Letter For Wattpad

Letter To Wattpad - Keep PMs

(If Wattpad doesn't see this NOW, then idk how to make them... we need the PMs, and here's why, @wattpad.)

Dear Wattpad, why are you getting rid of private messages?

Respectfully, I do not appreciate this choice, and neither does most, if not ALL of the Wattpad community.

Why so many changes? We love how the app is different and not generic like the other websites.

Truthfully, at least 75% of the time, I'm using the PMs on Wattpad to talk to my friends instead of reading, writing, or replying to comments.

We have started a petition against this choice, and we do hope you reconsider.

This may be a reading app, but this is also a social media app. There's bound to be predators, as there are on every social media.

I say, just delete their accounts. People need PMs to talk private with one another. I for one am doing a collab book with my friend, and I for one don't need everyone to hop on the website I'm using to connect to my bestie who I only have access to on THIS app and read my story before it's even finished.

I also vent to people sometimes, and I don't want a random person to come across that message and know all my private business.

I vent to people on this website because it's hard to talk to people in real life, and it's easier to talk to people that don't know who you are.

I think it's just convenient so people aren't all up in your business, but of course it wouldn't be inconvenient to those who are barely on the app in the first place.

There are people that are keeping track of things in PMs too. And there are things that are important to people in them. For example, Blossoms_Gemz said, and I quote, "I have so many memories in PMs that I'm going to lose."

You're risking losing a lot of users, which I understand is for our own safety, but don't you think it's a little rash to jump straight into getting rid of some peoples (including mine) only communication with their friends?

Here's how much the people care about this decision: https://www.change.org/p/preserve-private-messaging-feature-on-wattpad?utm_content=cl_sharecopy_490022500_en-US%3Acv_1070485&r

Over 8,000 signatures already, and it's barely been 3 days. Please reconsider...

On this website, it shares people's real names. So I'll gives those instead of their accounts.

(If one of these is you, I'll 100% remove the name on request.)

"I usually chat with my friends on books we read and opinions on books this way" -Courtney Richey

"As a Wattpad writer for almost 10 years now, I can't even measure the loss the present and future writers will suffer from this feature being removed. It allowed me to form friendships that I carried on IRL, mostly because it can start almost anonymously before feeling confident enough to share private information. That's not even counting the amount of support I offered and received, both with fellow writers and amazing readers. The space to share ideas, critique, frustrations, ambitions, both about the books, fanfics and real life was a incredible feature and I believe its loss will HEAVILY impact the community, and not in a good way." -Raisa Colotta

"I'm signing because I need DM's on wattpad. It's ways to chat to people, send messages and communicate with online friends. Without it we lose a big part of wattpad" -Scar Love

"They should be kept because it allows a bunch of people to communicate privately if they don't have each others numbers. Privacy is an important part of life and wattpad users deserve it" -No Name

"I have been an active roleplayer for about five years. I would prefer to have my roleplay not be in the public comments. This is something that strips users of privacy, not protect it. I have also gotten writing requests through my private messages from people who did not want their request to be made publicly. What alternative would they have without private messages? None. This is such a preposterous move on Wattpad's part." -Caroline Josche

"PEOPLE WANT TO BE ABLE TO TALK TO PEOPLE! WE USE WATTPAD AS NOT ONLY A PLACE TO READ BUT A PLACE TO COMMUNICATE PRIVATELY OR PUBLICLY AMONGST OTHERS!!" -Nichole Gainey

These are comments on the petition made by a few Wattpaders that are against your decision.

"I, like many others, use Wattpad not just for its vast library of stories but also as a platform to connect with friends and fellow readers. The personal messaging feature is an integral part of this connection. It allows us to discuss our favorite books, share ideas, and even roleplay within the universes we love so much. For many of us who don't have access to other platforms or websites, this is our only means of staying connected.

Wattpad currently hosts over 90 million users worldwide (source: Wattpad Corp). If the personal messaging feature were removed, it would disrupt the communication channels for a significant number of these users - myself included. This would not only impact user experience but could potentially lead to a decrease in active users.

The removal of personal messaging on Wattpad isn't just about losing a feature; it's about losing connections that have been built over time through shared interests and discussions. We urge Wattpad to reconsider their decision and preserve the personal messaging feature for its dedicated user base." -The Petition

I know I'm bringing a lot of points to the table, and I'm spending a lot of time on this.

But this is because it's important to, not just me, but the ENTIRE Wattpad community.

"There is always another way." -Dory the fish (Finding Dory)

Using the words of Dory, you can find another solution to the problem you're stuck on.

Like a math problem. Even as something as simple as addition, you can do it in your head, use a calculator, or count on your fingers.

Multiplication, calculator, counting, or mental math.

Calculating probability, can use mental math, calculators, and a sheet of paper. You can do it in one step or more.

My point is, there's always another solution than taking away a feature, no, a PRIVILEGE that we have the right to have.

An idea that came to me from Monnckee, is that you could add a "friend" button instead. Make it so only "friends", or possibly only mutual followers, can send PMs. That should solve the problem of the predators.

Furthermore, I believe that this decision is rash and last second. Not carefully thought through, especially about how many people it would affect.

I hope this changes your mind.

Respectfully, Izzy.

(Note: THIS IS NOT MEANT AS DISRESPECT TO WATTPAD'S DECISIONS, THIS IS ONLY TO HAVE THEM RECONSIDER THEIR DECISION!!!)