Discussion - January 2020 - 75 word writing challenge

Well, I voted. My short list consisted of: Cat's Cradle, elvet, J Riff, Luiglin, Mouse, TheDustyZebra and Victoria Silverwolf, with C.C. getting the vote.

Thanks Hugh for the mention, and yes, I did notice nixie's story, but mine was almost ready, and I figured our styles were sufficiently different to make the similarity of theme acceptable - it wasn't plagiarism. (really):).

Cats are much more conducive to writing than dogs. I haven't been owned by a cat for several decades, but they don't require walking, and even if they do like to sprawl over the keyboard for warmth or sit up in front of the screen to attract your flagging attention, they generally are relatively good at letting you concentrate… as long as food and caresses are forthcoming.
 
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We once again come to the end of a 75 and as usual I didn't have a clue which story I wanted to vote for. Here's my short list and the reason they caught my fancy, and I know the reasons don't make sense, but hey it's my list. So...

Companionship by @Victoria Silverwolf: Because it's a story that resonated with me about human loneliness and the lengths people will go to relieve it short of actually having a human companion.

A Cat’s Life in Years by @elvet: Because it's another great story about human loneliness and the lengths people will go to relieve it.

Wheek by @Mouse: Because I loved this utterly absurd story; even after understanding it you go "What?"

Adaptation by @Abernovo: Because this was a very original idea.

Very Playful; Loves Hide and Seek by @johnnyjet: Because this one made me grin.

Schrödinger’s Cat Mouse by @Peter V: Because it reminded me of the wonderful "Tribbles story."

Worry— free! by @TheDustyZebra: Because I could see myself making this same mistake.


In the end I voted for A Cat's life by Elvet because of it's utter poingency and the sad insight into human loneliness.
 
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A mention! Thank you, @Parson, for your very kind words.
 
Shortlisted:

@Daysman - a funny, well-told dialog about a pet you hope you'll never get to see
@Victoria Silverwolf - a story that sharply depicts our need for companionship but also a cautionary tale not to be selfish in how we treat our pets
@elvet - a story about a future that many pet-lovers can't wait to come true. (but don't underestimate those years in-between!)
@Mouse - talking about cautionary tales; keep guinea pigs and grocks separated no matter what, folks!
@Mr Orange - sometimes you really can't escape the thought that cats secretly do rule the world. Or do dogs hide it better?

The vote... ta da!.... goes to... Companionship.
 
I enjoyed writing about pets this month, and I enjoyed reading about pets, so - terrific Challenge.

Here are my lists...

Shortlist:
Starbeast, jackwinabox57, Perpetual Man, Clockworkbot, Shyrka

Finalists:
Victoria Silverwolf, elvet

I really love both of these, and I don't think I've had a harder time finalizing my thoughts/vote in the 6 years I've been entering these Challenges. By the shortest tufts of fur, I went with elvet's moving story, A Cat’s Life in Years. But that is some story, and idea, Victoria.

Great job, everyone. Best of luck with votes, the rest of the way.
 
For me it Luiglin's tale of feline inclined AI - I think that's actually a very wise comment on the idea of AI!

There wasn't a single story this month I didn't enjoy, but the those by Cat's Cradle, Ian Forty Two, Guttersnipe, Margaret Note Spelling, Starbeast, Daysman, Victoria Silverwolf, Adriano P. Eliezer, telperon, Elkerlyc, Elvet, Jesse Harris, mouse, Clockworkbot, Vince W., M. Robert Gibson, Shyrka, johnnyjet, and star-child stood out for me, with my top 5 in bold.
 
The Ursa jury got into a bit of a flap, but having once freed themselves and emptied the food bowl, they arrived at their final decision.

The following are in posting order within the categories:


Honourable Mentions:
  • How to live in the lap of luxury: by dannymcg
  • Man's Best Friend? by mosaix
  • Security Wampa by Margaret Note Spelling
  • Cognizant Artificial Telos by Luiglin
Runners Up:
  • The Irresistible Allure of the Far-Future Scientist by Cat's Cradle
  • Two White Mice. by Ian Fortytwo
  • A Cat’s Life in Years by elvet
Winner:
  • Who's The Daddy by M. Robert Gibson
​
 
Congrats, @elvet!! When I first read your story I was pretty sure I knew where my vote was going, and although there was some stiff competition nothing knocked it out of the top spot. I must admit, though, as appealing as the concept might be, I don’t know that I could do it myself – I’d miss my little idiots too much in the inbetween times…

Thanks also for your vote – it was very much appreciated! Thanks as well to those who mentioned or listed my entry. I was really happy with my story this month, which is always a strong sign that it won’t do particularly well. Maybe I needed to add a cat or two…
 
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