Suggestions So Far

[idic-writer.livejournal.com]

Ok, let's see if I have all of this correct so far and let's get it all in one place:

1.) We need a system to vet incoming writers: ideally, they submit a piece and at least 2 of us approve or reject it. I'm thinking this should have a minimum and maximum word length--500 to 1,000?

2.) Let's agree that everyone gives at least 30 minutes a week (your choice of day time) to read and give feedback. I'd like at least 2 other people to volunteer to moderate incoming posts with me. If you volunteer for both, then count on an hour each week, minimum.

3.) We want tags for stories, writing prompts, general writing discussion, character POV aka The Realms Bar--any others?

4.) We will ensure that genre stories/prompts are critiqued by fans of that genre.

5.) Writers who could give feedback on:

Bates Motel--mirrani, cedargrove
Celebrity Fiction--harmony83
CSI--vegawriters
Dead Zone--idic_writer
Dragonheart--mirrani
Farscape--vegawriters
Firefly--idic_writer, cedargrove
Halt and Catch Fire--cedargrove, mirrani
Hell On Wheels--mirrani, cedargrove
In Plain Sight--vegawriters
Law & Order: SVU--vegawriters
LOTR/Middle Earth--cedargrove
Once Upon A Time--mirrani, cedargrove
Sleeper Cell--cedargrove, mirrani
Sleepy Hollow--mirrani, cedargrove
Stargate--idic_writer
Stargate: Atlantis--idic_writer, mirrani, cedargrove
Stargate: Universe--mirrani, cedargrove
Star Trek--idic_writer, mirrani, cedargrove, vegawriters
The Mummy--cedargrove, mirrani
The Magicians--cedargrove, mirrani
UC: Undercover--cedargrove, mirrani
West Wing--vegawriters
X-Files--vegawriters



What do all of you have to add to this?

Comments

[harmony83.livejournal.com]

I think this is a great idea. I update my story quite frequently that I'm writing and would love any feedback I could get

Tell me....

[idic-writer.livejournal.com]

What other fandoms here are you willing to help out with?

[mirrani.livejournal.com]

While I don't write a lot of the same fics as cedar, I am as aware of the shows and can basically be a very knowledgeable reader in all of her stuff except LOTR and firefly. Since I don't write Bates Motel or HoW fic but am listed there, I can be added to the other stuff so she's not on her own as far as reading what comes in.

I am happy to volunteer an hour of time a week to use as you see fit.

As far as tags go, do we want character posts that are not interactive (writer puts out a story, other writers comment) as well as posts that are interactive (the "character" puts out a story, other "characters" comment)?

Otherwise I've got nothing at 6am on my way to work. :p

[cedargrove.livejournal.com]

I was thinking through this morning, and came up with the following thoughts/questions.

1)In respect of incoming writera and vetting - what kinds of criteria will we be using to evaluate potential members? How far will we be judging grammar/texhnical skill vs details and relevance to the stated genre/fandom? Sadly, its true that some fic writers don't always write well, technically, rendering the fic unreadable, but how far do we make allowances for that, and mentor the technical if the fandom ideas are new, interesting or exciting? Similarly, what about those with English as an additional language? (Sorry, teacher head on just now.)

Related, but different, what about 'canon vs fanon'?

2) im sure I can manage at least 30 mins a week, and would be happy to pitch in with whatever you need.

3) Maybe we should start a post for tag suggestions and define what would constitute each tag?

4) I agree with your 4th point

5) just wanted to let you know that you could add me to giving feedback for Once and Sleepy Hollow. I might not write for them yes, (but getting closer for OUAT the way thinga are going), I'm familiar enough will bith to give considered feedback. Also maybe The Magicians - a show that Mirrani and I have been watching lately.

Awesome questions!

[idic-writer.livejournal.com]

1.) I think we need to go on a case by case basis. We just have to see what comes in. Hopefully, an introduction of the person will help, in a situation where English is not their native language. Keep in mind, though, that if they're writing for English speaking readers, that isn't really an excuse to do it badly. Every writer must learn their tools before taking their show on the road.

As for canon or non-canon--I think we need a rating header at the top, stating what it is and isn't, and how explicit.

2.) Awesome, thanks! :)

3.) Feel free to start the post you suggested.

5.) Ok, I will add you to these areas. ;)

RE: Awesome questions!

[cedargrove.livejournal.com]

Good grief - pardon those horrible typos, I was using my phone while at work, and those keys are tiny and close together. I'm going to go and die of embarrassment now. LOL

RE: Awesome questions!

[idic-writer.livejournal.com]

I didn't even notice. LOL

Ok!

[idic-writer.livejournal.com]

I think I've updated the above post to reflect what you can both do. And I'll set you as a co-moderator--THANK YOU.

As for character posts, I'm happy with both types of comments--let's see what everyone else says. ;)

RE: Ok!

[mirrani.livejournal.com]

Cool. I know that sometimes, when I feel stuck on a character, it actually helps me to throw them OUT of their universe and ask myself, "What the hell would he do right now?" Suddenly I'm hearing them again and all is good with the world.. But then I've got this nifty little exchange between two people who would never meet and nowhere to put it... Like Michael and Rumple... Gosh I love that duo chatting around in my head. ;)

[vegawriters.livejournal.com]

I'm very cautious about vetting incoming writers. What is our criteria and what makes us worthy of the "vetting" idea versus newcomers? And what about those who haven't written in a long time? I think of myself here - I haven't updated a fanfic in over a year. Do we only want active writers or is a history of writing okay? And, what if you aren't in a place to be writing right now?

I don't know if anyone here is a member of GYWO but the way they do challenges, tags, posts, etc is fantastic and really encourages people to get involved.

I can probably dedicate 30 minutes a week right now, but how do we maintain those rules when/if someone gets busy?

As someone who manages a character POV type comm right now, that's what intrigues me the most because that's where most of my fic processes have been right now.

I know I'm being all contrary. But I want to make sure we aren't biting off more than we can chew at the beginning.

No, I get what you're saying....

[idic-writer.livejournal.com]

We need to be able to have honest conversations about these things. ;)

1.) Frankly, what I would like to weed out is people who haven't the slightest clue about grammar, punctuation and spelling. Let's start with that. As far as what makes us "worthy", we should all submit something once these rules are firmed up, showing that we are at least capable of meeting these basic guidelines--and because it's a great way to get to know the style of the others.

2.) Since there are going to be threads simply for writing discussion, I think it's all right if someone doesn't have a story in progress and no time to create one. But if they do, and they want feedback themselves, they need to commit to giving feedback to others.

3.) I don't mean to be dense, but I don't know what GYWO is--can you link it here?

4.) I think everyone here understands life gets busy, sometimes. I think it should be understood as well that if someone can't keep a 30 minute a week time commitment they need to post in the community and say so--and then if they are the only one helping out with a particular fandom, we would ask for volunteers to take their place. Again, no one person should have to do it all--and no one should expect to get feedback without helping others, too. That is basic fairness.

Does anyone else have a question or something to add to this?

RE: No, I get what you're saying....

[vegawriters.livejournal.com]

1) I agree. I guess I just want to walk carefully - especially in how it's presented to others. Participation in comms is all about how welcome people feel and honestly, I know I'm a decent writer and I find myself going "but how do I qualify again" ... so.

2) That works. Like I said, for me, it's personal. I'm not writing fic right now - save for a kind of CSI offshoot that is really it's own original story at this point. I wouldn't mind getting back into it, I actually would LOVE to get back into it, but there's a part of me that's like "welllllllll ...." so we'll see.

3) Get Your Words Out (http://getyourwordsout.livejournal.com/profile) It's fantastic. And you can only join once a year, but it's a great way to really focus your writing.

4) I agree with fairness - and this is just a case by case basis. But if the comm takes off, you're going to get a lot of people who don't have a history of crit. So are we going to do crit trainings? Or will crit just be limited to those of us who are original members?

RE: No, I get what you're saying....

[mirrani.livejournal.com]

I think it's safe to say that if Joy put us here, she trusts OUR writing. Forgive me for putting words in your mouth, Joy. ;) The vetting, as I understand it, is for when people come in off the street and want to be a part of something, but (and pardon my honesty) are only looking for someone to read their grammatically and structurally thrown together trash. I used to sort through Enterprise fic back in the day and you could really tell the difference between writers writing and people just throwing ideas on paper because it felt sexy or was a tiny good plot point wrapped in a horrible or inappropriate writing style.

RE: No, I get what you're saying....

[idic-writer.livejournal.com]

"I think it's safe to say that if Joy put us here, she trusts OUR writing. Forgive me for putting words in your mouth, Joy. ;)"

NO--exactly this. There are those that responded to my FB post that I did not send the link to. ;)

RE: No, I get what you're saying....

[mirrani.livejournal.com]

Bless you in advance.

RE: No, I get what you're saying....

[vegawriters.livejournal.com]

I'll admit I'm nervous about things like time commitment and the like and there are reasons I'm throwing out these questions - I had three newbies at the SLC Writers Group last night and they asked the same kinds of questions I'm asking here.

I'm willing to go along with the flow, but for me, I don't think I was expecting things like vetting and time commitment right off the bat. So that's a part of it too. I kind of was thinking this was a place where we'd just come together to share fic. And that's on me because I didn't ask the questions right at the beginning. :)

aaaah!

[mirrani.livejournal.com]

OMG. I COMPLETELY forgot about Dragonheart! How the heck did I do that? Throw me down for that, not that anyone else anywhere is going to be writing it, but when I went to look at my web page from ages ago, I realized Dragonheart was there. No idea where Rose Among Thorns got off to, because it wasn't actually linked there any more, but I am so going to try and rewrite that. HAHA! Darn shame the thing is missing, the page is beautiful. I suppose you can also put me down for knowledge of Pern, not that anyone is going to be writing that either. I am so sorry, my poor dragons!

http://home.earthlink.net/~mirrani/dragon/index.html

RE: aaaah!

[idic-writer.livejournal.com]

Hahahaha. Consider this a throwdown. ;)