FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

If you can't find the answer you need, you can go to the Suggestions and Feedback forum.  Just log in or register and create a new topic with your question.  If you don't wish to register but still have a question, contact us!



Registration FAQs - Member Related FAQs - Message Board FAQs


Registration FAQs

Q Why should I sign up?

A  There are many benefits to signing up. For example, you will be able to receive comments and feedback on your writing, you will be able to join discussions on the board, and you can make friends who share your interests.  We are also the largest, most active writing club for kids and teens that you will find in the InvisionFree and ZetaBoards networks.  Plus, it's free to sign up!


Q  I don't have an email address, but you need one to sign up.  How do I get one and why do I need one?

A  You need a valid email address in order to register so that you can be contacted to make sure you are not a spam bot.   Spam bots are users that automatically register at message boards and post spam.  The only way to prevent spam bots from joining is to one-by-one make sure every registrant is a real person.   Not only do you need it to register, but we send important emails out to give you board updates, tell you any problems we have with your behavior on the board, or congratulate you for receiving a staff position (if you do receive one).
You can register an email address for free at many websites as long as you are 13 or have parental permission.  My recommendations are Yahoo! or G-Mail.  Both G-Mail and Yahoo! reliable and are free.  There are many other places where you can get an address for free, so shop around!  If there is no possible way that you can get an email address, ask one of your parents if you can use their email address to sign-up.  That way, I can contact you if necessary and you won't have to register an address.


Q  I tried to register here but it said I had to fax or mail in something.  Do I have to do this?

A  Due to U.S. Federal Law, it is required that all message boards and websites that allow registration of those who are under the age of 13, to fill out a COPPA form and mail it in with their parent's signature and permission because a registration allows a user to share personal information.  If you are unable to access a fax machine or for some reason are unable to send the form in the mail, contact us. When we switch to ZetaBoards in the near future, there will be more options.


Q  Is it ok if I just change my birthdate so that it will allow me to be registered without being 13?

A  No.  If a staff member discovers you are underage, we are required to delete your account immediately.



Member Related FAQs

Q  Can I please be a staff member?  I would be a great person to have on staff!

A  Please don't ask.  If we feel that you'd make a good staff member, you'll become one soon enough.  If you aren't chosen in a long while, it's simply because we do not need more staff at the time or because you don't fit with our criteria.  We will make the decision for ourselves as to who becomes staff or not, so don't post a topic saying 'If ever you need a staff member, pick me!'.  If you want to know what our criteria is when we choose someone to be a staff member, read the following list:

  • Rule-abiding member.
  • Is always polite and patient with current staff members.
  • Is someone that the current staff gets along with.
  • A nice peson in general; they aren't harsh with people who don't understand something.
  • Intelligent, has great ideas and contributes to KWC.
  • Is a talented writer and/or is knowledgeable about writing and literature.



    • Message Board FAQs

    Q  The filter is too harsh.  Will you at least let us say some swear words?

    A  No.  There are kids aged 10 that are allowed to join and they should feel welcome on a kids site.  If cussing is allowed, we are no longer categorized as a kid's site, and parents of younger kids will quickly lose interest.


    Q  I heard that the board is switching to something called ZetaBoards.  What is this, and does this mean that I will have to re-register or re-post my work?

    A  ZetaBoards is the new version of InvisionFree, which was our old host.  No posts, members, or data will be lost in the transfer.  You can visit our test board, or you can discuss the conversion and ask more questions in this topic.


    Q  Are we allowed to create 'member challenges' as well as contests?  For example I may ask for a few judges, and challenge someone to a poetry contest.  Our poems would be due on such and such date and must follow such and such guidelines and will be judged by whoever I pick.  Are we allowed to do this?

    A  Yes.  You can post a new topic in the Writers Tournaments.  You can judge them all by yourself or ask for a few judges.  I will only close contests that (1) break the rules or (2) haven't recieved entries once the contest reaches the deadline that you have set.


    Q  What work is considered appropriate since this is a "kids" writing club?

    A  Reasonable violence, so long as you put a disclaimer.  Sword fighting, some blood, just nothing overly graphic or gruesome.  Sexual themes to the minimum, please, so no smut.  If you want to write a story that requires some such scene like that, make it something to infer.  Not graphic, but those old enough to pick up on the clues will get it.  Those who are not...will go unscathed.  Again, profanity at low-levels, but we have these pretty word filters.


    Q  Can I post other forms of writing such as monolouges, screenplays and scripts, debate pieces, rants, microfiction, or essays?

    A  Sure.  That's what the miscellanious forum is there for.  If it's within the "appropriateness" rule, go for it.


    Q  Excuse me, but why hasn't my work been reviewed or commented on?

    A  Wait for a few days and if no one drops by, PM a staff member or an active member.  Some honoured writers who have a reputation for commenting might take the time to look at your work as well.  And remember, those who comment, get comments.  Community spirit is a really good thing.


    Q  What's expected of comments on work?

    A  The sky is the limit as far as constructive criticism goes.  Casual comments are good and can help a writer get an idea of what they're doing right, but its very encouraged for writers to give indepth crit on other's work.  It helps out everyone -- a good way to learn something yourself is to try and teach it to someone else.  There are topics in the Library forums for those who want guidance on this.


    Q  Why don't we have a debate forum?

    A  This just isn't a huge community of debaters.  If you want to start a debate, go into Chat Zone.  Just make sure you tell people that it's for mature discussion and debating, and you're all set.


    Q  What can I win at contests?

    A  Each contest is unique and has it's own rewards.  If you look deeper into the post then you will discover some more information, including any prizes KWC will be offering to the public to earn.