Question for authors.

[impressive]

Hi all,
I've often wondered why erotic authors do not make use of html. A trivial example would be to allow the reader a choice of endings. Since so much erotic literature is published on the web, one would think that this option would be common. Instead, it seems to be rare. Why is that?

Isn't that what Chyoo is all about?

 

[damppanties]

Being a reader is being a sub for a while.

So that's what my problem is.

 

[Weird Harold]

Hi all,
I've often wondered why erotic authors do not make use of html. A trivial example would be to allow the reader a choice of endings. Since so much erotic literature is published on the web, one would think that this option would be common. Instead, it seems to be rare. Why is that?

Literotica does have an "interactive stories" category that has three interactive stories in it alnong with links to Chyoo and the Role Playing Forum.

Single-author interactive stories are rare, because they are very difficult to write and a pain the posterior to implement. They're just far too much additional work to be fun -- and most erotic authors who post their work for free, write for fun.

"Multi-author interactive stories" aren't precisely rare but they aren't usually called interactive stories; they're called Role-Playing forums.

But the bottom line is what Stella said -- "Because I'm an author, not a game developer". The way a game designer thinks is not the same as the way an author or story-teller thinks and the two ways of thinking are seldom compatible.

 

[Liar]

Hi all,
I've often wondered why erotic authors do not make use of html. A trivial example would be to allow the reader a choice of endings. Since so much erotic literature is published on the web, one would think that this option would be common. Instead, it seems to be rare. Why is that?

Well, if you let a reader choose the twists of the plot, then it's not a story anymore, but something like a video game wrapped in prose. In fact, not even video games are that interactive most of the time. Oh, you are able to tinker with details along the way, but you are eventually ushered on to the next, predetermined chunk of the plot there too.

It requires more than a little html knowledge to be done well, it tales a whole different way of looking at authoring.

I mean, I could do it, technically, but it would suck on a storytelling level.

 

[Guest]

A lot of my stories have rather ambiguous endings that leave you with enough to think about without having to write different endings for you. Writing is an art and like art in any medium the sole requisite is to evoke an emotion. A specific emotion. A specific mindset. It's intended to take you to a place in your mind, a place that author wants you to go. Multiple endings defeats the purpose of the story doesn't it?

Besides, I have enough trouble writing one good story, let alone three or four stories in one that lets you pick how it comes out.

 

[drksideofthemoon]

Why?

Hi all,
I've often wondered why erotic authors do not make use of html. A trivial example would be to allow the reader a choice of endings. Since so much erotic literature is published on the web, one would think that this option would be common. Instead, it seems to be rare. Why is that?

Why in hell should I give the reader a choice of endings? I'm the one that has spent hours of my time working on the story...that would be like visiting the Louvre and be given a selection of noses, eyes, ears etc to hang on the Mona Lisa...

Yeah, I know that I write smutty little stories, but they are my creation...they end they way I want them to end...and that's my simple answer for that...

 

[Munachi]

As the others said - because I am the author, and because I write the ending that is coherent with the story I want to write. The end is in a lot of cases not the last thing I write in a story. The story line might be there from the beginning of the idea. In some cases, the final sentence is the first one that comes to my mind, and then I start thinking of the story before it.

Also, the end one hates in some cases is the best end. For the katharsis etc. When I read of course I want it to all be happy and nice - and would chose the happy ending if put to that choice then. But in reality I don't like happy endings all that much. Same thing for stories in general - sometimes the story that make me angry while reading them, are the ones that afterwards stay most with me.

Same goes for open endings btw. - after submitting my first story (the haunt) here, I got several people saying "great story, can't wait how it continues" or "you have to write a sequel to that where ... happens" - While of course it was nice that people were enough into the story to want it to go on, I was at the same time thinking there was a reason I let it end at the moment it ended. To me, a sequel would spoil it.

 

[fifty5]

I hear what (almost) everyone has had to say, but I'm not quite convinced it's so cut and dried.

I've got a story that's been written, apart from the last chapter, for ages, but the ending won't come. In the outline I started with, the conclusion was clear - an extension of the previous events. However, that (for me, as author) simply didn't fit with the characters I thought I'd built. In the 'author as god' model, the tale simply doesn't work (even though I'm arrogant enough to think that the build-up does). However, the 'choose your own ending' model cuts the gordian knot: I could write both the versions - one that fits the outline, plus another that fits the character development - and leave the readers to choose.

Maybe the 'it simply doesn't work' judgment is right, but this approach might get that monkey off my back! If the reader(s) choose the end they like, maybe the votes might be better...

 

[Stella_Omega]

I hear what (almost) everyone has had to say, but I'm not quite convinced it's so cut and dried.

I've got a story that's been written, apart from the last chapter, for ages, but the ending won't come. In the outline I started with, the conclusion was clear - an extension of the previous events. However, that (for me, as author) simply didn't fit with the characters I thought I'd built. In the 'author as god' model, the tale simply doesn't work (even though I'm arrogant enough to think that the build-up does). However, the 'choose your own ending' model cuts the gordian knot: I could write both the versions - one that fits the outline, plus another that fits the character development - and leave the readers to choose.

Maybe the 'it simply doesn't work' judgment is right, but this approach might get that monkey off my back! If the reader(s) choose the end they like, maybe the votes might be better...

Do it!
No one has said "it doesn't work"- Everyone has said "it doesn't work for me and here's why not..."
I have a story that would be worth writing two endings for, now that I think of it....
whether I will or not I cant say.

 

[cantdog]

I end my stories the way I want them to end. It's quite simple, reallly.

"The question is," said Alice, "whether you can make words mean whatever you want them to mean, like that."
"The question is," Humpty Dumpty replied, "which is to be master, that's all."

 

[Stella_Omega]

"The question is," said Alice, "whether you can make words mean whatever you want them to mean, like that."
"The question is," Humpty Dumpty replied, "which is to be master, that's all."

 

[drksideofthemoon]

Greetings from Sunrise Mtn

Literotica does have an "interactive stories" category that has three interactive stories in it alnong with links to Chyoo and the Role Playing Forum.

Single-author interactive stories are rare, because they are very difficult to write and a pain the posterior to implement. They're just far too much additional work to be fun -- and most erotic authors who post their work for free, write for fun.

"Multi-author interactive stories" aren't precisely rare but they aren't usually called interactive stories; they're called Role-Playing forums.

But the bottom line is what Stella said -- "Because I'm an author, not a game developer". The way a game designer thinks is not the same as the way an author or story-teller thinks and the two ways of thinking are seldom compatible.

Howdy from the East side of Viva Lost Wages....

 

[dr_mabeuse]

Writing a piece of fiction is not at all the same as writing an interactive story or setting up a role playing game. Theme, style, structure, plot, they're all different. That doesn't mean it can't be done, but when I sit down to write a story I'm trying to achieve one thing; when I'm setting up an interactive, I'm trying to do something completely different. It's like the difference between acting in a play and doing improv. Just because you enjoy one doesn't mean you'll be good at or enjoy the other.

I want my stories to have a feeling of dramatic arc and closure. They're intended to be read and understood and maybe to be thought about in their entirety. If Jane has to die at the end, there's a reason for it. I didn't just toss a coin or take a straw poll.

In creating a Chyoo story or setting up a sexual role-playing game you're looking to create opportunities for participation. You want things to be open-ended and fluid. You're not telling people a story; you're asking them about it. Totally different things.

Not to say that interactives can't be fun. They can be (and sexual role playing games even more so) but the fun isn't the same as what you get from wiritng a story yourself.

An interactive is basically Writing By Committee. If you like committee work, that's the way to go. If you like to be in control yourself, you avoid interactives.

 

[oggbashan]

Accessibility

When I post a story, here on Lit or elsewhere, it can be read by anyone who has access to the sites. Elsewhere I usually post my stories as .txt files. Those can be read, no matter what wordprocessor software the reader has.

With html the reader has to have the capability to see the story. I know that most people have, but not everyone has. Even .txt files can have problems if I use unusual characters such as accents.

I agree with most of the comments above about alternate endings. The way I write there is only one possible ending and that ending is often the first part of the story to be planned. I have written programmed learning texts in my past, where the training is like an adventure text with the reader moving along different paths according to the answers given to questions in the text. While feasible, I think that fiction written that way has a more limited appeal than the normal story that has a beginning, a development and a definite ending.

I have enough difficulty attracting readers without making my life, and theirs, more complicated.

Og

 

[mapleleaf]

Thanks to everyone for the helpful replies.

Perhaps a little too much emphasise is being placed on alternate endings. I meant that as just an example of the many possibilites. Forgive me for nor expaining myself better. I think Weird Harold best understood the question.

Many of the authors are of the opinion that the story is a organic whole and to change part of it, would change the meaning of all of it. I can respect that view point.



Quote from Stella_Omega

Because I'm an author, not a game developer

Unquote.

Yes, I can see your point. Whenever I ponder the possibilities, it does seem to take on some of the aspects of game developement.

But while developing games and creating works of art are both legitimate occupations, I cant help but feel that there must be a middle ground and that it is also legitimate.


Thanks again for all of the interesting replies.

Mapleleaf

 

[mapleleaf]

Hi oggbashan.

Sorry, but I didnt see your reply, as we posted at about the same time.

The programmed learning texts are closer to what I meant in my original post. Do you really think that they would have a limited appeal? I'd quess (and I'm only quessing) that they'd have a greater appeal, if well done.

Mapleleaf

 

[Stella_Omega]

Hi oggbashan.

Sorry, but I didnt see your reply, as we posted at about the same time.

The programmed learning texts are closer to what I meant in my original post. Do you really think that they would have a limited appeal? I'd quess (and I'm only quessing) that they'd have a greater appeal, if well done.

Mapleleaf

Mapleleaf, are you planning to try this approach yourself? If you do, please let us know how it goes, and come here for support if you feel the need!
Just because I don't want to do it, doesn't mean I don't want to see it happen at all (I hope that makes sense) I would appluad your efforts, certainly!

 

[mapleleaf]

Mapleleaf, are you planning to try this approach yourself? If you do, please let us know how it goes, and come here for support if you feel the need!
Just because I don't want to do it, doesn't mean I don't want to see it happen at all (I hope that makes sense) I would appluad your efforts, certainly!

Its crossed my mind. I'll have to think it through, so that I dont waste a lot of time going in the wrong direction.