My last refuge is gone.

[Lit_Zombie]

I used to be able to come here for a way to get away. Worlds that were for the most part, moderately well written and thought out stories. What its turned into is a trying ground for young millennials desperately seeking what we all had years ago.

Now, don't get all ruffled you youngin's. I'm sure all of us will enjoy what the best of you can put out. Just like we did in my day. Yeah, fine look at my profile. it's my third. Back in my day ISP's could block or ban you from sites like this. 'GASP' like China is doing with HK.

No, you aren't the first to experience those emotions or be under the foot of that type of politician or leader.

Crap. I digress. The best stories on this site have and always will have nothing to do with our propensity to include odd things: age gaps, politics, theology, sexual orientation, race, color, educational level, fetish or kink.

The best stories always include a little bit of vulnerability. Just that little bit of "Shit I need help. Because, I cant do it by myself." Anyone, over 25 knows I'm telling the truth. You are either a liar or a trust fund baby if you disagree. Even if it was that one text to you dad or call to your mom or even like me, my best friend. We all need that little push. Just a little help.

ALL of the highest rated stories I'VE read in the last year are filled with super humans. Photographic memory, highly trained in martial arts, scout sniper +++ qualified.

Where are the REAL FREAKING PEOPLE?

Think for a minute. Yeah, we'd all like to fall into that group of awesomeness (being a Marine I understand how you plebs would like to feel important XD ) But, for the most part, myself included; We don't. What we do have are the emotions, experiences and our own joy. Our own Romeo and Maria. Sometimes, its not who saves the city from destruction, sometimes its not the person who stopped the building from falling on you. Sometimes, its the person who made you feel special for being you, the person who smiles when you enter a room even in a bad mood. Sometimes, the hero to your story isn't you! You can be a protagonist without being a plot driving element.

Put your cellphones down look around and think. Then read a few of the "classics" here and delete tindr or whatever its called and try actual dating. Hell! Even a real well written "T" date would have been good here ten years ago.

I don't think you young-in's can actually do it. (put together a coherent and touching story) to top some of the best authors here. You don't have the depth or understanding of the language to make a plane well written story about two people falling in love, and starting to date.

 

[PinkIris]

Wow. I actually JUST messaged you for editing purposes but now I may be a little scared of you. You're totally right and have me completely second-guessing, like everything, I've written. And I'm not a young'in. At all. My only saving grace as an author is that the story I want assistance with is actually all about a date.

I haven't done a lot of reading here because I do get disappointed too quickly these days. But then... I read on my cell phone so I don't want to put it down. bahahaha

 

[Lolita_Slut]

The best stories always include a little bit of vulnerability. Just that little bit of "Shit I need help. Because, I cant do it by myself." Anyone, over 25 knows I'm telling the truth. You are either a liar or a trust fund baby if you disagree. Even if it was that one text to you dad or call to your mom or even like me, my best friend. We all need that little push. Just a little help.

This. I want to feel like the story I'm reading is happening as I read it. It's cool to read sci-fi for the purpose of reading sci-fi. But I love a story that could happen to me on a regular old Tuesday.

And it's the human condition - to seek community, to seek out relationship (platonic or otherwise) with those whose strengths complement and/or complete your own.

Well said, Zombie. Thanks.

chuckles at 'trust fund baby,'

 

[SimonDoom]

Not to shoot down somebody's perspective, but the problem I have with these sorts of posts, which we see once in a while is: what are talking about? I have no idea. I don't know what categories of stories you read. I don't know what old-timer stories you are talking about.

I don't read stories about superhumans. Not interested. I prefer stories about people with, as you put it, vulnerabilities. I see plenty of stories like that. Been reading stories here for over 15 years, probably closer to 20 but my memory is fuzzy. I don't see a trend toward superhumans.

I don't mean to dismiss what you're saying, but it might be easier for others to weigh in (if that's what you want) if you're more specific. What kinds of stories are you reading? Give some examples of the way it "used to be."

Useful discussion is only possible when each of the participants knows what the hell the other is talking about.

 

[Bramblethorn]

ALL of the highest rated stories I'VE read in the last year are filled with super humans. Photographic memory, highly trained in martial arts, scout sniper +++ qualified.

Then don't read the highest rated stories.

 

[ElectricBlue]

Not to shoot down somebody's perspective, but the problem I have with these sorts of posts, which we see once in a while is: what are talking about? I have no idea. I don't know what categories of stories you read. I don't know what old-timer stories you are talking about.

We'll be talking about the Suez Crisis, Cadillacs with fins, and Beach Boys songs on the transistor radio next.

"Gee, Mom, is that the Spootnik thing everyone's talkin' about? Hot hickory dawg, ain't progress wonderful!"

 

[SimonDoom]

We'll be talking about the Suez Crisis, Cadillacs with fins, and Beach Boys songs on the transistor radio next.

"Gee, Mom, is that the Spootnik thing everyone's talkin' about? Hot hickory dawg, ain't progress wonderful!"

If someone writes an erotic story about 8-track tapes, disco pants, feathered hair, and guys carrying big handled combs in their back pockets I'll be happy.

 

[Inkhorn]

I think that what the OP is asking... and I hope Lit_Zombie will correct me if I’m wrong... is where have all of the “everyman (-women)” stories gone?

 

[SynSlave]

"Back in my day..."

When I get that, I usually tune out. Like others above said or insuated; its not a lack of valid points or credible merit. But its redundant and ex parte.

Next comes, "we didn't have to worry about blank-blank-blank" followed by "now today you have to worry about blank-blank".

"I walked five miles in the snow..."

It's old hat. Im sure the OP has heard his own voice before, like we all did, from the generations before us. Please, like suggested, specify and narrow down the focus on whatever gripe... you arent literally being tuned out. I'll bet I agree with half and add a few of my own. But let's not pretend that it's something new.

Progress always struggles with the past. It's Humanity-101.

 

[BelleCanzuto]

Not to shoot down somebody's perspective, but the problem I have with these sorts of posts, which we see once in a while is: what are talking about? I have no idea. I don't know what categories of stories you read. I don't know what old-timer stories you are talking about.

I don't read stories about superhumans. Not interested. I prefer stories about people with, as you put it, vulnerabilities. I see plenty of stories like that. Been reading stories here for over 15 years, probably closer to 20 but my memory is fuzzy. I don't see a trend toward superhumans.

I don't mean to dismiss what you're saying, but it might be easier for others to weigh in (if that's what you want) if you're more specific. What kinds of stories are you reading? Give some examples of the way it "used to be."

Useful discussion is only possible when each of the participants knows what the hell the other is talking about.

I'm with you, Simon. That was my reaction as well. Which stories is Lit_Zombie talking about, and what makes them assume that the stories are all written by millenials. I haven't read a single story here that featured superhumans.

And I'll say this too, a lot of commercial erotica is full of the kinds of characters the OP is annoyed with. I got annoyed and quit reading a series of books that might otherwise have been appealing because every character was an incredibly beautiful, genius level intelligent, polyglot, multi-millionaire secret philathropist. I get that erotica and a lot of other kinds of reading is supposed to be fantastic, but there's only so much of that I can take.

I think it's interesting that you can get much more normal seeming people here, in a group full of amateurs. And I'd really be interested to know which stories the OP is talking about.

I think that what the OP is asking... and I hope Lit_Zombie will correct me if I’m wrong... is where have all of the “everyman (-women)” stories gone?

There are still a lot of those around. Look at most of what EB has written, or whowrotethisshit's story about the friends deciding to make a baby. Or my stuff, none of which features superpeople, and all of which feature people with jobs and life annoyances. Look at TarnishedPenny's stuff. And that's just people I can think of off the top of my head, and who I've read more than one of their stories.

I honestly can't tell from the OP's post, whether they're interested in actually finding suggestions for stories to read. Or if they're interested in a discussion about why there's been an apparent change. Or, if this is just another version of one of those "pop in/rant about how everything sucks/pop out" threads that get started here from time to time. I guess if Lit_Zombie responds, I'll have my answer.

 

[SimonDoom]

I think that what the OP is asking... and I hope Lit_Zombie will correct me if I’m wrong... is where have all of the “everyman (-women)” stories gone?

But if that's so, then for this discussion to be meaningful (unless it's just a rant), then:

1. What "everyman" stories are we talking about?
2. What reason is there to believe that they once enjoyed a prominent place here?
3. What reason is there to believe that they now do not?

Be specific.

I'll repeat what I said: I've read stories here for over 15 years, and I have no idea what the OP is talking about.

It's common for people to lament what they perceive to be decline (I do it!). But often that perception is based more on a failure to stay current than an accurate and genuine appraisal of changing standards.

 

[Blind_Justice]

I write sci-fi and fantasy, but my characters all have serious issues despite being blessed with extraordinary abilities. In " Mud & Magic", the main character is an abused farm boy who discovers that "witch blood" runs through his veins, i.e. he's a wizard, Harry. But that fact doesn't magically turn him into a hero, much less superhero overnight. He's awkward around people, has little knowledge about the world around his village, he needs to learn how to handle his gift and despite meaning well, he makes mistakes. From what my readers have told me, they love to see him struggle and grow.

 

[Bramblethorn]

I'm with you, Simon. That was my reaction as well. Which stories is Lit_Zombie talking about, and what makes them assume that the stories are all written by millenials. I haven't read a single story here that featured superhumans.

And I'll say this too, a lot of commercial erotica is full of the kinds of characters the OP is annoyed with. I got annoyed and quit reading a series of books that might otherwise have been appealing because every character was an incredibly beautiful, genius level intelligent, polyglot, multi-millionaire secret philathropist. I get that erotica and a lot of other kinds of reading is supposed to be fantastic, but there's only so much of that I can take.

Absurdly over-powered characters have been around forever. Anybody remember Doc Savage?

But most of my stories are about people with human frailties, and readers here seem to be cool with that. I suspect OP and I aren't reading the same categories.

 

[Voboy]

I thoroughly enjoy threads in which posters bitch vociferously about stories they've CHOSEN to read. Especially when it's so easy, literally by clicking a button, to make a different choice, or several different choices.

Gold, Jerry. Pure gold.

 

[BelleCanzuto]

Absurdly over-powered characters have been around forever. Anybody remember Doc Savage?

But most of my stories are about people with human frailties, and readers here seem to be cool with that. I suspect OP and I aren't reading the same categories.

You're absolutely right that those characters have been around forever, especially in "romance" and other kinds of "pulp fiction". And I totally think there's a place for that. I enjoy those kinds of characters in moderation. But when *every* major character in a book, or worse, series of books has no flaws it gets boring.

And just from interacting with you here, I'm sure your characters are believable, fully drawn people with foibles and strengths. It's just that your usual genre isn't one I'm going to be drawn to read very much. Just like mine is definitely not the favorite of a lot of people.

 

[GroverLang]

Then don't read the highest rated stories.

There are many really good stories languishing below the magic 4.50 and there’s a lot of crap with a red H. Just reading the reds is very limiting.

 

[ElectricBlue]

I haven't read a single story here that featured superhumans.

I'm still in the queue at the multiplex waiting for Doctor Doom the Procrastinator - Return of Super Penguin, but aside from that and the occasional fan-fic shadow world creator wandering through, I'd have thought it easy enough NOT to find super-hero stories if you don't want to read them. Choose a different category, don't search using "super hero" as a tag, for starters .

Thanks for the shout-out, Belle, that was very sweet .

 

[ElectricBlue]

If someone writes an erotic story about 8-track tapes, disco pants, feathered hair, and guys carrying big handled combs in their back pockets I'll be happy.

You, sir, need help.

But, I can almost satisfy your desire - if you'll accept a kombi instead of the eight-track (although the kombi could have been fitted with an eight-track, I don't know):

https://www.literotica.com/s/in-search-of-a-story

Also, let's see who knows their Samuel Taylor Coleridge - the orgasm described uses the chasm stanza from Kublai Khan as its crib...

 

[KeithD]

I don't mean to dismiss what you're saying, but it might be easier for others to weigh in (if that's what you want) if you're more specific. What kinds of stories are you reading? Give some examples of the way it "used to be."

It would be nice too with posts like this if the poster didn't act like they were the only reader anyone should be writing for.

 

[gunhilltrain]

If someone writes an erotic story about 8-track tapes, disco pants, feathered hair, and guys carrying big handled combs in their back pockets I'll be happy.

I have published a story set in 1949 - the hardest part is figuring out (guessing?) people's thoughts and attitudes back then. I'm considering one set in the 1920s. I do have stories set in the 1960s, the 1970s (my coming of age; I did have one particularly ugly pair of pants then), and the 1980s (my young adulthood).

 

[Blind_Justice]

I have published a story set in 1949 - the hardest part is figuring out (guessing?) people's thoughts and attitudes back then. I'm considering one set in the 1920s. I do have stories set in the 1960s, the 1970s (my coming of age; I did have one particularly ugly pair of pants then), and the 1980s (my young adulthood).

1949? Oh, so much casual racism.

 

[Vix_Giovanni]

This post went untouched in the Editor's Forum for a week; it looks like it a mod perhaps moved it here. Maybe the frustration stemmed from something the OP was editing.

 

[oggbashan]

1949? Oh, so much casual racism.

One of the interesting facts about the advent of American GIs in Britain during WW2 is that black GIs were treated by most people as the same as everyone else. Most British people did not understand that black = inferior. To us they had come to liberate Europe and black GIs were doing the same task and were therefore welcome. We had to learn, from other Americans, that black GIs were not the same.

Unfortunately we learned that too well and by the late 40s racism was alive and flourishing in Britain.

 

[seeshelly]

Regarding: My last refuge is gone.

You make some valid and interesting observations and assertions. However, a bigger issue in my mind is not whether or not there is growing dysfunction here and everywhere on earth, the greater issue is whether or not it is wise to view Literotica as a "refuge." This might be a fun playground but it is far from a refuge. So if this feels like your last refuge and it feels like it is slipping away it might be time to step back and look at what really has substance in life.

But you are right about the quality of the stories. In general there is a state of decline taking place. The stories are poorly written and shallow. Of course there are some great exceptions.

 

[Desiremakesmeweak]

One of the interesting facts about the advent of American GIs in Britain during WW2 is that black GIs were treated by most people as the same as everyone else. Most British people did not understand that black = inferior. To us they had come to liberate Europe and black GIs were doing the same task and were therefore welcome. We had to learn, from other Americans, that black GIs were not the same.

Unfortunately we learned that too well and by the late 40s racism was alive and flourishing in Britain.

God that's interesting to me, because I'd have to say this has been my experience, too. I have a prodigious if likely selective memory and was very aware when but 'still also very tiny...'

Post WWII, 'the Americans' had saved the world. No one 'out there in the rest of the Western world' thought anything about them other than that they were all brash, fairly illiterate, very good-hearted, possessed 'most favored by God' status, winners, self-confident, and powerful. Who the fuck knew there was a difference between what my stupid friend Sam L Jackson calls 'the Nigras' and the not-Nigras.

Seriously, the first time 'we' knew there was an issue was when Harry Belafonte had to be taken aside by my mum and told, 'hey THESE Asians you are talking to, think you're God and that you are going to stop them starving to death. You need to be warmer and friendlier to them because they do NOT HAVE ANY CLUE that you are a suppressed minority back home and that you are an ice-cold son-of-a-bitch because of that. You are God. BE, like God; at least to them.'

And he cried. And that is true.

I am probably the most guilty of this 'superhuman' thing. And I definitely do appreciate stories where the characters are human and 'vulnerable.'

But actually, I don't myself believe those kinds of stories because I have met no 'vulnerable' people, at least not in this world. I have met only people who are able to fight back, or to 'fight forward;' in short, not very nice personalities who are always positioned to fight someone, anyone, and to justify their own perspectives even while they present a false face of themselves as benign and 'nice.'

And no, on the whole I don't like people.

I have also, though, met a very small handful of those who work at or who have worked at making use of their natural talents and gifts, and who survive day-to-day by doing something that enervates them and becomes molded into their lifestyle. In reality nobody likes them but everybody wants to use them. All the time.

I used to be actively involved in the high technology industry having shifting there from a career in economics and wholesale banking. I don't believe in 'Sci Fi' as something from NY speculative writers of the Sixties who had careers in academia in science. In fact I don't believe in 'science.' I know that technology can work to enhance human's lives and that it is PART of the human persona, fundamentally. I don't believe in 'strong AI.'

I do believe we are rushing into a future that is coming to meet us from the opposite direction and that the human race has mostly failed to recognize what that future consists of, and from whence it (that future) comes.

Hollywood - that is, the pop vision of things, especially of 'the human condition' and the potential future - is not on the page of reality at all.

Reality is different to what it has been presented to everyone as being.

I want to read stories about vulnerable people. But are these also 'nice' people? Are they good people? Would I like them, feel comfortable with them, around them? Would I be safe with them?

I need others to write those stories. I would not be able to write them myself.

'Vulnerable' is a complicated and a difficult word for me. In the back of my mind I see 'exploit' hiding behind 'vulnerable.' I do not see 'help,' or 'befriend.'

Refuge? Oh yes. I seek refuge. I see glimpses of 'refuge' every now and then.

I don't 'belong' here. Not in today's world the way it is. And I don't have a problem with that though. I have seen the future. And it will be.