(Late) Sunday Chat Post

[sunsetmondays]

I must say Saturday / Sunday's 4th season of Salad UHC was absolutely wonderful. I had a great time and although my team didn't win, it was still lots of fun though the 9 hours spent so far in getting my perspective to upload isn't as enjoyable. For those of you that competed in UHC, what did you think of this season and at the beginning, which team did you originally think was most likely to win excluding your own team, of course. I honestly felt Mess had pretty good chances and was rather (albeit pleasantly) surprised that Team RagTag took out the title.

Another thing that has come to mind is the growing number of salad memebers, having recently hit 230 members and 222 subscribers; with this, one thing I'd like to know is how many of you read, comment on, and write fics (especially how many of you comment since while commenting is encouraged and appreciated, despite the rise in members, the number of comments per post have dramatically reduced). So, if it isn't too much trouble, here's a small poll on as such:

http://strawpoll.me/979757

For those of you still on holidays, enjoy the rest of the holidays, and those back to the daily grind, don't work yourselves too hard.

 

Comments

[jack_unicorn]

UHC was so much fun! I actually thought Team Rage had a big chance to win... Hehe. Also, of course Team Team, but I couldn't vote on my own team. Woo!

Also, now when I know how to word this, I do read a lot of the stuff that gets posted on here, but I stay away of commenting in some cases. I get slightly... irritated, when people don't know how to properly lay out a story and have like a wall of text. So I stay away from commentating because I will probably sound like a real *insert bad word here* and I don't want that.

[bluetwilight]

UHC was loads of fun, even though my team took last place :(. As far as who was going to win, I was convinced before we started that RAGE was going to take it, but then after RAGE started taking loads of damage in the beginning I started thinking MESS might win.

I didn't really like the teams of 5 though; it seemed like a bit too much. Don't get me wrong, it was fun to talk to everyone in my group, but as far as gameplay goes I don't think it worked as well for me as 3 or 4 to a team would have. I know it's not a popular idea, but I would really love to do a solo UHC at some point. It would be nice to mix it up, at least.

As far as reading goes, I don't read nearly as many fics as I did before the explosion of new members. I have certain writers that I'll always read from and all others I'll likely skip over unless the title really catches my eye or there are a lot of comments on it. I know that's not really fair to the new people but I'm just not as interested in reading fics as I was before *shrug* Also, if I do read a fic, there's a high probability that I won't comment on it just because I'll forget or don't have much to say.

I'm almost always in the process of writing something Salad related, but it takes me so darn long to write that it seems like I never write anything XD I have one that I've been working on for about 3 months now, first part should be coming out soonish, I promise :P

[theropod]

UHC was great this time around, such a laugh :D If we'd gotten the horses then things might have been different.

I've stopped really reading much on the salad since the member explosion, it seems harder to find something I actually want to read. I need to get back to writing more after the exams happen.

[elfowlgirl]

I like that people expected us to win - a pleasant surprise :3

[yamina_chan]

Since this was the first Salad UHC I took part in, I had no expectations on any team on how well they would do. I went in it with the intention to do my best and the knowledge that I'd most likely die in a PVP battle Xb
Edit: I forgot, I wanted to say that the teams of 5 did seem to be a little to much, communication wise.

As far as reading and commenting goes: I take writing very serious and I know how importand feedback is.
I comment on each and every story I read. However, I do not read as many stories since a good number of them simply does not catch my interest, due to various reasons.
I do write storys myself, but I don't post the complexer ones untill they are done, and as far as the smaller ones go...I'll add the rest of the advendscalendar stories as soon as I've had some time to write them Xb

[lemonzest]

I really wish I could have been a part of Salad UHC, but time. :(
Myeh.

I comment most of the time, but sometimes I honestly have nothing to say.
I read stories pretty regularly, though there are some people I avoid, mostly due to grammar, formatting, etc.
There are also some people who I read each and every time I see them post, and I never regret it. Sometimes, though, stories just aren't all that interesting or well written. It's become more of a thing since the member explosion, and that isn't so bad. Everyone has to start somewhere, and I'm certainly not one to talk. It's been ages since I've sat down and written a story. I do still write from time to time, but I don't think I could find it in myself to post things. That's scary. Anyways, since the member explosion, it seems less like a present every time you have an update, and more like a pile of papers that you have to go through to find the good parts.

As I said, people need to start somewhere, and feedback is the best thing for beginners. I don't want to be critical, but objectively, Salad isn't as good as it used to be.
It's still awesome, of course, for being all that it is, but... I guess I just miss looking forward to checking my email.

[silvercheers]

I suppose it's not Sunday anymore, but I'd like to give my own two cents here. I don't read a lot of the fic on here for a couple reasons. While I'm pretty okay with shipping, it's not something I'm particularly interested in. I love the way everyone clicks as friends, and that's the way I prefer to write and read them (though I certainly don't limit myself).

And I'm, uh, kind of a fanfic snob. *hides* I don't write very well, but I've been reading fanfic for ages and have had time to figure out what I like and dislike.

When it comes to comments, if I don't comment on something, then it's not like I don't like it. I just rarely have something to say that hasn't already been said. Although considering how happy it makes me to see that people like my stuff, I suppose I should reconsider my position on the matter...

As to all the new people, hey, more power to them, but it's frightening. People scare me. *shrug* There's nothing wrong with having more people, it's a good thing, in fact, great to see that people have found a place where they can do as they like, but I've lost a bit of the comfort I feel here. Not anyone's fault but my own cowardice, and useless clinging to back when I first started lurking here and there were only a couple posts per week.

[redyellowgirl]

UHC was amazing! And no matter the results I thought it was tons of fun. I think teams of five was a bit a lot just cause of the prep time needed to get everyone geared up. I think teams of 3 or 4 would be better for the future.

I have to say I was very surprised at the results of this UHC and was pretty sure RAGE was gonna win in the beginning. Then, as the game went on, MESS seemed to be the next most likely team to take home the gold. It was a lot of fun, that's for sure.

And when it comes to commenting and reading I do both regularly. There are some types of fics that don't appeal to me, so i don't read them. But, they are few and far between. I try to comment on a majority of the things I read just so the author knows someone is reading. Even if the comment is generic like 'This is really good! :D' I like to let the author know i was there. As for actually writing something, I have not written anything and do not have anything in the works. I would love to write something but i'm not very good at coming up with what to write.

[squidney87]

UHC was so awesome. I'm really surprised but happy with the outcome and I am looking forward to the next one. I learned a few things about UHC that I will take on to the next one like being more careful about fall damage and teammate damage. As for team I thought was going to win.. I was pretty confident in RAGE's abilities. It was a team of all friends who'd done it before and it seemed like a winning team. Second in my opinion was MESS.

As for reading and commenting.. I read almost everything. I have some writers who I don't like their style, so I don't read them, but I read most of them. That being said, I do avoid people who I've seen who have bad grammar and all of that jazz. This seems to be a recurring topic, but ever since the member explosion, I have been looking here less and less. All the writers that were here that were the reason I joined the Salad ever so many months ago seem to have disappeared from the site. Of course, I do talk to several of them but this place is just not what it was before. And that is disappointing, not to say that the new members are bad, but it doesn't feel like as close of a community anymore, and some are not the best of writers. All I'm saying here is that the Dreamwidth portion of the Salad has become less and less appealing, and that's sad.

I try to comment on anything that I really liked, or things that I think could be better so I encourage people to try their best. As for writing things.. I was and am never confident in my writing abilities, so I don't tend to post things I write.

[purplesky]

I wasn't in the UHC, but I'm having great fun watching the perspectives!

As for commenting, reading of fics and posting, well just hear me out, ok? I find it really hard to write, and even harder to generate ideas. Once I get going I'm fine. That's one of the reasons I love writing Mindcrack fics, because it's something I love, it's easier for me. Now I'm very shy, so if I post a fic and there are no comments on it, I'm probably going to post very little. But if I get a few encouraging comments, I will definitely post again. Just a little bit of encouragement can go a long way. So, I always try to comment on a fic I have read, that way, I can encourage others.

I joined just a couple of weeks before the explosion of new members. Like most of you, there are always some people who's fics I will always read. But with the new members, I always remember how hard it is for me to post here. So I read their fics anyway, and try to leave comments. That way, they're not as scared as I am sometimes when I go to post something.

Anyway, that's just my opinion. Even though it's not Sunday anymore. Never mind.

EDIT: I just realised how much I rambled on there, sorry :)

[halcyonlioness]

Warning: MASSIVE WALL OF TEXT. I'm going to get on a soapbox here and may sound arrogant, so I apologize in advance and keep in mind that I only have the best in mind for those whom I refer to.

First off: Congrats to [insert spoilers here], for their win in the latest Salad UHC season. I have yet to see how it all goes down, but it sounds like it was pure and delicious chaos from what I've gathered from the participants.

Before I launch into a rant and ramble, I am obligated to give you happy lot my credentials and state a disclaimer.

Credentials (applies to Salad):
--Career hobbywriter (boast: writing fiction since I could hold a pencil, children!) For about 20 years, I have actively been writing short-story, novel, and novella length fiction in both established and personal IPs (intellectual properties) since 5th/6th grade/year school. Worked on at least 5 original IPs along with upwards of 20 fan-based IPs, including StarFox, Sonic, Bionicle, Pokemon, MegaMan, Marvel, StarCraft, WarCraft, Legend of Zelda, etc. (disclaimer: none of these novel-length stories outside of StarFox were ever completed)
--My writing specialization is worldbuilding/lore and character development.
--Joined the Salad in late May 2013, directed here by some kind folks on the reddits intending to help me out with my freshman Mindcrack-inspired epic: "UHC:Foundation"
--Author of "UHC:Foundation" and creator/developer of the Severance Universe (the world which "UHC:Foundation" is set in)
--Seasoned creative writing mentor/teacher
--(non-applicable) Seasoned artist and illustrator

Disclaimer:
I am BY NO MEANS a professional or an expert. The following are the opinions, observations, and views of an uneducated college-dropout with a low opinion of herself that has nothing better to do. Regardless of the level of authority and accolade I may have here on this site, take what is written in this post with a grain of salt and know I will not argue against your case.

Rant and Ramble:

First and foremost, a topic like this has been on my mind since I was directed to the Salad all those months ago. The steep decline of feedback has not gone unnoticed, and I will freely admit that I am guilty of keeping my proverbial trap shut when new content from both established Salad-writers and the fresher Salad recruits rolls out.

Keep in mind: I do read almost everything here. Granted, if I know an established Salad author writes a particular genre (ie, smut or blatant slash) I tend to avoid those bits of content unless they prove otherwise interesting (ie thought provoking) in the first paragraph or so. Should the author be new, on the other hand, I will at least read the entirety of their freshman offering to see what they are adding to the salad. If the new recruit shows promise, I'll add them to my roster of authors to watch, and believe me, it's not hard to find yourself on my roster! (Good luck trying to figure out who I read, though. Sorry, kids. Classified info and all.)

So.. does this mean I comment and comment regularly? Yes... and no. You see (at least for me personally) I try make it a point to give some critique when I post on another person's work, -but- I don't critique when the writer does not ask for it. I often don't see requests for critique these days, so I personally don't feel compelled to post my opinions, constructive or otherwise, on the newer content rolling out. It doesn't mean I don't comment, it just means I'm being polite and waiting for my invitation to speak.

One's silence does not automatically mean one doesn't care. Sometimes one is busy and sometimes one doesn't have anything nice to say (and would prefer to say nothing at all.) I, personally, do care what gets posted here on this site, as the content on our front page reflects to the world at large who we are and what we do... and it breaks my heart to say this, but what's on the front page isn't exactly a comprehensive look at who and what the Salad is. What I see--and mind that I also look at this site from the point of view of an outsider--is a perpetuation of the unfortunate stereotype tacked onto us Salad/Fic-Writers.

And, this might be arrogant of me to say, but I want so desperately to change that paradigm. It's the sole reason why my freshman epic exists and why I'm working on it--the Salad (and Mindcrack Fanfiction in general!) can be more than just attention-seeking, rule 34, and bad grammar-laced content (not saying everything on the front page is!) and the title of 'Salad-writer' can become a badge of honor instead of a mere codeword for fanfiction author.

... what does this aspiriation of mine have to do with the drop-off in comments, though? Simple--I would lovelovelove to see authors come to the Salad not just for our ubiquitous smut (that's what some people are here for, it seems) but a safe place for those who wish to hone their skills in the art; a place for the unpolished and promising to learn from seasoned writers how to improve and a trustworthy and prestigious proving ground for their writings. I personally came here because I needed help better understanding the subject matter my freshman epic was based on and I can honestly say that without your input, Saladiers, UHC:Foundation wouldn't be what it is. I can also say that the help did not come without asking.

TL;DR -- I'd like authors to be politely proactive if they want to see more comments posted when they roll out content. Don't be afraid to -request- feedback from us if you want us to respond more, because we're more than happy to politely reciprocate when given invitation to. Silence responds to silence, children, and silence does not promote improvement. If we do not foster a healthy environment for the developing authors we attract, then we as a community may not improve beyond our current identification and the growth of membership we are enjoying today will peter off sooner than we would like.

And that's my two cents on the matter.

Addendum: I don't consider myself the best writer here, but I do truly want to help others improve, as it will improve our face to the world at large. It's been on my mind for a while to hold a creative writing workshop/seminar one day to help pass along some tips, tricks, and some assorted pointers to authors who feel self-conscious about their work or under the impression they're struggling (or just novice writers in general). I will only do something like this, however, if I have your blessing to act upon this consideration and have your assistance in pulling it off.

That's that. Thanks for reading this far and <3s to everyone.

~Lioness

[sunsetmondays]

Actually, the idea of a writing workshop / seminar has come to mind a few times since the member explosion and I really think it'd be a great idea to help everyone improve on their writing and if a bunch of saladers get together to make this a thing, I'd definitely be interested in attending and if my help is desired, helping to put such a thing in motion.

[ivillious_liliuvos]

Honestly, I cannot agree more. I've been considering creating a website for Salad members to request help/critique on grammar, formatting and such. I'd gladly hand over ownership to a trusted member of the Salad but I'll still work behind the scenes, pulling the strings. I don't know exactly know about that though, it's still an idea.

[bluetwilight]

This entire post is great, I agree with just about everything you've said here. A writing workshop is a superb idea; I know I would attend and/or help out with it, if my help is wanted. I also wish more writers would ask for critique, because I'm sometimes just itching to give it but don't want to seem rude if it's not asked for.

[mewbladexxx]

Might as well throw in what I have to say here... On Tuesday, but eh. <3

My 'reading fics' has been dropping off the chart lately, with the member explosion, sadly enough. I need to get my butt in gear in writing, I have something planned, but it's still in the drafting process, I suppose. And I really should comments more, although I do try to comment on every fic I read.