highfantasy
Hello and well met.
@Kaiddance here, the profile's last human standing.
For years, I've tried to maintain this profile. First as an Engagement Ambassador, and later as a community member.
I care very much about this profile, and I've tried so hard to keep it alive. But like all things, seasons must change, and winter must fall.
The truth is simple: Wattpad abandoned every major profile that wasn't a main genre. As Ambassadors, we picked up the pieces as best we could, but by that point, engagement was already in decline, further exacerbated by the deconstruction of the teams. Engagement was the last to be dismantled.
As a result, users don't actively participate in much anymore. And if they do, a lot use AI and try to pass the 'work' as their own. Or everyone is spammed by bots.
I sought help any way I could because I didn't want this profile to die. I wanted to believe in some tiny miracle that could at least encourage readers to find curated stories and writers to do what they love.
I won't close down the profile, but I have closed the community discord and will no longer host contests. I will also continue checking reading list submissions because I believe your stories deserve to be told and shared.
Thank you all so much for sharing this journey with me. I appreciate each and every person who has ever passed through, shared stories, or contributed to this profile.
Regards,
The High Fantasy Team
newlywrittenbooks
@Kaiddance Thank you for your kind words, Kristi! I'll always be here for you, my friend! ❤
Kaiddance
@SeraDrake LOL! I felt the stank on that. TBH, I think my feelings regarding Wattpad are very complicated because I remember when it was very fun and chaotic and engaging. I had (and still do in a smaller capacity) wonderful readers who shared amazing advice. I eventually went on to an indie publisher, and Stars was good to me. I feel sad mostly because the sense of community is all but gone. I’ve felt for a long time now that as more features went away, the platform isolated us while pushing reads towards Paid (now Originals). All the predators ruined DMs, so that went away without addressing the problem. Bad apples caused the forums to be shut down. I’m actually surprised the feeds were brought back but it just feels too little, too late. I read on the platform now, but I think it might be time for me to stop wading in the shallows and prepare myself to swim in the deep end.
Kaiddance
@adultfictionstories ❤️ I think I’ve finally run out of energy. But I’m happy to continue the reading lists.
