First of all, I wanted to let you guys know there's been a huge backlog on my e-mail lately. I've resolved the problem, but I'm still receiving messages that were delayed by this issue. You should be able to e-mail me now, but if you already have, please know that I'm not ignoring you and I'm getting back to things as I receive them.

Second, I'm sure you'll notice that I've created new layouts. We needed a fresh change, a system that was easier to navigate and a generally cleaner, more spacious look. If there is an access issue for anyone, I can reformat one of our old layouts to provide for that. Just let me know. Also, please notify me of any bugs you might come across.

Third, there are new Submission Rules, Terms of Service and an updated Help page in the left hand navigation. I ask that all posting members read and review the guidelines, as there have been a few changes and clarifications on what we do and do not allow here. I'm still trying to be very flexible, but I feel like the system has been abused in a number of ways lately and since I haven't had the time to monitor everything, it's gotten a little out of control.
I'm going to be working on getting things cleaned up in the upcoming weeks, but in the meantime, please be sure you understand the rules.

Also, you'll notice that there are links to two other sites in the right-hand navigation. One is a new fiction archive I designed for more general writing and other fandoms, which you are welcome to join if you wish. The other is the long established forum that is connected with that site. I've wanted to give folks around here a place to post in a message board format for quite some time, but I just don't have the time or the resources to launch, monitor and maintain another one. With the existing message board, we already have plenty of users, a good moderation team and a comfortable environment, so if you're looking to be social, feel free to try it out!

For most of you this won't be an issue, but we are intending to monitor this site much more closely in the future after a multitude of recent violations. If you come across anything problematic or if you simply have suggestions on how we could improve further, please let me know. This site is a lot of work and it's extremely difficult to stay on top of everything, but I do want to make sure that this remains a comfortable site of high quality for everyone.

Thank you!

--Adora on 03/04/09 - 12:07 am 19 Comments

We've been receiving a lot of complaints recently, regarding some of the stories in the humor category. LotRFF has always had very strong policies about flaming and mocking, and I feel that some of the stories I'm talking about are doing just that.

Just so we're clear on our policies, parody and humor are clearly acceptable, but using direct quotes, story titles and names of other authors for the purpose of mocking their work is not. Unless you have their express permission, we ask that you don't upload any stories that use the identities and story excerpts of other members. If you have a story of this nature already on the site, we ask that you either revise or remove it as soon as you can.

I really do apologize about this, but I don't like seeing specific members singled out for mockery. I created the community with the intention of allowing everyone a comfortable place to upload their work without having to worry about being bashed or humiliated if they were not good writers and I stand by that.

If you see a lot of flaws in someone else's work here on the site, why not leave them constructive criticism, designed to help them instead? I fully encourage our members to leave honest feedback, but I don't think making fun of someone else's story does much in the way of helping them improve as writers.

--Adora on 09/07/08 - 07:15 pm 32 Comments