Textnovel (http://textnovel.com/home.php)

common sense media says

Creative outlet for budding novelists has wide range.


parents & educators say
  • 100% say it's educational
  • 50% say there are positive messages

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that while Textnovel encourages creativity and writing, there aren't a lot of restrictions on what you write about -- or how you phrase it. As a result, many of the stories posted on the site include adult themes (such as prostitution and cutting) and language that parents may not be thrilled to have younger teens reading. The site also lets users include their cell phone number in their profile -- which opens up a number of privacy issues.

Educational value: The story encourages would-be authors to write; to ask for and offer input on other writers’ stories; and to enter contests to get published.
Positive messages: It's a mixed bag -- but many of the stories contain a positive outlook on growing up, self-discovery and other topics.
Violence: The site has a whole section of horror stories on topics like zombies and vampires.
Sex: Writers are given no restrictions, and some stories are pretty graphic and deal with sexually-charged subject matter like being a teenage stripper.
Language: Although the site asks users not to use swear words on its message boards (including replacing swear words with asterisks) because the site is intended to be kid-friendly, authors can -- and do -- sometimes use words like s--t in their stories.
Consumerism: The site contains some banner and Google ads.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Privacy & safety: You can create private stories, which can only be viewed by readers you invite to view them, or public stories.  

More on Textnovel

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Why it might not be a good idea to post personal information -- like your cell phone number -- as part of a profile that you create on a website, even if you think only your friends will see it.

  • Talk about how to protect your personal privacy.

  • Watch our video on digital creativity and see how other kids use technology to express themselves.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Founded by a literary agent, TEXTNOVEL bills itself as a social network for writers and readers. Authors can post stories, chapter by chapter, about any topic they want to write about -- although many center around popular themes like romance and young adult fiction. The site makes it easy for writers to submit material using computers, cell phones, or even text message, and offers them the chance to get their work read and receive feedback on it. Textnovel also includes a nifty function that allows users to make an in-progress story private so that only selected friends can read it before the story goes live. Nonfiction and fiction fans should also enjoy clicking around -- there's plenty to read. The site's only major drawback is that much of the content, while creative, isn’t always kid-appropriate. Writers can post pretty much whatever they want, so kids who come to the site to read young adult fiction could easily stumble across a story about a stalker or stripper. Although stories contain a G, PG, PG-13 or R rating, the authors select it, so it's pretty subjective -- and there's really nothing stopping younger readers from reading an R-rated story.

Online interaction: Users can comment on authors’ published stories or ask friends to offer advice on how to improve an in-progress story.


This review was written by Erin Brereton
 
 

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What parents & educators say

14
Based on 4 parent & educator reviews:
  • 100% say it's educational
  • 50% say there are positive messages

Most useful reviews by all members

Nikko Thinks ...
kid, 13 years old
 
Nikko Thinks ...
I LOVE this Websites it's for writers like me i also like how they make rating in it like G P-G it makes it really safe so you don't go into Iky stuff

 
An excellent site; Can be as good or as bad as the story being read.
I personally love this site. It allows me and teens like me to get into writing books and stories, and is very similar to fictionpress*, except that it's newer and has more features. It's educational, encourages freedom of thought and expression, and has a very kind circle of authors and other users who will give you constructive criticism. In other words, this is writer heaven. Of course, stories are allowed to contain anything (and often do) but the site provides a ratings system that helps the reader determine what is and is not appropriate for a particular age group. Overall, I can say nothing bad about this site. This is where an author is born.

Rosebud95
teen, 16 years old
 
Cool Site!
I never used it, but I think might want to register cuz it seems really cool. There are some inappropriate stories so u could just not read them. I like it that they have ratings for stories (R, PG-13 etc) But other than that, it's looks really cool!

BlueDragonMaster98
teen, 18 years old
 
it's fun and interesting
It's good for those with writing talent, or those who don't but want to try anyway. For younger kids, the site will make you confirm your age on stories marked R in their ratings. Like youtube, this can be cheated. But, the site still tries. Stories can be dark and adult, or it can by fun for kids. Swearing isn't allowed, but people do anyway. Actually, I've got a story going on Textnovel right now, and I'm still working at it. Like youtube, there's a great vareity with the content of the stories. Thing is, you have to read to find yout what. For parents of children who can't sit still, this may be a lucky break.

xheartbeat
teen, 16 years old
 
<3
Writing is something that I'll always love and possibly make a profession out of and I really did love this site when I found out about it. Seeing all the other kids out there with similar talents when it comes to writing, getting inspiration for your own or just enjoying other's works from afar is really a nice online environment.

briskniji
teen, 17 years old
 
Anyone can write
I think it's a great idea so kids can express themselves in the way they recognize by texting. I've trying to write a novel recently I'll check it out myself. But the only "bad" thing is what the author writes about it can be innocent or little more adult it doesn't matter.

Reader72
parent of 18 year old
 
Perfect for 13 and up
I love this site! Most social networks are a waste of time. This one helps young people learn to write and think critically.

Ashlleey
teen, 18 years old
 
Starting off
I lovve this idea. i think its a greeatt way for begainner (sorry can't spell) to start off. Cause i beileve it's very hard to get into being an author. but yes WONDERFUL idea:D

mycounsel
parent of 18 year old
 
Updates to Site to Make it Even More Family Friendly
There are some great comments on the review. One thing we are implementing this week is restrictions on R rated stories to help protect younger teens and children -- no one will be able to see those stories unless they verify they are 17 or older. I have children of my own, including a 16 year old, and I want to make sure that I would be comfortable with my own daughter using the site without my supervision. Thanks for the helpful and positive review and if you have any more ideas for us, let us know. Stan Soper Founder Textnovel*

7mom7
parent of and 5 , 12 , 14 , 15 , 17 , 17 year old
 
My 16 year old loves it!

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About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age