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timmy
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Has no life at all |
Location: UK, in Devon
Registered: February 2003
Messages: 13818
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Every so often people are kind enough to send me stories or poems to post. Almost always I have a dialogue with them about whether the tale or poem is suitable for the site. In general folk realise that the site is a hobby, and that I have to like the story before it makes the cut.
I don't look for literary merit. I look instead for the emotion in the story. If it is one that catches my heart it usually makes it. Sometimes I suggest tidying or editing. Often I suggest expansion, even if I will not take the story.
I know that turning a story down can hurt the sender, so I do my best to do that well, and kindly. I never lie about a story or poem. I tell the author my own opinion of it. I often show them http://iomfats.org/storyshelf/guide/writing.html an imperfect guide that meets my needs for the site.
Today was a first, though. I got a story, out of the blue, no explanation. Most people ask if they might submit a story, or say "I've enclosed it, please consider it." It was an ok story, it has a good framework, and there is huge scope for enjoying fleshing it out more. I said so. I can't make a decision about hosting the future story based on what I've seen, and I don't want it as it stands. I suggested the author asks for an editor's help and advice.
Now this was a first. I got a rant back! And a complaint! "it was meant as a posting fo the story shelf No questions asked..." That is neve rgoing to happen. Ever.
I confess that has annoyed me more than somewhat. I am not a story posting service. I post what I want. If authors want to put any old unedited stuff online they need to get their own sites or use Nifty or ASSGM (the yahoo group is non commercial, the other makes money for the owners). This was just taking a grave liberty. Ye gods trhe site is a hobby!
Author of Queer Me! Halfway Between Flying and Crying - the true story of life for a gay boy in the Swinging Sixties in a British all male Public School
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