The worm is turning...

[Guest]

And I'm not even sure why. Do you know?

Ok, it's finally come around to my turn to do this...

Either, I'm getting old.

I've been here too long.

I'm seeing things differently.

I'm taking my writing more seriously.

I'm just a bloody hypocrite.

Or, it really does seem to have got worse.

It's all subjective, I know, but what the fuck has happened to this place recently?

Thread Nazis, take it away...

Lou

P.S. I reserve the right to flirt at any given opportunity, but writing is important in my life, too.

P.P.S. I decided to turn this into a fun-for-all poll (pole), please vote.

 

[Sherry Hawk]

Yep, it's gotten worse.

Abs and I were just discussing this yesterday, in fact. We had both noticed the same thing: the very people who gripe the most about the lack of serious "writing" threads never, ever participate in any of the writing exercise/challenge threads that she, and others, post. Interesting, no?

The flirting and all is a blast, I agree, but I think its sad that those types of threads seem to be so quickly hijacked sometimes. A good example is Crim's "Story Starters" thread.....already been hijacked, and it's a good thread.

Plus, the invasion of snotty divas lately hasn't helped anything.

 

[Guest]

Um, yes, well, um, Crim's thread...

OOPS!

See, I'm just one big bloody hypocrite.

But, in my defense... that wasn't yer average bout of flirting. It was constructive, and really might have given somebody a story idea.

I was being a writer, and letting my imagination run.

That's my excuse, and I'm sticking to it.

Lou

 

[English Lady]

Oooh it's that time already Lou? *smiles*

I dunno, I think all forums work in cycles, and maybe this is flirt season?

I guess you just have to keep on trying. I mean, I've started a few challenges and had a go but I don't know wether my ideas were just crap or wether people were just not in the mood to write.

maybe, possibly, if you're feeling sick of the AH as it is youshould go and do some writing and find osmething to start a writerlythread about?

Maybe not enough of us are authoring right now *L* or maybe it's just people need osme flirting and light heartedness as the winter drags on...

I've no idea really. I'll hang around and see what happens though

 

[Sherry Hawk]

Um, yes, well, um, Crim's thread...

OOPS!

See, I'm just one big bloody hypocrite.

But, in my defense... that wasn't yer average bout of flirting. It was constructive, and really might have given somebody a story idea.

I was being a writer, and letting my imagination run.

That's my excuse, and I'm sticking to it.

Lou

it wasn't aimed at you, babe, I apologize....it just seems that we all do that a little more than we should....I'm guilty of it too, I won't deny it. But the challenge/excercise threads die a quick death while others (not you) gripe and whine about a lack of writing threads.

*shrug*

Maybe it's time for me to take a break?

 

[rikaaim]

I think seeing everyday what gets posted can bend your attitude a little bit. If you see all of the vile and not so nice comments all the time, yeah, it's gonna seem worse. I wasn't here for the whole "list" night, but I heard that got pretty bad. I came back some days later and the place looked as good as my old eyes remembered.

My point, perhaps if we all just take a few days, maybe a week (or in extrememe circumstances 2), things will settle down and the natural flow will return.

New contributors to our forum shouldn't be a threat. We can still constructively voice our opinoins, and so can they.

I was not happy at first either, but that's because things changed when I didn't want them to. Things always change whether you want them to or not. The question is how you deal with the change.

I'll see ya'll on the flip side of the week.

 

[BlackShanglan]

*shrug*

I think it's all in the eye of the beholder.

I'm interested in "serious" writers' talk. But - and meaning no offense - that's actually why I'm not participating in the challenge threads. I'm working on two stories that are taking a lot of my time and thought, and when I want to talk shop, I tend to want to talk more on a theory level. I'm not attempting to establish any hierarchy there - just saying that failure to participate in the challenge threads is not, in my opinion, a sign that one does not wish to discuss "author" issues.

As for the whole "prima donna" business ... I'm sorry. I understand that you're unhappy, but this really sounds like sour grapes. I don't think that the recent spats have done credit to anyone involved in them, and I don't really see the threads as particularly different to those that have been running here since I first dropped in. My opinions on the topic of some specific threads are far from unbiased, but are irrelevent to the question of what makes the AH tick.

If we don't like the ratio of "writerly" to "unwriterly" threads on the AH, there is really only one clear solution. Post more writerly threads. Don't post to threads whose content you think pointless. And know whose voices you value.

Shanglan

 

[Guest]

maybe, possibly, if you're feeling sick of the AH as it is youshould go and do some writing and find osmething to start a writerlythread about?

Maybe not enough of us are authoring right now *L* or maybe it's just people need osme flirting and light heartedness as the winter drags on...

I think that might be partly it...

I did take a break from here recently, and upon my return I'm seeing it differently.

It's one of those cycles, I know it is, but as each cycle passes, it just doesn't get back to where it was before, so carries on spiralling.

I am writing a lot more now, too, and I mean non-Lit stuff. Maybe I'm just out-growing this place and feel more out of touch than I used to.

I dunno, I do love this place and the people here, it just seems that there are so many frivolous threads being started up now, and often about the same people and for the same reason.

Lou - feeling feisty.

 

[Colleen Thomas]

I'm not very active right now, but I will point out something. Notice the lack of political/religious/contentious threads? During american election season and in the aftermath, it seemed every other thread was a whine/bitch/crow/ thread, dealing with politics.

While a few die hards still post regularly with it, I think maybe the majority got tired of it. I notice they don't last now or draw the kind of debate they did. If peope burn out on serious debate, it would seem natural that flirting joking and just messing about would be good relievers.

If the mood over all is attempting to find lighthearted reparte, serious writing discussions probably also seem a littl emore like work than fun. My guess would be once the after politics orgy burns out, a more even balance of threads will return.

-Colly

 

[Sherry Hawk]

*shrug*

I think it's all in the eye of the beholder.

I'm interested in "serious" writers' talk. But - and meaning no offense - that's actually why I'm not participating in the challenge threads. I'm working on two stories that are taking a lot of my time and thought, and when I want to talk shop, I tend to want to talk more on a theory level. I'm not attempting to establish any hierarchy there - just saying that failure to participate in the challenge threads is not, in my opinion, a sign that one does not wish to discuss "author" issues.

As for the whole "prima donna" business ... I'm sorry. I understand that you're unhappy, but this really sounds like sour grapes. I don't think that the recent spats have done credit to anyone involved in them, and I don't really see the threads as particularly different to those that have been running here since I first dropped in. My opinions on the topic of some specific threads are far from unbiased, but are irrelevent to the question of what makes the AH tick.

If we don't like the ratio of "writerly" to "unwriterly" threads on the AH, there is really only one clear solution. Post more writerly threads. Don't post to threads whose content you think pointless. And know whose voices you value.

Shanglan

I wasn't referring to you, Shanglan, and I apologize if you took it that way. I've never seen you whine about the lack of "serious" threads, so your name never occurred to me.

Sour grapes? Why in the world would you think that? *shrug* No, babe....I just don't like it when people are rude and arrogant, that's all, especially when it's unwarranted.

 

[Guest]

I voted worse, but I also think Colly is right. Still, I rarely feel inspired to participate in a writing exercise thread. Mostly I just write, I don't like exercises. As for 'serious' threads, I feel most topics have been put out there and I'd rather discuss them with a few certain people than in this type of forum. So, yeah, I'm on my way out. Right now the only people keeping me here are two daft blokes, one I can stay in touch with sans Lit, the other flirts well with his 'other' brain. (Don't ask.)

Perdita

 

[BlackShanglan]

I wasn't referring to you, Shanglan, and I apologize if you took it that way. I've never seen you whine about the lack of "serious" threads, so that your name never occurred to me.

No fear, no offense taken. I didn't think you meant me specifically. I only meant to use myself as an example of someone who is interested in "serious" writing issues, but who chooses not to post to the challenge threads. If I follow that path, so might others, while being no less interested in "serious" writing issues.

Shanglan

 

[Guest]

About the writing exercise threads...

I don't often participate in them, either. I'd rather sit and write whatever I'm currently working on. But, they do seem to work for others.

I miss the enquiring type of thread, where someone poses a question or problem, re. their writing. I do tend to participate in those, whenever they come up, but they are very few and far between. I sometimes wonder if people are put off from posing their questions. Maybe they aren't, and I read too much into stuff.

I've been trying to come up with queries of my own, to do as others have said here - create my own "serious" threads - but I can never think of anything off the cuff. I'm pretty happy in my own writing at the mo, and haven't got any specific questions to ask.

Lou

 

[TheEarl]

I tend to use this place a lot for asking questions that come up as I write, more often than not about a research issue that I don't know much about. You get a hell of a lot more from listening to people's stories on here than you ever would from Google.

The Earl

 

[rikaaim]

I often post threads asking questions. I'm new to writing still and want to gain education to compliment my talent. My folks here have kindly and freely given me the advice that I seek.

The best way for me, personally, to get better is to just write. I haven't felt inspired lately, so when I was kinda dragged into a story challenge, I took it up. I tried my best to keep up and am happy with the results. I'm always up for a good kick in the rear sometimes. Someone to just simply shout, "Hey! Bastard! Get to writing, here I'll even get ya started."


That works for me, but to each their own.

 

[ABSTRUSE]

I tend to use this place a lot for asking questions that come up as I write, more often than not about a research issue that I don't know much about. You get a hell of a lot more from listening to people's stories on here than you ever would from Google.

The Earl

You, my friend, are very wise. I have learned so much about writing and about myself from the people who reside here.
It's a vault of untapped resources.

 

[Kassiana]

"Hey! Rika! Bastard! Get to writing, here I'll even get ya started."

Lightning flashed on the wall. The stone wall.

What?

I'd gone home after a heavy bout of drinking. Hadn't I?

Another flash. Gray stone. With flecks of...

Damn it.

*******************
Finish it. Or else.



(Or else what? I'm sure I can come up with something.)

 

[OhMissScarlett]

God love all the folks who post writer's challenge threads and other writerly type threads. I'd love to be able to participate but I just have too many irons in the fire. When I'm burning up my brain on a revision or something, I just want to hang out with fellow authors and have a good time as a distraction.

So, if you see me posting nonsense threads, it's a much needed tension breaker. I flirt, I have fun, it keeps me going. When the AH isn't fun for me anymore, I'll be gone.

 

[English Lady]

I very rarely have ideas for writely type threads unless I'm working on something and a specific question comes up...and there has been alot of "I can't write" threads croping up of late....maybe it correlates maybe not.

I like it round here mostly, I feel involved on a few long running threads and I feel confident enough to start others of my own.

The valentines competition thread has been fun and it a great writers thread as it's all about stories,scores and writing.

I don't see any problems with light hearted flirty threads and I do confess to being relieved that there aren't as many political threads around *L*

Maybe it's just time to either start threads you'd like to join in with or take a break. maybe you need it?

I do enjoy the challenge threads and they are fun, but they're not the only writertype thread that can come about *L* I guess it's just biding your time and seeing what comes up

 

[carsonshepherd]

God love all the folks who post writer's challenge threads and other writerly type threads. I'd love to be able to participate but I just have too many irons in the fire. When I'm burning up my brain on a revision or something, I just want to hang out with fellow authors and have a good time as a distraction.

So, if you see me posting nonsense threads, it's a much needed tension breaker. I flirt, I have fun, it keeps me going. When the AH isn't fun for me anymore, I'll be gone.

Pretty much the same here. I use it to hang out with friends I don't get to see in person. I've made new ones. But I keep in mind it's not real life.

 

[Guest]

I often think I start up too many threads, and I do love this place. I do enjoy it here, and the fun that can be had, but a lot of it feels too light-hearted and meaningless. I don't want to leave, or even take another break, but...

It just "feels" different. Which, in itself, means it's probably me. I love controversy, I think that's a lot of it! Maybe I actually miss the political threads, and the arguments and bickering.

Hey, I've just had an epiphany...

I miss Amicus!

Lou

 

[Sherry Hawk]

I often think I start up too many threads, and I do love this place. I do enjoy it here, and the fun that can be had, but a lot of it feels too light-hearted and meaningless. I don't want to leave, or even take another break, but...

It just "feels" different. Which, in itself, means it's probably me. I love controversy, I think that's a lot of it! Maybe I actually miss the political threads, and the arguments and bickering.

Hey, I've just had an epiphany...

I miss Amicus!

Lou

 

[OhMissScarlett]

I often think I start up too many threads, and I do love this place. I do enjoy it here, and the fun that can be had, but a lot of it feels too light-hearted and meaningless. I don't want to leave, or even take another break, but...

It just "feels" different. Which, in itself, means it's probably me. I love controversy, I think that's a lot of it! Maybe I actually miss the political threads, and the arguments and bickering.

Hey, I've just had an epiphany...

I miss Amicus!

Lou

You are Amicus, aren't you? *grabs a Paxil smoothie for Lou*

 

[carsonshepherd]

*grabs a Paxil smoothie for Lou*

Make mine a double.

 

[ABSTRUSE]

But I keep in mind it's not real life.

Hey Carson, you know I love you.......but yes, it is real because behind these facades and personas are real breathing humans with thoughts and emotions and feelings that need to be with other people.
I've never thought of anyone here as not real but someone who is just like me, someone with thoughts and emotions and a need to find others like them, to validate them and to make the world seem less bigger than what it really is.

and yes Lou, I voted that you are getting old, but I am older than you but not neccessarily wiser.

Fuck it, I'm not even supposed to be here right now, but I am and it feels right to me.

This stupid forum and this stupid site has given me more of a chance to be who I am then anywhere else I've ever been, whether online or in 'real' life.
I've found out more about my self and the world around me in the time that I've been here and I relish every moment, good and bad.

There will always be nonsense and there will always be disagreements, but that's the beauty of being here, in this community.

Whether you choose to like me or not is up to you, frankly I feel you maybe missing out on a lot as I would do the same if I hadn't taken the time to get to know so many of you.

So ramble on, post the nonsense , the politics , the religions, the bad jokes.....just be part of the bigger picture.

Okay, time for Abs to say farewell.....once again. My "real" life is calling and as much as it sucks right now, it is mine and I have to go there.

Play nice kids, you might be surprised at what you learn here.