Introducing The Vocal Social Society: A New Way to Network

Creators needed a change and The Vocal Social Society is it.

The VSS bridges the gap between Vocal and social media. We are a 'rock in the storm' that is your creative journey.

Rock in the storm?

"For many, the milestones of a Top Story or a Challenge Win are writing dreams come true, symbols that you’ve achieved public acclaim; truly, they are the emotional equivalent of publishing a book for some Creators. But, it’s a massive leap to achieve. Fab 5 steps in by offering another avenue for review, a different way to shine and a stepping stone along the journey of working towards becoming a Top Story, Challenge Winner or published author. This is how we at the VSS are a ‘rock in the storm’. If a Fab 5 winner walks away feeling confident and invigorated to keep writing, then we’ve done our volunteer “job”. That’s certainly a tiny win that I celebrate, and it fuels me through all the moments when I feel I’ve bitten off more than I can chew. It’s not easy doing the Fab 5, even though I’m far from alone." - Call Me Les

What The Vocal Social Society Offers to Creators

Objective: Our society is dedicated to engagement and encouragement of writers along with showcasing content for readers interested in a multitude of stories. Our goal is to build a strong community of readers and writers who not only share together, but also support and provide quality feedback for each other.

Admins:

There are currently 6 functioning admins. Admins, in no particular order, listed by pen-name are: Sarah St.Erth, Caroline Jane, Elsa Fleurel, James U. Rizzi , Rachel M.J. & Call Me Les.

A founding member, who has recently moved on to other projects, is Oneg in the Arctic. Along with the admins, there are a suite of moderators who help sort through the threads and stories. It’s a labor of friendship.

Weekday Rotation: Admin has divided up the Vocal Communities* into a 4 week rotation. Each day, Monday through Friday, Admin will feature a unique pairing of communities.

Q: Can I post off the threads?

It has proven to be too much clutter for readers if we post outside of threads. We can't keep track of your entries if you solo post.

Q: I never post in that community. Now what?

A: If you have nothing for the community that is being highlighted that day, why not step outside your comfort zone and have a go at it? Write for the thrill of it! You have nothing to lose by publishing your work on The Vocal Social Society; you’re among friends. Still can't think of anything? Well, you can always be a source of support for others. By building goodwill, you are more likely to be engaged with when your niche has its moment in the sun.

Speaking of friends, this group will be open to the public. All are welcome. We encourage you to invite your friends, family—that weird neighbour who always stands too close—everyone, to come and read your work. After all, reads curated from non-writers are your true audience. I'll swap you my weird neighbour for yours ;) Not sure why the readers should read? There's an article for that: Why Vocal is For Everyone.

Q: What happens on the weekends?

A: Something fabulous, of course.

The Fab Five

What really sets the Vocal Social Society apart, however, is the weekly Fab Five Features. Throughout the week, Admin will be reading up a storm—both on our group and on Vocal—in search of unique voices. At the end of the week, we will highlight 5 fabulous stories and close the feeds for the entire weekend! During this time we ask that you provide feedback, reads and encouragement to these specific authors. And don’t worry! You don’t need to be perfect to be featured—that’s what a Top Story is for—no, on The Vocal Social Society we are about tiny wins.

What's a Tiny Win?

Tiny wins is a therapy concept. It is the premise that our little achievements deserve celebration, too. Like begets like, and before you know it that tiny win has snowballed into several other tiny wins and is now a feat of mastery. In VSS, uplifting each other, celebrating our successes, demonstrating new skill levels to aim for—all of these “tiny goals” lead to “tiny wins.” -Call Me Les

Benefits of Being A Fab Five Nominee:

1. Your story will be featured all weekend long to increase reads and engagement.
2. Your story will be highlighted on our Instagram, and be forever linked to our Link In Bio Showcase.
3. Reasons 1 and 2 mean that you can turn around to your family and friends and bask in a little sunshine. Being a Fab Five proves you’ve earned some recognition from your peers, which you can then use to promote your work all over the web!

HOW TO WIN A 5:

Q: Can I post-cross referenced pieces just for reads?

A: Yes!

Group members may post pieces they have written that are either directly from that community, OR could have been published in that community but were published elsewhere. Just bear in mind that when it comes to Fab 5 (see above), it has to be from that community to win.

For example:

A creation about wrestling published in Unbalanced that also includes a nod to feminism could reasonably have been published in VIVA instead, and would therefore be fair to post on the daily thread of either community-day.

Uplifting Creators

Additionally, The VSS recognizes effort, so from time to time we may post about authors we notice who are engaging well during the Fab Five Posts. These uplifting folks would also get a shout-out on The Vocal Creators Chronicle: an online magazine of Creators and by Creators.

And don't forget to send your positive tips, news, Top Story wins, challenge wins etc. to The Vocal Creators Chronicle's inbox for the Society Pages!

Special Threads

There are a few extras beyond the weekday posts and the 5.

1. Weekend Poetry Thread

Anything poetry related can go here. It's a 3 day thread and opens on late Friday and runs until late Sunday. All poetry can go here.

2. Sandbox Thread

Anything and everything goes here (except spam...flag obvious spam to admins and mods). Pay it forward shout-outs, random work from days gone by, memes that inspire—make it positive and keep it fun. Drop and go "read me" links will be removed.

3. TBA Challenge Specific Threads or Contest.

Stay tuned!

Special events such as holiday themed creation prompts, and various fun activities like 6 word stories will be added from time to time. With a focus on laughter, learning, and encouragement, The Vocal Social Society is the missing piece to your Vocal experience.

Partnership Fun:

Ultimately, as with everything in life, we are better when we move as one instead of against. No Vocal group that requests to be connected to either The Chronicle or the VSS will be turned away.

For a unique, non-read swapping experience, try the Vocal Cafe.

Example of inter-group fun: The Vocal Cooks Collaborative

Join your peers in an online literary society.

Engage. Create. Uplift. Inspire. See you in the VSS!

~Much Love, your VSS Admins

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*Swamp will not be featured. All is fair in love and war, but never politics. We're no Steve Irwin. Swamps are best left to the professionals.

• Cover image designed by Woya Design.
• First published August 7, 2021 by Call Me Les.
• Updated August 20, 2021 by Call Me Les.
• Updated September 19, 2021 by Call Me Les.
• Updated October 10, 2021 by Call Me Les

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Who is Call Me Les? Check out Vocal's Spotlight ;) P.S. my inbox is always open. Find me on FB. Links in the article. <3