Valdar and Astralis

Will this be on irc, or played out in a thread?

Recommended Guidelines to Feedback, Comments and Criticism (CC) (Adapted from http://www.raenestorm.org (bad link, no longer exists. :-( ) Original by Lala & Stormhaven Adapted by Valdar 15/12/2003) Introduction As a community of writers, feedback is very important to us. Be it the gentle glow of 'nice work!' or a full on 'what were you thinking?!?!'. Equally, as a community of writers, feedback is a very sensitive issue. How hard is too hard? Ripping up work that someone lovingly laboured over for months on end isn't very encouraging, and Silence isn't much better. Therefore, I propose a guideline--guideline mind you to providing feedback. These guidelines are by no means set in stone, but I'm hoping they'll help in clarifying what sort of feedback someone wants. C&C Rating system (v1.2) Level 1: "Be Nice" (Default: Initiate) The lowest level of feedback, and unless specifically requested otherwise, the feedback level for Initiates. Basically, this level is used if you're not sure on the poster's temperament, and is pretty much nothing more than a "What do you guys think?" request. Be encouraging, and offer any ideas that could be changed, but be positive. Level 2: "Be Kind" (Default: Page+) Offer some advice on what should be changed, but go 70% "what's right," and 30% "what could be better". Suggested use: For writers comfortably in their common element, unless otherwise specified. Level 3: "I'm Learning" This is the turning point level for feedback, where critique exceeds compliments by 60% to 40%. For those who are venturing into some unknown territories, such as from storytelling to poetry and wish to get more specific feedback, this is your level. For those giving the C&C, make sure you add details as in what you think needs to be changed, not just "it doesn't read right." Overlooked inconsistencies, grammatical and other technical errors should be included, if any. Level 4: "Set my clothes on fire" You're comfortably in your element of writing, and you've been doing this for a while. After weeks on end on staring at your work, you gotta admit it--writer's block. Hey, happens to the best of us. If you're ready for some (occasionally) hard critique on what you should do, it's time for level 4. Level 4 entails a new level of detail from level 3. Instead of things like, "where's that Frodo guy come from?" you need, "The character, Frodo, does not appear to display much in the way of character development, and seems to jump out of no-where to take the lead. There seems to be a lot of story behind him, perhaps elaborate a little?" Look at character development, plot development, and tone. Specifying Level 4 also means that you want more critique than "It's great!" posts. Level 5: "Hi, My name is Bubba, take off your pants." This is where your work is 'done', subject to revisions. Recommended only when the final product's just about ready to be released. Level 5 is not merely proofreading, however. This is the level where personal styles are most likely to clash. Not all recommendations at level 5 need to be included, but generally, level 5 indicates a willingness to edit, rewrite certain sections of your post, or at the very least, take into consideration for future works. Level 5 should also include level 3 and 4, if necessary. Using the System in a Post Generalities: Unless otherwise stated, assume level 1 feedback for Initiates, and level 2 for everyone else. If you wish for higher levels, you need to mention it at the start of your post, or in the topic; Example: Requested C&C Level: 4 "It hurts and stings!" Post level 3 feedback can be. . .harsh. Dont take it personally, you DID ask for it. There's no shame in level 1-3 (which should be used in 90% of cases anyway). Level 4-5 are for the perfectionists. Also, as previously mentioned, you don't NEED to act on the feedback, it's just something to keep in mind, personal style aside (and we love personal styles) Remember, at the end of the day, it's your work! But Bubba makes me feel like a man... Now, after all that, you may want to ask. . .why not just request a level 5 every time? After all, _real_ men aren't afraid of criticism! The answer to that is, yes, why not indeed, BUT. Please remember that a level 5 feedback can take a while to construct, and not everyone can/will spare that time. As a rule of the thumb, only request a level 4-5 if: You're very stuck You really want to change your work based on advice given. Your work is "done" and you need help with the finishing touches/proofreading Sublevels This is just a general outline of feedback, and I emphasize again, not set in stone. Don't feel too bad making up something like, level 2.5, or 4.5 if you want something more specific than level 2, but not quite level 3.

Recommended Guidelines to Feedback, Comments and Criticism (CC) (Adapted from http://www.raenestorm.org/phpBB4ns/viewtopic.php?p=44388) Original by Lala & Stormhaven Adapted by Valdar 15/12/2003 Introduction As a community of writers, feedback is very important to us. Be it the gentle glow of 'nice work!' or a full on 'what were you thinking?!?!'. Equally, as a community of writers, feedback is a very sensitive issue. How hard is too hard? Ripping up work that someone lovingly laboured over for months on end isn't very encouraging, and Silence isn't much better. Therefore, I propose a guideline--guideline mind you to providing feedback. These guidelines are by no means set in stone, but I'm hoping they'll help in clarifying what sort of feedback someone wants. C&C Rating system (v1.2) Level 1: "Be Nice" (Default: Initiate) The lowest level of feedback, and unless specificly requested otherwise, the feedback level for Initiates. Basically, this level is used if you're not sure on the poster's temperment, and is pretty much nothing more than a "What do you guys think?" request. Be encouraging, and offer any ideas that could be changed, but be positive. Level 2: "Be Kind" (Default: Page+) Offer some advice on what should be changed, but go 70% "what's right," and 30% "what could be better". Suggested use: For writers comfortably in their common element, unless otherwise specified. Level 3: "I'm Learning" This is the turning point level for feedback, where critique exeeds compliments by 60% to 40%. For those who are venturing into some unknown territories, such as from storytelling to poetry and wish to get more specific feedback, this is your level. For those giving the C&C, make sure you add details as in what you think needs to be changed, not just "it doesn't read right." Overlooked inconsistancies, grammatical and other technical errors should be included, if any. Level 4: "Set my clothes on fire" You're comfortably in your element of writing, and you've been doing this for a while. After weeks on end on staring at your work, you gotta admit it--writer's block. Hey, happens to the best of us. If you're ready for some (occationaly) hard critique on what you should do, it's time for level 4. Level 4 entails a new level of detail from level 3. Instead of things like, "where's that Frodo guy come from?" you need, "The character, Frodo, does not appear to display much in the way of character development, and seems to jump out of no-where to take the lead. There seems to be a lot of story behind him, perhaps elaborate a little?"Look at character development, plot development, and tone. Specifying Level 4 also means that you want more critique than "It's great!" posts. Level 5: "Hi, My name is Bubba, take off your pants." This is where your work is 'done', subject to revisions. Recommended only when the final product's just about ready to be released. Level 5 is not mereley proofreading, however. This is the level where personal styles are most likeley to clash. Not all recomendations at level 5 need to be included, but generally, level 5 indicates a willingness to edit, re-write certain sections of your post, or at the very least, take into consideration for future works. Level 5 should also include level 3 and 4, if necesarry. Using the System in a Post Generalities: Unless otherwise stated, assume level 1 feedback for Initiates, and level 2 for everyone else. If you wish for higher levels, you need to mention it at the start of your post, or in the topic; Example: Requested C&C Level: 4 "It hurts and stings!" Post level 3 feedback can be. . .harsh. Dont take it personally, you DID ask for it. There's no shame in level 1-3 (which should be used in 90% of cases anyway). Level 4-5 are for the perfectionists. Also, as previously mentioned, you don't NEED to act on the feedback, it's just something to keep in mind, personal style aside (and we love personal styles) Remember, at the end of the day, it's your work! But Bubba makes me feel like a man... Now, after all that, you may want to ask. . .why not just request a level 5 every time? After all, _real_ men aren't afraid of criticism! The answer to that is, yes, why not indeed, BUT. Please remember that a level 5 feedback can take a while to construct, and not everyone can/will spare that time. As a rule of the thumb, only request a level 4-5 if: You're very stuck You really want to change your work based on advice given. Your work is "done" and you need help with the finishing touches/proofreading SublevelsThis is just a general outline of feedback, and I emphasize again, not set in stone. Don't feel too bad making up something like, level 2.5, or 4.5 if you want something more specific than level 2, but not quite level 3.

Yay! you posted! You paint a very vivid, if sad picture. Jumping back and forth between past and present presents a somewhat confused state of mind with enough background to make the whole thing cohesive.

Ah, but 'squishy noises' could also be the sound of someone getting crushed by a tank as he valiantly (and futiley) shoots his pistol over a mound of dead commarades while holding a flag in the other hand. It could also be the sound of a sister getting hit in the head with a squishy tomato her beloved brother threw from across the room. . . Thereby agrees with your theory of three loves.

Yah, ran into a couple of hiccoughs halfway and didn't bother to iron them out after try #5. The style was from an englishized version of "Try to visit the old Hermit" (http://www.patrickdurham.net/themightypen/index.php?showtopic=9508), which is why it still reads slightly wierd to me. Thanks, though!

Tidings of peace Yet subject to fear Why need for hellfire When the message is clear? No need for scream No need to lie My own freely given Not yours, that's fine. And no need to look At pits of dammnation Just look at our own Subjugate nations Where young people die For there is no care And when children cry There's nobody there Our spirit is willing But the pocket is weak Give us a shilling To feed a soul this week Jesus would, Amen.

*Earbumps* Definatley too quiet \-_-/

I know it sounds wierd, but it only scored 4-5 minor 'errors' in MSword, 3 of which dont make sense, one hyphened word, and "Fragment" on the last line which I ignored. Discuss

Old man sits on a hill yonder Young man strides on the plain under Sky god cried then, behold thunder Young man fell to the earth sundered Widow cried to the old mother Mother cried to the earth father Father smote down the old sky king Smashed to the ground, and the earth did ring Sky god rose from earth shattered ring Full of wrath he cast lightning Earth rose up to burn the king Of people lost did no song sing Back and forth did they throw their rage Over this world for many an age Old man watched as the young world die None but he knew first tale as lie Fire rain and the mountains heave Burnt black birds fell from the trees No more people the world laid bare Old one smiled for his time was there. From the dawn came a new rider Strike both god down and world plunder *** Old world spins on a new frontier But dead earth lie where clouds make clear.

You have gained experience! Welcome to level 26! Please enter your level password to proceed! _ Happy 26'th, Zadown.

Let me start off. . . Dora dull and not so nice, give the food then give advice. There was a duke of York He had ten thousand men He marched them up the hill And marched them down again. And when they're up they're up And when they're down they're down And when they're somewhere in between, They're neither up or down!

Blue eyes regarded grey for a long moment across the blackness. You have grown, apprentice Why thank you, master The void slowly resolved out of the darkness around student and teacher. The dreamer was clad as always, robed in dirty green and Valdar in strands of primordial reality that burned in the shadowless light. And what cause may my student have for breaking meditation this day? I bear tidings from the pen, and seek new counsel. One who is close has become possesed "Your path is your own, I have taught you all that I may. Slay the posseser and be done with it." The dreamer spoke aloud. The elf nodded an ear. "There is yet one secret withheld that I never sought, for it is closest to your being-" Blue became streaked with red in an instant, and the surrounding void swirled angrily. "And one I will not divulge willingly. Attempt to slay one as such if you wish, you will die." Valdar stood silent for a moment before producing a card and sent it spiraling across the void. The dreamer took it, and the cacophony of colors resolved to black. The huntress? She has discovered her true nature? You knew? You forget I served in her stead, once. But that was a. . .debt long since cancelled. Will you help me free her? The dreamer looked up from the card, allowing it to burn away. You wish to rebel against your own god, student? Such is the nature of. . . . . .Chaos. The teacher finished, eyes contemplativeley green now. A long moment passed before he continued. "You may, but I may not. And there is no need to try slaying one as he. Come, there are other things to learn. . .

Help! I'm being opressed! Got carried away, sorry \^_^/ People condemning without knowing the whole of the matter (or so I preceive, pardon if I'm wrong) make me knee-jerk.

Two Ents are pretty big, Ozy \^_^/ I suppose in all honesty I _am_ a cynic, but hum. How to explain it-a cynic for cynic's sake? I'm not the one calling for condemnation, however. Sorry if I got garbled up. And there I was hoping to clarify myself \>_</

*Earshrug* I think it'll be more convinent if they were flat. That way we'll know which forum had new posts, and zoom in right from the front page instead of needing another click. The downside to that will be losing the current 'main ooc forum'. Perhaps the site I was thinking of had a different board. And to the naysayers, carrot? the incentive to progress is entireley up to you. The grass is not greener on the other side of the road. It's just the addition of three somewhat pointless (but that's my sole opinion) forums called guilds. Heck, join all three and you end up right back at your same rank. As with current Quillbearer+ members, there's no new weight to throw around, nor powers to wield. Just forums. As mentioned, I dont quite get the purpose behind the forums (especially since posting in the AR/BH/Conservatory will yield a greater audience) besides feedback. Despite that, however, I'll back the elders desicion but remain trendily un-guilded for the time being and presue my own RPing/writing. No (new) carrot, end of story.

Alternativeley, have them under their own groups instead of subforum-ing them into the Minstrel Hall? It's far more convinent to see boards in a flat format rather than digging for new posts in subforums each time. And then make the groups selectable.

Just a suggestion, if I may-- If there's any way to do it, can we please have the guilds set up so you can select the one you wish to see in the control panel? That will cut down on a lot of unnecesarry clutter on the main page. Otherwise, exellent--I'll run down the rest of the subforums later (aren't there a lot of them!?)

Happy Belated birthday!

But Aardvark, we share birthdays, remember? Valdar chucks his birthday box pre-emptiveley into a small portal into a seperate reality, where it is worshipped by the natives as a god until the energy weapon contained within detonates on April the 8th, carrying the friendly villagers, and sixteen other nearby colonies into their next life. . .

"Son, if you get in a fight and find yourself lacking a weapon, roll up some newspapers and poke people with it" --My physics lecturer "The line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being, and who is willing to destroy a piece of his own heart?" --Alexander Solzhenitsyn

HAHAHAHA! best_action_film_ever!

It's odd how things hit you, sometimes. Like a stapler did the other day. I've always been fascinated by those things, probably because of their potential for violence, and possibly as a shiny dispenser. At a young age, I figured out how to make caltrops from staples, and later on when threatened, took to carrying one around in my pocket as other kids did pocket-knives. I figured it'll hurt a hell lot more with staples sticking out from your forehead than just a cut. Eventually, after childhood paranoia passed and never encountering an instance requiring the use of violent stapling, the stapler graduated to being the favoured object of twiddling. Several staple-clogged vacuum bags later, however, I very firmly stuck the stapler back into a distant shelf and switched to pens. However, temptation loomed on Tuesday when I set foot into the photocopy/print area of my university and spied an unusual lump on the binding table besides the puncher. As I watched in amazement, one chap walked up to the device, and shoved a sheaf of papers into it's gaping maw. A short bzzzt later, he walked away with his notes neatly stapled! My jaw dropped. An ELECTRIC stapler! What a wonder of technology this was! My mind immediately began churning away for any notes I had yet to print, and cursed my home computer for processing the vast majority last night. Fortunately, it was still the first week of the semester, and a thoughtfully environmentalist Physics lecturer had left nearly fifty pages of text on the Online Blackboard. I scampered for a computer, and ten minutes later I was happily straightening my centimetre thick stack of still warm paper by the stapler. Now, based on past experience, a centimetre worth of lose paper, roughly fifty sheets, is quite a lot to staple even with those monstrous foot tall pile drivers. This stapler was but a hemispherical dome roughly half the size of my head. To my delight, however, the notch just fit my notes, and. . . bzzzzt! I withdrew a stapled book! It was a snug fit, with barely a millimetre worth of staple on the back, but it held! One centimetre, I had to do it again. bzzzt! And it was through! As I stood admiring my handiwork, however, I noticed the book was somewhat lopsided. In my haste to staple for the second time, I had neglected to straighten my notes. I frowned. This wouldn't do, but at least I'd get to staple again. Undoing the back of the staple, I pulled. Oh how I pulled. I pulled until my short ragged nails bent backwards. Car keys would find no leverage, nor did any pieces of metal in the vicinity. Teeth proved equally futile. This was getting embarrassing. The electric stapler lacked the thin metal flaps at the rear of conventional staplers that allowed you to withdraw fasteners, leaving a red faced man, expression twisted in a rictus of pain, standing in the middle of the copy area with both hands over his mouth and a freshly bound book between his legs. It's in times of need, that god calls bearing enlightenment, usually beginning with, 'You bloody idiot'. Now was such a time, and I gaped into the heavens, face bathed in the light of. . .well, the ceiling lights. But the point is, if life were a role-playing game, this would be the point where a big yellow sign pops up going, "You gained experience!. . .dumbass." So I placed the book on the table, and pulled pages away from the staple, five at a time. It was quite easy. I could almost swear I could still hear god's voice in my head. "That's why you wasted two years of your life, now go forth and make babies." Perhaps the second bit was my libido, actually, but I got the point. Two years of doing too much and nothing, and I turned back to the electric stapler with respect to re-staple my notes. Before me was the machine that could push steel through fifty sheets of paper on 240 Volts of Electricity. I am only human, and not a very physically gifted one to boot. The only way to approach the problem was to detach one sheet at a time. One thing at a time. And that was how the stapler taught me humility. Edit: Spelling

Man getting it from behind, from a giant mutant butterfly? Yes, I realize I have little mental virtue.

Woohoo! Pictures! Pictures!