How To Start A Group (locked)

Dear Sir or Madam Moderator,

I am an English major on my way to a Doctorate I Secondary School Education. I am relatively new, but I have found one painfully obvious absence in Justin French’s otherwise very well designed artistic community, as well as long thought another issue needed to be addressed, RedBubbble being the best suited place for it.

Initially, and most desperately, the groups call out for the acceptance of non-fiction works. Currently, there is fiction, fantasy, flash fiction, and even Vampire inspired fiction, but a complete disregard for non-fiction literature – writing which not only makes up at least half of the literary catalogue, but which covers individual histories, time capsules for future generations… not to mention a beautiful sociological study of our currently baffling world. I love essays, however I do not think this is, for now, appropriate, or that there would be interest in the content such a group would attract. Instead, I am thinking of a group for personal non-fiction stories of all kinds and all lengths (reasonable lengths… 10-15 typed pages in Word tops). In a life there is joy, pain, humor, lust, fear, etc., and each occurrence of such brings with it a story to be told. No doubt many will find this a place to record inspirational event which have occurred in their lives, but so many other story will also be told. Other than a lenient length rule, the only other which I feel is important is that the story told is a personal experience… otherwise we end up with a group akin to one of those Small Miracles or Chicken Soup Books – literature which I know makes most of us, if honest with ourselves, a bit over-sweetened. So, most important (and I am serious about the glaring lack of such a group) is a non-fiction group for personal histories, 150 words-30,000 or so, which may feature one image or so per relevant story. A journal is not necessary in such a case, but one can be included as well. Let me know of any ideas you have to tweak this concept, or any more information you require. I do have an image most appropriate for such a group as well, if you would like to see it.

Secondly, and this one is more of a desire of mine which I believe all writers will appreciate. We have all used words which are conversationally sound (most if not all know what it means and take no note of its absence from the actual English lexicon), but other than slang and dialect inconsistencies, it is difficult to get a word recognized, even if it plainly should be. For instance, premptation is not a real word, nor is malintentioned. Now the first of the two can be replaced simply by the word preemption, but the latter requires the use of multiple words in its place, such as “with poor intentions” or “of evil design.” I my own writing, as well as the work submitted to me as a student teacher, I come across words such as this all the time. I am in no way suggesting a group which accepts nonsense words which the creator of have personal meaning for. Instead, the word should be of what is normal grammatical composition, simply not recognized by the “gods of English”. Most will be pre or suffixes added to words which buy doing so reduces 3 words into one. This group would require Approval for submissions, and require the submission to be used in a sentence which flows smoothly. There should be a limit of one submission a day, and no artwork. However, contests can easily be arranged for such a group, even if the only prize is recognition from peers. As people here take note of words submitted, they will enter personal vocabularies, spread to the word choices of others, and hopefully find a place in the official language. I know many writers would kill for a way to cut down word-count without sacrificing the reader’s understanding of what is being said. I realize this is a more complex group than the first, however, it would be a place in which literary artists can do more than sell t-shirts, but also change a piece of future history as well. Of course all languages will be considered, but no slang, so made-up “spork”-like terms, simply words which would make the life of all writers easier.

I study at home, and am on the computer at least 12 of 24 hours if not up to 18 or more. I am fair handed, and kind. Additionally, I have exhausted the available English classes my college offers, and have a comprehensive understanding of written word, as well as the utmost respect for it in all forms. I would be honored and it would be a joy to work so closely with other literary minds.

Additionally, consider recruiting a group leader for a group which focuses on editing work submitted. Recently the “comprehensive analysis” group was added, long overdue, but I feel the commentary to “be nice” over every comment box intimidates people from telling the truth. No one grows if no one sees the point of view of others… certainly not writers. Allow, in one group, editing until the paper bleeds if need be – the original author can take and leave as they desire. Truthfully, if someone is unable to handle criticism about the work they produce, there is little chance they will ever make good on their talent. Every paper I write is edited at least 3 times personally and 2 by others, newspaper columnists have copy-editors adjusting their work, professional writers have editors as well. Why not aspiring Hesses and Robins’ as well? Just something to consider.

Most Respectfully,

(G)ordon Merrick Justice
Sleightflow
Poedit.com (under development)
Slightflow.com (under development)

SpaceAce, I have bubblemailed you on this…

I was wondering if there a group for humming birds and non prey birds. the only group i found was for prey birds like eagles. if not i like to start one. could you help me out?

Great idea Ginny, I hope it eventuates!!

i have not been around the site a whole lot to know if there is a group of this yet.
my 4 legged children,if so can someone tell me where?if not can i start one?

I would like to stat a group on dogs.

How much time does moderating a group take? I have the idea of a ‘doodle’ group, I have noticed a few people who produce great ‘doodles’, and i expect there would be some interest, but i hesitate as i think I might struggle with the extra work….
Any clues guys?

I would like to start a room on oklahoma photography

Dougie, can we include Newcastle/Northumberland in this group? Seems daft to start a separate one – we’re all North Easterners after all….

Vicky here is the link about setting up a group

For the moment new groups are on hold as redbubble are doing some rethinking with regards to their organisation.

I don’t think RB will have any new groups until they sort out the new gallery/group structure which is a work in progress at the moment.

I sent in a group request nearly nearly 4 months ago. Can someone help me out? What happened to the freedom to be creative?