Of Ponies and National Novel Writing Month

Of Ponies and National Novel Writing Month

When considering a possible information community on which to concentrate throughout this semester, the first one that occurred to me was Equestria Daily—with its creative MLP fan base, consisting mostly of older fans. And this would indeed have been a good choice, especially with regard to the vast wealth of resource generated by the site administrators and participants.

However, at the back of my mind there has also been another possibility: National Novel Writing Month, sponsored by the Office of Lights and Letters. This website, named for its most famous contest held during November, encourages people from many different backgrounds to sign up for “30 days and nights of literary abandon,” while fundraising for various literacy programs or good causes.

With these points in mind, and given how close literature and creative writing is to my heart, I would like to devote my research for LIBR 200 to the information community fostered by this on-line site for writers instead. There are also several resources I would enjoy using—some of which come from the list of articles/books suggested in the readings for the third module—and I’d enjoy connecting with other writers who participate in NaNoWriMo to discuss the good things that happen on the site.

And as for the different ways in which National Novel Writing Month fulfills the blog requirements for the characteristics of an information community:

1. Exploits the information sharing qualities of technology

National Novel Writing Month makes good use of technology when carrying out these various programs and fundraisers. Its annual contest in November requires all participants to sign up and enter their intended project on their site, which also has multiple forums where writers/marathoners can discuss their writings or give each other advice. NaNoWriMo also includes a “shopping page,” where any purchases or tax-deductible donations made go towards various literacy fundraisers.

2. Collaboration among diverse groups

A major aspect of National Novel Writing Month is to bring together people from a variety of backgrounds to enjoy some creative writing in a friendly and productive environment. Although adults compose the bulk of the visitors and participants, children and teenagers can also find a lot of help in their creative endeavors. They also have a separate section of the website dedicated to writing marathons aimed at younger age ranges. They even help coordinate with libraries or similar locations to help give participants quiet writing environments, among other services. 

 

3. Formation around user needs

Various forums teeming with discussions among administrators and fellow writers make users feel like they’re joining miniature writing circles. During November, the site contacts and has well-known authors deliver brief written pep talks to participants. In addition, the Office of Lights and Letters work in coordination with different self-publishing sites and writing programs to help their visitors revise or strengthen their work.  

 

4. Helps to overcome trust barriers

While each participant on the site must create a profile, the most information they need to provide is their name (or a pen name). During November, the tentative title for their latest writing project, and its word count, come into play. But for the most part, writers volunteer any other personal information—and since the site is geared towards encouraging the creative efforts of all users, everyone can interact without needing to get too personal (in terms of privacy or security).  

 

5. Fosters social connectedness

National Novel Writing Month is an on-line site that encourages writers to come together, discuss their works, and reach a set word count (during November or their Camp NaNoWriMo sessions) without any real pressure. Enough said.