Overkill

[Whispersecret]

I really shouldn't have come to the boards today. I was really cranking on my story. I'm on the final scene after almost three months.

I read Laurel's post in Lasher's thread and, deservedly, feel like crap. Thinking back I realize how often I've spouted off about the art of writing, and wonder why anyone even takes the time to read posts from such a self-important, condescending bitch.

I apologize to all who have been subjected to my high-handed opinions on the subjects of stories, writing, etc.

[This message has been edited by whispersecret (edited 04-14-2000).]

 

[Laurel]

Hi Whispersecret,

My intention wasn't for you to feel like crap. I just wanted you to know that I completely understood what you were saying, and I wish you understood what I'm saying. I don't happen to agree with you entirely, but that's fine - if we all agreed with each other, how fun would that be?

People are in general more geared to agree with each other than disagree - watch the threads and you'll see what I mean. One person states an idea or opinion, and others join in. There's some truth to every criticism, but that doesn't make it the whole truth. Pretty soon everyone's latching onto this new complaint and adding some of their own, and it snowballs until it's one big whinefest.

Because of this, I happen to feel that making vague complaints about "story quality" isn't constructive. As Tiggs noted, many people who come here have written stories for the site. Without you giving specific examples, these people don't know who you're talking about and thus may feel hurt or angry.

I don't want to foster an atmosphere where inexperienced authors feel unwelcome because their work isn't up to some "standard". I sort of see Literotica as a place for amateur writers to have their work posted for a large audience - an opportunity not available for them many other places - so that they can receive and benefit from constructive criticism. What you're missing is that this site is here for the benefit of the authors as well as the readers. Exceptionally talented and experienced authors - of which we have quite a few - can have their work published anywhere if they shop around enough. New writers or unseasoned writers don't have those options, and they could develop (as I've seen happen) into very fine authors given half a chance. I want to give them the whole chance.

I do enjoy quality stories written by experienced writers, but this site isn't here strictly for my benefit. If you ran a site, you may want to only include pieces you personally liked - that's fine, that's your right. I'm sure it'd be a great site. But that's not what we're trying to do here.

Perhaps rather than making vague assertions about "story quality", you may consider going to the Story Feedback board and giving specific criticisms about specific stories, That would be very constructive and helpful, and that would be in line with the purpose of this site. I'd appreciate it, the authors would appreciate it, and the readers would appreciate it.

I hope you understand what I'm saying. If you don't, please let me know as I know I can ramble...

[This message has been edited by Laurel (edited 04-15-2000).]

 

[Wordmage]

Originally posted by whispersecret:
I apologize to all who have been subjected to my high-handed opinions on the subjects of stories, writing, etc.

I've read those treatises on the art of writing. No, make that the Art Of Writing...ahhhh, screw it. THE *ART* OF *WRITING.*

I agree with most of what you have said. Hey, I think you just pushed too hard for what you believe. I've been guilty of that myself. <GASP!> I know it's hard to believe, but it's true. Laurel's even forgiven me.

What say you and I go read a few stories together and try to figure out who was cybering whom?

 

[Guest]

Whisper, I say hang in there gal! There's nothing wrong with stating your opinion (this is supposed to be a bulletin board after all). I happen to agree with you. Since I first discovered the BB back in early March, this has been the only place I've visited. Recently I ventured out to check on some stories. I too noticed several of them took longer to load than to read, and there were some that were getting real good (and I would wonder "what's next?") but that would be the end of the story. I was left "hanging", wondering what happened! For those who criticized you, they were probably feeling defensive because they had stories posted. And as for their comment on if you think you could do better then write a story too, well, I am in the process of doing that.

I hope to have it "published" on this site soon enough. (And if it doesn't make the "cut" here, I'll mail it out to anyone who requests it.) Now that I have turned this post into a novel, I apoligize.

And, as i stated before, hang in there Whisper and don't lose your valuable opinion!

 

[Hullo_nurse]

Whisper--
It took guts to start this thread. I am glad you finally woke up to smell the coffee and bacon. You really have been a bitch lately...

And now that I am done being a bitch back you all can just eat my pussy if you don't like it!!

LOL

 

[Whispersecret]

Wordmage, you're my hero. You’re that strong solid palm tree that I cling to during the typhoon.

Tiggs, thank you. Best of luck to you in your writing. Don't be satisfied with less than your very best.

Nurse, your post here was upbeat and even complimentary, but your email was quite the opposite. I deleted it after reading it because it really bothered me. A few days have passed, and I’m still upset. I don’t enjoy being told that I'm not welcome here and that I should essentially get lost. Are you the unofficial bouncer for the site? My opinions have been heavy-handed lately, but I’ve admitted that and apologized. I don’t think I deserved that.

Laurel, I understand. I've resolved not to post about stories, writing, editing, plot, etc. anymore (with the exception of my agreement with Rolly’s suggestions today). And while I indicated earlier that I might post criticism in the Story Feedback area, I’ve decided not to do that either. I hope you know I still think your site is unique and fun to come to.

 

[Dickfer]

Hi Whisper,

I say let your feelings be known. If people don't like it they can go to the next topic. I've noticed some people on this board can't shut up if they see something they don't like. At the same time they can't handle it when someone doesn't like what they had to say. Can't win either way with some people. If you upset the people who run this board I might want to make them understand where you were comming from but don't worry about anyone else...

 

[Laurel]

Hey, this is all a nonissue... Let's stop this thread before this goes any further. Whispersecret and I have exchanged emails and it's all good, so let's let this thing go... Everybody kiss and make up (lots of tongue, kids!)

 

[Whispersecret]

Thanks, dickfer, for your post. I appreciate it.

Apparently, though, I was/am one of those people who can't shut up if I see something I don't like and couldn't handle it when someone didn't like what I had to say. Ironic, isn't it.

Laurel and I are totally cool on everything. Since she's given me the green light for specific, constructive criticism in the Story Feedback section, you may see my comments there regarding individual stories. No more sweeping statements (without valid suggestions) though about the site, especially during tax season.

Let's all see what new things Laurel has in store for the site before we make any more observations, positive or otherwise.

 

[Hullo_nurse]

Whisper-- I never meant for you to think that you wer not welcome at this site. I am NOT the bouncer or anything other than a fellow addict to Lit. I do apologize if you took my extreme email to you that way. Friends again?

 

[Whispersecret]

Gosh, I can't tell you how nervous I was to come read your post, nurse. My shoulder and neck muscles clenched up. I abhor conflict.

I am more than willing to let bygones be bygones. Let us post in peace. <smiles in relief>

 

[Laurel]

Hallefrickenlujah! Now, I want you both to French kiss and make up!

 

[Hullo_nurse]

leans over to kiss whisper on the lips, tennatively at first...then a little more sure of myself until our lips touch....and the heat sears my soul...our tongues meet and start to dance...

[This message has been edited by hullo_nurse (edited 04-20-2000).]

 

[Guest]

Thinking back I realize how often I've spouted off about the art of writing, and wonder why anyone even takes the time to read posts from such a self-important, condescending bitch.

Well it is a tough job but hell someone has to do it, keep posting and I will keep reading for you.

 

[Whispersecret]

Whoa, a thread back from the black lagoon! I wonder what prompted Too Easy to read this thing eight months after it had died. LOL.