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1️⃣ ✅ Group Consolidation Stage 1 | 👍 ❤️ Moods (Post Types) 😡 ☹️ | SW Group & Category Re-Structuring

[b]Hello everyone![/b] 🙂
By now, many of you would have likely noticed a new feature that was recently released on Similar Worlds, referred to as: [big]"Moods" [i][c=#666666](Post Types)[/c][/i][/big]

[b]Think of "Moods"... as an Improvement and Replacement, to the much requested return of: [c=#800000]"[u]Stories & Questions[/u]"[/c].[/b]
[i](I'll explain this more, below. ⏬)[/i]


[b]This feature is only a First, but Major step, in completing a major improvement to SW which we have been discussing for [u]well over 2 years now...[/u][/b]

The core "Project" to which our new "Moods" feature belongs to, is the larger [b]Group & Category Re-Structuring of Similar Worlds[/b],
more commonly referred to as [c=#800000][b]"Group Consolidation"[/b][/c].

[quote]
[big][c=#800000][u]Previous Related Announcements:[/u][/c][/big]

[b]🔄 SW Group & Category Re-Structuring (Feedback Appreciated)[/b]
https://similarworlds.com/100-Admin-Announcements/2149687

[b]↔️ How would you Categorize All Groups and Posts on SW? 🔃[/b]
https://similarworlds.com/100-Admin-Announcements/3614866

[b]Clarification on Group & Post Changes[/b]
https://similarworlds.com/100-Admin-Announcements/3432517

[/quote]


[sep]


While the new Moods feature, was not outlined in the previous discussion regarding Group Consolidation,
it became clear to us over time, that such a feature may be necessary to provide the best overall experience to users, on Similar Worlds.


[quote][b]Think of "Moods"... as an Improvement and Replacement, for the much requested return of: [c=#800000]"[u]Stories & Questions[/u]"[/c].[/b][/quote]

We have definitely been listening to your feedback and concerns,
and one particular issue that was often expressed, is the removal of the "Stories & Questions" sections, which previously existed on SW.

From what we understand and have observed,
one of the main ways Stories & Questions were utilized, was as a separation between "Post Types".


[c=#800055]On the [b]feed of "Stories"[/b], there appeared to be more often:
[u]Well written stories, experiences, discussion of issues, seeking of advice, etc...[/u][/c]


[c=#003BB2]On the [b]feed of "Questions"[/b], there appeared to be more often:
[u]Fun, relaxed posts, jokes, games, controversial topics, etc...[/u][/c]


We do realize, that the [b]removal of Stories & Questions[/b] some time ago (with good intention, and some necessity)...
did create some form of [b]"Disorganization" between user posts[/b], leading to dissatisfaction.
([b]We do apologize for that.[/b])

Where some users, much preferred the type of posts presented in the "Stories Feed",
while other users, much preferred the posts which appeared in the "Questions Feed".

([b]Varying Audiences, with lack of Segmentation.[/b])


After much consideration of what options we have available, while maintaining compatibility with the final form and completion of Group Consolidation...

We came to the idea of providing "Post Types", which is now named as "Moods" in our latest release.


[b]We do believe and hope, that this new way of categorizing posts by Mood or Emotive Type, will greatly help users in being able to see more of the type of posts they prefer, on Similar Worlds.[/b]


[c=#800000][b]Please note, that we will "Very Soon" include links to the various "Mood Feeds" in much more accessible places.[/b]

As well, the Mood of each post, will be soon directly visible from feeds.[/c]
(right now, they are only visible within (opening) the post)


[sep]


For your convenience (until properly integrated to the site, which should be soon),
[b]here are direct links to the various feeds of posts, for each of the newly released SW Moods (Post Types):[/b]

👍 [c=#1F5E00][big]Positive[/big][/c] - https://similarworlds.com/posts/positive

😄 [c=#A69800][big]Fun[/big][/c] - https://similarworlds.com/posts/fun

✨ [c=#665D00][big]Creative[/big][/c] - https://similarworlds.com/posts/creative

😐 [c=#804600][big]Anxious[/big][/c] - https://similarworlds.com/posts/anxious

😡 [c=#800000][big]Upset[/big][/c] - https://similarworlds.com/posts/upset

❤️ [c=#800055][big]Love[/big][/c] - https://similarworlds.com/posts/love

☹️ [c=#4C0073][big]Sad[/big][/c] - https://similarworlds.com/posts/sad

❔ [c=#004A59][big]Asking[/big][/c] - https://similarworlds.com/posts/asking

🔲 [big]Neutral[/big][/c] - https://similarworlds.com/posts/neutral


Kind regards!
[c=#005E2F][i]-The SW Team[/i][/c]
ScarletWitch · 26-30, F
We DONT like it!
ScarletWitch · 26-30, F
@Iwillwait I was first comment 😬
Iwillwait · M
xmedleft · 51-55, M
@ScarletWitch Actually... it might be an OK idea, if it mostly gets rid of groups that were only formed becasue someone couldn't spell.
Aidan · 26-30
Stories and questions is better. This moods thing ain’t it. Sorry
Magenta · F
@Aidan Doesn't even come close.
PirateMonkeyCabinet · 36-40, M
The moods thing seems like the one change you probably should have polled and requested feedback on before implementing. Seems like a fair lot of people actually didn't like it.

Honestly, I don't like it either. If it was optional then that would be fine. Now though, with titles being mandatory, mood being mandatory, and in addition the good old thing of having to rate your post if it contains certain content (which is a useful feature mind you), posting feels like I'm filling out Tax Form 22-B1-SW.
@PirateMonkeyCabinet You must not have had that as part of your username at one time, then... my bad... ☹️
PirateMonkeyCabinet · 36-40, M
@HootyTheNightOwl No worries, it happens. Have had this username ever since I registered, and used the same on EP.

I think this is the third time I've been asked if I'm someone else... and every name I've been asked if I was has been different. 😆
@PirateMonkeyCabinet yes it must have been optional.
@GeorgeTBH 🤷🏻‍♀️
GeorgeTBH · 31-35, M
@BettyBeez i made it as far as hello everyone then stopped 🤣
Ambroseguy80 · 51-55, M
Hi Andrew,

Great to see all the work being done on development.

One thing I have picked up on the mood types is people asking if they can have the option to not choose one
DragonFruit · 61-69, M
@InOtterWords THAT would be an improvement.
@InOtterWords I’m doing everything anxious. Because that’s basically me.
@InOtterWords being able not to chose one would be nice,
DragonFruit · 61-69, M
I view this less as an “improvement” and more as an “annoyance” (and possibly as a deterrent to some posts).
Magenta · F
It's not that it's such a bad idea, but, it is [b]not[/b] going to solve the issue of and get us back to separation of stories and questions, at all. That is still my biggest issue.

Thank you Andrew and Nuno, for all you do, truly.
Andrew · Admin
@Magenta

[quote]
[c=#800055]On the [b]feed of "Stories"[/b], there appeared to be more often:
[u]Well written stories, experiences, discussion of issues, seeking of advice, etc...[/u][/c]


[c=#003BB2]On the [b]feed of "Questions"[/b], there appeared to be more often:
[u]Fun, relaxed posts, jokes, games, controversial topics, etc...[/u][/c]

[/quote]

[quote]😄 [c=#A69800][big]Fun[/big][/c] - https://similarworlds.com/posts/fun

✨ [c=#665D00][big]Creative[/big][/c] - https://similarworlds.com/posts/creative

❔ [c=#004A59][big]Asking[/big][/c] - https://similarworlds.com/posts/asking[/quote]
Magenta · F
@Andrew Thank you. And these will be listed at the top of the home page?
LadyBronte · 56-60, F
I realize you're working hard, but as you yourself stated, by removing the option to separate questions from stories, you have created disorganization for your varying audiences which is leading to dissatisfaction across the board. Having to jump through one more hoop to post by adding a "mood", doesn't help anything but only increases the dissatisfaction and frustration.
Andrew · Admin
@LadyBronte can you explain specifically what each of the "Stories" & "Questions" sections were used for?
and/or more specifically,
How does "Stories" & "Questions" more accurately sort, each and every type of post made on SW?


The feedback we reviewed over many months, mostly expressed the situation I addressed.


One can now, freely write Questions under this Tag:
❔ [b]Asking[/b] - https://similarworlds.com/posts/asking

Stories & Creative Posts under this Tag:
✨ [b]Creative[/b] - https://similarworlds.com/posts/creative

Fun / Relaxed type of posts, under this Tag:
😄 [b]Fun[/b] - https://similarworlds.com/posts/fun



Many posts shared, do not accurately fall under being either a "Question" or "Story".

But now, with the new Post Types/Moods, users can better categories their posts, according to which Type they feel most relevant.
LadyBronte · 56-60, F
@Andrew Most everything posted falls into either stories or questions - even the one line stories are just that...stories. People here who enjoy reading and writing, (and there are some fabulous writers and avid readers here) don't want to sort through sometimes hundred of pages of questions just to find a gem we might be able to relate to, to find someone who may live in a "similar world" so to speak. A creative mood or a fun mood could be anything, (let's face it, for some "fun" will be taking their dog nor a walk for others it will be some sexual fetish they enjoy) so anything and everything can fit anywhere. The story categories were pretty much specific and the reader could asily access stories in one place, all written works without having to chase down moods that may or may not be stories and may or may not be of interest.
bookerdana · M
@Andrew Stories and experiences are long ;questions short..the qn may be funny serious or experiences pf the past but that really is the essential difference.AND if someone wants to write a long odyssey length post as a QUESTION they'd have that option..it seems an elegant and sensible thing...
SW-User
Thank you but I'm a bit confused,how does setting the mood make a post a story or Question ??
Andrew · Admin
@SW-User

[quote]
[c=#800055]On the [b]feed of "Stories"[/b], there appeared to be more often:
[u]Well written stories, experiences, discussion of issues, seeking of advice, etc...[/u][/c]


[c=#003BB2]On the [b]feed of "Questions"[/b], there appeared to be more often:
[u]Fun, relaxed posts, jokes, games, controversial topics, etc...[/u][/c]

[/quote]

[quote]😄 [c=#A69800][big]Fun[/big][/c] - https://similarworlds.com/posts/fun

✨ [c=#665D00][big]Creative[/big][/c] - https://similarworlds.com/posts/creative

❔ [c=#004A59][big]Asking[/big][/c] - https://similarworlds.com/posts/asking[/quote]
updown2020 · 61-69, M
@Andrew A one time sorry button would be nice to. This would be if we say something we should not and the other party blocks you well once you are block you cannot contact that person again. Well in the real world people would have a chance to apologise or at least try to but here on SW we cannot and that is not write. There should be a one time send back a message .
MartinTheFirst · 22-25, M
Add a horny mood or sack it
HannahSky · F
@MartinTheFirst I know, it's not the same but what other word would work for that?
zerofuks2give · 41-45, M
@MartinTheFirst yeah they definitely left out the biggest mood on SW 😂
BlueVeins · 22-25
RubySoo · 56-60, F
You need to add another mood.....CONFUSED!!!!
@RubySoo excellent
@RubySoo I would use that one constantly. *giggles*
Lilymoon · F
It's a little ridiculous just sayin 🤷‍♀️
Viper · M
The people also want a option of a political tag just like there's a nudity tag, so people can avoid the politial questions if they so choose.

Still taking it slow with the moods.
@Viper I would love to eliminate politics. Nothing would give me more Zen.
@DarkHeaven omg so true! lol People get so mad about politics like take that somewhere else 🤭🤭
@SweetNSassy facts. No politics zone would be beautiful. 😌
Thank you for your work.
How on earth is this going to work???

Killing groups for this seems crazy to me - for a start, we're losing the current subject grouping that we currently have, so we have no way of avoiding sensitive subjects that might trigger memories that are unwanted.

Grouping by emotions is also going to scatter friends who usually hang out together in a certain type of groups as well as making adult themed discussions harder to categorise because they don't really fit in with the "moods" system...

I can't say that I'm confident about this change right now.
assemblingaknob · 26-30, F
My sleep deprived mind did not get a single word of this post but just hearting it because Andrew posted.
JupiterDreams · 31-35
Andrew!! Andrew, hi 🥺
assemblingaknob · 26-30, F
@JupiterDreams Notice me too, Andrew!
GeorgeTBH · 31-35, M
Shit I'm not reading all of that 🤣 lol
Nimbus · M
Good to see that you are pro active in developing SW to achieve it's potential but I can't help but feel this particular action is convoluted and unnecessary.
Yulianna · 22-25, F
will it be compulsory to indicate a mood? many of my shorter posts/questions are intended to be "fun" but to signal them as such rather takes away the whole point.

equally, my irregular Plague Diary is a record of a part of my life, but if i label it "creative" that will suggest to many readers that it is fiction. because they are real, they have elements of all the categories at the same time.

"neutral" strikes me as boring, unimaginative, uninteresting and i would not want to categorize any of my posts in that way.

to try and force every post into one of these moods is unfriendly, anti creative and reduces the value of the site as a medium of expression.

if this is the direction the site is moving in, it is losing its value to me.
Yulianna · 22-25, F
@ozgirl512 you mean like, well,everyone is fed up with that mona lisa so let's give her an eyebrow piercing?

yeah?that really works for me.
Yulianna · 22-25, F
@TheSirfurryanimalWales 🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑

we may as well have a "mood" for sheep, it would make as much sense.
@Yulianna yeah....I hope admin are getting the message....
I am labelling everything as sad in protest
Pfuzylogic · M
Reminds me a lot of what I experienced on “Vent”. I like your experimentations.
bearinthehalfwayhouse · 26-30, M
Ey ita cool, B. Bear's down with all y'all changes. Have a drink. ┴┴┤•ᴥ •ʔ/🥃
Viper · M
[c=#BF0000][big]What about the Puzzle Secret![/big][/c]
Iwillwait · M
@Viper 🤔
Viper · M
@Iwillwait I might of figured it it :)
awhitedot · 46-50, M
Yeah, I don’t see how this is a solution to the issue at all. “We hear you missed feature X so we are replacing it with feature Y which looks and acts nothing like feature X that you miss and won’t do anything to solve the issue but here it is anyway because it’s cheap and easy and simple.”
SW-User
Thanks papi chulo 😘
i wanna be able to vote whether a post is fun, creative, etc. BUT ADD THE DISGUST mood too
@Dewms ooo. I would so disgust stuff. lol
Doomflower · 36-40, M
I don't like it and I think your proposal going forward sounds awful.
You have a suggestion site that is separate form here. On that site we are told explicitly what the site will not have and not incorporate form EP or other sites. "Blogs" for one and yet many wanted that option. It worked on the old site until it was removed to make the PC and cell versions comparable.

Admin is very must about what they do not want and yet in this case, where it could have been put up for public debate, you again choose not to but give us what you want and not what the members of the site want or desire. Ruining groups that many of us created with no members as we watched it grow on the old site is not something we are fond of losing.

No matter what you do you will not be able to recreate the "experience" the old site was. The closeness, intimacy and support that it had this will never have even though many have come over. This remains a niche site (as was EP!) and with this change I see it remaining MORE of a niche site and not evolving as a platform.

You could have corrected the errors EP made in the last 5 years of it's existence but instead you have chosen to compound them. A skewed vision will create skewed results and I see that is what you have created.
LadyBronte · 56-60, F
@LunadelobosIAMTHEDRAGON As you say...déjà vu. I figure easier to start now than to have to rush later. Two pages gone already... *poof*
R@LunadelobosIAMTHEDRAGON That appears to be the intention, i find that to be a shame if that happens and I also need to copy, paste and delete my stories if so. I will not let my groups to be seen as "feelings" or for my writings and thoughts to be equally treated. I am, we are, for more than that.
@Elandra77 I hope that sw has the grace to allow our, All of our material to be saved. Like EP did.

I feel sick in my stomach.
DeWayfarer · 61-69, M
Ok, why did you get rid of neutral?

There really are stories that you really don't want a mood on so that you don't infer an opinion.

Just imagine any political stories that you don't want to take either side on. Setting a mood other than neutral will ruin any proper discussion.
I feel and think that the moods is just like a cat with two tails(from a Russian expression, it doesn't translate very well)
is is redundant completely useless.
It serves NO PURPOSE.
It's like a kid's game and it's annoying and absurd.
I feel this is a step BACK.

I wasted time when I needed to post something.

Moods are SUBJECTIVE as you know. Why on god's green earth would you put up this feature.

I am sorry SW admin. I see zero reason for it.

Sincerely, L.
LadyBronte · 56-60, F
@LunadelobosIAMTHEDRAGON I have to agree.
@LunadelobosIAMTHEDRAGON correct....select neutral......
@TheSirfurryanimalWales I feel like weeping bc this is nuts.

Oh boy.

Hugs.
bookerdana · M
Hi Andrew..when I go to "Home" I still see the same hodgepodge of stories and Qna,perhaps I missed the point but how does the mood have anything to do with that? To put a serious story in the shark tank of the mainpage questions seems to still be a thing
This message was deleted by its author.
bookerdana · M
@Magenta I'm confused ,Andrew said we can link to "moods" which isn't stories/questions


I do know "the villagers" ain't happy😜
Magenta · F
@bookerdana 😂🤪
Viper · M
I like the idea in theory, but I don't understand how this is going to get us back to the old happy way of stories and questions
Viper · M
@LadyBronte @Doomflower

I don't mind the idea, I'm just not seeing how it improves things.

But I'm also open to the idea, that maybe it will, and I just don't realize it.
Doomflower · 36-40, M
@Viper agreed that it could be something we don't understand but that doesn't really excuse the poor communication on this change or the poor explanation of how it will be useful.

It isn't like I don't appreciate other improvements. I'm just beyond annoyed that there are now at minimum three boxes to tick before I can post anything.

I personally never really cared to sort the posts. I like the chaos and mute the users who's posts bother me.
This message was deleted by its author.
MARTAisback · 22-25, F
What if my mood changes while I'm posting a question 🤔
People say I'm a moody chick 😠
SW-User
Needs to be made as a user option
So far this “improvement” isn’t so popular
marsbar · F
I appreciate the improvements on the site, as well the explanations. I know not everyone will be happy, but the fact that you, Nuno & the moderators are still very active on here & want to continue improving the site, shows a lot of dedication. Thank you.
HannahSky · F
@TheRascallyOne is this bunny 🐰approved?
TheRascallyOne · 31-35, M
@HannahSky just observing
HannahSky · F
@TheRascallyOne yeah I'm not sure yet.
Striker · M
You really should have asked us... but you didn't and you are in control. We will [b]HAVE[/b] to submit or not post. Conduct Rules are ok but this is not. What if I liked the variety? Maybe I'm not seeing this right, but posts are labeled so the nude-loving guys can go just to the nude posts skimming over the others making their journey a journey of porn and the sad depressed folks can pick out others that are on suicide watch to form their cults. Maybe us angry folks can form an insurrection somewhere. Keep it mixed up and interesting... these unnecessary changes have to stop. Things were fine or rather I thought they were.
You know I was thinking that I don’t know if I care if things are sorted into moods but if you kept the nine forced choice topic board and separated posts into nine general topics, like stories, questions, political, fetish, nsfw, nudity, faith, lifestyle, or sexuality. That might be nine topics I would be interested in parsing out. Just a thought. I like the idea of sorting. Just not sorting by mood as it’s too ambitious.
Yulianna · 22-25, F
@DarkHeaven it is not at all ambitious but it is certainly ambiguous!
@Yulianna 😘
Yulianna · 22-25, F
@DarkHeaven 🤗🥰🤗
SweetMae · 70-79, F
Thank you for all your hard work to make improvements here.
DearAmbellina2113 · 41-45, F
I DO LIKE IT.
Hasmita · M
Do not like.
@sciguy18

Yes.... that's me when it comes to Questions ans stories ... lol
Nobody00 · F
can we get a possibility to insert video links expanded ....beyond only youtube links?
Viper · M
Are we gonna get rid of the groups then?
@Viper noooo i hope not
PirateMonkeyCabinet · 36-40, M
So on a more constructive not than my last post in here, I mentioned this to another user and figured I'd post it here too. I understand that no matter what you do there will always be someone who likes a change and don't like a change. You can't please everyone. That said, again, this change seems to not be very well liked overall. I appreciate that you're trying, but this seems to be a one step forward, three steps back situation. But to my point here, what I said to that user with an added underline to highlight one point:

[quote]Instead of this massive change they're doing it seems like it would be much more useful if they just had more active group moderation. Sure, it might mean having to add a person or two to the site staff, [u]but to me it seems like what people want isn't an entirely new system; they just want functional groups[/u].

Basically, something like this:
* Allow users to create groups again.
* Maybe/maybe not have new groups screened for approval.
* Have all groups get an extra button; the "report duplicate". User selects what group this is a duplicate of. The group moderation staff checks this and if it is a duplicate they merge the two groups.
* Users who follow a group that has been merged into another will get a notification so that they don't get confused about being in a group they don't recognize/can't remember having joined.
* Have an "uncategorized" group for people who don't want to have it in a specific group (or maybe for the fringe situations where a post needs to be moved out of a group).

Sure, there's still the whole questions vs. story thing, but that'd go well on its way to solving the groups issue.[/quote]

[sep]

If people want to add an optional mood, that is perfectly fine. Heck, some groups would work well as a mood on their own and need no further "mooding". All you've achieved is add another thing on the checklist of things to do in order to post. It might not take much longer than before to make a post but it is still yet another thing to do before you're allowed to post.

[quote]This added convolution just makes the hurdle to post larger, and the hurdle to post on other sites smaller in comparison. [...] Sometimes I just want to write and be done with it, not go through a questionnaire [...][/quote]

[sep]

As for questions vs. stories; back in the day you had to choose if you wanted to show the questions feed or the stories feed. You could have just made a third feed (maybe even set it as the default) which showed both questions and stories.

Heck, instead of moods you could just have made an optional tag that could be added with the options "question" and "story". Not saying that is necessarily the best solution, but what you have already implemented seems counter-intuitive at best.
Fishy · 31-35, F
I think the moods thing is okay, but I think it would be cooler if we could just have a mood setting on our profile... sorta like a status thing, and then maybe the posts we make will automatically sync with the mood option we have on our status? So we don't have to pick a mood every time we post?

I dunno, just an idea
sassypants · 36-40, F
@Fishy This is a wonderful idea. Maybe something to consider adding as an option.
adorbz · 26-30, F
Could you outline somehow what all the stages are and when you plan to add them? I understand how this idea could have solved the stories/questions thing but not how this fits into hierarchical topic organisation 👀

...although it doesn’t really solve the stories/questions, no one was ever coming here specifically for anxious posts 🤔 but would be interested in seeing some among their other posts. So they’ll just look at the main feed anyway and the mood categories become pointless

It’s an interesting concept but there’s no way that every post has a mood. Like, what makes this post a creative mood? If I’m looking on the creative feed am I expecting to see art and fiction? because it looks no different to just being an arbitrary 1/9 of the main feed
This comment is hidden. Show Comment
adorbz · 26-30, F
@adorbz but most of this would be sort of solved with an automatically selected unspecified mood as I explained here https://similarworlds.com/123456-I-Have-a-Suggestion-for-Similar-Worlds/3776831-Compromise-idea-for-mandatory-SW-moods-on-posts
There will still be these weirdos sticking awful posts into the good mood feeds but if they don’t have to pick a mood when none fit their post, then they probably won’t
BananaBrown · 41-45, F
I’m noticing a lot of this...

But really, it’s fine. 🤷🏻‍♀️
JaggedLittlePill · 46-50, F
I should not have to choose a mood in order to make a post.

The mood thing, is pretty lame in my opinion.
@JaggedLittlePill I think they could use the same forced board and replace moods with general topic types for sorting purposes and it would be perfect, personally. Allowing me to sort out politics and religion as two of the nine types.
SW-User
Meanwhile, in the real life...

 
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