Dark Flame Discussion Thread III (no spam)

The Z · Post by **The Z** » Tue Nov 18, 2003 8:46 pm

Originally posted by Scayde

It is not about winning the game, it is all about how it is played ;-)

Contrary to what some sport coaches seem to think

*Runs out of thread for fear of getting shot by a moderator*

Galuf the Dwarf · Post by **Galuf the Dwarf** » Tue Nov 18, 2003 8:57 pm

Originally posted by Scayde
Galuf, I would second everything that Ysh has just said...

Reading the first few pages of the Community is certainly a must.

Reading ALL of at least book 5 is required homework.

Having said that....You have a lot of talent as a writer, and I was very happy to see your interest in joining the DFs. I do hope you consider staying on......but as Ysh, Gwally, DW, and BS have said....the thing that makes the DFs great is the character interaction. Since joining the DFs I have joined several other writer's groups which support an ongoing story and I can truly say, none come close to the intricacy of character developement and interaction that we enjoy in the DFs.....there is very much a chemistry, a symbiosis involved. It is that which makes this uch a wonderful and dynamic group to be involved with.

It is not about winning the game, it is all about how it is played ;-)

Homework, eh? Sounds like my cup of tea.

I would have thought it's about the gameplay. It's just that the thrill feels like it's in the big events, and in how they conclude. How we play is one thing, but every detail, including the finish, feels like an exhiliration.

If Galuf is to be an extension of my personality, to some degree, then he's as much a mystery to all as he is to myself, just like I am to myself. That is part of the difficulty with writing Galuf, is that he is being discovered as we speak. It is the game I am playing, and will continue to play.

I will do my homework, in time. I have met expectations, and exceeded others in my life so far. Where to go from here? I've been set by many challenges and shined through. Maybe this will also be such a circumstance.

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Tue Nov 18, 2003 9:42 pm

Originally posted by Galuf the Dwarf
Homework, eh? Sounds like my cup of tea.

I would have thought it's about the gameplay. It's just that the thrill feels like it's in the big events, and in how they conclude. How we play is one thing, but every detail, including the finish, feels like an exhiliration.

If Galuf is to be an extension of my personality, to some degree, then he's as much a mystery to all as he is to myself, just like I am to myself. That is part of the difficulty with writing Galuf, is that he is being discovered as we speak. It is the game I am playing, and will continue to play.

*grin* Glad you like the idea of homework, did we mention there would be a quiz?

There is also much thrill in the satisfaction that stems from the coming together of creative energies, and time spent with friends. A climactic battle, or something similar, is simply the pinnacle of all that has preceded, without which it could not occur

If you are looking to discover Galuf, I would suggest that when you write, you simply let the words flow of their own accord. Don't try to be anything... Simply put, just *be*. If that makes sense?

You may be surprised by what rises to the surface.

Bloodstalker · Post by **Bloodstalker** » Tue Nov 18, 2003 9:46 pm

Originally posted by dragon wench
Simply put, just *be*.

I couldn't have said it better myself *sniff*

Galuf the Dwarf · Post by **Galuf the Dwarf** » Tue Nov 18, 2003 10:07 pm

Originally posted by dragon wench
*grin* Glad you like the idea of homework, did we mention there would be a quiz?

There is also much thrill in the satisfaction that stems from the coming together of creative energies, and time spent with friends. A climactic battle, or something similar, is simply the pinnacle of all that has preceded, without which it could not occur

If you are looking to discover Galuf, I would suggest that when you write, you simply let the words flow of their own accord. Don't try to be anything... Simply put, just *be*. If that makes sense? You may be surprised by what rises to the surface.

Hmmm... what you say, makes much sense, ma'am. A quiz? I've been through tougher stuff.

For some reason, beginnings and ends of various things - especially games - have appealed to me the most. Spending time with friends has been known to be a challenge for me, mainly because quite a lot of my interests and activities are home-bound and private.

Yes, letting the writing flow. To *be*, of course, has often been difficult to define. I'd be afraid that the personality may turn out a bit bland or vague in some areas.

thantor3 · Post by **thantor3** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 3:47 am

I would have thought it's about the gameplay. It's just that the thrill feels like it's in the big events, and in how they conclude. How we play is one thing, but every detail, including the finish, feels like an exhiliration.

I think that this is one of the great differences between DF and a role-playing game. A role-playing game should provide exhilaration and big climactic events, since those experiences are part of the expectations we have come to have of such games. But DF is much more than a role-playing game, even the ones that exist online. DF is a living, evolving community whose existence depends on the sensitivity and responsiveness each author brings to the table. In this sense it is more like a garden than a recreational activity. The experiences may be more subtle, but I believe that they are infinity more satisfying in the long run, both because of the excellent company and the because of the ongoing tapestry of creativity that is unfolding.

We have had many people "join" DF and attempt to write with us. Some have done well and others have... well, have not done as well. I cannot say that I completely understand what makes a successful author within DF, but I can offer a few insights. As I said, DF is a community and like any community there are relationships, rules, history, and a common vision. The relationships are both between the authors and between the authors and the various characters. In terms of the story and the characters, I think we are all protective about the things we create and want them to be acknowledged in a positive way. It is about respect, isn't it?

In the same way, I believe that people who are successful at writing in DF are respectful of the DF community. Because it is a virtual community, there are only a few ways that people can communicate this respect. As others have mentioned, reading the past history of the story, or starting out slow in terms of changing the plot, or checking in with other authors before doing something that will affect their character are some of these ways. On the other hand, not doing these things could be interpreted as disrespectful.

Based on my past experiences with the people in DF, I can say that they really do try to welcome new authors and work with them. If it has gotten to the point where they are having to say something to you publicly about your behavior, then you should really consider that you have crossed the line and are probably upsetting people. I do not mean this to be unduly harsh, but I do mean this to be a very straightforward communication. While I do not post very often in DF, I have both a great amount of respect and affection for the people here and a great deal invested in this story. Ysh, DW, Scyade, Gwally, BS and the others always try to handle these matters in a kind and tactful way. For instance, that Ysh would take two hours out of her day to write something to you is an extraordinary gift, one I hope that you appreciate. Despite these attempts at diplomacy, however, I have often seen that people will miss the point. I want to insure that you do not.

You are a guest here. As a guest you do not, for example, wander into someone’s kitchen and expect that you will be making Thanksgiving dinner. There is a process that happens over time that will result in that invitation being extended, perhaps… but that invitation is earned through a series of behaviors that indicates some humility and a willingness to play nice with others. Likewise, I think it is a bit rash to think that a story that has been in creation for a good many years is going to suddenly re-organize itself around an individual character. I don’t think there is anyone who would not like to be a hero, but the focus of community life it not about providing such opportunities, unlike a role-playing game. In my mind, the focus of community life is about channeling a force that provides for health, learning, support, acceptance, and a sense of belonging. For me, that force is love.

I want to be clear that this has nothing to do with your creativity, your passion, or your skill as a writer. This has to do with respect and sensitivity toward the other people who are part of the community around you. I invite you to take part in this process and experience all that DF has to offer. It does take a fair amount of patience, curiosity, and investigation for this to occur, but I believe that the rewards you will reap from this process will far exceed anything you may experience anywhere else on the Internet. And yes, I am a bit biased.

Gwalchmai · Post by **Gwalchmai** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 10:14 am

Originally posted by Bloodstalker
I couldn't have said it better myself *sniff*

LMAO!

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 7:58 pm

@Than, welcome back!! *big hug*

I love the post . Poor BS.. *snicker*

Scayde · Post by **Scayde** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 8:09 pm

Great Posts Everybody !!!

Bloodstalker · Post by **Bloodstalker** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 1:16 am

Than killed Mickey

May Pluto have a sudden hallucination of Alpo as he sniffs you a warm greeting.

Great post

Gwalchmai · Post by **Gwalchmai** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 9:53 am

Hey, Bloodstalker. I think Thantor just called you a "gullible individual." Are you gonna take that?

LMAO @Than!

Yshania · Post by **Yshania** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 11:30 am

Poor, poor BS

I suggest you get writing, BS, before we have you any more the court jester

Great post, Than

and good to see you drop by!! btw...his shirt is all BS intends to rip off isn't it?

Bloodstalker · Post by **Bloodstalker** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 2:45 pm

Originally posted by Gwalchmai
Hey, Bloodstalker. I think Thantor just called you a "gullible individual." Are you gonna take that?

LMAO @Than!

Of course I'm gonna take that...it's true

Scayde · Post by **Scayde** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 7:55 pm

Originally posted by Yshania
btw...his shirt is all BS intends to rip off isn't it?

I just want to make sure I have my camera ready for this

@BS..Of course it's true

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 9:41 pm

Originally posted by Scayde
I just want to make sure I have my camera ready for this

Hmmm ... that's homing in on HLD's turf isn't it...?

Though hopefully HLD hasn't been attempting to film BS...

Scayde · Post by **Scayde** » Fri Nov 21, 2003 12:56 am

Gee..Do you think HLD has already procured rights to BS-Cam?

Giggle..That would *raise* several questions..wouldn't it?

Gwalchmai · Post by **Gwalchmai** » Fri Nov 21, 2003 9:39 am

Originally posted by Bloodstalker
Of course I'm gonna take that...it's true

What about the part where he called you an "adolecent"? Was that true too?

I think HighLordDave's reputation just took a major hit, as well. Has the world gone mad???

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Fri Nov 21, 2003 10:51 am

Gee..Do you think HLD has already procured rights to BS-Cam?

Giggle..That would *raise* several questions..wouldn't it?

He may have procured rights, the thing is... Did BS voluntarily give of himself to HLD?

I think HighLordDave's reputation just took a major hit, as well. Has the world gone mad???

*giggle* Well nobody deserves to be left out in this current phase of madness

Gwalchmai · Post by **Gwalchmai** » Fri Nov 21, 2003 11:03 am

Originally posted by dragon wench
*giggle* Well nobody deserves to be left out in this current phase of madness

Yes, but with a rep this low, he'll have the devil of a time getting service at the Copper Coronet!

Scayde · Post by **Scayde** » Fri Nov 21, 2003 11:07 am

LMAO !!!

Gwally, your post is a scream