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March 11, 2011

Figment – A Community for Writers

Figment is an online community for people who love the English language. Writers, poets, and storytellers can share their creations with people on Figment, while avid fans of fiction and short stories can use the site to discover new talent. What makes Figment a community, as opposed to just a message or board or a forum, is the sheer number of features and opportunities the site offers. Users can post their own stories, participate in contests, connect with other members, and review other writers’ work all from this one hub.

Sign up for Figment by creating a username and password, or login with your Facebook or Twitter account. Once you’re a member, you get access to all of Figment’s amazing features. Upload your writing to the Figment library to get started. Your writing can be public, private, or available only to selected Figment users. Once people start reading your piece, they’re sure to leave helpful comments and reviews. These critiques – which are never anonymous – can be helpful when editing future versions of your book or short story, or they can help spark an idea for something entirely new. If you’re in the mood, head to the Figment library to read all different types of writing by other users. You can read excerpts of new books online, and then purchase those books with just one click.

When you find a new author whose work you enjoy, click the “follow” button to receive automatic notices whenever he or she adds new content to the site. You can also leave a virtual heart on any story that touched you, as a way of letting the author know that you enjoyed the piece. For aspiring writers, published poets, and everyone in between, Figment is a great way to gain perspective and feedback.

Practical Uses:

  • Post your poem online and find out what other people think
  • Get advice on how to spice up your latest book
  • Connect with other writers online to share stories and ideas
  • Read excerpts of new books before they’re published

Insider Tips:

  • Earn badges by posting content on the Figment site
  • Follow certain writers to receive notices whenever they update their work
  • Users can win prizes by entering Figment contests
  • Use the mobile version of the site to edit or add stories from an iPhone or Android

What we liked:

  • Figment does not allow anonymous commenting, which reduces the number of inflammatory or hurtful critiques
  • Users can purchase full books on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound
  • Figment’s online forums are a great way for writers to connect and share ideas
  • Writers who post their stories on Figment retain ownership of their work

What we didn’t like:

  • Figment users don’t get email updates when the people they follow have added new content, although that feature is in the works

Alternatives:

Company Info:

  • Launched: December 2010
  • Privately Held
  • Founded by: Dana Goodyear and Jacob Lewis
  • Web site: http://figment.com

Costs:

  • Free

Comments

  1. Outstanding story there. What happened after? Take care!

  2. Thanks for the links..this helps!

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