How low can standards go?

[needchocolatenow]

I have come across a few stories here that have been, well... just horrible. Generally, it turns out the writer is not a native English speaker and I give them kudos for being brave enough to attempt such a project in the first place.

But recently I've come across a writer who is so bad, so, so, so horribly bad; I'm at a loss as to understand why this person's stories are being accepted for submission. Technically, a 3rd grader could spell and punctuate better; while a 4th grader would be able to spot and fix the fixed homonyms. I'm not talking about a few errors, or simple typos, there isn't one single sentence that doesn't have at least one technical error or is nonsensical in it's lack of coherent meaning. But the reek doesn't end there. The writer can't make himself understood in the slightest. I could read a story a dozen times and still be confused about what the hell he's trying to say.

I'd put a link to his stories but that would be mean. I am not out to get him personally. I am just disgusted this caliber of writing is being posted here because I really was under the impression there were some minimum standards to which submissions are held. I'm unhappy that this person continues to post such garbage because it demonstrates he's not even learning to improve himself. It's almost like he's stating, "I'm an ignorant American and damn proud of it!" Embarrassing to other Americans I think; and being an American, that kind of pisses me off.

And so here is my question, are there minimum standards? If so, what's your best guess on how this guy got several pieces of trash posted?

 

[PacoFear]

My best guess.

 

[needchocolatenow]

Not likely...

While freedom of speech does indeed include the right to make an ass of oneself, it does not provide the ass the right to stink up a public venue... or does it? I don't think free speech mandates the owners of said public venue must accept every offering no matter how badly it was written.

I'm not suggesting ideas be limited (heaven forbid!) I'm suggesting that ideas be conveyed say... above a certain grade level. Lets say 9th grade for starters.

Coco

 

[Dixon Carter Lee]

You have the right to speak freely. You don't have the right to expect the owners of this site to give you a platform for your speech. There are no "free speech" issues here.

There are no standards, either, except the list of unacceptable topics (underage, et al.). Literotica isn't a literary society judging every story that is submitted. Just like youtube doesn't rate every freakin' Twilight Fan Tribute Video.

 

[Hotcappucino]

I thought I've seen posts from authors who have had their stories rejected because of bad grammar or spelling, so I'm surprised at the inconsistency, but, as you noted, they do let slide some authors for whom English is not their native language. Freedom of speech shouldn't be an issue; this is a private site, after all, and the site owners can decide what should or should not be posted.

 

[Dixon Carter Lee]

Freedom of speech shouldn't be an issue...

It isn't. If Laurel wanted to ban every story that used the letter "q" she could. It's not her job to provide people with a megaphone.

 

[PacoFear]

While freedom of speech does indeed include the right to make an ass of oneself, it does not provide the ass the right to stink up a public venue... or does it? I don't think free speech mandates the owners of said public venue must accept every offering no matter how badly it was written.

I'm not suggesting ideas be limited (heaven forbid!) I'm suggesting that ideas be conveyed say... above a certain grade level. Lets say 9th grade for starters.

Dix is technically correct. This is not a public forum and so free speech rights don't really attach. Still, the principle seems to be something that Laurel and Manu are fond of.

Coco, don't get me wrong, on some level I agree with you. There are plenty of disastrous things posted here that make me shake my head. Still, if Laurel and Manu in fact are championing free speech, it's a bit hard for them to restrict that right to those of a certain ability.

 

[Dixon Carter Lee]

Dix is technically correct.

About my being part Canadian because of how much bacon I eat I'm technically correct. About the Free Speech thing, I'm completely correct.

Still, if Laurel and Manu in fact are championing free speech, it's a bit hard for them to restrict that right to those of a certain ability.

Laurel and Manu are not restricting anyone's right to Free Speech in any way, by any stretch of the imagination. Again, if they want, on their site, to not publish any story that, say, uses the phrase "flower arrangement" or "Jesus is King" or "Obama sucks Donkey Balls" they can, and it would have absolutely nothing to do with restricting anyone's right to Free Speech. You are absolutely Free to discuss Obama's sexual proclivities as loudly and as often as you like. That's your right. It's not your right to expect someone to build a web site for you.

 

[Experiencedguy]

Look, there are standards here. And, if you violate the site standards, your story simply will not be accepted.

But, this site has one marvel that allows you to disregard everything about that person that you find so offesive. And - it works perfectly, trust me. It is called an ignore button.

 

[PacoFear]

Laurel and Manu are not restricting anyone's right to Free Speech in any way, by any stretch of the imagination. Again, if they want, on their site, to not publish any story that, say, uses the phrase "flower arrangement" or "Jesus is King" or "Obama sucks Donkey Balls" they can, and it would have absolutely nothing to do with restricting anyone's right to Free Speech. You are absolutely Free to discuss Obama's sexual proclivities as loudly and as often as you like. That's your right. It's not your right to expect someone to build a web site for you.

*sigh* Yes, yes, it's a private site. Laurel and Manu can and should do whatever they please. It's their sandbox and I'm grateful they see fit to change the kitty litter around here regularly. We have an accord on this, Dix.

I was trying to say something different, that restricting free speech to the smart/er/est people is something that smells funny. You with me?

 

[DucDestiny]

It's almost like he's stating, "I'm an ignorant American and damn proud of it!" Embarrassing to other Americans I think; and being an American, that kind of pisses me off.

Linking writing standards and ability on the Literotica website to one's self-image as an American... um.. would sort of embarass me. Folks have many motivations in posting.. and folks have a lot of different criteria for 'getting pissed off.'

cheers. I embrace your diversity.

 

[Dixon Carter Lee]

I was trying to say something different, that restricting free speech to the smart/er/est people is something that smells funny. You with me?

No. Because I'm rejecting the premise of the question -- that any Free Speech is being restricted at Literotica.

Choosing to only post something written by smart/er/est people isn't restricting free speech, it's quality control.

 

[elfin_odalisque]

Paco, Dixie, calm down.

Lit, like every other erotic site, must control their output to stop being closed down. It's a commercial thing with little reference to the first amendment.

We go by the company's rules or go play in another sandpit. I can live with that.

 

[Dixon Carter Lee]

Paco, Dixie, calm down.

Are you trying to restrict my Free Speech rights?

Nazi.

 

[PacoFear]

Nobody's upset, e_o. Dix would have realized that we're actually on the same side of things if I could have just convinced him to slow down for a moment. It was a bit like trying to interact with a very intelligent but highly caffeinated ferret.

So that there are no misunderstandings, here's where I come out on this stuff:

1) This is a Laurel and Manu's site. I'm grateful they operate it. Whatever money they make, I wish it were double. Many days, I'm sure the poor dears deserve combat pay.

2) Laurel and Manu can do whatever they want with their site. They're under no obligations under the First Amendment. It simply doesn't apply to them. They can set any standards they like for what gets posted here.

3) Laurel and Manu have set some very rough standards for workmanship with respect to the grammar, punctuation, paragraphing, etc. of the stories before they can be posted here.

4) Philosophically, I like that Laurel and Manu have set the standards for workmanship where they are (on the low-ish side as I see it) because I believe it's consistent with the overall vibe of free expression here. All someone has to do is put a little effort into what they have to say and Laurel and Manu graciously provide the venue.

5) Notwithstanding 4), I am occassionally appalled by the slapdash crap that gets posted here.

6) I'm sorry about the ferret comment, Dix. Kinda.

-PF

 

[Dixon Carter Lee]

5) Notwithstanding 4), I am occassionally appalled by the slapdash crap that gets posted here.

6) I'm sorry about the ferret comment, Dix. Kinda.

-PF

I know we're on the same side. But people go off for hours on Free Speech here, always getting wrong, and it pays to be anal about getting it right. You weren't being precise. I know what you meant, but other's wouldn't. You freakin' mongoose.

 

[Guest]

words of wisdom from a literotica icon...

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg226/dixonclee/fakecontest2.jpg
​

 

[sr71plt]

If you find an author on Lit. whose stories you don't like, simply doin't read any more of them. There are lots and lots of other story choices here. More every day.

 

[Dixon Carter Lee]

And most of them are pretty bad. Freedom rocks.