OOC: Do People Read Closed Threads???

[captainb]

Zircon, you've got a point. But beware of making blanket condemnations. What if a writer has a good idea for a plot and characters, but it necessitates only a limited number of characters/authors being involved? Maybe two authors want their characters to be trapped in a cabin during a snowstorm? Should they open themselves up to every other writer who wants their characters to "accidentally" stumble across their tryst?

Stories come in all shapes and sizes, some with incredibly loose plots, if plots at all beyond the old "in-out," and others being tightly plotted and planned out. Within those categories, some choose to be open and closed. Maybe someone just wants to have a good time with a lone partner or two without being bothered by others messing up the atmosphere. Readers may ask, "Well then, why don't they just e-mail each other then, and keep it off the Forum?" Then we're back to the old question of why do people post here at all? To be read. That's a big part of the thrill and fun of being on Lit. There are plenty of open threads available for people to join. People don't have to like everything they read, just like they don't have to enjoy every TV show or music CD. If you don't like it, change the channel, change the thread. No one is hurt by this, and everyone still gets to enjoy what they want. If I'm invited to be in a closed thread with a writer or two that I like, I should be able to enjoy it without worrying that someone is somehow hurt by not being allowed to play. While I too tend to tune out other's closed threads, I look on it as a lack of patience on my part, not that the writers are being "arrogant and condescending."

Having said that, I'm in favor of a shorthand note in the titles showing if a thread is closed, similar to noting if it's an OOC thread.

And Z, give yourself some credit. At 272 posts, you've long passed the newbie stage

 

[Thor's Hammer]

<g>

<-----clapping, thank you all for piping up.....this really is a long running debate......and the CLOSED in the title would (as captainb states) easily tell us all to find another sandbox

 

[Zircon]

Hi guys,

For me being termed a newbie, even with the number of posts that I have, is only true in the SRP forum. I've and will continue to post stories in the ORP. That's where I got the post numbers. It's a lot freer, and not much, well no, sex at all. Which is fine. What I'm getting at is I would like to try out the SRP. So this is actually only my second post in the SRP forum. In all sense of the word, I'm a newbie.

CaptainB, it seemed like I was making a blanket judgement. Well, in a way I was. If the storyline or the title says that only two person can play, like you example, then it is OK. I don't mind that at all. Two is a company, and three is a crowd, right? But the thing is I read the titles, I don't go for the star ratings. You are very correct in saying that we need something to tell us that the thread is a closed one.

Whew. I thought I was going to get creamed over here for ruffling the feathers of the 'few'. Thank you for your comments, and help pray for me so that I can find a good and participate.

Thanks again guys.

Z

 

[Huntress]

Z, et al:

I'm one of those <ahem> rare birds who favor closed threads for writing and reading, not because I'm a snob, but for the simple reason that I cannot seem to keep up with more than 4 or 5 writers at a time. Heck, maybe I suffer from undiagnosed ADD. All I know is that I've got limits and that's one of 'em.

The consensus to tag threads as "Closed" in the title is one which I support whole heartedly. Nothing more disappointing than seeing a great title in SRP only to open up the thread and find it closed. Used to piss me off! Eventually I became inured to it and even gained an appreciation for the myriad reasons a thread is closed. I'd still like to see it spelled out in the title line! EOR

Z, as to your "newbie" status, I'm with the Captain. Anyone who's racked up more than 100 posts is certainly not a newbie and I, for one, will remember your thoughtful and articulate style when next I concoct a thread... I think I'd enjoy writing with you.

Regards,

~ Huntress

 

[KHAN-E]

Most of them have more hits than posts which indicates that someone is reading them. I have participated in a number of closed threads and have received PMs from readers who indicated they liked the threads.

Personnaly, I rarely read a closed thread. If I can't play along I find it less interesting, and in many cases, boring. If I just want to read someone else's experiences/fantasies, I'll go to Lit.'s "Stories". Some HOT reading there!!!

 

[SexyChele]

Just felt I wanted to put my .02 worth in here. Most of the threads I'm involved in are closed threads. Why? Simple. Most "open" threads die within a few weeks of getting started due to people getting their feelings hurt or just dropping out and not telling anyone. With a closed thread, normally the writers are more committed to the story and you have an opportunity to truly build a story and develop characters. There is one closed thread that I've been writing to that will reach the one year mark at the of this month. Can't say that about any of the open threads.

Now, yes, there are some open threads that do last longer than a couple of weeks - but they are usually on subjects that I'm simply not interested in. I wish those folks well and am happy that they are able to find folks who can stay committed to a thread.

In the past few months I have purposely started a number of open threads, for the express purpose of allowing those writers who are looking to get involved in SRP a chance to do so. However, I found some very interesting, and hard, lessons along the way.

1. Most people just do not have the same interests as I do. Even though the threads are open, no one signs on. I usually have to beg one or two writers to the thread to get it going. Then, typically, once the thread is up and running along smoothly I get inundated with PMs asking if people can join the thread. This is after, like, 4 or 5 pages of writing. I don't mind letting people in, but why not join at the beginning? Why wait so long?

2. I've found people want to twist and distort the original view of the story. This is not such a difficult thing if the story is set in modern times. However, if I've worked at developing an historical piece, I don't want some one running through the thread posting something about aliens invading the planet or some other such stuff. If you don't want to post in keeping with the story, then don't join. It's simple.

3. The bigger the thread (read: the more players) the more quickly the death. People disappear, it's easy to get lost, people get hurt. It happens. It's very difficult to keep large threads running smoothly.

I know that many on here do not like closed threads. Well, I don't care for vampire stories. So what? If I click on a title to a thread, and find out it's about vampires, I just exit. No harm, no foul. So what's the big deal? It's a public forum, so not everything will appeal to everyone all the time.

I would like to see more open threads, yes. How to go about it? I wish I knew.

 

[SpectralDragoon]

I'm definitely with Zircon on this one. I've never participated in a SRP thread but I peruse this board often enough. Closed threads agitate me, but now after reading what Chele has to say, I certainly respect her view point, and can understand where she's coming from.

 

[BadForm]

You certainly make some good points, Sexy, about how quickly open threads can die. It made me think - although I don't write closed threads, most of the threads I am in are with a 'clique' or group of writers who write together a lot. Interesting. It's not because I don't WANT to write with others, and certainly I have and continue to allow others in and in doing so have found some excellent writers - again the single greatest example of someone who was completely unknown to me and is a phenomenal writer is DeliciousMaiden, who I suggest anyone involve in their threads when she wants in. But, it's similar to closed threads in a way - I gravitate towards those who can be relied on to carry the story forwards.

 

[PhoenixPrime]

PhoenixPrime:

I'm a 'newbie' to this form of role playing, but thought I'd express my view on the thread anyway.
After I've replied to any thread I'm in and/or PM's I read the 'stories' regardless of open or closed. It depends on whether it's caught my interest.
If I don't have time for that then I just read the ones that are open and intrigue me waiting until I've 'found' an part of the story where I feel a character concept will mesh nicely with the other characters and the story line.
I guess what I'm saying, in essence, is that closed threads come at the end of my list of reading priorities.
PP

 

[SexyChele]

You certainly make some good points, Sexy, about how quickly open threads can die. It made me think - although I don't write closed threads, most of the threads I am in are with a 'clique' or group of writers who write together a lot. Interesting. It's not because I don't WANT to write with others, and certainly I have and continue to allow others in and in doing so have found some excellent writers - again the single greatest example of someone who was completely unknown to me and is a phenomenal writer is DeliciousMaiden, who I suggest anyone involve in their threads when she wants in. But, it's similar to closed threads in a way - I gravitate towards those who can be relied on to carry the story forwards.

You know, BadForm, you bring up an excellent point here and one I don't think has been addressed as fully as it should be. I know that I am very guilty of doing this myself, so I'm certainly not pointing any fingers at anyone. However, I do think, in some ways, that the phenomenon of the "OOC Clubs" has fostered this clique ideal. That is not always bad - sometimes it is just more comfortable posting with people you know well. Lines of communication are more open, you feel freer about questioning where people are going with the story, etc.

But I think it's important for people to look at who they are posting with. If it is always the same people, then maybe we need to do some rethinking. As I said, I'm very guilty of this - and I know it! When I took a look at who I was posting with, it all the same people! That was when I tried to open up a few "open threads" in the hopes of getting people I hadn't written with to join up. What happened? The same people joined! Not that I mind - I love who I write with! But sometimes I realy yearn for the days when I first came here and just plunged right in. Stumbled on a few threads, yes. My writing was awkward, yes. But I learned as I went, and I met new writers all the time.

Seems you really can't turn back the clock, can you? More's the pity, I suppose...

 

[Thor's Hammer]

<s>

<---more clapping. It is truly a treat to see the intelligent, reasoned comments that this topic has generated. EVERYONE knows my posture, but even the elitists (kidding!!!!!) make good points. I can remember, vaguely, when I first started to wander about lit. I have made a number of 'virtual' friends and acquaintances - and learned in the process. Keep writing all. I think the best comment I have seen so far is to put "CLOSED" in the title. I respect the reasons why some people are more comfortable in that venue. Tell you what, though - some of the most memorable threads I have wandered about in were multi-player. True, they were not literary works of art, but they surely became fun when the twists and turns required an innovative response.

Whew....I have rambled on long enough.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

<<blushes>>

"... again the single greatest example of someone who was completely unknown to me and is a phenomenal writer is DeliciousMaiden, who I suggest anyone involve in their threads when she wants in."

BF! Sshhhhh! Appreciation is mutual believe me!!

Hi all.. just got back from hols and was reading round new threads... Just to add to the debate... I started on open threads and from then was invited into closed threads... I like both to read and to write in. Like the spontanaeity of the open threads with so many people.. although it can be tricky and difficult at times, and love writing closed threads with one or a few others... though I hope that's not arrogance... <S> .. it's never been intended to be!

My humble opinion is we can feel excluded by closed threads if we choose to be. I don't take closed threads or people dropping out of stories or taking a thread off in an unpredicted direction etc. personally... it's life.. I just try not to offend anyone as I enjoy myself round here. I'm here for fun and to read and be read... and if anyone enjoys reading/writing with me as I muddle along then that's a big bonus!!!

...besides... rather than waiting for open threads to...err.. well.. open... why don't we just.. open ourselves...? ::smiles naively::

{{{huggs all }}}

 

[BadForm]

Re: <<blushes>>

Originally posted by DeliciousMaiden why don't we just.. open ourselves...?

>coughcoughcough<

You could warn a man before you make some suggestions... I was swallowing! Ummm... soda... yeah, swallowing soda.... or am I misreading your comment? (licentious grin)

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

<<mega blushes>>

BF!!!

You *know* exactly what I meant!

besides... there are some things you shouldn't do with your mouth full!... and..some things you definitely should...err..but.. I digress....

But... as you know ... I'm a pretty open Brit gal! .... and rather picky... (I only open for the ... right combination..... )
- omg.. u corrupting me! ::ggls::

Anyhow... I think I'll follow my own recommendation and start a could-go-anywhere type thread and see what develops.

So.... ::mock glare:; be good BF! x

 

[BadForm]

Whats the point of being good? You know what they say, good folk get what they want on their birthdays... bad folk have been getting it all year... Look forward to your thread, will have to see what you're looking for.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

::giggles::

MMmmmm

In that case... I must celebrate my birthday 365 days a year!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEEE!!

DM x

 

[wildandnasty]

my 2 cents

Why not just ask the moderators to create a NEW logo that designates a closed thread?

Then you have the option to read it or not (as if you didnt before)

Then you dont have to get so twisted outa shape when you get past the first few paragraphs and realize you've wasted a whole 30 seconds of your time...

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

<S>

{{{huggs}} wildandnasty ! Great name by the way.

Nice comment... 30 seconds ha?... Quick worker!

DM x

 

[Snork Maiden]

Do people read closed threads?
Absolutely yes!
Personally I read more of the closed threads than the open ones. And I have been told that at least one of my threads has a following outside of LIT so don't think these storylines have an audience based on LIT members only.

Why?
Because generally they flow better, they seem to be more thought out and the people that take part in them seem to put more effort and thought into what they write.

It is much easier to read something that has 2,3 or 4 writers contributing to a general theme than wandering posters that just drop by spend a couple of posts, make assumptions on other characters and disrupt the storyline for others before losing interest and moving on to hop into another thread.

Do I write in closed threads?
Yes I do, I've done both, but feel I write better in a closed thread. There is no hurry to get a post done, it is more relaxed and generally more enjoyable. For me at least.

Do we need another symbol?
Most people that write closed threads put something to that effect in the opening thread. This raises another issue. Many people jump right on in. They don't bother to read through what has gone before. That is considerate isn't it?

There is space enough for closed and open threads and there is nothing to stop anyone starting their own thread. I don't really understand what the fuss is about with the closed ones.
Is it because you feel excluded in someway? Don't feel that. There are many reasons as I have mentioned for people choosing to write in a closed thread, and in time I dare say you will too.

Snork

 

[wildandnasty]

ty DeliciousMaiden, I love your name as well, it leaves a gal wondering...

Snork Maiden, the symbol suggested would aleve the problem of people looking for threads to join, as I am BUT I am aware that some love to read as much as write (I have spent a few late evenings in a menage et trois,lol, the computer, the lit and myself!)

As for those who "jump" right in reading past the closed thread remarks, they would ignore a symbol as well, and that defines the word "RUDE" in my book, and there would be no cure for that...

Just my two cents, now...Pleased to meet both you maidens

Teri

 

[BLACK BART]

I was going to give a prepared speech...But what the heck? It's a simple question and the answer...yes, of course

Closed threads are not CLOSED "per se" to others for reading, but for writing to...for many different reasons a group of people decide to write a common storyline and limit the number of writers that interact...

Perhaps it's a certain number needed to carry the storyline, or something as simple (yet intensely strong) the desire to "rub" ones mind against another of the opposite sex...(It is SRP)

Now a question of my own...Is the "closed thread thread" question brought up to "relieve" a certain problem or tension (Free speech IS good, it can air small problems before they grow large and let all solve them) or what?

(Glad it wasnt the prepared speech, hmmmm?)

 

[Snork Maiden]

Now a question of my own...Is the "closed thread thread" question brought up to "relieve" a certain problem or tension (Free speech IS good, it can air small problems before they grow large and let all solve them) or what?

Perhaps you missed the point of the topic.

To quote the original thread starter's post
sic.

I know I don't.
Once I click on a thread and see that it's closed, I never open it again.
I'm sure I'm not alone in this.
Something you should all keep in mind.


He is expressing a personal opinion in answer to his own question and clearly seeking other peoples opinions in the same fashion.

Perhaps it would have been more interesting if the thread had been posted as a poll but regardless of that this thread is then nothing more than an opinion thread, its not a complaining thread and doesn't appear to me at least to indicate the thread starter has a problem with them he just doesn't read them, as is his choice.

Personally again I read very few of the open threads so should I start a thread that says
'Do People Read Open Threads ???'

If they do,

When you read an open thread do you start at the beginning?

So many questions.

At the end of the day what it comes down to is this:
It's all down to personal choice.
1) You respect the wishes of the writers of closed threads
2) You read the things that interest you.
3) You write to threads that interest you.
4) If you don't see something you like you can start your own thread.

Simple isn't it?

Snork

 

[Sharpner]

Zircon

For one thats a really ignorant veiw point, I'm in a closed thread. Niether I nor Parliment feel were the best, she and I are just building a realtionship with our characters, and no we cannot do it on chat. I suck at chat, and we just don't want to do it on E-mails. This is a public board so why not do it here? Can we include total strangers in our thread no and thats because were trying top rp as our charcters.

I'm not trying to be rude and I loathe arguing, I just feel your being rash and unfair. The characters are also following a storyline that involves other factors from another rping website as well. People I also ask that you not be angry as stated before there are factors involved with any closed Thread, far too many for me to name.

I understand I may sound rude, I just ask that you not flame me for expressing my views. The fact is I once felt that way but it was about a group that you had to be invited to in order to join, in other words don't call us will call you.


I might be hated on for expressing my views with such a low post count, oh well what can I say besides, no I hardly read threads of any kind. I'm late in my statement as well.

 

[Why]

................

 

[McKenna]

.