Blue Sun Room Posting Etiquette

POSTED BY: Arcadia
UPDATED: Monday, July 16, 2007 16:40
VIEWED: 26372
PAGE 1 of 1

ARCADIA

Saturday, July 29, 2006 5:06 AM

This is a rant more than anything, so try not to take too much offence.

Does anyone else get annoyed by flooding in the Blue Sun Room?

I always try to keep myself from posting more than two items in the Blue Sun Room during one day (may have broken the rule once or twice, but very rarely). It’s a courtesy thing. When I post a new fic or a picture or anything, I want it to stay on the main page for as long as possible so that people can see it, click on it, and hopefully enjoy it (and, added bonus, leave comments). Now, of course people do look through achieves to find fics, too, but when your fic is on the front page everyone sees it, and therefore more people are likely to read it, and having people read it is fun (instead “see” instead of “read” to apply to art).

Some days are faster than others. I’ve added fanfic chapters and had them moved off the main page in a few hours, other times when it is slower a few days. Its cool when they last longer, but I usually don’t mind too much if they get moved down faster. Everyone has the right to post, and all that jazz.

But what does annoy me is… flooding. I HATE it when one poster decided to post four or more fics/images/etc one right after the other. Even when its not my fic getting pushed off the main page (and usually it isn’t), I just can’t help but feel this twinge of rage in me that screams, “grrr! Put space between your posts! Other people want their shiny work seen too!”

Perhaps I am a bit insane. Perhaps not. I don’t know.

So… what do you guys think? Does flooding annoy anyone else, or am I just a bit off my rocker?

This post isn’t designed to tell anyone, “hey! Stop flooding!” If you really want to post all nine-hundred, three-hundred word chapters of your fanfic in two hours, well, no power in the ‘verse can stop you, certainly not me. I just find it annoying.

[center]
Arcadia
aka Greyfable and/or Katie

like the avatar? there are more. grab one here: http://snipurl.com/syt0. Happy Summer of Serenity!
www.stillflying.net -- picking up Firefly were Joss left off. We will hold 'til he gets back.
[/center]

LEIASKY

Saturday, July 29, 2006 5:08 AM

I agree completely.

"A government is a body of people usually notably ungoverned."

ONEMANSHORT

Saturday, July 29, 2006 5:23 AM

I had one period where I was posting a bunch of stuff consequetively (I have no idea how to spell) I hope it didn't offend, I wasn't aware that it was rude to do so. I think it has more to do with just having all this wonderful Firefly stuff and wanting to share than anything. Next time I have a creative spurt I'll be sure to space things out. I'm glad you posted this because I think it helps awareness of what's considered proper etiquette.

Remember...when you're angry...watch Jaynestown It's what I do!

PHOENIXROSE

Saturday, July 29, 2006 5:25 AM

I agree, though I have been guilty of not being able to restrain myself when I have a lot of new images; I try to keep it at two or three at a time, then post more later on. Sometimes I've been pushed off by then, sometimes not. I do save it up, though. Sometimes I'll come in and see ten things in a row all by the same person (though I'm not gonna name names here) and I just think "Wow, so was this stuff going to be automatically erased from your computer and you had to upload it all at once or what?"
I have yet to have a fanfic long enough to make it an issue, but I will also be trying to restrain myself on that, too. Especially when it's all one work, you want to see how one part is responded to before you post the next. Right? Well, I would.

**********************************

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ICEBREATHER

Saturday, July 29, 2006 6:24 AM

Yeah, thanks for posting this for those of us who are new here and don't totally understand how things work, yet. (guilty but now less clueless!)

AGENTROUKA

Saturday, July 29, 2006 1:33 PM

I once posted three different fics in a matter of half an hour, and in retrospect it was probably quite rude. I've done this more than once with two pieces in a row, simply because at that moment I had the time and inclination to post them here.

I suppose, I don't consider that "5 most recent" spot to be quite the important thing, since I'll always check back to the last fic I saw posted, to make sure I don't miss something.

People who post several very short story chapters one after the other, though, I can't quite understand, as those could just as well be posted all together. It just takes up so much space to scroll past.

GEEKMAFIA

Saturday, July 29, 2006 1:38 PM

Just to be the devil's advocate on this one: there are quite alot of people who use this and other sites who may not get access to the net very often so while no, the stuff won't be deleted if they don't post it right away, they might not get another chance to post them for a while.

I do completely understand the frustration when someone work (even if it's not your own) gets knocked off the front page but I guess what I'm saying is not to assume that people are being attention seeking if they do post like this.

LEIGHKOHL

Monday, July 31, 2006 3:26 AM

I fully agree about holding off on posting and not flooding the BSR. Access to internet can be a factor, but at the same time, I have seen there be super short fics posted one after the other when they could have been pulled into one story, thus not taking up more spots than needed and letting everyone have a chance to have thier fics read. It's frustrating to be bumped, I have experienced it, as well as my other writer friend's on the site. It's a bit rude and hopefully we can all share the space politely! :)

LEIGHKOHL

Monday, July 31, 2006 8:37 PM

I just wanted to bump this because I feel that it's an important thought for those posting in the BSR to read.

MAL4PREZ

Wednesday, August 2, 2006 3:08 PM

I get a little annoyed when there's multiple postings which each consist of a few lines. That's just hogging up lots of space with very little content, when they could easily be put into a single posting.

But if someone wants to post several longish chapters right together - go for it! I love to be able to read everything at once.

OK, not that short things take no work... but they're so quick to read, there's no need to make a thousand postings out of it! Combine them, gorram it!!

-----------------------------------------------
I'm the president. I don't need to listen.

XEYRA

Wednesday, August 2, 2006 5:38 PM

I guess I'm a bit guilty of this since I think I posted about 4 images in one day a few days ago. I'd like to apologise for that. I guess I was just excited. I didn't even intend to post more than that first couple of images but it got such good reactions from people I posted a couple more that same day.

I'll try to refrain from mass posting again. :)

"People tell you things all the time, without talking. The way they move, the way they aren't talking." - River Tam

DAYVE

Wednesday, August 2, 2006 5:55 PM

i don't really have a problem with this.... people can do pretty much whatever they like as far as i'm concerned....

I did post a picture that i had worked on for the better part of an afternoon and it was pushed off in about an hour.... got a couple of comments, but i doubt if many people saw it..... does anybody remember "all bendy with angels".... thought not

MIRAMEL

Wednesday, August 2, 2006 6:10 PM

i tend to agree, i mean, i dont think its a huge deal, and also i don't post much in the bsr, but i've posted enough to understand the frustration of posting something you've put work into, and having in gone a few hours later with maybe one or two comments. also, point of interest- dayve, not to undermine your point or anything, but actually i do remember that one, i liked it (when i look at the picture part of the bsr, and the last one down is new to me, i generally make a point of going through the archive for all the ones i've missed)

~~~~
98% of teens have smoked pot, if you are one of the 2% that haven't, copy this into your signature
~~
Fear is the Mind Killer
~~~~

ARCADIA

Wednesday, August 2, 2006 6:21 PM

Just wanted to pop back in and say -- this isn't a blame thing. It's more a me being being a bit up-tight than anything. So, I'm sorry if this rant made anyone feel badly. That wasn't my intention.

I'd also like thank everyone for their responses. There are lots of things I had not considered before (such as limited internet access, etc). I'll be sure to remember this when I need to rationalize away the twinge of annoyance I feel when flooding happens (because, my pet peeve is still my pet peeve -- a tiger doesn't change its spots ).

I'd like to offer a personal thank you to the people who have said they will refrain from posting seven hundred items in the Blue Sun Room in one day. Thanks! I find it to be really considerate.

That said, this thread was also not about trying to change people's behavior. It was just me ranting. So, if you see no problem with it, then go for it I guess...

Either way, it has been very cool to see what everyone has to say about this lil' issue, so thanks!

[center]
Arcadia
aka Greyfable and/or Katie

like the avatar? there are more. grab one here: http://snipurl.com/syt0. Happy Summer of Serenity!
www.stillflying.net -- picking up Firefly were Joss left off. We will hold 'til he gets back.
[/center]

DAYVE

Wednesday, August 2, 2006 6:26 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Arcadia:
a tiger doesn't change its spots

nor a leopard it's stripes...

AGENTRUSCO

Monday, August 14, 2006 3:52 AM

I like awareness threads.

I was once guilty of flooding... and sadly not that long ago. I realize now how selfish it is to (consciously or unconsciously) take up the whole front page.

As has been said earlier, I too, scroll back to the last item I'd seen. So I don't miss things. But I see the prestige of the most recent.

So. Yeh.

______________________________
I cannot abide useless people.

PHOENIXROSE

Tuesday, August 15, 2006 11:20 AM

Since it just happened again, I thought I'd give this thread a bump.

An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound your mind. - Gautama Siddharta

DESKTOPHIPPIE

Monday, August 21, 2006 5:14 PM

Eeep! *looks guilty*

With me it's something of a net access issue. I don't have access to the net at home, so I pretty much have to save up a few items before I burn them to disk and post them.

It's becoming less of an issue now, and I'll stop multiple image posting in future. Sorry!

*slinks away in shame*

More animations available at www.desktophippie.com

KAYNA

Monday, August 21, 2006 5:57 PM

No shame to you! There is nothing wrong with posting couple at a time. Especially if the BSR has been slow lately. I for one have noticed the picture part has been crawling these last few days. The irritation comes when someone feels they have to post half a dozen at once and does so consistently.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Op: You're fighting a war you've already lost.
Mal: Yeah, well I'm known for that.

PHOENIXROSE

Tuesday, August 22, 2006 7:33 AM

DesktopHippie, I rarely see you post more than three at a time, and plus your animations are absolutely shiny! Okay, eight in a row would be a bit much (which is how it is when someone floods) but you do not flood so don't you go hanging that pretty flowered head in shame!

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth. - Gautama Siddharta

ESPRITNOIR

Tuesday, August 22, 2006 5:12 PM

SORRY SORRY SORRY!!! I'm a clueless newbie!! SORRY SORRY SORRY!

MAL4PREZ

Tuesday, August 22, 2006 5:45 PM

I'll have none of those sorrys from you espritnoir! You posted a few chapters back to back, which is FINE, and double posts happen, no big!

This thread isn't aimed at you at all!! At least, I don't think so!!

-----------------------------------------------
I'm the president. I don't need to listen.

AGENTRUSCO

Tuesday, August 22, 2006 6:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by espritnoir:
SORRY SORRY SORRY!!! I'm a clueless newbie!! SORRY SORRY SORRY!

NO permanent harm done, friend. Thanks for noticing this thread. :)

______________________________
I cannot abide useless people.

MAGHAFFAR

Tuesday, August 22, 2006 6:42 PM

Whoa... Good etiquette...

I have a related question, kinda...
What exactly does FILK mean? I've been assuming it means some parody lyrics
or song lyrics related specifically to the 'Verse / FF / BDM...
Yay or nay? Cuz I've seen a lot of "poetry" and writing that is...
well, basically, personally-related stuff. Not about the 'Verse per se but about the
author's own 'Verse.
Can there be a separate section for posting anyone's non-FF/BDM-related stuff?
Not saying the non-FF/BDM stuff is bad, just saying it's not FF/BDM-related
and I'm not generally expecting to see that sorta thing in the FILK section
if the FILK section is for FF/BDM-related stuff is all...

And speaking of FILKs [shameless plug coming]...
Check out my FILK of Paul Simon's
"Still Crazy After All These Years" titled (what else)
"Still Shiny After All These Years"...

==================================================================
Jonathan M.A.Ghaffar - Your Firefly/Serenity MP3 Ringtone Smuggler!
Free MP3 uploader (PC) at: www.tonethis.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
MAGhaffar@wayoftheseekers.com
http://www.WAYoftheSEEKERS.com
http://www.TombofJesus.com --> www.alislam.org

ARCADIA

Tuesday, August 22, 2006 6:56 PM

Ditto Mal4Prez. No need to aplogize espritnoir! Double posts happened, and three chapters is not really flooding. Now, had you posted seven hundred...

I'll say one more time, this thread was not aimed at anyone in particular. And, I appreactiate everyone's responses.

As for FILKs -- I have no clue. I don't venture into filk territory often.

[center]
Arcadia
aka Greyfable and/or Katie

like the avatar? there are more. grab one here: http://snipurl.com/syt0. Happy Summer of Serenity!
www.stillflying.net -- picking up Firefly were Joss left off. We will hold 'til he gets back.
[/center]

GEEKMAFIA

Tuesday, August 22, 2006 8:14 PM

On Filk

Quote:
filk is folk music, usually with a science fiction or fantasy theme. But this definition is not exact. Filkers can also write filk songs about a wide variety of topics. Examples include computers and cats. The other common definition is anthropological (and recursive): Filking is what is sung/performed by the network of people who originally gathered to sing at science fiction/fantasy conventions. Yet another definition focuses on filking as a community of those interested in filk music and who form part of the social network self-identified with filking. As described later in this article, the origins of filk in science fiction conventions and its current organization emphasizes the social-network aspect of filking. -Wikipedia

It's most commonly taken as Songs based on a fandom

There's a bit of non verse poetry and such which has come in and while it technically doesn't count there isn't a section for it (as far as i'm aware) so it mainly goes in the filk section.

http://midknight.wilson.googlepages.com/

MAGHAFFAR

Tuesday, August 22, 2006 8:25 PM

HA! That puppy is SOOOO CUUUUTE!
And so dead...

==================================================================
Jonathan M.A.Ghaffar - Your Firefly/Serenity MP3 Ringtone Smuggler!
Free MP3 uploader (PC) at: www.tonethis.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
MAGhaffar@wayoftheseekers.com
http://www.WAYoftheSEEKERS.com
http://www.TombofJesus.com --> www.alislam.org

EMBERS

Wednesday, August 23, 2006 2:35 AM

It is good to have a thread mentioning this,
but I can understand that someone is all excited about finishing their fan art or fan fic and has the desire to post it all at the same time....

It might be worth mentioning to those who want their images or stories to stay on the front page longer that things usually move more slowly on weekends.

PHOENIXROSE

Wednesday, August 23, 2006 3:34 AM

I actually posted a thread, asking what is considered to be "filk". There is A LOT of personal poetry in the filk section.
I looked it up on google and was under the impression that it's usually a fandom-related parody, sometimes an original song. But a song.
There is a poetry category in the fanfic section, but personal poetry wouldn't really fit there, either. Maybe there should be another section for non-versey things.

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth. - Gautama Siddharta

LATTELADY6

Thursday, October 12, 2006 8:14 AM

I so did that. I'm sorry. I didn't even think. I had 8 stories in a series and just posted them last week.

Is there a way to link chapters? I've read things and am unsure how to keep from loosing things?

Sorry
Phyllis
the Lattelady

MAL4PREZ

Thursday, October 12, 2006 1:44 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lattelady6:
Is there a way to link chapters? I've read things and am unsure how to keep from loosing things?

I show how to do it in the formatting thread:

http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=12&t=23872

PM me if you want! I love linked chapters, so I'm always willing to help set it up!

-----------------------------------------------
I'm the president. I don't need to listen.

BROWNCOATJIM

Wednesday, October 18, 2006 10:47 PM

I will go in a slightly different direction, and i hope no one minds too terribly much.......I have posted some of my fiction in the Blue Sun Room, and I think I am speaking for everyone who takes a chance and shows their dreativity to an utterly anonymous audience for their approval or disdain. If you read someone's story or look at their artwork, take a moment of your life and leave them a little feedback. Even just a thanks for posting is enough. if the work impressed you, then take the time to say so, and why (we learn a lot more from your critiques than your silences, let me tell you), and if you thought it was a horrible piece of go-se, then feel free to say so too......post for the public, that's the chance you take, and no thin skins allowed, right?

it's a minor thing, but I just feel that someone takes the time in their life to do something, you, as a fellow member of this community, should feel some sort of obligation to take some of your time to acknowledge the fact.

Simon: "Were there any Feds?"
mal: "No, no Feds, just an honest brawl between folk."

EMPIREX

Thursday, October 19, 2006 3:06 AM

ITA, BCJim. Feedback is totally important. If you take the time to read something, especially if you liked it even a little bit, let the author know. Silence can be just as awful and a bad review. At least the bad review tells you what went wrong!

As for flooding the boards, I myself have not posted a fic here yet. But I can understand the annoyance of flooding. I noticed that about this board, so I am careful to make sure I find where I left off and see if anything new has been posted.

But while we're on the subject of pet peeves...
This is a HUGE one of mine... I'm new to Firefly/Serenity fic... the only fic I ever read for years was The X-Files... so maybe I'm just used to that community's way of doing things, but... why is it that so many authors do not categorize their fic?

That's not just a problem in the BSR. I've noticed that in a lot of other Firefly fic archives. Is it just me? Does that not bother anyone else? Because, I gotta say, one can come across some truly startling things in fic... and without proper warning...
It can be something like: Oh! God! I'm bliiiiind!

Or, even more annoying, I start reading a fic and suddenly a main character is killed off without warning or River suddenly starts making out with Simon. I'm fairly particular about the pairings that I read. I guess I'm just a cannon-loving girl. But it would save readers time if we could skip over the stuff that just isn't our cup o' tea. I think it's only fair to warn people of what they're about to read.

PHOENIXROSE

Friday, October 20, 2006 4:03 AM

I'm giving this a bump, because someone just totally flooded.

http://www.bigdamnthankyou.com - show 'Versal your gratitude!

A good friend who points out mistakes and imperfections and rebukes evil is to be respected as if he reveals a secret of hidden treasure. - Gautama Siddharta

LUCASHARPER

Friday, October 20, 2006 5:27 AM

I just saw that.

Valeriebean I beleive it was.

I actually posted a comment in the 14th chapter mentioning that flooding is of the not good.

I mean, 4 chapters, yeah ok, but 14?

MAL4PREZ

Friday, October 20, 2006 7:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by LucasHarper:
I just saw that.

Valeriebean I beleive it was.

I actually posted a comment in the 14th chapter mentioning that flooding is of the not good.

I mean, 4 chapters, yeah ok, but 14?

Seems good to let the flooder know her offence by leaving a comment, but giving a new poster a rating of 1 on her fic is a little low! Ratings should be about the quality of the story. Especially when its a first time offender!

Edit: OK, I'm assuming it was you (Lucas), since there was only your comment when I saw the low rating. If it wasn't you, all apologies!

-----------------------------------------------
I'm the president. I don't need to listen.

LUCASHARPER

Friday, October 20, 2006 8:18 PM

I didn' t rate the fic because I didn't read it.

KELAI

Friday, October 20, 2006 10:18 PM

Well said Greyfable ;)

--
//breathe today So many lies s w i r l i n g
All A R O U N D You
you're S U F F O C A T I N G
the e m p t y shape in Y O U
s t e a l s your b r e a t h

PSANDUSKY

Friday, October 20, 2006 11:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MAGhaffar:

Cuz I've seen a lot of "poetry" and writing that is...
well, basically, personally-related stuff. Not about the 'Verse per se but about the
author's own 'Verse.
Can there be a separate section for posting anyone's non-FF/BDM-related stuff?
Not saying the non-FF/BDM stuff is bad, just saying it's not FF/BDM-related
and I'm not generally expecting to see that sorta thing in the FILK section
if the FILK section is for FF/BDM-related stuff is all...

This one drives me nuts, I have to say, because I've no earthly idea why something that doesn't have anything to do with Firefly/Serenity gets posted on a Firefly/Serenity archive. People need to express their creativity, different people's creative juices (with regard to 'verses) run together, I get that. Still, if whatever-it-is doesn't fit the theme of the archive, it doesn't belong in said themed archive.

And I'll get mean about this, I readily admit. I will give ratings of one for things that have no relevance whatsoever to the archive theme. (There was a Batman fic a while ago, for example.)

ACHTUNG! ALLES LOOKENSPEEPERS!
Das Internet is nicht fuer gefingerclicken und giffengrabben. Ist easy droppenpacket der routers und overloaden der backbone mit der spammen und der me-tooen. Ist nicht fuer gewerken bei das dumpkopfen. Das mausklicken sichtseeren keepen das bandwit-spewin hans in das pockets muss; relaxen und watchen das cursorblinken.

BROWNCOATJIM

Saturday, October 21, 2006 12:10 AM

here's the thing you gotta remember......actually, hee's the few things ya gotta remember:

1--you never know how a given poen, fic, etc., might relate to the 'verse in the mind of the author, and you just might not get it.

2--The author, creater, whatever may not know of another outlet to show what he or she has done. admit it, we all find new websites every day that we had no idea existed.

3--For all of us who post our fanfic, we all had a first time, we all had to screw our courage up enough to present our work to a crowd. My first time was in a high school creative writing class. I didn't know if my piece would be the worst piece of shit every put to paper or what, but I had to do it. I'm going to be quite candid, but not trying to sound arrogant. I'm not a bad writer. my sin is a lack of discipline to get through a whole novel. but i've coached a lot of aspiring writers, and they all have to take that first plunge. Just the fact that they are here makes them browncoats, and we are obliged to support them, whether we get their ideas or not.

Simon: "Were there any Feds?"
mal: "No, no Feds, just an honest brawl between folk."

PSANDUSKY

Saturday, October 21, 2006 1:14 AM

I'll agree with you on point #3, insofar as someone may feel that the group of readers they know in the Firefly/Serenity/Name-a-theme archive is the most supportive audience out there to guide their writing. No problem with that. New, nervous writers/artists are not the object of my beef, per se.

If, however, what ends up on the archive consists of several paragraphs concerning a caped superhero of Earth-that-Was (absent any described context of someone in the FF/S 'verse reading or viewing the adventures of said costumed crusader)[1] without any sort of "I'm new at this," "This is my first time," "I realize this doesn't look like Firefly or Serenity, but here's why I put this here," or any break-the-fourth-wall preamble at all, I have a lot of trouble believing that it's someone who is a) nervous or b) otherwise concerned about appropriate (so to speak) selection of archive.

I think that if there's a strong [2] question regarding just how something someone's written relates to the theme of the archive, then it behooves the writer to pass along a few lines (or even a few words) to frame the piece for the reader. That's not to say that the author should assume the reader is dense, and therefore must include a complete analysis of their references as their teaser, or that he or she should employ similarly drastic means of exposition. "Getting it" or not implies that there's something to "get" in the first place, and hopefully the author will be kind enough to include a word or two that suggests what it is the reader is supposed to "get." If they don't, and the reader concludes that what's there doesn't fit, then there really shouldn't be any shock that the reader says as much, however they may go about it. The writer/creator always has the option of clarifying their position, whether they're new to writing (in this setting or generally) or not. Doing so is even easier than leaving feedback is, and may benefit the author's take of feedback and ratings down the line. It certainly can't hurt either measure.

I would say it's certainly possible that someone knows of only the BSR as an outlet, especially if that someone is a minor, but I don't see how someone with more experience in and around the web could not know of something like fanfiction.net. Let's face it; whether we like it or not, the Blue Sun Room is a lot more obscure than fanfiction.net. And even if they don't know of a more general archive, why don't they look? If this person looks at posting as being on a par with bungee jumping, then I could see throwing everything in as being an impulsive act. But does it need to be? I mean, if I wanted to share something I'd done, I'd first concern myself with doing so in the best way possible, and that includes framing it so the reader/viewer can recognize my intent and making sure it goes somewhere thematically appropriate.

Sorry to be a hardnose about it, but that's just how I feel about writing.

[1] I swear this appeared sometime last winter. What it was exactly, I remember not, but I think it was a Batman story. There was no writer's preamble to it at all, IIRC, except an excerpt for a teaser. Yes, I know, that puts me on rhetorically thin ice. The thing's just stuck in my memory, is all.

[2] How strong depends on what it is. If it's a poem that mentions characters and places, there's not much question. If the sum total of the post is lyrics someone just heard on the radio, um...

ACHTUNG! ALLES LOOKENSPEEPERS!
Das Internet is nicht fuer gefingerclicken und giffengrabben. Ist easy droppenpacket der routers und overloaden der backbone mit der spammen und der me-tooen. Ist nicht fuer gewerken bei das dumpkopfen. Das mausklicken sichtseeren keepen das bandwit-spewin hans in das pockets muss; relaxen und watchen das cursorblinken.

BROWNCOATJIM

Saturday, October 21, 2006 1:41 AM

OK, and you know what, I am going to go with you on the point of if you are doing something not necessarily 'verse related, some sort of preamble, disclaimer, whatver is not much to ask or even demand.

I will always make a lot of allowances for new writers or submiters, becuase it's scary, and there is that one asshole in every crowd who will trash you silly just becuase he or she can behind the anonymity of the internet, and depending upon the person, it can be quite devastating to have someone trash you, like whoever the dick is that gave the girl '1's becuase she flooded the blue sun room today (which i honestly don't think she knew any better).

Still, I do agree with you that this is a Firefly fan site, and we want to read about our BDH's, not anything else.

The one thing I will disagree about tho is explaining too much. I like to think that the people out here are pretty bright, and if I write something open ended, open to interpretation, then I am counting on bright people to take this idea in any way that makes sense to them, and there is where it all gets pretty interesting.

Overall, PS, your points are well made, and I do nt think we are that far removed from one another in our ideas.

Simon: "Were there any Feds?"
mal: "No, no Feds, just an honest brawl between folk."

MAL4PREZ

Monday, October 23, 2006 2:22 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by LucasHarper:
I didn' t rate the fic because I didn't read it.

Sorry Lucas!

-----------------------------------------------
I'm the president. I don't need to listen.

AGENTROUKA

Tuesday, October 24, 2006 11:27 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by EmpireX:

Or, even more annoying, I start reading a fic and suddenly a main character is killed off without warning or River suddenly starts making out with Simon. I'm fairly particular about the pairings that I read. I guess I'm just a cannon-loving girl. But it would save readers time if we could skip over the stuff that just isn't our cup o' tea. I think it's only fair to warn people of what they're about to read.

AMEN!

Giving a pairing-warning is a must, in particular for non-canon pairings.

PHOENIXROSE

Sunday, October 29, 2006 6:27 PM

Bump

[]

PHOENIXROSE

Friday, November 10, 2006 7:36 AM

Double bump

[]

ASARIAN

Thursday, November 30, 2006 9:21 PM

Good thread.

I can honestly say I've never flooded the BSR, as I simple lack the talent to produce anything worthwhile within at least a two months interval. :) Having said that, it's also the reason I fully understand where you're coming from. Flooding sucks. People can consult the archives, yes; but you'd have to really be interested in a person's work to click through all the links (without thumnbnails). But more importantly, you simply don't SEE that they posted, even.

Inevitably, there's no getting around to seeing a correlation between the speed at which stuff is posted (not necessarily by the same person) and the quality of the work in the BSR. The latter is, of course, subjective. So a better way of putting this, is to simply say that I have certain expectations of work in the BSR, and that those expectations aren't always met -- especially when flooding starts. I especially dislike much of the same (with only minor variations between them), posted quickly after each other. For instance, I like the occassional Jayne-hat; ten Jayne-hats in a row, not so much. As an old Latin proverb goes: dosis facit venemon: "It's the dose that makes the poison." :)

It is, in fact. about respect. Or is it? I mean, could just be my expectations again. Used to be a time we were are talking 'bout Firefly and the room was brimming with the 'verse; nowadays all I see is imponderables and the forsaken. Ain't nothing wrong with that, per se; perhaps I just need to get used to the 'verse being a changed place, with new people in it; folks with different expectations.

Gawd, that sounded synical. What can I say? I'm a mean, old man. :)

--
"Mei-mei, everything I have is right here." -- Simon Tam

TDBROWN

Saturday, December 30, 2006 8:02 PM

IMO, it's all a matter of common courtesy. If you don't want it to happen to you, don't do it yourself.

I'm an active songwriter and lyricist, with song lyrics posted in many songwriting sites on the web. The usual rule of thumb at songwriting sites tends to be this:

"Please post no more than one lyric a day, and respond to at least one other post when you do. this prevents flooding of the forum, and gives you some chance of getting a response to your Post."

I think this idea is a good one for Here, in all categories. JMHO

FIZZIX

Sunday, December 31, 2006 7:35 PM

Gyahh... I just did this the other day without thinking, and I officially say sorry about that, but I've not an attention span.

*sends out mail notice letters that Fizz is just an idiot, can you please forgive her?*

/|\/|\/|\/|\/|\/|\/|\/|\/|\/|\/|\/|\/|\/|\/|\
May not be smart, and it may not please you, but you're definitely gonna see what I have to say.

ZZETTA13

Sunday, December 31, 2006 7:44 PM

I understand that this happens. It has happened to me (I have about 30 fan fic stories). But I also know that putting any restrictions would be a bad thing. Ppl should be able to post when and as much as they want. Maybe we can get two "Blue Sun Rooms". One for fan fic and one for fan art and images. Just a thought.

Z

VALERIEBEAN

Saturday, January 13, 2007 4:50 PM

Hi all,
I confess, I am guilty of flooding. First time by accident, second time on purpose (but twas the night before Christmas break and I was leaving my computer behind). My fics at the moment tend to be about 70 pages and I release them in chunks of 5-7 pages, so that readers will have a natural break if they like. (I know some don't stop till the end.)

One thing I worry about with limiting myself to posting 3 chapters a day is that suddenly instead of flooding the room once, I risk dominating the board every day for a week as I slowly post. I'd rather flood once than crowd out a week's worth of talented writers. My last flood did not dominate the main page for more than a few hours (it was a busy day).

What I would LOVE to see in Blue Sun is the ability to post all the chapters separately, so that I can get the comments on each and build that virtual "page-turn" tension, but have the chapters linked to each other so that it only appears on the Blue Sun list once. (Meaning post it as a single "story" with the option "add chapter".) If any of you are the webmaster or know the webmaster and can somehow install this kind of option, then I will use it!

I suppose I should tell you, all who fear that not being on the front page will hurt your popularity... I don't choose the fics I read from the front page (hence my not noticing the first flood). I visit the Blue Sun Room, browse the archives by genre, or pick from whoevers work is being quoted up top. So it is VERY IMPORTANT to choose good quotes and to accurately classify your genres! If I like one thing you write, I will tend to look for more.

Just a warning, the third book of my trilogy is in progress and will probably be posted in March-ish, so expect another flood around then. Not to be snide or rude, but I just feel better about posting the work together.

"Just like handgrenades, you don't want to run into a horseshoe stake in the dark." -Gouda, FFF.net

PHOENIXROSE

Saturday, January 13, 2007 5:11 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by valeriebean:
I suppose I should tell you, all who fear that not being on the front page will hurt your popularity... I don't choose the fics I read from the front page (hence my not noticing the first flood). I visit the Blue Sun Room, browse the archives by genre, or pick from whoevers work is being quoted up top. So it is VERY IMPORTANT to choose good quotes and to accurately classify your genres! If I like one thing you write, I will tend to look for more.

I can count on one hand the number of times I've had comments once my work had dropped out of easy visibility. 'Easy visibility' seems to be roughly halfway down the 'show me more' page or, for pictures (which most of my work is) having no thumbnail visible. There are not all that many spaces available, really, and flooding can bump you down very quickly. I think it would be nice if thumbnails popped up at the tops of the pages the way fanfic quotes do, but it's not set up that way. Once your thumbnail is gone, it's gone. Wading through all of an artists work, even an artist you like, is a long process and a bit of a hassle, and it can also be hard to find an artist or writer that you like to check and see if they have anything new if you don't spot it on the front page. Front page visibility is key.

ASARIAN

Saturday, January 13, 2007 5:27 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by PhoenixRose:

Quote:
Originally posted by valeriebean:

I suppose I should tell you, all who fear that not being on the front page will hurt your popularity... I don't choose the fics I read from the front page (hence my not noticing the first flood). I visit the Blue Sun Room, browse the archives by genre, or pick from whoevers work is being quoted up top. So it is VERY IMPORTANT to choose good quotes and to accurately classify your genres! If I like one thing you write, I will tend to look for more.

I can count on one hand the number of times I've had comments once my work had dropped out of easy visibility. 'Easy visibility' seems to be roughly halfway down the 'show me more' page or, for pictures (which most of my work is) having no thumbnail visible. There are not all that many spaces available, really, and flooding can bump you down very quickly. I think it would be nice if thumbnails popped up at the tops of the pages the way fanfic quotes do, but it's not set up that way. Once your thumbnail is gone, it's gone. Wading through all of an artists work, even an artist you like, is a long process and a bit of a hassle, and it can also be hard to find an artist or writer that you like to check and see if they have anything new if you don't spot it on the front page. Front page visibility is key.

I agree with everything you said, here. :)

I only post images myself. I, too, have had maybe only one or two comments to an image after it fell off the screen. The lack of thumbnails for the archives is a major cause. Also, I got friends here that visit only sporadically. If your image scrolled off the screen, then they don't even know you posted.

I like the quoted rule of posting only 1 image a day, and then also to reply to at least 1 other image. It'a good suggestion (might not mistake it for a fixed rule). I, at least, would be happier if everyone thought along the same lines.

--
"Mei-mei, everything I have is right here." -- Simon Tam

KAYLEEGIRL

Saturday, January 13, 2007 6:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by valeriebean:
One thing I worry about with limiting myself to posting 3 chapters a day is that suddenly instead of flooding the room once, I risk dominating the board every day for a week as I slowly post. I'd rather flood once than crowd out a week's worth of talented writers. My last flood did not dominate the main page for more than a few hours (it was a busy day).

First things....Acradia, thanks for starting this thread! I'm learning a lot from it.

I haven't yet posted my first story and I was wondering about the best way to do it. Didn't know that I could link chapters so now I'll look into that. But what IS the best way to post a longer piece of fiction? Has anyone tried all the various ways? And...what gets the best reactions and the most readership? Are there certain days of the week that are better than others on which to post?

I also haven't read that much of what's posted in the BSR yet, but I have to say it is helpful to give the reader some idea of what they're going to be reading. I've been browsing the archives, then picking things that sound good to me from the blurbs. I truly appreciate warnings from authors on the order of "if you don't want to read about a River/Jayne pairing don't read this one..." because it's so specifc on content.

As to posting things in the BSR that aren't related to this verse...mmmmm. Nope, I just don't get that one. Authors who think that their fans might want to read more of their writing that's not connected with FF can always post on other sites and leave a message about it in their profiles! Guess I'm a purist on this point: if you're here, you should be a Browncoat and that means your aim is to concentrate on keeping this verse alive.

Seems like we're all asking for plain good manners and common courtesy (which sometimes isn't all that common, of course). There will always be exceptions (like limited internet access) but flooding doesn't seem to be a good practice to me. After all, variety is the spice of life.(And I like it spicy!)

P.S.
I just gotta say to Kayna and Geekmafia: wow! I love your banners!

DESKTOPHIPPIE

Saturday, January 13, 2007 7:17 PM

Geekmafia uses a program called GIMP to make his banners and animations. You can download it at www.gimp.org - try it! It's fun!

On the subject of posting non-versy stuff in the Blue Sun Room, I take the 'Verse to mean all things written by Joss. In other words, I have no issue with seeing Buffy and/or Angel stuff in the room. Probably because I'm a fan of both shows and therefore biased, but still.

I wouldn't post stuff from other sci-fi shows there though. Like KayleeGirl says, I think linking is a better idea. You can always start a thread in the 'Other Science Fiction Shows' forum.

Graphics available at www.desktophippie.com

ASARIAN

Tuesday, January 23, 2007 10:29 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by KayleeGirl:

Seems like we're all asking for plain good manners and common courtesy (which sometimes isn't all that common, of course). There will always be exceptions (like limited internet access) but flooding doesn't seem to be a good practice to me.

Hi KayleeGirl,

Yeah, you'd think common courtesy would do it. :) I recently actually pointed out to a person that flooding the BSR is generally considered somewhat bad form. The (surrounding) reactions were like: just ignore it, flat out; or, others are doing it, too, so ignore it for that reason. Well, I still think flooding the BSR is bad form. :) Especially when you include several variations of the same work (so people can decide which they like best). I always feel this Blue Sun Room (the threads) are the proper avenue to do that.

I also get the impression, at times, that if a person's really good, that people swing back to the belief that flooding is okay. And I do not hold to that. There are some very talented artists here. And I deem it only fair that all get a fair viewing share. If people start flooding the BSR from an attitude that they're better than other people (even the ones they're better than), then they effectively deny others the choice to make that determination for themselves; after all, what's scrolled off the screen is no longer visible.

So, in the end, I hope those good manners and common courtesy soon widely kick in. :)

--
"Mei-mei, everything I have is right here." -- Simon Tam

PHOENIXROSE

Thursday, January 25, 2007 4:58 AM

I left a comment on someone's graphics that it was kind of bad form to flood (I was happy to see them posting in this thread at one point; sorry, can't remember names right now) but I got really offended because someone else posted a comment after me saying I was a pot calling the kettle black.
Oddly, this has dried up a bit of my desire to post/inspiration
At least I made my point to the poster.
I don't flood, do I?

JERAXUS

Thursday, January 25, 2007 9:57 AM

um im not sure if this belongs here and i know that there's a section on the fan fic posting page that says to state fan fic age limit but is there a limit to the stuff you can put in a fan fic?

play with the best

Burn like the rest

ASARIAN

Thursday, January 25, 2007 4:29 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by PhoenixRose:

I left a comment on someone's graphics that it was kind of bad form to flood (I was happy to see them posting in this thread at one point; sorry, can't remember names right now) but I got really offended because someone else posted a comment after me saying I was a pot calling the kettle black.
Oddly, this has dried up a bit of my desire to post/inspiration
At least I made my point to the poster.
I don't flood, do I?

PhoenixRose,

You certainly don't flood. :) Silly people.

You make lovely work; and I sure like to see more of it.

--
"Mei-mei, everything I have is right here." -- Simon Tam

MAL4PREZ

Thursday, January 25, 2007 6:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by PhoenixRose:
I don't flood, do I?

I never noticed it. I'm sorry you got snapped at!

And there's nothing wrong with letting someone know about flooding, if you do it kindly - which I'm sure you did. Ignore the grumpy snapper!

-----------------------------------------------
I'm the president. I don't need to listen.

CHAZZER

Sunday, April 8, 2007 3:25 PM

I have to agree that flooding is inconsiderate. I've only posted around ten fics, but I haven't had a single comment on any of them after they left the top spot. And I have to say it's kind of an anticlimax when that happens, but that's just the way the site is designed. Saying that, it would be nice if people would bear this in mind when they post and wait until their post has left the top spot before posting the next.

valeriebean, you seemed pretty reluctant to stop flooding, and I have to give you kudos for not crumbling under pressure. I can understand why you do it and have no right or reason to stop you. And I have to say I LOVE all your stuff. If you feel youd prefer to post in chunks, I guess that's up to you.

I'm just saying, I tend to post a few days apart even though I have the full fic finished or near finished before I begin posting. THat way, you aren't bumping your own work off the topspot, and giving it time to accumulate comments on its own before updating. If a lot of chapters are posted, people will tend to continue on to the next chapter without commenting until the latest chapter. So if you're looking to bump your comments, you might wanna try posting chapters seperately.

I really am not trying to offend you or anything, obviously, it's your perogative, and I'm sure there are plenty of peopole who feel the same way. And I really am a fan of your work, keep it up!!

xxxxxxxxxxx

Love Chaz

*Firmly grasps the Chain of Command*

What?

CHAZZER

Sunday, April 8, 2007 3:26 PM

Bumpy bump bump!

Love Chaz

*Firmly grasps the Chain of Command*

What?

JULESONG

Thursday, April 26, 2007 6:04 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MAGhaffar:
Whoa... Good etiquette...

I have a related question, kinda...
What exactly does FILK mean? I've been assuming it means some parody lyrics
or song lyrics related specifically to the 'Verse / FF / BDM...
Yay or nay? Cuz I've seen a lot of "poetry" and writing that is...
well, basically, personally-related stuff. Not about the 'Verse per se but about the
author's own 'Verse.
Can there be a separate section for posting anyone's non-FF/BDM-related stuff?
Not saying the non-FF/BDM stuff is bad, just saying it's not FF/BDM-related
and I'm not generally expecting to see that sorta thing in the FILK section
if the FILK section is for FF/BDM-related stuff is all...

And speaking of FILKs [shameless plug coming]...
Check out my FILK of Paul Simon's
"Still Crazy After All These Years" titled (what else)
"Still Shiny After All These Years"...

I'd really like to see only actual FILK posted in the filk section, yes. I've been trying to wade through all the poetry - both personal and verse related - in the filk room and it's been rather frustrating when it's FILK I'm looking for.

Please folks, post your poetry in the correct section, not in the filk room.

Can you post a link to the "Still Shiny After All These Years" filk? :) I'd really like to see it!!

--Julesong/Julie

-------------------------------------------
www.BigDamnChefs.com - The International Browncoat Charity Cookbook
-------------------------------------------
www.FashionablyBrown.com - Firefly/Serenity clothing, jewelry, music, books, games, whatever. Come on over!

JULESONG

Thursday, April 26, 2007 6:13 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Julesong:

Please folks, post your poetry in the correct section, not in the filk room.

Is it possible to move posts between sections? Because it would be *fabulous* to have all that poetry moved to the appropriate section.

(I'd be willing to help move them, if needed...)

--Julesong

ICHIBAN

Wednesday, June 13, 2007 10:42 AM

Oops. I'm totally guilty - I posted 4 images in a row a few days ago.
In my defence, it was a comic and the first few pages were slow going story wise - but that's not really an excuse as this thread has been here for a very long time and it doesn't really help the four pieces of work I must have bumped off the top page.

I've restricted myself to a page a day since, but I'm sorry for my initial thoughtless enthusiasm - and for not reading the forums properly before posting.

MAL4PREZ

Monday, July 16, 2007 3:29 PM

Bump-ity bump for some major flooding going down today...

knowing is half the battle!

-----------------------------------------------
hmm-burble-blah, blah-blah-blah, take a left

TINADOLL

Monday, July 16, 2007 4:40 PM

One at a time people!