A library is generally a quiet contemplative space.
StoriesOnline is my library and I object strongly to it being invaded by book ads dressed up as blogs and blog headings with eye catching images. See blog posts dated 05/01/2026 by TheSmartOne and Arise
Can the existing author exclusions be amended to include blog posts ?
I am often asked to post updates as to when stories will be available on ZBookstore. There seems to be a demand for that information, and my blog is the only place to fulfill that request.
I object strongly to it being invaded by book ads dressed up as blogs
Others feel differently. The people who follow me want that kind of information. It's the way I communicate with them. I'm not a blogger who's going to blog what I had for breakfast that morning. Information about my writing, my stories, my novels, my writing plans and tribulations, etc. is what I believe they want.
I don't know if readers are able to block Blogs.
Blogs are often used by Authors on SoL, and elsewhere, to Advertise their Writing. Both what is available here, for free; as well as what they sell on ZBookstore, and even (indirectly) on other websites.
There are Rules on SoL that have consequences for promoting a "free" book, that you "have" to Buy elsewhere to get the full story. Also, the amount of times per Day/Week a person may Blog is limited.
It is easy to scroll on by Without clicking on any Blog.
I wasn't aware that a Blog on the Main Page allowed an image? When I post, even a word or two I have bold doesn't show in bold, on the Main Page.
My suggestion is that emojis should not be allowed in blog posts or their titles, and that blogs by excluded authors are hidden in the same way as their stories.
My more extreme suggestion is that tags are associated with authors based on the tags of the last story they posted or updated, and that subsequent blog posts are flagged with these tags and can be excluded based on those tags. However, this may be a bit overkill!
How about this? Separate blogs and stories by creating a Blog Page. Thus, the Home Page would contain only new stories and updates.
Paige
How about this? Separate blogs and stories by creating a Blog Page.
Or have people click on a blog on the Home Page ONLY when they want to know what the blogging author has to say.
There already is a Blog page, as there are New Stories and Updates pages.