The Neverending Story
<div class="IPBDescription">social storytelling</div> This is an idea I came up with sometime last night while writing a short story called, "The Seven Days of Xen." (something I'll post in the fic forum later if i ever get done.) During one particularily stubborn case of writer's block, the thought came to me that if there were more then one person working on a story, then creative plugs would no longer be a problem. Several hours later, this thread came about as the ultimate conclusion to that string of thought: a story composed of sections of writing contributed by various forum goers, which in this case, happens to be the ns.org OT forums.
Let me start off by stating what this thread is <b>NOT.</b>
1. This is NOT a "3 word story" thread. The plot should have meaning and use literary techniques.
2. This is NOT meant to be a book - write in your own style and voice, as long as the plot is kept smooth. Because of this - I'd like to request that the Mods not move this to fan-fic, mostly because of the lack of traffic in that forum.
3. This is NOT a roleplaying thread. I'm going to make this thread in the first person since most people find it easier to write in the first, but I had better not see Magic Missles flying around or whatever it is you roleplayers do.
4. This is NOT a spam thread. While "one line" contributions are accepted (albeit discouraged), each post needs to make sense and CONTRIBUTE to the plot.
<span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'><b>THE FOLLOWING ARE RULES FOR POSTING IN THIS THREAD. READ THESE GUIDELINES CAREFULLY.</b></span>
POST RESERVATION:
The obvious problems inherit in this thread format is that writing takes time, and the possibility of multiple contributions at the same time is very likely. To avoid having people spend hours making a post only to see that someone had beat them to it several times with "And then the monkey jumped." posts, always make a reply immediately after you've decided to make a contribution stating something along the lines of "post reserved" and how long you expect to be done (please don't reserve more then two hours for your post though). You can then come back and edit said post after you've finished making your contribution.
CONTRIBUTION GUIDELINES:
Obviously, you should make sure your posts have decent grammar and spelling. I know a lot of people don't have the time to spell check their posts, but at least make the effort to capitalize and punctuate properly. Small grammar errors like misplacing periods or commas are ok, "u r welcome she said" is not.
Secondly, your contributions need to maintain the plot and tone of the story, but should be in your own voice and style. If for example, we are in the middle of a sequence where Tasha is about to restore the higher mental functions of her long-lost android love, and you kill off Tasha for no reason (i.e. there is no foreshadowing no plot build up to her death), then you shall taste my wrath. For those of you who aren't writers, or failed English, STYLE != TONE. Style is a hell of a word to define, but it suffices to say that Style is unique to each writer, and is usually constant throughout an entire story, and for most of his or her career. TONE, on the other hand, is used to describe the "feeling" of a story or scene, which can be either comedic, light hearted, gloomy, or any number of adjectives used to describe certain situations.
Finally, KNOW what's happening in the plot and read at least the last 2-3 pages of contributions, and COMPLETELY read the Plot Summary which I'll update on occassion.
<b>Last minute thought: Use two line breaks with each new paragraph, since you can't indent on these forums. Do this or die.</b>
CRITIQUE AND ANALYSIS:
I know I'm not the only person who'll be using this thread to hone their writing skills, so constructive criticism is welcome. Constructive criticism should be serious critique of a person's works, and should not be written in satire, sarcasm, or have obvious amounts of emotion behind it. It should be encouraging, but should make clear exactly what is WRONG and RIGHT about a contribution. If a person requests that no CC be made, then do not.
LITERARY DEVICES:
Proper use of symbolism, allusion, dramatic irony, etc. etc. will earn you ++ points on my love meter. For the uninformed: <a href='http://mrbraiman.home.att.net/lit.htm' target='_blank'>http://mrbraiman.home.att.net/lit.htm</a>
PLOT DIRECTION:
While the plot should for the most part be driven by the contributors, it's understandable that most people might be unwilling or incapable of making plot twists on a larger scale. Thus, the task of plot direction will be assigned to myself and a number of other individuals who prove themselves capable of making solid contributions.
PLOT TWISTS / CHARACTER INTRODUCTIONS OR DEATHS:
Character introduction and death falls under Plot Direction. See above.
REJECTION OF CONTRIBUTION:
If a contribution was made whose author has obviously failed to read and observe these rules, it's fair game to completely ignore it, and continue on with the plot from before said contribution was made, as long as you make a note of it in your post.
STORY SETTING:
For this occassion, we'll be writing a sci-fi story concerning a future in which humanity is completely dependant on the machine. The story should concern the dawn of AI (in our likeness), and should concern (themes):
1.) The relationship of humanity and AI.
2.) AI as the bringer of the apocalypse, ala The Second Renaissance - or not, you decide.
3.) The sanctity of law and order (machines) as opposed to chaos (individuality.)
4.) The ability of order and chaos to coexist. Or the inability - you decide.
[notice the lack of romance and other themes, try to stick with these. If your contribution requires another theme, make sure it's insignificant enough that it will not effect any of the above.]
Clearly, I didn't choose these ideas for their originality, but because most people are familiar with them, and can probably make a good story of them.
note: <a href='http://www.cthreepo.com/cp_html/laws.html' target='_blank'>http://www.cthreepo.com/cp_html/laws.html</a> (laws of sci fi)
NON CONTRIBUTIVE POSTS:
Feel free to make them. If you have critique about where the story is going, feel free to give ideas and suggestions.
FINAL WORD:
Don't be afraid to post. I know these guidelines sound harsh and strict, but given that I've never done anything like this (or seen it done anywhere), you'll all be pioneers in a new form of forum storytelling, and you'll probably be able to get away with a lot more then if this was a set in stone format. If it goes really bad, I'll just ask the mods to lock it and start a new one with revised rules. Either way, I'll eventually end the story if the thread feels like it's dying (or if it never gets going in the first place) and start a new one if it seems like it has any potential.
PLOT SUMMARY:
[none yet]
<span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>This thread is currently "Frozen" until I can write up a contribution long enough to introduce several characters and establish a setting for this story. Until then, feel free to discuss the concept, and whether or not you'd be interested in participating.</span>
Let me start off by stating what this thread is <b>NOT.</b>
1. This is NOT a "3 word story" thread. The plot should have meaning and use literary techniques.
2. This is NOT meant to be a book - write in your own style and voice, as long as the plot is kept smooth. Because of this - I'd like to request that the Mods not move this to fan-fic, mostly because of the lack of traffic in that forum.
3. This is NOT a roleplaying thread. I'm going to make this thread in the first person since most people find it easier to write in the first, but I had better not see Magic Missles flying around or whatever it is you roleplayers do.
4. This is NOT a spam thread. While "one line" contributions are accepted (albeit discouraged), each post needs to make sense and CONTRIBUTE to the plot.
<span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'><b>THE FOLLOWING ARE RULES FOR POSTING IN THIS THREAD. READ THESE GUIDELINES CAREFULLY.</b></span>
POST RESERVATION:
The obvious problems inherit in this thread format is that writing takes time, and the possibility of multiple contributions at the same time is very likely. To avoid having people spend hours making a post only to see that someone had beat them to it several times with "And then the monkey jumped." posts, always make a reply immediately after you've decided to make a contribution stating something along the lines of "post reserved" and how long you expect to be done (please don't reserve more then two hours for your post though). You can then come back and edit said post after you've finished making your contribution.
CONTRIBUTION GUIDELINES:
Obviously, you should make sure your posts have decent grammar and spelling. I know a lot of people don't have the time to spell check their posts, but at least make the effort to capitalize and punctuate properly. Small grammar errors like misplacing periods or commas are ok, "u r welcome she said" is not.
Secondly, your contributions need to maintain the plot and tone of the story, but should be in your own voice and style. If for example, we are in the middle of a sequence where Tasha is about to restore the higher mental functions of her long-lost android love, and you kill off Tasha for no reason (i.e. there is no foreshadowing no plot build up to her death), then you shall taste my wrath. For those of you who aren't writers, or failed English, STYLE != TONE. Style is a hell of a word to define, but it suffices to say that Style is unique to each writer, and is usually constant throughout an entire story, and for most of his or her career. TONE, on the other hand, is used to describe the "feeling" of a story or scene, which can be either comedic, light hearted, gloomy, or any number of adjectives used to describe certain situations.
Finally, KNOW what's happening in the plot and read at least the last 2-3 pages of contributions, and COMPLETELY read the Plot Summary which I'll update on occassion.
<b>Last minute thought: Use two line breaks with each new paragraph, since you can't indent on these forums. Do this or die.</b>
CRITIQUE AND ANALYSIS:
I know I'm not the only person who'll be using this thread to hone their writing skills, so constructive criticism is welcome. Constructive criticism should be serious critique of a person's works, and should not be written in satire, sarcasm, or have obvious amounts of emotion behind it. It should be encouraging, but should make clear exactly what is WRONG and RIGHT about a contribution. If a person requests that no CC be made, then do not.
LITERARY DEVICES:
Proper use of symbolism, allusion, dramatic irony, etc. etc. will earn you ++ points on my love meter. For the uninformed: <a href='http://mrbraiman.home.att.net/lit.htm' target='_blank'>http://mrbraiman.home.att.net/lit.htm</a>
PLOT DIRECTION:
While the plot should for the most part be driven by the contributors, it's understandable that most people might be unwilling or incapable of making plot twists on a larger scale. Thus, the task of plot direction will be assigned to myself and a number of other individuals who prove themselves capable of making solid contributions.
PLOT TWISTS / CHARACTER INTRODUCTIONS OR DEATHS:
Character introduction and death falls under Plot Direction. See above.
REJECTION OF CONTRIBUTION:
If a contribution was made whose author has obviously failed to read and observe these rules, it's fair game to completely ignore it, and continue on with the plot from before said contribution was made, as long as you make a note of it in your post.
STORY SETTING:
For this occassion, we'll be writing a sci-fi story concerning a future in which humanity is completely dependant on the machine. The story should concern the dawn of AI (in our likeness), and should concern (themes):
1.) The relationship of humanity and AI.
2.) AI as the bringer of the apocalypse, ala The Second Renaissance - or not, you decide.
3.) The sanctity of law and order (machines) as opposed to chaos (individuality.)
4.) The ability of order and chaos to coexist. Or the inability - you decide.
[notice the lack of romance and other themes, try to stick with these. If your contribution requires another theme, make sure it's insignificant enough that it will not effect any of the above.]
Clearly, I didn't choose these ideas for their originality, but because most people are familiar with them, and can probably make a good story of them.
note: <a href='http://www.cthreepo.com/cp_html/laws.html' target='_blank'>http://www.cthreepo.com/cp_html/laws.html</a> (laws of sci fi)
NON CONTRIBUTIVE POSTS:
Feel free to make them. If you have critique about where the story is going, feel free to give ideas and suggestions.
FINAL WORD:
Don't be afraid to post. I know these guidelines sound harsh and strict, but given that I've never done anything like this (or seen it done anywhere), you'll all be pioneers in a new form of forum storytelling, and you'll probably be able to get away with a lot more then if this was a set in stone format. If it goes really bad, I'll just ask the mods to lock it and start a new one with revised rules. Either way, I'll eventually end the story if the thread feels like it's dying (or if it never gets going in the first place) and start a new one if it seems like it has any potential.
PLOT SUMMARY:
[none yet]
<span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>This thread is currently "Frozen" until I can write up a contribution long enough to introduce several characters and establish a setting for this story. Until then, feel free to discuss the concept, and whether or not you'd be interested in participating.</span>
Comments
Good job with the initial rules - you seem to have considered most of the pitfalls these things usually encounter.
A suggestion would be to remember that even though this isn't a book, the concepts of beginning, middle and end should have their place. Setting the scene and developing the characters should take place before we start hitting people over the head with the heavy themes and ironies of the plot. The genre is unique in allowing the types of stories we've heard before (revenge, romance, fall from grace, war) to be presented in a completely unfamiliar way - and that's a strength that should be played upon. <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
A good chance to try my hand at some sci-fi - I can't pass it up.
I've seen this done before, but lets hope this goes well.
..btw Cam, if you have trouble getting a good start, contact me. I've always been rather good at that <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/biggrin-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
<!--QuoteBegin--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->A suggestion would be to remember that even though this isn't a book, the concepts of beginning, middle and end should have their place. Setting the scene and developing the characters should take place before we start hitting people over the head with the heavy themes and ironies of the plot. The genre is unique in allowing the types of stories we've heard before (revenge, romance, fall from grace, war) to be presented in a completely unfamiliar way - and that's a strength that should be played upon. smile-fix.gif<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
The story will most likely follow the "Quest" motif in literature. i.e.
[ Diskord (beginning scenes - describes something "not right" in hero's life) ] ->
Call to adventure ->
Hero's acceptance of adventure ->
[ Trials & Challenges (main scenes) ] ->
[ Hero's Final Challenge (abyss) ] ->
[ return from adventure ]
(Wow, I actually learned something from english analysis!)
I, or other story "moderators" will freeze the thread once we feel it's gotten to the point that we're ready to go on with the next section of the story, using the above as a guideline. Exactly where the story goes is up to the contributors.
I'll have the first "chapter" ready by next weekend at most... seems like a long time, but schoolwork keeps me busy >_<.
btw: I volunteer for mod
Other than that, neat idea, record the whole string of the final version and get the whole story when its done.
BTW, this essentially is exacly what a role play thread would look like, the only difference is that a role play thread every author would create and tell the story of one of thier characters, this thread you will all be fighting for the same character.
BTW2, how are you managing multiple story posts? Are you going to let anyone who wants to write the next cronical in the story and then take all the finished versions of that section and arbitraily decide which is the best/most relevent? or are you going the other way, first person to post that they are working on the next section after the last section gets thier continuation as the next section.
The obvious problems inherit in this thread format is that writing takes time, and the possibility of multiple contributions at the same time is very likely. To avoid having people spend hours making a post only to see that someone had beat them to it several times with "And then the monkey jumped." posts, always make a reply immediately after you've decided to make a contribution stating something along the lines of "post reserved" and how long you expect to be done (please don't reserve more then two hours for your post though). You can then come back and edit said post after you've finished making your contribution.
REJECTION OF CONTRIBUTION:
If a contribution was made whose author has obviously failed to read and observe these rules, it's fair game to completely ignore it, and continue on with the plot from before said contribution was made, as long as you make a note of it in your post.<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
I might post once or twice, but I probably won't. I specialize in stories about the Supernatural, and suck at machines. <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo-->
But if I find time to contribute, I will do my best to work within the contraints I am given <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
Just be warned if I do then I'm more of a atmosphere and character-focussed writer too.
Guess if I make a contribution that doesn't fit it can just be ignored anyways =3
Oh and just for reference 'roleplayers' aren't the ones who go nutty with magic missles and stuff. A decent roleplayer is much like a good writer; you're thinking of powerplayers =P
Just be warned if I do then I'm more of a atmosphere and character-focussed writer too.
Guess if I make a contribution that doesn't fit it can just be ignored anyways =3
Oh and just for reference 'roleplayers' aren't the ones who go nutty with magic missles and stuff. A decent roleplayer is much like a good writer; you're thinking of powerplayers =P <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
Truth this woman says.
I too also write in the 3rd. Its so much easier to get certain things across when the character is in the 3rd: In first, you've gotta change styles for each character you do it first behind.
Anyways, I was gonna say, gennerally introverts write better from third person than first, because it is easyer for them to relate to other people from observation than it is from internal motivations... Being that this is an online forum, and the magority of people here are reasonably hardcore gamers, I would place a wild guess that the population introvert to extrovert here is around 50/50 as opposed to the more realistic average 25/75.
camO, write from whatever prespective you want, but I too prefer third person to first person.
<b>btw: I volunteer for mod</b> <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
mod·es·ty Pronunciation Key (md-st)
n.
1. The state or quality of being modest.
2. Reserve or propriety in speech, dress, or behavior.
3. Lack of pretentiousness; simplicity.
<!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.natural-selection.org/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo-->
<b>btw: I volunteer for mod</b> <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
mod·es·ty Pronunciation Key (md-st)
n.
1. The state or quality of being modest.
2. Reserve or propriety in speech, dress, or behavior.
3. Lack of pretentiousness; simplicity.
<!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.natural-selection.org/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo--> <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
doesn't mod stand for moderator?
<b>btw: I volunteer for mod</b> <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
mod·es·ty Pronunciation Key (md-st)
n.
1. The state or quality of being modest.
2. Reserve or propriety in speech, dress, or behavior.
3. Lack of pretentiousness; simplicity.
<!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.natural-selection.org/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo--> <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
doesn't mod stand for moderator? <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
Yeah. He just wanted to say I need to be more modest.
...I just wanted to help, anyway. So <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.natural-selection.org/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo-->
...I just wanted to help, anyway. So <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo--><!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Hmmm, interesting.... expecially considering that modesty hasn't the slightest to do with the issue at hand... Maby patience, or realism, but modesty...
I'm just talking about trends, nothing I say is binding or fact
Just be warned if I do then I'm more of a atmosphere and character-focussed writer too.
Guess if I make a contribution that doesn't fit it can just be ignored anyways =3
Oh and just for reference 'roleplayers' aren't the ones who go nutty with magic missles and stuff. A decent roleplayer is much like a good writer; you're thinking of powerplayers =P <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Truth this woman says.
I too also write in the 3rd. Its so much easier to get certain things across when the character is in the 3rd: In first, you've gotta change styles for each character you do it first behind. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
Bah, what's so hard about 1st person? <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo--> Just write it like you were telling a story...er..wait.
I like writing in a mix of 1st and 3rd person (I believe it's called 3rd person limited...where you get the thoughts and ideas of one person, but they're generally refered to as in: "She climbed out the window thinking, "man, that dog is barking a lot."
1st person works well for descriptions. Although, I doubt I'll partake in the thread because it seems to be a bit weird in story selection.
Personally I will write any topic any format. I would prefer a dark character oriented story in third person, but that is because its what I have the most experiace writing it. Thinking about it a little bit, I should be fine writing in first person, it will just be stylisicly different then you are probably used to reading.
I have a quite immaculate and professional style writing from third person. Acctually this should be fun <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
The machine thing is a tad 'matrix cliche' though ^^;
The machine thing is a tad 'matrix cliche' though ^^; <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
Meh, I will be focusing on character development on the character interacting with the machines when I get my hands on the story. So cliche won't be as much as an issue for me, as if you make intersting character, you can put them anywhere and they will be cooler than any previous story in that world/existance.
Oh and Quaunaut, I was just teasing. You volunteering for a moderator position before he even asked struck me as jumping the gun so I responded in kind. I'm actually glad that there are several people who are willing to participate in this.