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For over a decade, one forum on the web excelled in presenting valuable information for writers regardless of whether they wrote speculative fiction (science fiction, fantasy, and horror) or something else. There was information there to assist them because the forum was frequently populated, even at odd hours of the morning, by writers who voluntarily gave of their own knowledge to help others.
There were topics on world building, creating characters, story continuity, and story ideas. Even experts and hobbyists participated by sharing historical and scientific information with those writing a story involving a need for accuracy in almost any time period or endeavor of study.
Beyond that, there were warnings about scams and questionable businesses targeting writers. One could even ask generalized legal questions with the understanding, of course, that no representation was being given or offered and actually receive some guiding information.
It was a source not only of information, but of comradery. There were joke topics, some of which were as risque as they come, but then one would expect writers to be well read and ready to share the good and the bad so others could enjoy the same laugh or groan. And there was mourning for each loss among our ranks. It was viewed always as a loss when even the least known writers passed away.
So it is with the loss of Speculations for it is truly a loss to all writers not only for what it shared but for its willingness to never censor or delete postings of its posters. Spam was moved to an appropriately labeled folder. Dodderings of fools, trolls, and sock puppets were hidden away in place to discourage such invasions, but never deleted. The hidden words could always be viewed with an easy access button by those who cared to view what was said, but their words were never censored. What's more, the system worked. It was self-policing. Those who wanted to express their opinions could do so knowing that they wouldn't be banned for expressing honest words even if those were grating at times.
There may never be another forum site with the integrity of Speculations, but I hope that there will for it's the kind of site writers need. There are too many governments, businesses, and outright scams wishing to shut up criticism of their operations. Writers are often at the fore of such criticisms, so it would be truly sad for writers if they can't have a site where they can express themselves openly using the words that best describe their own emotions for writers without emotions may be the only thing sadder than not having Speculations or a site like it.