FAQ

What is this website for?

Tree of Tales is a free online tool for reading and writing collaborative, non-linear fiction.

How do I read existing stories?

Begin reading a story by choosing an initial fragment from the right hand side of the home page (the bottom of the page on mobile). Choose further fragments to continue the story.

View completed stories by visiting the library.

Where can I find something new to read?

The recent page lists the newest fragments from every story. Its "Loose ends" tab shows the newest ending fragments.

What are the small icons beside some fragments?

They mark places where the story could have gone another way. Click one to see the other paths from that point.

How do I read the map?

Every story has a map, found under the story text. The path you are on is drawn darker, with a ring where you are. Hover over (or tap) points to read the associated fragments. A "↺" marks a path that loops back on itself, and "+" with a number is displayed if there are more hidden paths to explore here.

How do I create a new story?

Start a new story by submitting a new fragment on the home page. The form to do this is at the bottom of the list on the right hand side of the page (the bottom of the page on mobile).

How do I add to an existing story?

Submit a new fragment while viewing the story you wish to add to. For example, choose any beginning on the home page and add to it.

How do I save a story in the library?

Stories are added to the library when they are given a title. A "title" button should appear at the bottom of any story that ends with a fragment written by you. Click this button and submit a title to save the story in the library.

Can I export my work?

Any story can be downloaded using the "download" button, found at the bottom of the story text.

How do I see all the fragments I have written?

You can view these from your account page, here.

Can I edit or delete my fragments?

You can edit your fragments, but only until they exist in other users' stories. You can always delete your fragments.

Can I change a fragment someone else wrote?

Not the original, but you can write a variation of it. Once you have an account, click any fragment in a story and choose "write a variation". Your version becomes a new branch alongside the original.

How do I bookmark or "favourite" a story?

Once you have an account you can add any story to your favourites. Simply click the "favourite" button at the bottom of the story.

You can view all your favourites from your account page, here.

How do I link stories together?

Stories can be linked to any existing fragment. Select the "Link" tab found at the top of the new fragment form. You can either search for the fragment you wish to connect to or navigate the tree using the "trace back" and "check ahead" buttons.

Once you have found the fragment you are looking for, select it to link it to the current story.

Can I unlink stories?

You can undo a link you have made between two fragments, but only until it used in another user's story.

You can view all your links from your account page, here.

What do you keep about me?

If you sign up: your email address, your pen name, a scrambled form of your password, and whether you want notifications. What you write, link, favourite and title is shown publicly with your pen name; fragments you report are seen only by the site's admin.

When you log in, a cookie keeps you logged in; there are no other cookies, no adverts and no tracking. Your browser keeps an unsent fragment so it isn't lost. To slow down abuse, your IP address is counted when you log in, sign up or report a fragment, and forgotten after a day.

Emails only go out when you ask to reset your password, or as notifications if you've chosen them. Nothing is shared or sold.

How do I get in touch, or delete my account?

Email tree@joaqu.im with any questions, or to ask for your account and fragments to be deleted.