Protagonize

=Protagonize= An online community of collaborative fiction writing. http://www.protagonize.com

__**Resources links and/or class examples**__
This is an example of a WWII poem that could be the starting point for a WWIIcstory collaboration: http://www.protagonize.com/story/wwii

A review for Protagonize http://www.killerstartups.com/Web20/protagonize-com-interactive-storytelling-online

__**Strengths**__
The round-robin story goes well with a classroom setting. Students can collaborate and produce one fluid story and share it with the global community. Narrative is non-linear so authors can branch out in different directions after each segment. PDF support to save stories Can contribute to others’ writings, can subscribe via RSS, or can contribute stories independently. Users can make a profile and users are able to comment on each other’s stories. The My Stories link lets teacher see the lists of stories students collaborated on BUT they have to have the students’ passwords and user information. Membership is free. Supports all major browsers One can enable or disable the profanity filter.

__**Weaknesses**__
VERY hard to control the content, what the students are reading, contributing, and commenting on. There is no way to filter out inappropriate material. Only “solo” stories can be deleted immediately. Although there is a separate “MATURE” section it can’t be blocked so students could access it. As of now, users cannot delete or de-activate their accounts themselves. Users must contact the webmasters. There is no way to block an author from seeing or contributing to one’s content. Soon it will be a pay-only subscription site. Only in English

__**Opportunities**__
Students can share their stories with the global community. Students can collaborate on stories with their peers or with kids from around the world. Documents are always online so one doesn’t have to worry about having it saved on a Flash drive or downloading and emailing the story. Anywhere you can access the Internet, you can access your stories.

__**Threats**__
Students without Internet cannot collaborate on their own at home. Safety and content appropriateness. It is free now but what if in the middle of a semester it becomes subscription based?

__**Ideas for the classroom**__
Students must create a historical fiction story about a specific topic (Civil Rights, The Depression, the Feminist Movement). Students collaborate with another classroom somewhere in the world on a single story. Analyze differences in writing, in cultural norms, and in lifestyles. Creative writing assignments (solo or groups). Students may be required to make 2 submissions during a break for homework or extra credit.