Is it time yet?

[gauchecritic]

It's been quite a long time since anyone moaned about the lack of writerly threads in the hangout so, here goes.

The settings in my control panel have me mailed when new posts are added to threads I'm subscribed to. Just now I'm subscribed to one thread. (plus this one) because I unsubscribed to all the dull ones, the political ones, the Americentric ones and the plain fucking stupid ones.

Lately the AH isn't worth reading. There is nothing funny going on. There is nothing amusing. There is nothing worth argueing over. There are no interesting exercises.

There's how to buy a used car, how to tell your car is knackered, the so-called merits of beer, kids, dogs, mothers, interior decor, what the hell is this? Fucking day time telly?

There's no wonder the turnover in member regularity is so huge, it should be renamed The Hangout. There are very few reasons for an author to visit.

Gauche

 

[Colleen Thomas]

A great deal of the appeal of the author's hangout is that I get to meet other authors. While I may not propose a question in the hangout I most definetly pm specific authors with questions. If for example I am trying something in the erotic horror realm I may not post a quetion to the hangout, but I will pm Lou Lou, whom I consider an authority on the genre and ask.

I learn about authors from their responses on silly threads, sappy threads, happy threads and sad threads. I also learn about them by reading thier works when someone impresses me in the hangout as thoughtful or thought provoking. There is a lot of networking that comes out of the threads in the hangout. We get to know each other and occasionally a question arises where a mass opinion is needed. I think farmor often a specific question arises where you feel comfortable asking one person whom you respect and being satisfied with their opinion.

I mean seriously, very few things come up in a story that require a mass opinion. Very often things come up where I need a specific response and in those situations I tend to resort to people here as my first line of reference.

-Colly

 

[Guest]

Gauche, I feel as you do much of the time, but like Colly I also like staying in touch with pals, and sometimes just getting a larf out of one-liners. I too have a couple fellow authors with whom I can more seriously discuss writing.

I try to think of writerly threads to post but other than very technical questions which I can research myself I always come up empty, or when I have posted a serious writing subject (e.g., irony) it gets little attention (which is demoralizing).

I recently took all my poems off Lit. cos I was so disappointed, even angry, at the little attention they received, esp. from the poetry board people. As has been expressed often, I really am writing mainly for myself.

I post once or twice to political threads then the posts go on and on and generally nowhere or in circles so I give them up.

You excited me with the Osborne quote t'other day but no one else caught on. I do look forward to your posts always, and those of a few others.

Be patient, please, and don't abandon us.

Perdita

 

[minsue]

Re: Re: Is it time yet?

I recently took all my poems off Lit. cos I was so disappointed, even angry, at the little attention they received, esp. from the poetry board people. As has been expressed often, I really am writing mainly for myself.

Oh, 'Dita, I'm so sorry to hear that! I loved your poems and it makes me sad to know I can't go back and re-read them anymore.

 

[minsue]

Gauche -

As one of those who is part of the problem, I do apologize. I recognize where you're coming from and I feel bad at the thought of you leaving. I truly hope you don't.



- Mindy

 

[Guest]

I feel the same way as Colly about this, and she said it all much better than I could.

Gauche, if you see me as part of the problem, I sincerely apologise, as I do see where you're coming from. I have been posting a lot recently, and a lot of that has been silly.

I took a break from here myself recently. I'd had enough. I didn't intend on coming back. But, I got quite a few PM's from people on the AH (some from prolific postsers, but most from those who rarely post, telling me I was missed). I then realised how much the AH - and the very real people that make up this place - meant to me, and started to miss it myself, particularly some of the dear friends I've made here. So I came back.

I suppose I've been getting a little carried away, since I came back, because right now I'm happier than I have been for a long time, and the friends I've made here go a long way to adding to that happiness.

I do try to get new members involved in the threads, and, in private, I've helped out more than one new writer to Lit in the past week, very extensively and with no small sacrifice to my own writing time.

I think some people would be amazed by the depth of what goes on away from the AH, but only because the AH is here. There is a massive network of authors here, who do help each other out, in private.

Having said all of that, I do get your point, Gauche, and maybe it will make me think on a little.

Aunty Loulou

 

[A7inchPhildo]

It's been quite a long time since anyone moaned about the lack of writerly threads in the hangout so, here goes.

The settings in my control panel have me mailed when new posts are added to threads I'm subscribed to. Just now I'm subscribed to one thread. (plus this one) because I unsubscribed to all the dull ones, the political ones, the Americentric ones and the plain fucking stupid ones.

Lately the AH isn't worth reading. There is nothing funny going on. There is nothing amusing. There is nothing worth argueing over. There are no interesting exercises.

There's how to buy a used car, how to tell your car is knackered, the so-called merits of beer, kids, dogs, mothers, interior decor, what the hell is this? Fucking day time telly?

There's no wonder the turnover in member regularity is so huge, it should be renamed The Hangout. There are very few reasons for an author to visit.

Gauche

Gauche,
You can always go to the playground, Oh wait why bother it seems to be creeping into the AH.

Funny you should write this as I have been secretly crying to a few friends about how the AH has just become like the other forums. No body seems to care!

So the past few days I figure I am not going to beat them why not join the silly stuff or continue not posting.

I like the chatter that goes between the Authors and even some of the silly threads are ok but when it becomes the play ground I get a bit up set.

Notice my Ms word thread now that is pathetic and shouldn't be on the AH in my opinion but neither should the Fuck thread and what ever the other one was. I very rarely post a thread but lately I feel a need to make a statement while being quiet. There are a lot of great people on the AH but not too many good threads. I like to carry conversations and like the hyjacked threads too but that seems to be all that is posted lately.

I still think you should take it like a man! LOL

 

[English Lady]

Gauche...If you don't like it-lump it.


We've gone over this before and got all upset about the passing of the seriousness of the AH....nowt happened then to change it and nowt will happen now. I like the silly threads and the not so silly ones and yes actual writing ones are good from time to time too.


Yes we may all be authors but we're people too you know and friends chat,gossip and tak alot and talk about their "work" alot less.

We answer the newbie questions threads,we answer to those that have "authorly merit" when they turn up and we play silly word games with each other,debate current affairs or just have a damn good giggle in between times.


If you really can't hack it...bugger off! I don't mean any offense but sitting around here grumbling about the "AH hangouter's of today" and how they're " not like they used to be in my day" then you'll just turn yourself sour and give yourself a tummy upset!

 

[Guest]

I'm going to try an experiment with myself. I need to put more time to writing so I'm going to stay off the AH except for serious or semi-serious posts. If I think of something worth putting to writers I will. No more flirting (well, except w/Lucky and Pops occasionally) and politics of any kind.

I can bugger off as well as a Brit (and I can always PM Gauche to whinge).

Perdita

 

[Guest]

I'm going to try an experiment with myself. I need to put more time to writing so I'm going to stay off the AH except for serious or semi-serious posts. If I think of something worth putting to writers I will. No more flirting (well, except w/Lucky and Pops occasionally) and politics of any kind.

I can bugger off as well as a Brit (and I can always PM Gauche to whinge).

Perdita

Sounds like a good idea. I might try the same thing. I seriously do need to knuckle down with my writing anyway.

Ho hum, it was fun for a while, but I hate to lower the tone of the AH.

Join me in The Playground, Lew?

Lou

 

[lewdandlicentious]

But of course, mon-Cherie!

 

[Svenskaflicka]

Honestly, Gauche, I think you should know better than us if it's that time of the month..?

Oh, right, you're a man...

 

[pop_54]

I'm going to try an experiment with myself. I need to put more time to writing so I'm going to stay off the AH except for serious or semi-serious posts. If I think of something worth putting to writers I will. No more flirting (well, except w/Lucky and Pops occasionally) and politics of any kind.

I can bugger off as well as a Brit (and I can always PM Gauche to whinge).

Perdita

Lo sweetheart fancy a flirt, and that's about the limit of my indulgence of th AH at the moment, one liner's. I'm so sorry you felt the need to remove your lovely work darling one, but I understand how you feel, I too am searching for an alternative site to place my entire batch of crud. Keep in touch though if you do decide to pull out for a while.

As for the general direction of the AH well, I'm with Phil on this one, if you can't beat them, join them. In truth I quite like to have a look round and check out the silly threads, which are needed to brighten the place up at times, without a little humour and side tracking this hangout would die a slow death at times when nobody much had anything sensible to say.

I mean we either have a place where friends with a little more brain power than you find on the GB can meet for a chat daily, or a board where posts are full on serious, but months apart, as with a lot of other story board hangout's. Personally speaking, I hate waiting a month for someone to visit and reply.

I think this is the problem at the moment, no one has any Earth shattering literary questions or comments, so it's all nonsense and play. Maybe an 'Author's chat lounge' board is needed, leaving this one for the half dozen serious coves to bore the shit out of each other on, I don't know.

What do get on my nerves a bit are the political threads, these have no place here. I don't give a fuck about GW, or whether the up and coming Governor of somewhere is as bent as a safety pin, it has no connection with erotic writing, it's not even funny for we foreigners. I also object to the medical threads, that sort of thing is best in PM's between friends, I sympathise, believe me on that, but have no real interest in how many anti-depressants someone's taking each day to avoid strangling their kids, strangle the little fuckers and leave off the medication.

Now we come to the crunch as far as I'm concerned, this business of obtaing help and advice from the so called sensible few professionals, it's never worked too well for me until recently.

Of the many PM's etc to the 'Hello I'm a brilliant author/editor, call on me for help' brigade, none have yet responded favourably to a request for advice from me.

The only people with the decency to even read and comment on something I've sent or asked about are part of the 'light hearted casual brigade' a lot seem to object to and want out of here.

I asked advice on my NaNo effort, and sent samples, to four people, because I didn't have time to check it myself. 'Only one', a long time friend, very sweet and humourous young lady, (who's been critised publicly for her irreverence on the board), responded, putting in much effort on my behalf and making very useful comments. Love you MG

The sensible brigade didn't want to know, too full of themselves, or having problems getting their head out of their own arse maybe.

Recently, I've been struggling to make sense of a couple of things I'm writing, and chose to ignore the supercilious brigade, sorry I mean sensible brigade. Instead I sought advice from two comparative newcomers, both sweet young ladies, one openly admitting that she's never written anything in her life for publication here or elsewhere. Both of these sweet young ladies, again part of the 'light hearted brigade', responded with very sensible and helpful comment immediately. Love you lucky & Sher .

I think you're doing the right thing though gauche lad, just go for the threads that interest you, I do, and ignore the crap that doesn't do it for you, I do yet again. I do genuinely sympathise with your feelings on this, even though I can't fully agree, but as they say up your way, takes all sorts, and there's nowt so queer as folk.

Right time for another Stella and a visit to the three word story thread.

pops: two pennyworth.

 

[pop_54]

But of course, mon-Cherie!

Didn't know you spoke French mate Or is it like French.

 

[CharleyH]

It's been quite a long time since anyone moaned about the lack of writerly threads in the hangout so, here goes.

The settings in my control panel have me mailed when new posts are added to threads I'm subscribed to. Just now I'm subscribed to one thread. (plus this one) because I unsubscribed to all the dull ones, the political ones, the Americentric ones and the plain fucking stupid ones.

Lately the AH isn't worth reading. There is nothing funny going on. There is nothing amusing. There is nothing worth argueing over. There are no interesting exercises.

There's how to buy a used car, how to tell your car is knackered, the so-called merits of beer, kids, dogs, mothers, interior decor, what the hell is this? Fucking day time telly?

There's no wonder the turnover in member regularity is so huge, it should be renamed The Hangout. There are very few reasons for an author to visit.

Gauche

Well perhaps Gauche . . . you ARE, as I quote my Mother ",,,"

Gauche didn't like my Mother, so EDITING!!!! Jesus Christ!

 

[lewdandlicentious]

It's no good, Gauche, I have to comment.

I've seen you around the boards, you've been here longer than me, and although you seem quite cool sometimes, other times you go a bit too deep for my taste. But that's cool, I just don't read that thread.

Your comment at the top of this thread though, does suggest a little "Stuck up your own arse" -ness.

I can see what you're trying to say, but mate, how much does any of it really matter?

The English lady makes the best point, and other than saying you need to lighten up a little, and stop taking it all so seriously, I have nothing further to add.

 

[dr_mabeuse]

It's not just the Author's Hangout. There've been fewer interesting threads in the Story Feedback board as well, and there's been nothing new in the Story Discussion Circle board for maybe months.

---dr.M.

 

[Guest]

. . .but have no real interest in how many anti-depressants someone's taking each day to avoid strangling their kids, strangle the little fuckers and leave off the medication. . .

Oh, God, I'm still laughing over this one!

Thanks, pops!

 

[lewdandlicentious]

Thank fuck for Pop54!

Good on yer guvnor!

And it's as french as..............Something from France!

 

[Guest]

It's not just the Author's Hangout. There've been fewer interesting threads in the Story Feedback board as well, and there's been nothing new in the Story Discussion Circle board for maybe months.

---dr.M.

I agree with dr.M.

It really seems to be in a fluff period right now. But the climate and the posting styles on all the boards are very cyclical. I'm sure the AH will be back to more of a serious slant again.

Personally I'm working on such a dark story right now I can't comfortably discuss it with anyone. So when I go to the AH I seek out frivolity and fun.

Maybe that is what is happening to many authors right now because of world problems, personal difficulties, political fiascos, the upcoming tax season in the US, etc.

Maybe it's just that time of the month.

Maybe.

 

[Guest]

Thank fuck for Pop54!

Good on yer guvnor!

And it's as french as..............Something from France!

I completely agree!

And, thank fuck for you, too! Your own special brand of madness helps keep me sane.

Katie-Lou

P.S. On reflection, I can't stay away. I don't wanna! I'm me, it's the only way I know how to be. If some people don't like that, tough shit!

 

[pop_54]

I completely agree!

And, thank fuck for you, too! Your own special brand of madness helps keep me sane.

Katie-Lou

P.S. On reflection, I can't stay away. I don't wanna! I'm me, it's the only way I know how to be. If some people don't like that, tough shit!

Thank God for that woman, couldn't stand this place without those ever changing lovely avatars of yours, and your sweet voice ringing out with some lunacy or other.

 

[Guest]

Thank God for that woman, couldn't stand this place without those ever changing lovely avatars of yours, and your sweet voice ringing out with some lunacy or other.

Hic-hic-pertang!

(Thanks, sweetie )

Lou

 

[lewdandlicentious]

Yeh, us fucking insane brits need to sticky up.

I mean, stay apart.

No, no, it's STICK TOGETHER. That's the one, stick together.
hic****

 

[Guest]

Yeh, us fucking insane brits need to sticky up.

I mean, stay apart.

No, no, it's STICK TOGETHER. That's the one, stick together.
hic****

If only we could all get sticky together.

Did I really say that?

NO! It's those damn voices again. THEY make me do it.

*flibble*

Katie-Lou-Lou