My Experiences on Associated Content

Nicholos Poma B.S.
I have only been with Associated Content for about a month, but I find the experience to be more satisfying than any other I have had. While I realize my writing style is perhaps a little unrefined, I feel that it is progressing and I have the community at large to thank for that. However, there are some things which need to be addressed to improve the AC community as a whole.

It is my belief that AC is a community of writers which are as diverse in backgrounds, as they are of content and interest. I believe that this community should act more as a support tool for the professional as well as novice writers. The rating system serves a purpose, but if abused it does not accurately determine the actual skill level of a particular writer.

More often than not, I have seen the rating system being used more to disagree with the content of the article instead of, as it should be, used to evaluate the writer's skills. The rating system is a tool which when used properly will accurately gauge the writing level of the author and thereby give an indication as to whether there is a need to adjust writing style, or execution.

Another area of concern for me is the comments section. Now, I must preface this by saying that the comments I have received have been, for the most part, good. However, I have seen comments on my articles, as well as other CP's, which are rather nasty and serve only to lower the conversation into the depths of maliciousness.

Now, I am not so high and mighty as to suggest that I am not guilty of this. However, I actively try not to practice intentionally degrading someone else's opinions. I like to think that there are many opinions out there and we will not all agree, as any of you that have read my articles will attest to. Nevertheless, if we do have an issue with another CP's content, then we would be better served if we were to state our disagreements in a less combative, and derogatory manner.

I do have to say that I do respect those that are signed in when they have a negative comment as opposed to those that would hide them selves in anonymity. I think everyone is aware that this happens and quite simply these people are cowards and have no conviction in what they say. These are those people that prefer to flame people instead of having an intelligent conversation with them. By the way, "Flaming," is where, because of the anonymity of the Internet, individuals believe that they can treat people like crap and belittle them.

I believe that the comment section should be used like the rating system. I think that it should be used to voice concerns and to offer constructive criticism to the author. I know this all sounds pretty Pollyanna, but it would be nice if we all tried to respect each other and actively participate in helping each other to grow as writers.

I know for my part I will diligently try to be fair and understand that not all people will agree on topics. I think it will also make AC such a better place to hone our skills and progress in our climb to become the best content producers we can be.

Published by Nicholos Poma B.S.

Nick Poma holds a Bachelor of Science and Information Technology degree. He has served in the United States armed forces as a 31U, Tactical Communications Specialist, from 1983 to 1989 and then again from 20...  View profile

14 Comments

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  • A.M. Morgan11/6/2007

    First off, Congratulations on making it to clout rating 6 in a little bit over a month. Great accomplishment. Your article is very insightful. I find that some of my articles get rated down as well I guess it's just the nature of the game here. It is impossible to please everyone someone is always going to downplay your skills and efforts it is human nature. I say to you keep on writing and moing forward beyond the negativity. Happy writing.

  • ALBAN MEHLING11/2/2007

    God has given you the talent to write. It is your job to develope this talent to the best of your ability. The negative slime that doesn't respect your talent or opinions need to be ignored. I know it hurts but perhaps they are mentally and emotional ill. Pray for them but ignore them. Thank You fer sharin'. ;-}}>

  • cathiesbloggs10/30/2007

    You are exactly right!..I love your style of writing..very educated..but also down to Earth..I can't wait to read more!!!..

  • Lenora Murdock10/29/2007

    Well written, with valid points. Sometimes learning to navigate AC isn't easy, but it is worth it for writers who need an outlet to improve their craft, or get their work published. Thanks for the article.

  • Sussy10/28/2007

    Good article, Nick.

  • Fabletoo10/27/2007

    Good article. I think one of the problems of the internet is people feel 'protected' sitting behind their computer screens and so will say things they will never say if having to face the person. You can count on me always saying positive OR negative things with my real ID though - can't do with cowards :-)

  • Jody10/27/2007

    Great article! I have been with AC for about a year, and I enjoy it a lot.

  • Alyce Rocco10/27/2007

    The reason for that is I am not interested in a "conversation" I just want to comment and move on. I also have so many accounts with differing password requiredments I can not recall them all. Re-using the same password is bad, because machines can figure them out. I also had to turn off comments and the message feature at You Tube, due to nasty spam and messages from Ron Paul supporters. They have done likewise here at AC. So I do not think people without accounts are "cowards" but protecting themselves from others verbal abuse.

  • Alyce Rocco10/27/2007

    Most CPs (per forum) feel it best to ignore the uglies among us and not read their articles. Others go on a downrating rampage after being particularly attacked with venom by another. As far as being "cowards" many of my readers are not writers. They are also not 'net addicts. They have no reason to get an AC account to leave a comment. I also had to guess at the identity of some, due to use of initials or a nickname. I am a 'net addict and I hate being forced to get an account to leave comments on articles or blog posts.

  • Alyce Rocco10/27/2007

    Speaking of comments, I do tend towards long ones! An AC improvement would be to let us know when comment space is used up; often find them with the last words cut off. I did start a forum thread. The worst offenders of adult, professional manner are actually violating ACs Terms of Service. They are truly brave to boldly do things that could bring a lawsuit against them; easy to trace and obtain their addresses, if one wanted to sue them for slander, libel, and making terroristic threats.

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