What would put you off from joining/staying with a writing group?

[jongibbs]

I’ve been thinking about what makes people leave a writing group. They all have something to offer, so why do some thrive while others struggle to attract/ retain members?

Over the years, I’ve heard a fair number of reasons for people leaving/not joining a writing group. I’ve listed some of the more common ones below, if you have a minute, I’d love

Comments

[ladysaotome]

I agree with "all of the above".

Truthfully, there is a group nearby that I considered checking out. But according to their website, more than half their members seem to write thriller/mysteries/dark fiction and I'm not sure I'd fit in with that.

[jongibbs]

If it's nearby, it's probably worth a visit. You never know, the website might be out of date.

Writing Group Preferances

[ext_321512]

Jon, I thought I'd commented earlier, but it seems "fairness" is a prime requisite--allowing everyone possible a shot at reading and critiquing. There's value simply in reading aloud to a group, with bonus points for feedback.

However, I can't see myself paying to participate, nor would I stick around for a social gabfest unless I could read/crit while hoisting a martini.

Re: Writing Group Preferances

[jongibbs]

A good social gabfest is well worth it. As for paying membership fees, I'm happy to do so if the money's going to bring in quality speakers, which is generally the case with bigger, fee-charging groups.

[blood_of_winter]

Yeah, all of the above

[jongibbs]

Good critique groups are like good neighhbors, you never appreciate them till you come a cross a not so good one :)

[little_e_]

I think the way you've phrased the poll may be less than useful, because of course people aren't going to stay in groups which are too expensive or have too much drama, but what I define as expensive or drama isn't necessarily the same as what you define.

Personally, given my very busy schedule, I can't do anything with meetings--and probably a lot of folks just get *busy* and that's the end of them.
But put me somewhere flexible like LJ, and I do pretty well.
Second, I need to feel like my critiques are valued and my work is getting sufficient attention in return.

[jongibbs]

I understand what you're saying, but I'm assuming not all reasons are equal ie: what would be a deal breaker to some folks wouldn't be to others, which seems to be the case, since not everyone is selecting every option (I know I didn't).

Thanks for the input :)

[little_e_]

People are saying "all of the above" a lot because anything *would* be off putting if it were "too much". The only responses which aren't getting clicked by almost anyone involve size--for most of us, there simply isn't a "too small" size. You're not getting at "how price sensitive are you?" or "Do you want to be sociable with these folks?" or "does drama bother you?" but "would too much be too much?" Well, yes.

[darke_conteur]

The one and only time I ever participated in a writing group, I got the impression after a few reviews that the others didn't want to learn how to improve their craft, just pat each other on the back. I mean, I'm not Know-It-All Writer or anything, but if I could see the mistakes they were making, an agent would too.

[jongibbs]

I know what you mean. Mutual appreciation societies don't really help anyone in the long term.

[darke_conteur]

Exactly. I felt as though anything I suggested was falling on deaf ears.