Sometimes I think

[KillerMuffin]

that when people post here about their stories, feedback, or any problems they might have, they don't want advice. They don't want to be told what to do, how to deal with, which problems to solve, or any of that. They just want to see if they're the only ones.

A little of "I completely understand; it happens to me, too. Isn't that strange?" is what they're looking for.

Thoughts?

 

[dr_mabeuse]

I sometimes thing that there should be a "Writers' Worshop" board here for issues about the craft of writing.

The Author's Hangout is mainly a place to socialize and BS, it seems to me, and that seems to be the way people like it. I know that if I have a real craft-related problem that I want answered, I take it to the Editor's Forum. If the question is answerable, you get one or two answers and that's it. If it doesn't have a clear answer, the discussion is still thoughtful and focused.


---dr.M.

 

[gauchecritic]

Of course that's what writers are looking for. I defy you or anyone else to tell me that any writer isn't looking for 'a stroke', an ego boost or a 'you're not alone'.

If you write only for yourself, then why, by posting/submitting, are you asking other people to read?

Gauche

 

[raphy]

I am allowed to say 'Gauche is right yet again?'

 

[Guest]

I am allowed to say 'Gauche is right yet again?'

Oh, for fuckssake, boy!

sheesh! Perdita

 

[KillerMuffin]

*sigh*

Nevermind.

 

[Guest]

*sigh* Nevermind.

KM and Mab., we've been through this I don't know how many times since I joined Lit. There's plenty for everyone. We've discussed POV, show-don't-tell, tenses, individual words, varied spelling, what's erotic and what's not, foreign language use, dialog, blablabla. What's the beef? I don't get it.

Perdita
- - - - - - - -

OK, Gauche is often right but I don't give permission to use this in his sig line, now approaching the length of Earl's but a bit repetitive.

 

[destinie21]

Sometimes I think.

yeah Km I know what you mean.

Sometimes I think too.

pS:
I really couldn't help it.

 

[Jenny _S]

Originally posted by KillerMuffin A little of "I completely understand; it happens to me, too. Isn't that strange?" is what they're looking for.

Yes. What Gauche said is true.

I sometimes thing that there should be a "Writers' Worshop" board here for issues about the craft of writing.

---dr.M.

You are correct Dr. M. Lately in Story Ideas I have been writing stories more or less on a thread. I've done two that way. Each has done rather well.

 

[DarlingNikki]

I sort of agree, KM. I don't think they (I) actually want advice either every single time, but I don't think it's that important to hear that the situations have happened to others too. I think it's enough just to share a piece of your life and get some sort of response.

On a semi-related note, it sometimes seems to me that most people don't actually read the OP carefully before responding and they end up answering a question that wasn't asked, or giving a reply to something that wasn't said. I guess we are all just looking to share our thoughts, whatever they might be. Or maybe it's just me.

 

[Icingsugar]

KM and Mab., we've been through this I don't know how many times since I joined Lit. There's plenty for everyone. We've discussed POV, show-don't-tell, tenses, individual words, varied spelling, what's erotic and what's not, foreign language use, dialog, blablabla. What's the beef? I don't get it.

I guess you are both right. There are loads of real discussion, helpout and feedback as well as the general chit-chat and 'been there done that got the t-shirt' kind of responses. Depends on what you're looking for, KM. I guess you can say that the glass is either half empty or half full of it.

Me, I think we've got a beautiful balance.

And yes, the threads on blablabla are just fabulous.

 

[destinie21]

Come on it's great. Where else could I go to find a thread devoted to the specifics of Third person omnipicient introspective
followed closely by a thread that is initially about a lesbian story and it somehow spins out of control and I find myself amidst discussions of the time when BS showed his wi wi

 

[gauchecritic]

*sigh*

Nevermind.

Please explain, Muffie.

Gauche

 

[Chicklet]

that when people post here about their stories, feedback, or any problems they might have, they don't want advice. They don't want to be told what to do, how to deal with, which problems to solve, or any of that. They just want to see if they're the only ones.

I find myself wanting to know sometimes that I'm not the only one with the strange problems. It creates a sense of belonging to know that I'm not the only one who sits and screams at her computer in made-up languages because her characters won't obey her every whim.

There is an awful lot of chit-chat, but also I think a lot of seriousness on the board. The problem is that sometimes the serious threads get totally lost. When I first came to Lit (not long ago) this board hardly moved...the same threads were present at the top for a while. Like in the SDC and the Editors Forum. I didn't mind it then, and after the vote in which the majority let us know that they liked the hangout how it was, I don't mind it now.

-Chicklet

 

[Jenny _S]

Re: Re: Sometimes I think

It creates a sense of belonging to know that I'm not the only one who sits and screams at her computer in made-up languages because her characters won't obey her every whim.

-Chicklet

Are they supposed to do that? Mine have a life of their own, own apartment, car, the whole ball of wax.

 

[SlaveMasterUK]

I agree KM (about the asking for there there, pat pat, I'm not getting involved in the rest )

I've started a few threads just to get things off my chest. I stated that I didn't expect answers to any questions, or even any replies, but (perhaps even because of that) I've got a lot of good replies and generally felt happier about the whole thing.

It seems that a lot of Authoring Hangers think like me. This is the *only* place in the world I can honestly say that about. And to here people say "yeah, I feel that too" is really helpful.

ax

 

[pop_54]

Hmmmmm

I think a few good souls crave a sensible reply or two to a problem they have, and the rest crave a bit of chat with reasonably intelligent people of like mind.

Don't see anything wrong with that

I respond accordingly, often with light hearted quip chucked in as well, but hey that's me, if folks don't like it, tough.

 

[bridgeburner]

KM,

I agree that there are plenty of people who aren't really looking for advice on how to fix their writing. The reasons vary, though.

1 - Looking for reassurance that their story doesn't suck
2 - Trolling for readers and votes
3 - Trying to vindicate themselves against an editor or critic they believe has wronged them or their story.
4 - Looking to spark conversation and make friends


There's some spillover to those who appear to be truly asking for help/commentary as well. I put those into two groups:

1 - Those who are really trying to improve their writing
2 - Those who really only want to be told what they already believe - that they are brilliant writers.

My question is: what of it? I mean, so different people come here for different things and we avoid those we dislike as much as we seek out those with similar interests and goals to our own. I'm not sure what you're getting at.

I can take a guess and put my own views into it by saying that I avoid those who are only here for ego stroking or who want to start some petty vendetta against some other poster or writer. I find them tedious at best.


Or did I completely misunderstand your point?


-B

 

[PAUL C]

you are right

of course you are right about ego's and stroking and wanting to be told how good we are.

That, I think, is something we all have in common.

Thinking is another thing.

I wrote a poem about thinking once.

I was thinking yesterday.

By Paul C.

I was thinking yesterday.
First about this and then about that.

A thought would come into my head.
To be followed quickly by another.

The more I'd try to focus on the first.
The more the second would intrude.

The more that I would concentrate.
The more I'd be distracted.

But in the end it felt so good.
I think I'll try to think again tomorrow.