The "Notable Writers" section of the front page could use some change. There should be a system that randomly picks 10 or so writers that have a certain threshold of activity (likes, fan gains, etc.) every week. This would give more exposure to other writers, other than just having the same 10 for a year with virtually no changes. However, I highly recommend not using the "Story of the Week" system IE do not focus on number of chapters submitted, instead focus on other metrics such as bookmarks, new fans, likes received, favorites, etc. "Notable Writers" should be about creating quality content rather than who can spam the most.
I have an additional observation to add, and if this section suggestion from Swallows should be implemented, that might be another point worthy of consideration: Currently the system shows the writers with the most badges. One of those badges is : "Veteran Member since the Beginning." Meaning: Everyone who doesn't have this badge has currently no hope of ever making it to the top of this list. This badge could be made purely cosmetic, without counting towards the total points.
Ah, but I am so close. I only need 8 or 9 stories to get my thirteenth trophy. All joking aside though I have to agree. Change is good.
I too have to agree, it should not show the same 12 people for eternity, especially not when the only way to reach the top is to HAPPEN to have been a member of the site before Friedman's coup...
I like the Veteran badge but I have to agree with so few awards to get it makes each one way more important. I'd love to see more awards. Not a crazy amount, but more. Also I really have to agree with anything that adds some variety to the front page. The Top Stories, Top Chapters, and Notable Writers are almost static. It's great for the first few times you come to the site, and I'm not saying the writers don't deserve the plaudits, but after a while it would be nice to see some different stuff. Just my two cents.
I feel this needs a bump. Yeah, I get that donaters are worth thanking, as well as long-time members, but it seems to me that "notable authors" are just people with the two aforementioned traits, who also happen to have written a lot of chapters at some point. There's nothing to ensure that they're well known or particularly skilled (though most are, anyway). Heck, some aren't even active anymore. At the very least, drop the Veteran award as counting for the Notable Authors section.
You could also have an award that serves as a counterpart to Veteran. (An award that you get when you're a long-term member without being a Veteran.)
I'd like to see a little change-up too (totally not jones-ing for a Notable Writer slot, not at all.)
