mindcracklove | (Reply)

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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