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
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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)
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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]
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.
[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]
@Andrew I have to respectfully disagree. Here's why - Some stories that were/will be written are actually titled with a question and will probably be posted there. Some questions are fun; some stories are fun. All can be creative. Both stories and questions can fit into any and every category you have introduced. There will continue to be disorganizational hodge-podge but now I'll have to search under every mood to find what I'd like to see, even if written by the same author. I realize positive intent was there, but I think it missed the mark. Reading through all the responses, I am not alone in this and most are not thrilled.
@Andrew Why not simply divide it into stories,longer posts that may be funny,serious,or even FICTION...it seems this may cause more problems than it solves;I hope I'm wrong and appreciate the time,effort you and your team must have put in
@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.
@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.
@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...
