Tiffany Crystal's Forecast for the day:

Had an idea for a writer’s group, but instead of it being a social thing where we all grumble and sympathize with each other about the hardships of being an author, we would put out information we can help with. This would not be for publishing and whatnot, there are plenty of groups/pages already out there for that. The group would be for information like “Is there a name locals use for (this street/highway/bridge) in (this city/state/country) instead of it’s “official” name?”, “What kind of boat would be good for fishing in a small pond?” etc.

Don’t get me wrong, Google is wonderful, but even it has its limits, and it has failed me one too many times.

Each member would put what information they can help with in a post (right now, I’m floating the idea on facebook), and then a person could use the “search group” option to find what they’re looking for.

Example:

(Person A) can help with:

local information for the following areas: Baltimore, Maryland (Greek Town & Dundalk); Russellville, Arkansas; Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas.

Gender related information: long hair, long hair problems, basic wardrobe, typical reactions.

Familiarity with: American English and colloquialisms, American school systems

and:

(Person B) can help with:

Local information: Perth, Austrailia; London, England.

Gender related information: make up; hair styles for short hair, preppy wardrobe.

Familiarity with: Queen’s English, colloquials, British/English school systems

Person C has a character with short hair, and needs an idea for a hair style, maybe a description for the steps, or a name for a certain look. They do a search for “hair styles for short hair.”

Because Person A and Person B both listed “hair” as something they can help with, both posts pop up. Person C would read the posts and then leave a comment on Person B’s post, because she’s the one who has the information they need. Person B responds, Person C has what information they need, and can get back to writing.
Thoughts/Suggestions? Please let me know and reblog/share link if you like the idea. I need to know how much of an interest there is before I commit to anything.