"Lost In Translation" meets "The Griswolds" meets "Lemony Snicket" - Writers Forum

The Backward OX · 11-25-2007, 05:48 AM

Can anyone explain to this little black duck…..what is the purpose of the appraisal forums on this site? To me they seem to have neither rhyme nor reason. Probably ninety-five percent - or more - of what is posted will never see the inside of a publisher’s office, much less find its way on to the shelves of libraries or bookstores.

Isolate the so-called “poetry” for assessment, and that percentage rises to one hundred.

What exactly is it that unprofessional posters (of non-poetry) seek? They post stuff that is unedited, ungrammatical and nonsensical, and expect it to be turned into a best-seller? Is that it? Do they have any intention of submitting the work in question to a publisher? Are they just indulging in typing practice? Do they simply enjoy the electronic magic of seeing their words appear on a monitor, all prettied up with a lot of WF doo-dads around them? Ooh, look, that’s me, Ma.

And what is it that the appraisers intend? Many, such as Malone for example, will comment on the storyline only, and what use is that to man or beast, if the work needs editing?

And why should a copyeditor take the time to wade through something worth reading but written by those who, like Snorrie, keep finding reasons not to take the next step? What motivation is there in knowing that your effort is just going to sit on someone’s hard drive?

What is it that the posters of so-called “poetry” seek, in posting here? THAT, my friends, is the sixty-four dollar question.

This whole critiquing business is a mish-mash.

Good writers – writers who get their stuff published - neither need nor use forums. They write their stuff, have a first read done by a few friends, make corrections, then send it off to a publisher or agent.

So those we’re left with here are – what?

Ilasir Maroa · 11-25-2007, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Backward OX

What is it that the posters of so-called “poetry” seek, in posting here? THAT, my friends, is the sixty-four dollar question.

What are you implying NTO?

terrib · 11-25-2007, 11:27 AM

Well actually he's right Ilasir. Great writers(we do have some published writers here) don't need or don't want to use a forum. Just like great basketball players never go to basketball camp and great hockey players...well you get the picture. And 99 percent of us won't ever be published so I guess the answer to your question Ox is... we do it just for fun.

Ilasir Maroa · 11-25-2007, 11:35 AM

I was refering specifically to the comment directed aty the poetry section.

I understand his overall point, even if I disagree with it.

And yes, part of it is fun and sharing a piece, but I think this forum does improve people's writing, even if only through providing motivation to practice and learn.

Baron · 11-25-2007, 12:23 PM

Do the flames keep you warm Ox?

Sniper McGee · 11-25-2007, 12:25 PM

You're a depressing person, ox. But you do make some good points. None of us are probably ever going to be bestselling authors and/or poets. But we're still gonna give it a shot.

Even if we don't make it to the big time, its still a lot of fun to let other people see and critique your work.

-Bryce out

Ilasir Maroa · 11-25-2007, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baron

Do the flames keep you warm Ox?

Lol, probably. He's admitted as much many times.

When I become a best-selling author, NTO, you owe me $10,000. If I don't, I'm old enough now that I'll be dead by the time I would have to pay you.

Baron · 11-25-2007, 12:31 PM

In an interview at age 80, Yehudi Menuhin (Google if you don't know who I'm talking about) was asked why he still spent 6 hours a day practicing on his violin. He replied, "I think I'm getting good at it."

Artists will flex their muscles as they choose, here as much as anywhere.

lin · 11-25-2007, 12:43 PM

Quote:

None of us are probably ever going to be bestselling authors and/or poets.

Speak for yourself.

HarryG · 11-25-2007, 01:12 PM

It has often been suggested on this and other forums that real writers don´t post on forums. Let´s analyse that assertion. Writers are invariably opinionated people, so what do they do when not actively writing for profit?

Historically, they keep writing in their 'free' time too, they keep diaries, write letters, contribute to newspapers, and what's taken the place of those informal writing opportunities nowadays? Forums, blogs and other forms of social networking. They wouldn't be able to participate under their real identities, nor would their writing contracts allow them to in most cases, so they assume a cyber identity like most of the rest of us.

The anonymity also allows them to be irreverent without upsetting their reader base, and I have never met a writer who doesn't want to let his hair down after writing politically correct shit all day.

Rowling, Rankin, Pratchett, Follet and most of the others all currently admit to anonymous blogging, and what about Coward's famous diaries in the past?

And what do boxers do in their spare time? And footballers, And athletes? They continue to watch their sports as anonymous spectators, because as with writers, it's in their blood.

I often wonder at some forum contributors, not just on this one, who post challenging and annoying rubbish at times, but suddenly come up with a piece of writing that makes you sit up and pay attention. Is it an established author having some fun in his spare time?

Malone · 11-25-2007, 02:51 PM

Trying to fix other people's grammar is a pointless endeavor, a never ending task. Thanks for mentioning me by name.

lin · 11-25-2007, 09:47 PM

Quote:

It has often been suggested on this and other forums that real writers don´t post on forums.

I don't know where people would get that idea. There are several real real writers I'm aware of on this forum, which is a "wide open and newbie" forum.

There are plenty of forums in which EVERYBODY is a published pro. I check on screenwriting forums run by and posted on by the guys who wrote "Shrek", "Pirates of the Caribbean" and "Scary Movie".

Selorian · 11-25-2007, 10:02 PM

I could be wrong, but doesn't Orson Scott Card post on his Hatrack River Forums? If so, then that would be one example of a 'real' writer posting on a forum.

Frabes · 11-25-2007, 10:26 PM

What we're left with here, is a revolution. It's a brave new world, full of blogs and eBooks and limitless connection. A world where shitty self-annointed writers abound, and bad grammar reigns supreme.

Seriously, though, even if most of what's posted here is awful, every once in a while I'll read something that makes it worth wading through the shit. I post my work and critique others' because I have the ridiculously naive hope that I'm making some sort of impact, even if it's negative.

Writing anything meaningful is a futile endeavor (shameless blog plug). Why do we do that?

By the way, OX, way to call out Malone and Snorrie. Classy as hell. But aren't you forgetting someone? Someone who's name starts with fra and ends in bes? Maybe I don't post very frequently, but it'd be nice to have my ego stroked by feeling important.