NaNoWriMo to close after 20 years
9 days ago
- #writing community
- #NaNoWriMo
- #nonprofit closure
- NaNoWriMo, a nonprofit challenging people to write a novel in a month, is closing after 20 years.
- Started in 1999, it became a nonprofit in 2006, fostering a community to write 50,000 words in November.
- Closure announced due to financial problems and reputational damage from child safety concerns and AI controversy.
- Complaints arose in 2023 about a moderator accused of grooming children, leading to broader child safety concerns.
- NaNoWriMo faced criticism for its stance on AI in creative writing, seen as dismissive of disabled creators.
- Interim director Kilby Blades emphasized financial struggles and inaccurately covered AI controversy in closure announcement.
- NaNoWriMo websites will remain live temporarily for users to retrieve their data, but no shutdown date specified.
- Despite closure, the spirit of writing 50,000 words in November will continue through alternative platforms.