Discussing the Writing Challenges -- November and December 2010

[TheEndIsNigh]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

Well when I first read it I thought I was dead.

- OK it was late and I was tired and my matchsticks had worked loose so I couldn't focus.

Luckily after my head hit the keyboard I was able to see clearly and I realised my mistake.

 

[Rand]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

Well, we haven't yet disqualified anyone for not adhering to the genres, mgir, though I do recall we had a bit of a conversation about it before. I'm too lazy to go back and see exactly what (if anything) was agreed, though I know myth and legend were definitely included, but SFF does tend to be in the eyes of the beholder.

If you don't mind some input from a newbie, especially a newbie who tends to not share non-copyrighted ideas on boards which don't restrict viewers, there's just one thing I wanted to bring up based on the statements quoted above.

This is a sort of game. A more intelligent and focused game than others on the board, but still a game.

From what I see posted in those other less important games, the saying "give them an inch and they'll take a mile" comes to mind.

Even as a new member and reader of it, I'd hate to see compassionate leeway in this contest get turned into the same disregard as is displayed in those other threads.

That said, Ill leave you all to what you're doing.

BTW: HareBrain?

You absolutely must develop Chrono$ into a full length story, perhaps even a novel or novella. The premise is much too good to be left as a 75 word limit writing challenge entry. That was a great example of scathing social satire, and I for one would love to see it fully developed.

 

[TheEndIsNigh]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

Rand: Welcome - if I have done so already, apologies for my forgetfulness.

I think you're missing the point. We, well I at any rate, don't enter the competition for any other reason than the fun of it. Yes, it's a game - so is life - but if I can spread a little misery as I pass by, then the world will be richer in the short time we all have left.

In fact, as I understand it, copyright is still held by the the individual posters, although we grant the site permission to publish the posts as set out in the rules under the heading 'forum rules' above.

Now if I find that my copyright has been abused and someone has taken my short story and made a fortune from it, then I will of course be seeking legal redress - I live in hope . At least I will have some evidence to show it was my idea and had been published under my name prior to any exploitation. It may be challengeable but it's better than nothing.

The idea that someone would use the basis of my ideas for a full length novel is somewhat fanciful IMO, (given the pathetic nature of my entries, especially so) though it may well happen.

I agree entirely that it would be most unwise to post a long extract of a full length work in progress to the site. Members are frequently advised against doing this as, as I understand it, publishers, agents and even Joe Public, take a dim view of pre, part published, works.

Why not join in?

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

For anyone who has started to worry: if anyone is concerned about losing their copyright by posting here (in spite of what it says in the Forum Rules), they can always put a copyright notice on any piece of writing they post, just to discourage the folks who copy things they see online and repost them elsewhere. I do that on some of my longer things here, the articles and reviews, for that reason. We might, actually, for the future, put some sort of notice at the beginning of the monthly threads that all the stories are copyright 2010 by the Chronicles Network and their respective authors.

All that aside, Rand, you do make some good points about enforcing the rules. We are absolutely going to do that with the word count. Subject matter is harder to interpret, but I believe that people do shy away from voting for things they don't think fit the theme or the genre, and as long as they do that, I don't see a problem. If we had a series of winners that didn't seem to qualify and there were complaints, then we would probably put more emphasis in the written rules on following the theme and genre, rather than actually disqualifying anyone on those grounds.

 

[The Judge]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

Is it my imagination, or are we getting more very thought-provoking stories this month? I know we have had them in the past: HJ's excellent "How to make an Earth" in June immediately springs to mind. But Teresa's on the terrors of senility, HareBrain's on the cost of career and lifestyle, and now TDZ's re-apportioning of time really stand out for me in this respect, as well as DFM's stunning overview of life. Are we turning into philosophisers? Quick! Ursa -- we need some puns to lighten the atmosphere!

And Rand -- I second TEiN's comments. Why not join in?

 

[Parson]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

Judge,

I've thought for a while that these small stories seem to often reflect upon the big issues of life. I think that writing that is not just trying to pander to the baser aspects of life will almost undoubtedly reflect upon what it means to be human, sentient, and engaged.

 

[Ursa major]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

I'm not a panda....


*cough*


As to TJ's request for something light-hearted, I'd be happy to oblige if only I had the faintest idea of what to write.

 

[paranoid marvin]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

As for copyright , if anyone is interested my work is VERY reasonably priced (a couple of beers ought to do it)

 

[mygoditsraining]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

The Helium-Filled Ventricle, by Ursa Major...

 

[Ursa major]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

And its sequel, The Diary of Atrium Mole, weighing 4.002602g.









(This is just the sort of pun that TJ doesn't like. )

 

[HareBrain]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

BTW: HareBrain?

You absolutely must develop Chrono$ into a full length story, perhaps even a novel or novella.

What?? With my current WIP and my seven-volume saga of Gregor Cockroach to complete? Where would I find the time?

If only I could somehow distill it from my future ...

(In all seriousness, thanks. And I doubt I will, but who knows?)

 

[The Judge]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

(This is just the sort of pun that TJ doesn't like. )

I'll have you know I got that one -- even though it's inaccurate. Moles are found in the uterus (A Womb with a View).

 

[Ursa major]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

What?? With my current WIP and my seven-volume saga of Gregor Cockroach to complete? Where would I find the time?

It does need extending, HB: you only used 74 words, leaving you room for a short synonym for underwear.

I'll have you know I got that one -- even though it's inaccurate. Moles are found in the uterus (A Womb with a View).

But what sort of mole?

 

[The Judge]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

It does need extending, HB: you only used 74 words, leaving you room for a short synonym for underwear.

Have you looked at the verbiage above his avatar recently...?

But what sort of mole?

A hydatidiform mole, of course. If it was the small furry kind, it would be A Wombat with a View.

 

[Ursa major]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

So not a mole, then?

 

[The Judge]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

Definitely not. And I knew about that one, too, see. Didn't understand a blind word, but I knew about it...

Anyway, less of this mole-hunting, and get on with writing a story.

 

[Ursa major]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

I don't have to hurry. I'm not yet living on burrowed time**....







** - Though maybe I am: I'm typing this post in an ad break. (EDIT: Okay, the programme is Identity, so we're talking undercover rather than underground. And it's now the second ad break.)

 

[Rand]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

Actually, my only concern is about ideas I've seen posted on the board. Some are original enough to, ahem, inspire others to write them (I'm thinking of guest viewers, not other members). I hope most contributing members realize how valuable those ideas are.

 

[chrispenycate]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

Well, I finally got an idea, despite the fact that I'm not here (sorry, brand new grandnephew) and should be back home before the deadline runs out.

Just a moment, isn't that a computer?

 

[TheEndIsNigh]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

Chris: Like it. Nice concept. Especially as I've had my fair share of those time retailers. I always wondered where they got their supplies.