How NextScenes Works
NextScenes builds stories step by step with leadership, rules, and recorded decisions. The goal is simple: no chaos, no silent rewrites, no hidden manipulation. Just a visible creative process that respects authorship and welcomes meaningful collaboration.
NextScenes turns storytelling from a crowd stampede into a guided process with memory, accountability, and craft.
The Main Roles
Story Owner (Main Writer)
Creates the storyline, sets direction and tone, and protects continuity. The story owner writes canon scenes or selects the next canon from proposals, and keeps the book coherent.
- Creates the storyline
- Sets direction and tone
- Writes canon or selects canon
- Opens and closes proposal rounds
- Protects story integrity
Writers and Contributors
Help the story grow by proposing scenes, discussing options, and offering feedback without rewriting the official book directly.
- Propose scenes
- Discuss and comment
- Vote or review where enabled
- Do not directly change canon
Readers
Follow the story, watch how decisions are made, and participate through comments. Some storylines may allow reader proposals.
- Read and follow stories
- Comment and discuss
- See decisions and notes
- May propose in some modes
Admins and Moderators
Protect the community by enforcing rules, handling abuse, and intervening when needed to keep the platform safe and fair.
- Enforce safety and values
- Support healthy communities
- Intervene when necessary
- Maintain platform rules
The Story Lifecycle
1. Create a Storyline
Start a book by choosing a forum, setting a title, and publishing the opening canon scene (or the opening setup).
2. Write Solo or Open Proposals
Continue alone or invite contributions. The story owner decides when collaboration is useful.
3. Proposal Round
Contributors submit scene proposals. Discussion happens in public view, and voting may be enabled depending on the mode.
4. Decision Note
One scene becomes the next canon (selected or written by the story owner). A short Decision Note explains why.
5. Repeat and Grow
Canon expands step by step. Proposals open when needed. The process stays deliberate, readable, and accountable.
Canon vs Proposals
Canon Scenes
The official book. Canon is what readers come to trust.
- Official story
- Not editable by contributors
- Forms the book
Proposal Scenes
Suggestions that help the writer choose wisely and stay accountable. Proposals are preserved for learning and transparency.
- Ideas and alternatives
- Not part of the book unless approved
- Preserved for learning and transparency
Writing Modes
Solo Writing
One writer writes the full story. Readers can follow and comment.
Collaborative Writing
One writer leads. The community proposes scenes. The writer decides what becomes canon.
Group Writing (Open)
A community writes together inside a shared structure and clear rules.
Group Writing (Closed)
A private invited group writes together, useful for classrooms, clubs, and private circles.
Comments and Activity
Discussion, Not Rewrite
Comments exist to discuss scenes, ask questions, and offer feedback. They do not rewrite canon. Moderation rules apply so debate stays human.
Discovery That Keeps Communities Alive
Recent activity and trending storylines help readers find living work and help writers gather attention where it matters.
Decision History
NextScenes preserves what was proposed, what became canon, and the Decision Note explaining why. That record protects fairness, learning, and trust.
Why the Structure Matters
Coherence and continuity
A story is not a comment thread. Structure protects continuity and keeps the book readable from beginning to end.
Fairness and accountability
When decisions are visible, collaboration stays honest. People can learn from the record instead of arguing in circles.
Safety and discipline
Clear rules reduce sabotage, reward craft, and help communities stay respectful even when opinions differ.