I want Hatrack to be a friendly place where writers of all ages and stages can come together and help one another grow.
What I can do:
1. I will not feed the trolls. 2. I will not post partly-finished work to F&F. 3. I will not critique partly-finished work nor multiple attempts. 4. I will always be honest.
posted
taking it back eh,.. I thought of a line from Clerks 2, but I will kept that to myself. I do not want to be classified as a troll, or be subject to the polite bluntness.
Posts: 119 | Registered: Jan 2007
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posted
wbriggs: it's a bit of a vague point but I have often seen the first 13 lines written and rewritten into oblivion on F&F. I guess a take 2 (if there is a significant change/improvement) is one thing but I feel like some writers miss the pint with version after version, often without ever having finished the story itself! I think this is a waste of their time and mine...mostly theirs, since we're talking about 13 lines. You'll never improve if you get stuck perpetually on 13 lines.
Posts: 3567 | Registered: May 2003
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posted
Rewriting the first thirteen while addressing feedback on issues like clarity and organization is actually a very valuable exercise for many writers, particularly those new to the critiquing process. On the other hand, I have often seen an opening being rewritten past the point of diminishing returns.
As for the resolutions presented, I think I like "I will always be honest" the best. It's useful in pretty much any situation. Particularly for flaying the minds of trolls and devouring their tortured souls
posted
In my opinion, the best thing we can all do, collectively, to nurture the health of Hatrack, is to contribute. Weekly (at the very least) offer crits on F&F, and opinions on Open Discussions.
Most of all, I'm seeing we've all been highly remiss at not welcoming the newbies. Too many newbies are going without any welcome to their introductions whatsoever.
I recall when I was new, a couple of Hatrackers made a series of comments on my introduction and it gave me the confidence and feeling of being welcomed that I needed to voice my opinion in other forums. I wonder how many good members never connected with us because no one said, "Hi there, welcome."
I shall endeavor to be more active, and more patient with the process of indoctrinating the new members.
posted
Actually, with the eviction of one doppleganger, it seems to me like mission already accomplished.
Posts: 2 | Registered: Aug 2010
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posted
Have to agree with Spaceman. It got tedious there for a while, then downright ugly. Much better now.
Posts: 612 | Registered: Jul 2005
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posted
Yeah, you never know in the beginning if they are simply clueless or are acting like dumb clucks on purpose. It becomes odious after a while. I try to keep in mind, however, when the comments pop up in the "Arguing With Critiques" thread, as they inevitably do, that the comments there will be read down the road by OTHER dumb and clueless clucks, and hopefully there will be one or two who benefit from the discussion.