Story Discussion Group?
- Thread starter christo
- Start date
Madame Pandora
Deliciously Aware of Impending Sins
- Joined
- Dec 7, 2000
- Posts
- 1,627
I agree with the random selection. All stories, good and bad, have something to offer for discussion. And, if a story doesn't leave much for discussion, there will be a new one the following week.
WH is a perfect choice for the selection process. Not only does he get the math, but he’s fair-minded in most things.
And, KM is right, each story should have it’s own thread.
I, personally, won't participate, however, unless the author is notified and asked permission. Yes, most of us throw our stuff out there for examination, ready for feedback. We know the feedback board and the feedback options of email, etc., are all there going in.
But…
It is a totally different beast to say that a group of people are going to intentionally focus on a story for the express purpose of discussion and analysis. Most authors will be anxious for the feedback, I'm sure. Others may not want any part of it, and that should be respected. I’ve had more than a couple authors on this board – who are friends and reasonable people – get their feelings hurt by unsolicited public feedback on their stories. It would be nice, I think, to let them know it’s coming AND to see if they’re up for it.
This isn’t the same as a couple people posting reactions or writing emails. It’s an intentional discussion and probe into the positives and negatives. And it’s probably going to draw a great deal of attention that some authors might not be comfortable with (and wouldn’t ordinarily have drawn).
If they don't respond in a set amount of time, fine, we can say we made the gesture of courtesy. The same as inviting someone to a forum discussion and not getting an answer, but I don't like the "we're talking about you, deal with it," thing. It would be nice to ask if they'd mind. And if they do, to pick another story. Would giving the author a 48 hour window hold things up that much?
If you all consider this, I volunteer to coordinate with WH a couple days before the next selection to contact the author and get their permission. If you decide to go ahead, I wish you all the best in the project.
Whatever you all decide, I think it's a great idea. Have fun with it.
MP
WH is a perfect choice for the selection process. Not only does he get the math, but he’s fair-minded in most things.
And, KM is right, each story should have it’s own thread.
I, personally, won't participate, however, unless the author is notified and asked permission. Yes, most of us throw our stuff out there for examination, ready for feedback. We know the feedback board and the feedback options of email, etc., are all there going in.
But…
It is a totally different beast to say that a group of people are going to intentionally focus on a story for the express purpose of discussion and analysis. Most authors will be anxious for the feedback, I'm sure. Others may not want any part of it, and that should be respected. I’ve had more than a couple authors on this board – who are friends and reasonable people – get their feelings hurt by unsolicited public feedback on their stories. It would be nice, I think, to let them know it’s coming AND to see if they’re up for it.
This isn’t the same as a couple people posting reactions or writing emails. It’s an intentional discussion and probe into the positives and negatives. And it’s probably going to draw a great deal of attention that some authors might not be comfortable with (and wouldn’t ordinarily have drawn).
If they don't respond in a set amount of time, fine, we can say we made the gesture of courtesy. The same as inviting someone to a forum discussion and not getting an answer, but I don't like the "we're talking about you, deal with it," thing. It would be nice to ask if they'd mind. And if they do, to pick another story. Would giving the author a 48 hour window hold things up that much?
If you all consider this, I volunteer to coordinate with WH a couple days before the next selection to contact the author and get their permission. If you decide to go ahead, I wish you all the best in the project.
Whatever you all decide, I think it's a great idea. Have fun with it.
MP
Okey dokey
We can go with the random story selection, that's fine. If it doesn't work too well we can always pick stories some other way.
It might be a good idea to pick, say, three or four stories and e-mail all the authors at once. That way we'll get an answer to at least one of the stories in a reasonable time. But I think we DEFINITELY should get the author's permission before we discuss their story. I think that's a courtesy we should extend, since this won't be a spontaneous exchange, but a deliberate close examination of someone's work. And some authors might not like it.
I would add one more thing: While the story is discussed, say over a 2-3 day period, the author would NOT be allowed to post any replies. The author should be allowed the final posting on the thread, to defend their story, why they did certain things, to graciously accept praise, etc. Otherwise you might get exchanges like this:
Critic: "I thought his characterization was juvenile."
Author: "Juvenile? Fuck you!"
Critic: "Fuck me? Fuck YOU!"
Author: "No, fuck YOOOOOUUU!"
Critic 2: "Hey, let's get back to the story."
Author and Critic: "Hey, Critic 2, mind your own GODDAM BUSINESS!"
It may be hard for an author to hold his tongue till the end like that, if he/she doesn't feel a post isn't fair, but, believe me, it's better that way. It keeps the discussion from degenerating into a personal battle, if there is negative criticism.
We can go with the random story selection, that's fine. If it doesn't work too well we can always pick stories some other way.
It might be a good idea to pick, say, three or four stories and e-mail all the authors at once. That way we'll get an answer to at least one of the stories in a reasonable time. But I think we DEFINITELY should get the author's permission before we discuss their story. I think that's a courtesy we should extend, since this won't be a spontaneous exchange, but a deliberate close examination of someone's work. And some authors might not like it.
I would add one more thing: While the story is discussed, say over a 2-3 day period, the author would NOT be allowed to post any replies. The author should be allowed the final posting on the thread, to defend their story, why they did certain things, to graciously accept praise, etc. Otherwise you might get exchanges like this:
Critic: "I thought his characterization was juvenile."
Author: "Juvenile? Fuck you!"
Critic: "Fuck me? Fuck YOU!"
Author: "No, fuck YOOOOOUUU!"
Critic 2: "Hey, let's get back to the story."
Author and Critic: "Hey, Critic 2, mind your own GODDAM BUSINESS!"
It may be hard for an author to hold his tongue till the end like that, if he/she doesn't feel a post isn't fair, but, believe me, it's better that way. It keeps the discussion from degenerating into a personal battle, if there is negative criticism.
Weird Harold
Opinionated Old Fart
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2000
- Posts
- 23,768
Re: Okey dokey
http://www.literotica.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=25906
Is the first story discussion group thread Set to start discussion at NOON PST Monday 04 Mar 2001. The author has been notified via e-mail and invited to post an introduction or objection before discussion begins.
As far as I'm concerned, Cristo is the discussion group moderator, I just select the stories. (although anyone could do it -- even the mathematicaly disinclined.)
I must say that the random number picked a good story for a starter. It's short, erotic, well written and less than perfect.
christo said:
http://www.literotica.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=25906
Is the first story discussion group thread Set to start discussion at NOON PST Monday 04 Mar 2001. The author has been notified via e-mail and invited to post an introduction or objection before discussion begins.
As far as I'm concerned, Cristo is the discussion group moderator, I just select the stories. (although anyone could do it -- even the mathematicaly disinclined.)
I must say that the random number picked a good story for a starter. It's short, erotic, well written and less than perfect.
Bubba402001
Virgin
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2001
- Posts
- 13
discussion group my story Ride for Pleasure
Personally I don't mind if you all want to discuss it I might learn something as it is my first work to be published. I don't mind a little feedback. Hopefully you can find something worth reading in it. Waiting on your responses.
Personally I don't mind if you all want to discuss it I might learn something as it is my first work to be published. I don't mind a little feedback. Hopefully you can find something worth reading in it. Waiting on your responses.
masterhypnotist
Experienced
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2001
- Posts
- 61
For what it is worth I am pleased that Bubba spoke up. It is a fun idea. I look forward to reading the critiques. MH
sylviarockon
Virgin
- Joined
- Jan 15, 2001
- Posts
- 25
Discussion list
I actually think this is a great idea. I'd like to participate. I have noticed on the boards that there seems to be some frustration from authors who want more constructive feedback than "Great story. Enjoyed it. Made me horny" etc etc.
However, I agree with Gus' last suggestion, having a list of authors who would like to be discussed may head off ill-feeling and the problems of contacting unreachable authors.
Maybe we should put a call out for anyone who wants to join the discussion group and all their stories can be put in a hat (with or without E's or H's) and then draw at random from that pool using Weird Harolds very refined statistical method
This might also weed out those "one-timers" who just wanted to see if they could get their fantasy posted and don't want to have their story critiqued.
Does anyone know how difficult that would be to achieve technically?
Sylvia
I actually think this is a great idea. I'd like to participate. I have noticed on the boards that there seems to be some frustration from authors who want more constructive feedback than "Great story. Enjoyed it. Made me horny" etc etc.
However, I agree with Gus' last suggestion, having a list of authors who would like to be discussed may head off ill-feeling and the problems of contacting unreachable authors.
Maybe we should put a call out for anyone who wants to join the discussion group and all their stories can be put in a hat (with or without E's or H's) and then draw at random from that pool using Weird Harolds very refined statistical method
This might also weed out those "one-timers" who just wanted to see if they could get their fantasy posted and don't want to have their story critiqued.
Does anyone know how difficult that would be to achieve technically?
Sylvia
Laurel
Kitty Mama
- Joined
- Aug 27, 1999
- Posts
- 20,694
Hoping this will help, I've created a forum specifically for the Story Discussion group. If confined to its own forum, I feel it will be easier to focus the discussion. Each thread could be devoted to a discussion story, and any other tangential discussion could take place here in the Author's Hangout. I've also made Christo and Weird Harold into Moderators for that forum so they can help in keeping the discussion on target. This forum will not be a 'free speech' forum - i.e. any blatant troll posts or "you suck, dude" crap may be deleted, and only registered users may start a thread.
Let me know what you all think. If you feel it's helpful, I could even move this thread into that forum. Lemme know!
laurel
Let me know what you all think. If you feel it's helpful, I could even move this thread into that forum. Lemme know!
laurel
