Tagging StorySpot

Well, I was finally able to go live with an update to StorySpot.com over the weekend. The most significant changes are in the underlying computer code. For the public and StorySpot authors, the biggest change is the introduction of “tags.”

StorySpot now uses a “folksonomy” system that allows authors to add descriptive words or short phrases – called “tags” – to themselves, stories, and communities. This open-ended system allows natural links to be formed between various parts of the site so the user can experience StorySpot in a more meaningful way. In order to help a visitor start navigating through all the tags, some of the more common or relevant tags are organized into groups or categories.

The advantage? StorySpot is able to provide an interactive experience not possible with a pre-defined system of categorization. Say someone is reading a story that is tagged with “loneliness” (one of the more common tags). At the end of the story is a list of tags. If the visitor clicks on loneliness, he or she will see all stories, users, and communities that might have that tag. And this is something that happens on the fly, with the input of the story authors and community leaders — and some minor editing by the administrators.

I’m glad to have this update done. It’s been a lot of work for me, and I’ve had to learn a lot of PHP programming along the way. Best of all, it better positions us for future expansion — and translation.
Now, all we need is more people to write stories…!