Meet and Greet

[pippinfluff]

Hi Amber and Karen it seems everybodys busy with real life or college to come on much but if you could roust yourself to continue the Funny Improv Story it would be much appeciated. I've really missed laughing at that. it's too quiet round here ain't it? Have a good day. Pips.

[k_alexander]

Glee's verison of "Don't Stop Believing" is incredible and I'm horrified that you are horrified about it. Minus one respect point Karen and I'm giving it to your friend.

I'm horrified that you're even thinking about touching my respect points, and I will most definitely smack your hand if you try. Grrrrr.
Yes, I've heard the Glee version, and yes, it's very good. However, I can very much equate this to my feelings about someone like... oh, say Celine Dion. I quite readily admit that she's an amazing artist with incredible talent, and I admire that, but she's not my cup of tea. Her cover of "Alone" is actually so well done, but is it comparable with Heart's original? Definitely not.
Also, I'm rock to the bone, man - Glee is just too damned cheerful.

(OTT, Heart's "No other love" is so (censored - what are the rules of swearing on this forum?) beautiful. I've always thought it was the audial equivalent of what falling in love feels like)

As for being not that much older, that I can understand. Some days I feel like a thirteen year old, other days I feel twice my age, especially when I look at middle school students. OMG, what has the world come to? They are so much worse then my generation. I've watched them (and not in a stalkish way that would get me arrested) and they're horrible. Those kids are messed up in the head.

So true. I have quite a few young nieces who I've watched growing up, and I'm always caught between resigned love and horrified amazement. And they turned out pretty well! The kids of today are on a downward slope, and it's sad and scary to see. I read in an article a while back that the average age for kids to have sex nowadays is twelve. When I think back to when I was twelve... oh dear. Nothing good can come of it.

I've never been too concerned with age. I've always loved having friends from each end of the spectrum, so that I can match the person to the mood. But some days I do just feel so damned old. Here in South Africa the Africans use the word "sisi" (meaning sister) as a blanket greeting for any young woman, and you know you've stepped out of your spring chicken phase and into your mature goose (?) phase when suddenly you're called "mama"... Now I only have "gogo" (granny) to move onto *wince*

(P.S. Karen, I thought of you while I was sitting in Abnormal Psychology today. I don't think that's a good thing.)

I'm like the tooth fairy, except I pop up to remove any vestiges of unguarded normality and I don't pay you anything for it. Oh, and I don't wear a tutu. Thanks for thinking of me, though. Cheque's in the mail.

This board seems to be pretty quiet these days. Except for the copyright issue thread. That was some interesting reading let me tell you, and Bardeyes' posts.

It certainly was a very interesting and fiery topic. And volatile.

So what have yall been up to?

Working, writing (I'm tinkering with a silly little follow-up to "The Official Guide" and a few other projects), painting, revisiting my abandoned Spanish lessons...

Hi Amber and Karen it seems everybodys busy with real life or college to come on much but if you could roust yourself to continue the Funny Improv Story it would be much appeciated. I've really missed laughing at that. it's too quiet round here ain't it? Have a good day. Pips.

Hey Pips Yup, this board is very quiet nowadays. Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I never actually participated in the Improv Story! I haven't been following it, so I think any contribution from my part would resemble something written while on LSD. Perhaps Amber can help out on this one...

[Scotti]

Hiya guys, thought I'd chime in a bit.

I love Glee, it's fun and fresh. I thought the Madonna episode was Brilliant. However I must agree with K.. Rock by my standards is, Heart, Journey, Pat Benetar, Stix, etc. I too can respect Celine Dion's talent but she is no Ann Wilson (the greatest female Rock voice of all time) But i can appreciate a good song and a good singer.

The copyright thread was interesting and volatile. As the person whose bum is still a bit tender from the spanking I took all I can say is a lesson well learned. It was very enlightening to here from both sides of the issue.

As far as todays youth. OMG my Mama would have my hide if I behaved like some of the kids I have witnessed lately. But in this new world of economic uncertainty and world violence I think that the youth today is going to learn a new way. The days of privilege and disrespect are going to be a hard lesson learned. Schools are cutting their staff, Parents are having to work 2 jobs, family's are consolidating. Parents. Grand parents even extended family are turning to each other for support and consolidating homes. A necessary and hard road to travel. We are definitely going to start seeing Raised by a Village mentality. I for one am hoping for a more respectful and ethically sound up bringing for the new youth. Youth is going to have to start working harder for the things they want. Cars, phones, Education. Parents are not going to be able to afford these things. Even Education is going to go back to the mind set of Working and going to school if you want to go to College. Hard times ahead, but maybe better for the work ethic of our Youth today. OK off the soap box. My apologies for expounding.. No offense intended.

[celticmusicrocks]

Hi Amber and Karen it seems everybodys busy with real life or college to come on much but if you could roust yourself to continue the Funny Improv Story it would be much appeciated. I've really missed laughing at that. it's too quiet round here ain't it? Have a good day. Pips.

Yo Pips, 'sup? No worries mate, I'll be around a lot more after Sunday. I've hit the max hours I can get per fiscal year on Sat, so I'll be around a lot more starting Monday for about a month. Though once June 7th hits, I'm going to hate myself since I'm going to be taking an organic chem class this summer. Ethers, and esters, and alkynes, oh my! And I keep telling ya that you need to join in, why not add a character who is from the UK and confuses everyone with her slang?

Hey Pips Yup, this board is very quiet nowadays. Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I never actually participated in the Improv Story! I haven't been following it, so I think any contribution from my part would resemble something written while on LSD. Perhaps Amber can help out on this one...

Actually you should read it, it's quite hilarious. I don't know if everyone realizes this, but anyone can join in. Actually it's a more the merrier kinda thing. The characters are on a road trip right now and a couple of people have been kidnapped by mysterious people. So, really, join in! The wackier the story plot or characters, the better.

I haven't watched Glee and I really don't think I will. The idea of it just seems silly to me. However, I do watched the Big Bang Theory. Does anyone else watch it?

[pippinfluff]

Hi Ambs glad you'll be back around. Sorry Karen your such a great writer i thought you'd been involved in it. Oh well wishful thinking eh. Sorry Ambs but i think my imagination is living on another planet as i'm crap at writing. Have a good day all were ever you may be. Pips.

[k_alexander]

I love Glee, it's fun and fresh.

I've just realised the problem. Simultaneously, the entire issue and answer of the series lies in the title. I'm the absolute antithesis of glee. Karen is to glee as Ares is to linen suits. No capacity for comprehension. Does not compute.

However I must agree with K.. Rock by my standards is, Heart, Journey, Pat Benetar, Stix, etc. I too can respect Celine Dion's talent but she is no Ann Wilson (the greatest female Rock voice of all time) But i can appreciate a good song and a good singer.

Yup, I do really love all types of music - except the really cheerful stuff. No explanation for that.

The copyright thread was interesting and volatile. As the person whose bum is still a bit tender from the spanking I took all I can say is a lesson well learned. It was very enlightening to here from both sides of the issue.

Aw. It was a big fuss about fuckall. Yes, it's of paramount importance that the author's wishes are respected, and I'm glad that point was made, but the whole "dying swan" attitude around it seriously got up my nose. And that's why I try to stay out of those conversations.

OK off the soap box. My apologies for expounding.. No offense intended.

Good for you. Everyone needs a soapbox day.

Ethers, and esters, and alkynes, oh my!

Sounds like potential Amazon names.

Actually you should read it, it's quite hilarious. I don't know if everyone realizes this, but anyone can join in. Actually it's a more the merrier kinda thing. The characters are on a road trip right now and a couple of people have been kidnapped by mysterious people. So, really, join in! The wackier the story plot or characters, the better.

You know, I'm going to be manly about this (figuratively speaking) and admit that I find it hard to near impossible to keep up with the plot. The differences in style, formatting etc completely throws me for a loop, and the ADD doesn't help.

However, I do watched the Big Bang Theory. Does anyone else watch it?

That is one funny programme. I don't watch regularly, but what I have seen has had me in stitches.

Karen your such a great writer i thought you'd been involved in it. Oh well wishful thinking eh.

Aw thanks, Pip - I just don't think this one falls within my range of skills. Maybe if someone gave me a synopsis I could get my head around what the hell is happening over there!

[Scotti]

Aw. It was a big fuss about fuckall. Yes, it's of paramount importance that the author's wishes are respected, and I'm glad that point was made, but the whole "dying swan" attitude around it seriously got up my nose. And that's why I try to stay out of those conversations.

Thank you K! Wasn't it just. I felt it was a big ado about nothing. Of course I perpetuated much of the ongoings by trying to justify myself. Oh well.. Guess I will just have to move on to another brilliant story teller to push onto to others. I read this brilliant, engaging, hold on to your seat story once(or 4 times) called Deus ex Machina but it's no longer posted.. hmm know anything about that? I have also been waiting and waiting and waiting to see if this Brilliant writer was going to go for a sequel to Unbreakable (another one of my favs). If you have any influence on this person, maybe you could pass on my little hint.

Love Ya K !!!

Scotti

Holy Crap, I just googled Deux.. It's to be published this fall.. Yes? Awesome.. I am so ordering mine.. Excellent!!.. Why didn't I know this? You could still pass on the hint about Unbreakable tho...

[silverwriter01]

Well I suppose since everyone's allowed their different taste in music, I wont touch your respect points, Karen. Just this once though so you better watch them carefully.

GinWig, what about the alkanes and alkenes? Or are those even organic, been awhile since Principles of Chemistry. And I haven't watched Big Bang Theory though I should. It's nice and geeky. I watch Eureka, though, so I still keep all my geek points. New season this summer

I didn't reply to the whole copyright thread since it was already completely by the time I got on the board again. Anyway, I knew when Bardeyes came in, the debate would be over. I agree with Bardeyes when it comes to matters of letting the Athenaeum get nice, old, and fat from lovely stories. Via the Athenaeum!

I like your rant Scotti, you get my star of the day. It's golden see? Like Rachel's. Cause it's a metaphor and metaphor are important.

A sypnosis of the improv story? <.<.......>.> Well heck, I was a major writer of it and I couldn't give you that without re-reading the whole thing. How about this Karen, you can write whatever you want but it seems to be based on wacky news given by wacky anchors. How about you start up your own TV station in SA and give us the news from there? That way you could skip all the plot stuff. And really, it's more of a PWP then anything.

Lol, I think your secret is out about Deux, Karen.

[ukendt001]

k_alexander wrote:
Aw. It was a big fuss about fuckall. Yes, it's of paramount importance that the author's wishes are respected, and I'm glad that point was made, but the whole "dying swan" attitude around it seriously got up my nose. And that's why I try to stay out of those conversations.

I'm so happy to see my feelings on this prior discussion reflected !! Could add a number of priced words on the subject but have kept telling my self not to do that ... don't do it, don't do it... ahh i'ts difficult not to

I must restrict myself to this bit of "moral" support. I hope that Scotti's tender flesh is quickly healed.

By the way I suppose that I shouldn't mention that "Deus ex Machina" is still available on line . Don't worry - you have to be slightly geekish to locate it and I won't tell how I found it. I don't want to get spanked for a copyright infringement - I have tender flesh.

I enjoyed the story so I can only recommend that those of you who like a little drama get yourself a legitimate copy and support the writer. After all I for one love that there are people out there who want to share their good stories with the rest of us.

And yes I'm actually willing to pay for my reading material if the books that I spend my money on is of quality - but you never know before you finish the story do you? I've been disappointed quite a number of times, but getting a chance to preview the quality of writing that a writer can produce by way of (fan) fiction is a great way to sort out which authors to trust with your money ! (I just wish that the writers wouldn't go around changing their names) I guess that leaves the writers with a pen of less quality with a smaller number of buying customers - but that's the way it should be is it not ?? At least every one can get access to a "public" today - even if they can't get published. The net is a great way to get your words out to an audience - if that's what you feel like.

UK(

[Scotti]

errrm was the Publication of Deux ex Machina a secret? If it was I am sorry K, I just got so excited.

I Love Love Love that story!!!

[k_alexander]

Please note that I had the absolute intention of going into this post semi-covertly, but have just realised that I am about three times as drunk as I thought I was tonight, so my typing and reasoning really are both up to utter shit. Per explanation, and my apologies for any mayhem that may ensue. Hiccup. I invite you to have fun with me whilst I am very out of sorts, as it doesn't happen often.

Thank you K! Wasn't it just. I felt it was a big ado about nothing. Of course I perpetuated much of the ongoings by trying to justify myself.

By the way I suppose that I shouldn't mention that "Deus ex Machina" is still available on line . Don't worry - you have to be slightly geekish to locate it and I won't tell how I found it. I don't want to get spanked for a copyright infringement - I have tender flesh.

Look, I am obligated to underscore any point made by Ms Dellacroix. Copyright is a prickly matter, and is to be respected at all costs. Offering up something personal to a reader doesn't in any way give them rights to my intellectual property. However, one has to take responsibility for the fact that, should you post something on the internet, it becomes public property almost as a matter of fact. Hey, that's the nature of the 'net, and it's the adult way of dealing with reality. Suck it up, pal.

It was pointed out to me soon after I withdrew Deus from the site that it was still available to those in the know. I can't pretend that it wasn't a difficult decision for me whether to squash it completely or to leave the existing trail as it was. There are two trains of thought re this, and I followed them both to their conclusion:
1) Yes, it is important that readers be able to sample work before they spend their hard-earned money on it. Books are getting ridiculously expensive, and I personally want some sort of guarantee that I'm going to love it before I buy the printed version.
2) However, the revenue made from the printed version is paramount. As a writer I need you to buy the book, not only because of monetary reasons, but because good sales will make it easier for me to sell the next one, which in turn may have an effect on how much time and resources I am able to put into writing something else.

It's a very double-edged sword, so please, if you are able to buy the printed version of something you love, try to do so. It's a total labour of love, but don't discount how much time and effort is put into offering it to you.

errrm was the Publication of Deux ex Machina a secret? If it was I am sorry K, I just got so excited.
I Love Love Love that story!!!

Absolutely not. I have mentioned it to Webwarrior and Bardeyes, and will be offering the big announcement once the printed version is available. I'm very excited about this, and hope the people who have read the online version will support me in buying a copy. It's prettified and streamlined, damn it!

ps. Thank you, Scotti, I just love you for being so danged enthusiastic about it. You're good for my soul. Re Unbreakable, I truly can't promise anything. I meant for it to be a one-shot, and much shorter than it turned out to be, but hey - never say never. I might just give it a shot eventually because you love me and I love you and it's a big fuzzy Barney the Dinosaur moment.

Well I suppose since everyone's allowed their different taste in music, I won't touch your respect points, Karen. Just this once though so you better watch them carefully.

My Windows Media Player just went from Sarah McLachlan to David Guetta, so I shouldn't be pointing fingers at anybody. Just to let you know, I spent all of my respect points in Amazon.com on a Muse CD, so there's nothing left to confiscate. Hah!

AND now the final word: I love you all, but three glasses of wine, two pain pills and two hours of sleep per night for five days simply do not mix. Thus, I bid you adieu before I sprain my exhausted and addled brain. There's plenty of things to say, but I will not be the one saying them tonight, because I'm bound to swear and I'm already knotting my fingers.

Good night, farewell, auf wedersehn, goodbye...

[ukendt001]

K Alexander:

Copyright is a prickly matter, and is to be respected at all costs. Offering up something personal to a reader doesn't in any way give them rights to my intellectual property. However, one has to take responsibility for the fact that, should you post something on the internet, it becomes public property almost as a matter of fact. Hey, that's the nature of the 'net, and it's the adult way of dealing with reality. Suck it up, pal.

Yes - that's it - exactly what I feel about this subject - (Hmm - now I did it anyway - comment on the bad-bad discussion - irk)

K Alexander:
1) Yes, it is important that readers be able to sample work before they spend their hard-earned money on it. Books are getting ridiculously expensive, and I personally want some sort of guarantee that I'm going to love it before I buy the printed version.

Ups - I didn't want to imply that I wanted to read the stories - for free on line - before I buy the books. I just like to have sampled something from the pen of a writer before I decide to by a published book.

UK

[k_alexander]

Yes - that's it - exactly what I feel about this subject - (Hmm - now I did it anyway - comment on the bad-bad discussion - irk)

Ditto - I really didn't actually want to be involved in that discussion. Damn these traitorous fingers!

Ups - I didn't want to imply that I wanted to read the stories - for free on line - before I buy the books. I just like to have sampled something from the pen of a writer before I decide to by a published book.

I may have put it poorly (stupid Cabernet Sauvignon), but this is exactly my point. If I expect you to buy my book, I want you to know what style and approach you're going to be reading before the fact, whether that means a first draft of the book itself (which is a relatively new approach with the advent of online fiction) or another story entirely. If I wished for you not to find that online version of Deus with your geekly powers, I would definitely have done more to stamp out the existing version

Ultimately I am also pointing out that having access to online versions shouldn't be a detriment to readers buying the printed versions. It impacts on the writers in ways beyond the obvious.

Good night, farewell, auf wedersehn, goodbye again. Why am I still here??

[Scotti]

I think I may have said this before, but here I go again. It gives me hmm I guess you could say a vicarious thrill when a writer that has posted many or (few for that matter) stories here or any hosting page has the good fortune, talent and work ethic to move on and up and actually be published. Whether it is an original or something that has been previously posted I am thrilled for that person. The Athenaeum and her sister hosting pages has been instumental in getting amateur writers noticed and read. How many published writers started here or other sites. In the last 10, 15 years there have been many many previously hosted stories that have gone on to be published. I can say that I felt it my privilege to have read them here first. I will always always do my utmost to support those writers by purchasing there published works. It is the only way other than feedback that I can actually contribute and to say THANK YOU!!!

For you K I say Well FRAKKIN done. Good on ya!!! I will buy Deux, I will buy any future works you publish. I hope you make a freaking fortune and can go into full time writing! Cuz if you do, well hell that's just fantastic for me too, Isn't it!!!

BTW I too have had a bit of Honey Blond Pale Ale.. So if I rambled a bit I blame the booze.

Sleep well K!!

[celticmusicrocks]

This is what I've learned after a session with a martini and long island ice teas with a good friend of mine:

1) There are too many f'ing theories on why humans evolved to have sex and continue to have sex. Also, how having sex relate to us developing an immune system in the first place.
2) Relationships are too complicated sometimes, m'f'kers
3) Don't have food in your mouth when a shirt, that is closed by snaps, is yanked open in the middle of a bar by the owner of said garment.
2) Cherries with a bad spot in the middle kinda sucks
3) Coffee doesn't sit well when its consumed after 2am

That is all grasshopper. Cheers!

[k_alexander]

Were we all drinking on Sunday?

Note to self: Do not drink and type. The result is saying you don't want to chime into a topic, and then chiming in like you're an Olympic... well... chimer.

I assume you're all still recovering, hence the silence on air. I'm just sticking in my nose to prove that I haven't eloped with a circus monkey (yet). I'm slightly under the weather, which means I'm making even less sense now, and thus I shall retreat until I'm back to normal.

Long wait, that.

[silverwriter01]

Were we all drinking on Sunday?

*steps up on a high and mighty pony* I did not drink this Sunday.

One can't buy Alcohol in Georgia on Sunday anyway. I went to see How To Train Your Dragon which is a pretty darn awesome movie. Tried to pimp out my friends on the corner in the middle of an art festivial. I mean seriously, a cute large-breasted red head with a beautiful, long-legged brunette would have made me a lot of money, but noooo, they didn't want to.

"Humans are the only species that can process anger into delayed revenge and behave aggressively for seemingly inexplicable reasons." Sitting in the middle of Stress Management right now. Tis what's on the powerpoint.

I shall now, end ladies and gentlemen, on this final note...Onions. I don't like them.

[Vale]

Hello all

I'm Vale -- I can't even say I'm a lurker, cause I don't really spend much time on the forum at all (I usually just go straight to the fics). But I thought that maybe saying hi wasn't a bad idea I'm 21, and I'm originally from Italy, although I'm currently living in Seattle.

Nice to meet you all *waves*

[Scotti]

Hiya Vale!!

It's nice to meet you. Hope you join in now and then. The ladies here are exceptional people.

Welcome

[pippinfluff]

Hiya Vale. It's great fun round here. Welcome. Pips.