posted
Some time ago Hatrack was discussing what our roles would be if say in a post apocheliptic world the Hatrack community got together and formed their own community, the discussion quickly devolved into a discussion of whether the Smurf lifestyle was ethical and some rather rude comparisons to baby eating were made.
So I'm thinking, why not try to write a book about it for fun? With the cast composed entirely of Hatrack screennames although everyone is there "in person" I think it would be funner if everyone went by and answered to their online personas.
However this leads me to two questions, firstly it seems custamary to describe people eye colour, hair colour, facial features etc since I know asking for pictures would be a subtle violation of privacy and that I've only found 19 of you on facebook I wonder if it would be too much for those interested to give a physical description of yourself, you dont even have to be factually correct think of it as an excersize in creative writing worst case Ill google your name, check Hatrack to confirm your gender and use the first picture I find thats within a margin of error near a mention to Hatrack or Sakeriver.
Then there's the second problem, suspension of disbelief, and I cant wrack my head around how can I plausibly describe 1000-2000 Hatrack members winding up within 30 km of each other?
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posted
First of all, some authors, including OSC, often give practically no physical description at all.
Second of all, if you're going to be writing people into a novel, it really would be polite to get their permission first.
Posts: 16551 | Registered: Feb 2003
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posted
The first problem is not a problem -- you don't HAVE to describe a single thing about a character's physical appearance if you don't want to.
The second problem is easy to answer -- we're all at an Endercon together, when suddenly aliens come, abduct the entire building with us inside it, only to run out of fuel halfway out of Earth's atmosphere, and dump us all on a deserted island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. (with the building)
Posts: 930 | Registered: Dec 2006
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Blayne Bradley
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posted
I thinks its rather silly to be worked up over whether to ask for permission or not about writing about largely anomynous online personas.
Just so you know I have written a book before, "An Everlasting Quest" not published, I was in grade 8 at the time based off of the online fantasy personas of me and my friends when playing Everquest.
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quote:Originally posted by Blayne Bradley: I thinks its rather silly to be worked up over whether to ask for permission or not about writing about largely anomynous online personas.
Which is why you're the wrong person for the job. It's a bad idea.
Posts: 6316 | Registered: Jun 2003
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posted
I promise you that there will be people in this community who will be upset if you write them into a novel without asking permission.
Whether it's silly or not is irrelevant -- it will bother some here.
And now that you know that, you must either decide to purposely step on other people's toes or not to do so.
Posts: 16551 | Registered: Feb 2003
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Blayne Bradley
unregistered
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I'll get to answering that question when it is time to publish, although I would like to ask you how I would go about emailing 5000 members of a forum.
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quote:Originally posted by Blayne Bradley: I'll get to answering that question when it is time to publish, although I would like to ask you how I would go about emailing 5000 members of a forum.
Reason #2 why you're not the person for the job. That question should come first, not last.
Posts: 6316 | Registered: Jun 2003
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posted
Yes, well,. . . I think it's a bad idea in general. For an unpublished writer who thinks asking permission is silly--no way.
Posts: 6316 | Registered: Jun 2003
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posted
And let's not forget that the premise in itself is both unwieldy and largely unsellable. You want to write a book about the interactions of people on a forum? I could see ways to make that viable. You want to throw in some homages to Hatrack, okay--get permission, though. But to try to write an entire forum just because you feel like it? It's not gonna work.
And if you by some insane dint of effort succeed in making such a literary monster, and you include me in it, I will be the first to find some way to sue you for mis-portrayal of my character.
Oh, and one last thing--I shudder to think of the state of your literary endeavors when the post suggesting such a thing includes such offenses against the English Language as the word "funner".
Posts: 3658 | Registered: Jan 2002
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posted
Whether or not it works or not doesn't really matter -- sometimes it's fun to do something just to do something, and I can see how this would be fun.
But if you do, you'll be deliberately offending people.
Personally, I don't think there's anything wrong with the word "funner".
Posts: 16551 | Registered: Feb 2003
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quote:Originally posted by mr_porteiro_head: But if you do, you'll be deliberately offending people.
This would be the real crux of the matter. Though if prior evidence tells us anything, it's that Blayne doesn't much care about that.
quote:Originally posted by mr_porteiro_head: Personally, I don't think there's anything wrong with the word "funner".
I see nothing wrong with it used in a casual context, or in an ironic or otherwise humorous way. However, in a declaration of how one wants to undertake a semi-serious, fairly large-scale act of writing, the un-ironic use of what is technically not a word in the English language tends to suggest a rather gaping lack of the rudimentary qualifications for writing anything at a level above that of third grade, or some internet fan-fiction..
Or, in shorter words so that the author of this thread can understand me: If you can't even find the right words for "more fun" then you don't need to be writing a book.
Posts: 3658 | Registered: Jan 2002
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posted
Seeing as how this thing would never see the light of day, and that my possible inclusion (via screen name) in Blayne's novel would be tenuous in a representational sense, it's not a huge concern of mine.
Now, if what he writes ends up being wildly inappropriate and he decides to share it publicly, that's a different story.
Posts: 368 | Registered: Aug 2007
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quote:Originally posted by EmpSquared: Now, if what he writes ends up being wildly inappropriate and he decides to share it publicly, that's a different story.
See, this is my fear. Think of the kinds of things he posts on here, when he's asked not to. It will probably get posted SOMEwhere on the internet.
Posts: 1591 | Registered: Jul 2005
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Maybe if he was selective with the names. I can't imagine if a character named "Tinros" did anything terrible, that it would damage your offline moral character.
Other posters here, on the other hand, could be. So overall, it probably isn't a good idea.
Posts: 368 | Registered: Aug 2007
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quote:Originally posted by ketchupqueen: I already answer to "kq" or "ketchupqueen" in real life. Occasionally, anyway.
Even though I knew your actual name, I had to consciously stop myself from calling you "kqueen" when we met. And not just once, but every time I addressed you.
Posts: 4313 | Registered: Sep 2004
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posted
Ditto-- I kept restraining myself from saying "eros", which the other people in IKEA might have found weird.
Luckily the person I see most from Hatrack (other than my family) is rivka, so no problems there. (I probably talk more to Boon but we've moved into a phase where I do not generally think of her by her screenname. Actually I think of rivka as Rivka, not rivka, too. But since they're pronounced the same it doesn't really matter, does it? )
Posts: 21182 | Registered: Sep 2004
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posted
I hereby grant Blayne Bradley (hereafter referred to as "the author") permission to use the undersigned's screen name (Juxtapose) or any reasonable abbreviation in any fictional story (hereafter referred to as "the manuscript") based entirely, or in part, on the Hatrack River online forum (hereafter referred to as "the forum"), should the Author abide by the terms and conditions laid down in this post.
Terms and Conditions:
1) This agreement shall not be construed as permission to use the name "Hatrack River", "Hatrack", "HatCrack" nor any other copywrited phrase or image associated with the forum, nor shall it be construed as approval, tacit or explicit of any product of the author.
2) Upon completion of the manuscript, the author shall provide the undersigned, via email, with one (1) complete copy of the manuscript.
3) Should the author fail to add any physical substance to the manuscript for a consecutive period of two (2) weeks, the author shall provide the undersigned, via email, with one (1) copy of the manuscript in its current form. The author shall not, under any circumstances, resume work on the manuscript.
4) Upon publication of the manuscript for retail distribution, the author shall provide one (1) hardback copy of the first printing of the first edition. On the inside of the front cover, the author shall write by hand, in a loose flowing script, "To Juxtapose, without whom this book would never exist, me luv u long time. love, Blayne PS. Yes, MY mom".
I agree to the terms and conditions listed.
Juxtapose
Online Signature: X
Posts: 2907 | Registered: Nov 2005
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posted
Blayne, dear, feel free to create a fictional character named "Tante Shvester" (by the way, in real life, I am called "Tante" by my nephews, and "Shvester" by some of my friends). You can portray me as a mean low down, conniving weasel, if you like. I won't mind. I'd be interested in seeing what you come up with. You'll probably need a proofreader, since spelling and the like aren't your strong suit. If you can't find one by you, you can email me each chapter as you finish it, and I'll proofread it for you. I'd be interested in seeing what you come up with.
It would be a real kick if you came up with something really awesome and made the whole Hatrack crowd envious of your success. I'd love to see that happen.
Posts: 10397 | Registered: Jun 2005
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quote:Originally posted by Kama: obviosuly I have no influence over what people do at home, but i wouldn't like it.
it's like you ask someone not to pray for you and they do anyway. rude.
Or you ask someone not to pray for you, and they pray for you out loud in church for everyone to hear.
Posts: 21182 | Registered: Sep 2004
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posted
I will onlly consent to my name being used under the condidtion that when the movie is made, I get to go to the opening in Cannes or LA.
Other than that I am willing to with Blayne collaberate at every level. My vanity is such that any reference to anti_maven outside of my own posts makes me skwee with joy.
*pops another prozac*
Posts: 892 | Registered: Oct 2006
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You cannot possibly make me look worse than I already have in other online venues, so go ahead and mock me. I don't care.
Posts: 3486 | Registered: Sep 2002
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Well..... On the other hand, i think it's a good idea, it may be my effinity for post-apoctalipic worlds, or my wanting to be in a book, but if you need a hyper-intelligent teenager who becomes the hero in the end. I'm all up for it.
Or, you could write me like an egosistical maniac. Either way i think it is a good idea.
Posts: 549 | Registered: Feb 2008
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posted
I will freely waive any objections to being in this book if Blayne agrees to name his character Mary Sue (or knowing him, probably something more like Mray Sue)
Posts: 10177 | Registered: Apr 2001
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posted
Blayne, as tempting as it might be to write up something like this, using virtual people as templates, why don't you spend the time making up your OWN characters?
As one author to another, that's bound to be much more productive, and you're not as likely to tick people off. I mean, you may still tick people off, but they won't know if you're DELIBERATELY writing to them to tick them off.
Posts: 14554 | Registered: Dec 1999
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posted
I would not like to be included. "Eaquae Legit" has been my name online for 6 years, and it's become part of me. I use it in a lot of places. No one else has it, and it's very distinctive. Writing "Eaquae Legit" into a story would feel like nearly as much violation as writing my real name in, and would in fact identify me, specifically, much faster than using my real name would. I'm just not very comfortable with that. Especially since it would probably get publicised somewhere on the web.
So please don't include me.
Posts: 2849 | Registered: Feb 2002
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quote:Originally posted by mr_porteiro_head: Personally, I don't think there's anything wrong with the word "funner".
I see nothing wrong with it used in a casual context, or in an ironic or otherwise humorous way. However, in a declaration of how one wants to undertake a semi-serious, fairly large-scale act of writing, the un-ironic use of what is technically not a word in the English language...
posted
I find it hilarious that people who largely don't use their real names, don't know anyone in real life outside of the forum, and don't tell enough about themselves to make a convincing characterization (the real problem with the idea IMO) are making a stink about getting included in a novel.
Use me. I don't care. This is not the real me.
Posts: 2207 | Registered: Oct 2003
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posted
*confused* Then why did I have it repeatedly beaten into my head that "funner" was not an acceptable substitute for "more fun"?
Posts: 3658 | Registered: Jan 2002
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quote:I find it hilarious that people who largely don't use their real names, don't know anyone in real life outside of the forum, and don't tell enough about themselves to make a convincing characterization (the real problem with the idea IMO) are making a stink about getting included in a novel.
This description doesn't apply to anyone who has voiced objection.
Posts: 26071 | Registered: Oct 2003
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quote:Originally posted by Tinros: I do not want myself written into a book. ESPECIALLY by someone who does not know me well.
Indeed.
Wouldn't it bother you MORE to be written by someone who DID know you well?
Like many people have said, this is never going to be published, people don't use their real names on forums (I presume), and Blayne doesn't know most of of us hardly at all...So just let him have his fun.
Posts: 930 | Registered: Dec 2006
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posted
Why did you blindly accept the dictates of grammar Nazis as fact?
Do you split your infinitives? Do you end sentences with prepositions? Do you wish I were, instead of wish I was? Do you "properly" distinguish between less and fewer, between lie and lay?
For me: yes, yes, yes, no, no.
Posts: 16551 | Registered: Feb 2003
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quote:Originally posted by Occasional: I find it hilarious that people who largely don't use their real names, don't know anyone in real life outside of the forum, and don't tell enough about themselves to make a convincing characterization (the real problem with the idea IMO) are making a stink about getting included in a novel.
Use me. I don't care. This is not the real me.
:uses Occasional and throws him away:
Not even sturdy enough for...(wait for it)...Occasional use.
worst case Ill google your name, check Hatrack to confirm your gender and use the first picture I find thats within a margin of error near a mention to Hatrack or Sakeriver.
P.S...What is this about, though? Googling "Tara" would never in a million years connect to Hatrack, much less connect to a picture of me... And I imagine the same is true for most people here... I don't think Facebook or Myspace pages ever come up in Google results. But, I suppose the point is moot since he doesn't even need pictures of us.
Posts: 930 | Registered: Dec 2006
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quote:Originally posted by Primal Curve: If this ever goes anywhere, I imagine Blayne will write himself in as the hero of the story (with sunglasses and all).
I wonder who the villain will be?
I want to be a villian!!
Posts: 1001 | Registered: Mar 2006
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quote:Originally posted by Occasional: Use me. I don't care. This is not the real me.
That's a shame. Although, it probably explains most of the problems I've had with your posting style.
Posts: 16551 | Registered: Feb 2003
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(I probably talk more to Boon but we've moved into a phase where I do not generally think of her by her screenname. Actually I think of rivka as Rivka, not rivka, too. But since they're pronounced the same it doesn't really matter, does it? ![[Confused]](confused.gif)
