The first thing to say, and make very clear, is this – Litopia is not turning into a pay site. It has always been free to access, and will continue to be so.
Our History
The history of Litopia is very, very ancient indeed (in internet terms). The idea struck me as I was researching and writing one of my books, back in the mid-1980s. More and more writers were using computers (usually Macs) and in those days, the only people online were academics, the military, computer geeks, scientists and other assorted oddballs. Out of curiosity, I joined the world's first electronic community (the WELL) and was fascinated by what I experienced.
Immediately, two things seemed pretty obvious to me. First, most writers were getting themselves computers to use as word processors, and then venturing online. And second, it ought to be possible to use the 'net to create a specialist community just for writers. The writing life is necessarily isolating, and my hunch was that a virtual writing community might fill an important social need.
So here we are, many incarnations later. Litopia is no longer just a social community. With the rise of digital publishing, and the constant upheavals taking place in “legacy” publishing, it seems that Litopia could and should become more and more relevant… a social community certainly, but also a place to craft your talent, to exchange know-how, and to seek out new writing opportunities.
It used to be that all authors aspired to have a literary agent, for the simple reason that agents were the unchallenged gatekeepers to the publishing world. That is less and less true: authors have a wider range of publishing choices today; and even in the traditional publishing sector, editors are far more open to direct contact from writers (and indeed, sometimes initiate it themselves). While many authors still undoubtedly need the services of a good agent, many other do not – and for those, in particular, Litopia can and should be an invaluable resource.
In the past, a few kind members have been generous enough to help fund Litopia’s existence in some way. Mostly, though, the cost of our operations has always fallen upon me to bear.
What started as an interesting experiment has grown – and will continue to grow – into something that has real value for more and more writers. It seems reasonable now to suggest to our members that they might consider supporting Litopia’s existence.
The equation is simple: if you receive value from Litopia, please give some value back.
Levels of Support & Benefits
I’ve tried to create a range of support levels, with something to suit everyone’s budget. Have a look, and let me know if you think I’ve got the spread about right.
Being a supporter gives you some nice perks, as you'll see.
In the past, we have only been able to take payments through Paypal, which has discouraged some members because they have objections to using it. I’m pleased to announce that we can now additionally accept credit card payments via Stripe for Visa, Mastercard and Amex. Simply select Stripe at the checkout.
Lastly, I hope this is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Litopia. Nothing would make me happier than being able to spend more time here, continually devising ways for Litopia to help and support your writing life. But I can only do that if Litopia is truly supported by its community. And Litopia’s future is far more secure if it is funded by all its members, not just by me!
So, if you can, please do upgrade your account.
Our History
The history of Litopia is very, very ancient indeed (in internet terms). The idea struck me as I was researching and writing one of my books, back in the mid-1980s. More and more writers were using computers (usually Macs) and in those days, the only people online were academics, the military, computer geeks, scientists and other assorted oddballs. Out of curiosity, I joined the world's first electronic community (the WELL) and was fascinated by what I experienced.
Immediately, two things seemed pretty obvious to me. First, most writers were getting themselves computers to use as word processors, and then venturing online. And second, it ought to be possible to use the 'net to create a specialist community just for writers. The writing life is necessarily isolating, and my hunch was that a virtual writing community might fill an important social need.
So here we are, many incarnations later. Litopia is no longer just a social community. With the rise of digital publishing, and the constant upheavals taking place in “legacy” publishing, it seems that Litopia could and should become more and more relevant… a social community certainly, but also a place to craft your talent, to exchange know-how, and to seek out new writing opportunities.
It used to be that all authors aspired to have a literary agent, for the simple reason that agents were the unchallenged gatekeepers to the publishing world. That is less and less true: authors have a wider range of publishing choices today; and even in the traditional publishing sector, editors are far more open to direct contact from writers (and indeed, sometimes initiate it themselves). While many authors still undoubtedly need the services of a good agent, many other do not – and for those, in particular, Litopia can and should be an invaluable resource.
In the past, a few kind members have been generous enough to help fund Litopia’s existence in some way. Mostly, though, the cost of our operations has always fallen upon me to bear.
What started as an interesting experiment has grown – and will continue to grow – into something that has real value for more and more writers. It seems reasonable now to suggest to our members that they might consider supporting Litopia’s existence.
The equation is simple: if you receive value from Litopia, please give some value back.
Levels of Support & Benefits
I’ve tried to create a range of support levels, with something to suit everyone’s budget. Have a look, and let me know if you think I’ve got the spread about right.
Being a supporter gives you some nice perks, as you'll see.
In the past, we have only been able to take payments through Paypal, which has discouraged some members because they have objections to using it. I’m pleased to announce that we can now additionally accept credit card payments via Stripe for Visa, Mastercard and Amex. Simply select Stripe at the checkout.
Lastly, I hope this is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Litopia. Nothing would make me happier than being able to spend more time here, continually devising ways for Litopia to help and support your writing life. But I can only do that if Litopia is truly supported by its community. And Litopia’s future is far more secure if it is funded by all its members, not just by me!
So, if you can, please do upgrade your account.
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