucket (Closed) [ASR]
                                         *Star* 390,800

                                       "Longswords, Lasers, & Literature: CLOSED [13+]
                                         *Star* 248,969

                                       The Dark Lady
                                         *Star* 134,678

                                       Lukewarm
                                         *Star* 38,000

                                       Arwee
                                         *Star* 110,000

                                       Raine
                                         *Star* 10,000

                                       Lynn McKenzie
                                         *Star* 25,000 + 43,000 for "WYRM's Gauntlet

                                       badvoudou
                                         *Star* 34,000

                                       Rėley
                                         *Star* 2,600

                                       Gabriella
                                         *Star* 50,000

                                       Coursera Students 1933191
                                         *Star* 25,000

                                       Satuawany
                                         *Star* 101,010

                                       Schezar
                                         *Star* 69,000

                                       Stargopher
                                         *Star* 120,000

                                       Giselle
                                         *Star* 5,000

                                       Asymmetrical
                                         *Star* 20,952

                                       Jace
                                         *Star* 10,000

                                       ~Ariana~
                                         *Star* 28,500

                                       Natalie
                                         *Star* 1,900

                                       Lorien
                                         *Star* 950

                                       Rogue♥Sherri
                                         *Star* 100,000 for "WYRM's Gauntlet

                                       jay
                                         *Star* 100,000

                                       SoCalScribe
                                         *Star* 100,000 for "WYRM's Gauntlet

                                       ozhan
                                         *Star* 5,000

                                       Riot
                                         *Star* 150,000

                                       L_P
                                         *Star* 30,000

                                       Anonymous
                                         *Star* 227,761

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Group Members: 7 Members
Arwee -- Full Member
Stargopher -- Full Member
Satuawany -- Full Member
Asymmetrical -- Full Member
Chris Denton -- Full Member
iguanamountain -- Full Member
jay -- Full Member


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