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Alaundo
Head Moderator
United Kingdom
5695 Posts |
 Posted - 08 Oct 2004 : 09:02:55
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Well met
Ahhh, my dear Bookwyrm, I was only just wondering where ye had got to. I'm sorry to hear of thy troubles of late and wish ye all the best with the negative aspects of thy life at the moment.
Doubt not, that ye are certainly missed and thy pennings herein at the library are a valuable contribution and asset to this place.
I sincerly hope that ye can return here soon and share thy knowledge with us all.
Take care, Bookwyrm. |
Alaundo
Candlekeep Forums Head Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
An Introduction to Candlekeep - by Ed Greenwood
The Candlekeep Compendium - Tomes of Realmslore penned by Scribes of Candlekeep
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Purple Dragon Knight
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1796 Posts |
Posted - 08 Oct 2004 : 23:27:44
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I hope your health problems go away (i.e. that your mutant healing factor kicks in soon or that the procedures required to fix it be short and successful!  ) Health the most precious thing we have, and affects all aspects of our lives.
Make sure you take care of yourself and do what the doctors tell you to do! and try to bribe them to send you to a specialist before March!  Bribery still works these days... sometimes...  |
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Artalis
Senior Scribe
USA
444 Posts |
Posted - 09 Oct 2004 : 18:45:23
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Good to hear from you. I hope they get your jaw fixed up soon. Until then remember: Smoothies! :)
I understand the whole frustration about catching flack for your political leanings too, and having been there when a couple of those incidents have happened I have some advice for you if you want it.
Interesting thought about the "wordiness" of Jack's Tale. Personally I didn't mind it, and I was rather surprised by your professor's reaction. I guess I'm not a very good critic.
I look forward to collaborating with you further of course on Jack and Kelly's respective tales. I need your ideas to help get me motivated again. The delays in the campaign have my enthusiasm waning.
I hope the school and insurance woes even out and I'll look for you via "the other medium"
Take care
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Artalis
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Lysander
Learned Scribe
USA
183 Posts |
Posted - 10 Oct 2004 : 05:35:04
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quote:
Originally posted by Artalis
....
I look forward to collaborating with you further of course on Jack and Kelly's respective tales. I need your ideas to help get me motivated again. The delays in the campaign have my enthusiasm waning.
I hope the school and insurance woes even out and I'll look for you via "the other medium"
Take care
Don't give up hope on the campaign; my admitted small experience with PbEMs is that they move in fits and starts - it's very busy, and a lull, then busy again. So, don't give up hope :)
quote:
Originally posted by Artalis
I understand the whole frustration about catching flack for your political leanings too, and having been there when a couple of those incidents have happened I have some advice for you if you want it.
LOL I love politics, but keep that on forums more ..appropriate.. for it, though I will say this: my simple existence is usually enough to drive kooky konspiracy theorists into catatonia ;) |
Lysander
Defender of the Second Edition
Moderator, Project Gemengan, Worlds of D&D |
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Purple Dragon Knight
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1796 Posts |
Posted - 10 Oct 2004 : 08:54:07
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quote:
Originally posted by Lysander
Don't give up hope on the campaign; my admitted small experience with PbEMs is that they move in fits and starts - it's very busy, and a lull, then busy again. So, don't give up hope :)
More frequent updates on the status of the website/campaign preparation would be appreciated though... it would go a long way into rekindling our hopes! 
When we were asked to come up with a character concept by a certain deadline, I was assuming that there was a certain degree of urgency to respect, or that it was necessary for the beginning of the campaign.
In the meantime, real-world committments increased for Sage, at which point I inquired if beginning this campaign was wise, to which I was answered "yes"...
I don't want to sound demanding or spoiled, but with this answer I interpreted that Sage could still go on with the campaign and meet his personal committments.
I'd like to have a solid date for the campaign start at this point, if that's not too much to ask... "in two weeks," or "maybe next week" answers are becoming demoralizing...  |
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Bookwyrm
Great Reader
USA
4740 Posts |
Posted - 13 Oct 2004 : 06:35:41
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Thanks for the kind words, all. My jaw problem goes in and out, mostly, but I'm sure you don't want to know the fullness of anyone's medical problems if you can help it. I mean, loose jaw socket? It just sounds disgusting.
I've finished the short story with the real Jack Archer, though my (former English teacher) mother says it reads more like a chapter. There's a reason for that, though -- it's intended to be a subplot in the actual but as yet unwritten novel. The main body takes place two days after the first part, during which other things happen. It's also missing an entire character -- Jack's familiar. It's too difficult to explain in a ten-page story. I also only make a passing mention of the city's religion, and nothing about Jack's Catholicsm, but I doubt there'd be much mention of either during the course of the same events in the actual novel. Jack would probably say a prayer before his duel, but it seemed out of place in this particular piece.
It does establishe several things, such as the dueling system this place uses (rote, rule, and regulation), the way in which Jack makes some enemies, how Jack comes to the attention of a cross-section of the city's population, and how and why he picks up a sword. (That last is important -- unlike the D&D version, this Jack doesn't arrive with any equipment. At all. But don't hold your breath, ladies -- the story doesn't start with a description of a butt-naked Jack Archer. He's not a looker anyway.)
I've decided, though, that it's not going to be posted on Candlekeep. I will pick some people to email it to, but readers will be hand-picked. Sage and Artalis both get it, of course, considering they've helped me with the character himself, and Artalis actually knows something about the world already. PDK and Capn Charlie can read it if they want, as well as Wood Elf and Alaundo. I might add other people as well, but I have to know you more -- this thing's going to be published, after all, and it's not going out to just anyone.
I'll wait until I get feedback from my class on it, though, so this won't be right away. |
Hell hath no fury like all of Candlekeep rising in defense of one of its own.
Download the brickfilm masterpiece by Leftfield Studios! See this page for more. |
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Lord Rad
Great Reader
United Kingdom
2080 Posts |
Posted - 13 Oct 2004 : 08:23:24
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| Any reason why you have decided not to post the story here, Bookwyrm? You've whetted everyones appetite since you started the Jack Archer thread |
Lord Rad
"What? No, I wasn't reading your module. I was just looking at the pictures"
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Alaundo
Head Moderator
United Kingdom
5695 Posts |
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Wood Elf Ranger
Senior Scribe
USA
627 Posts |
Posted - 13 Oct 2004 : 08:45:29
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I would love to read it. Thank you for including me in that list. I will do my best to try to proof-read it the way I would think you would want. With critical analization of the plot/character comming first then grammer and spelling and all that second.  |
~Lee N.
"Breaktime yes?!.. Yes?.. Maybe?.. Noo, baaack to work.." -Grovel the Goblin from NWN: HotU |
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Bookwyrm
Great Reader
USA
4740 Posts |
Posted - 13 Oct 2004 : 23:10:16
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Well, mainly . . . it's not even D&D, much less the Realms. Oh, wait, now I understand -- you're all just surprised I'm not taking another opportunity to go off topic, right?
Also, as I said, I want this to be part of a published work someday. Now, perhaps I'm being paranoid. I'm like that sometimes. I suppose a proper sternly-worded disclaimer might fix that problem. ("By reading this, you agree that it will not be duplicated, yadda yadda.")
But still, there's the little issue about it having a compatibility problem with the forum. If Alaundo doesn't object to that, I'll see about figuring out a proper disclaimer . . . . |
Hell hath no fury like all of Candlekeep rising in defense of one of its own.
Download the brickfilm masterpiece by Leftfield Studios! See this page for more. |
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Purple Dragon Knight
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1796 Posts |
Posted - 13 Oct 2004 : 23:49:12
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Don't want to be a spoilsport here, but I thought I'd let you know that any amount of disclaiming will not amount to anything if you really want to publish this later... many authors have said this on these boards: "if you want someone to buy it from you, don't put it online"
Would you buy something from someone if it would be free online? most people wouldn't, especially companies that must make money to survive...
If you want to publish it, be patient and keep if for yourself; otherwise you can kick your chances goodbye (especially if your target company remotely operates like WotC) |
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Bookwyrm
Great Reader
USA
4740 Posts |
Posted - 14 Oct 2004 : 04:56:48
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See, that's what I'd thought. But then I started thinking that this is a combination of events from two chapters (mostly one), and not the whole story. So I'm not so sure.
Of course, note, folks . . . PDK has already been assured a look at this story. He's got nothing to lose.
In other news, I got back that piece of the story posted here from the professor tonight (it's only a once-a-week class). Marks all over. Some good . . . some she just didn't get. Grade: B-. Jack isn't believable, apparently. And of course, I can't read her handwriting, so it's not much help to me if she writes in the margins. 
I also turned in this section I've been talking about. Apparently it's too long for her. She said that when she wanted an 8-15 page paper, she wanted it double spaced. In other words, I handed in a twenty page story.
I have here, by my desk, the manuscript guidelines. She specifies point size (though strangly not font type). She specifies paper size. She specifies margin width.
No where does she say it must be double spaced. So, according to all the facts I have, since I don't remember her covering it in class, I'm the only one who wrote the correct amount. If she takes points off, I'm definately going to be pointing this out . . . . |
Hell hath no fury like all of Candlekeep rising in defense of one of its own.
Download the brickfilm masterpiece by Leftfield Studios! See this page for more. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 14 Oct 2004 : 05:36:47
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quote:
Originally posted by Purple Dragon Knight
quote:
Originally posted by Lysander
Don't give up hope on the campaign; my admitted small experience with PbEMs is that they move in fits and starts - it's very busy, and a lull, then busy again. So, don't give up hope :)
More frequent updates on the status of the website/campaign preparation would be appreciated though... it would go a long way into rekindling our hopes!
When we were asked to come up with a character concept by a certain deadline, I was assuming that there was a certain degree of urgency to respect, or that it was necessary for the beginning of the campaign.
In the meantime, real-world committments increased for Sage, at which point I inquired if beginning this campaign was wise, to which I was answered "yes"...
I don't want to sound demanding or spoiled, but with this answer I interpreted that Sage could still go on with the campaign and meet his personal committments.
I'd like to have a solid date for the campaign start at this point, if that's not too much to ask... "in two weeks," or "maybe next week" answers are becoming demoralizing...
I don't particularly wish to de-rail this fine thread of the Bookwyrm's, so I'll simply state right now that... while my personal committments have increased, I still have approximately nine months before most of my (and the Lady K's) free-time is almost completely consumed by other more important matters. That should be more than enough time to start, play, and finish this adventure I would think.
So, having now said that, I would ask those players still wishing to participate in the campaign, that they have their PCs ready. The "Introduction" for the campaign is being emailed to all "registered" players next week. After that initial period, I'll then be allowing every player some time to adjust to the style and tone of my type of gameplay, and also, time to properly bring their characters into the game with the information provided by the "Introduction".
Hmmm... that went a little longer than I'd hoped... 
Anyways, things are now proceeding apace.
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Bookwyrm
Great Reader
USA
4740 Posts |
Posted - 14 Oct 2004 : 05:42:34
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
I don't particularly wish to de-rail this fine thread of the Bookwyrm's [...]
::looks around:: Has anyone ever seen a rail for this thread? I seem to recall a vague path, once upon a time, but no rails . . . .
Seriously, anything that involves the D&D Jack works for this thread, and I'd say that your post qualifies. |
Hell hath no fury like all of Candlekeep rising in defense of one of its own.
Download the brickfilm masterpiece by Leftfield Studios! See this page for more. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 14 Oct 2004 : 05:44:32
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quote:
Originally posted by Bookwyrm
I've decided, though, that it's not going to be posted on Candlekeep.
I suspected as much. Your reasoning is very similar to my decision not to post some of the material from my [plug]soon-to-be-published[/plug] psionics sourcebook here at Candlekeep, or at the Wizards.com message boards.
quote:
I will pick some people to email it to, but readers will be hand-picked. Sage and Artalis both get it, of course, considering they've helped me with the character himself, and Artalis actually knows something about the world already. PDK and Capn Charlie can read it if they want, as well as Wood Elf and Alaundo. I might add other people as well, but I have to know you more -- this thing's going to be published, after all, and it's not going out to just anyone.
I'm honoured to have been selected for this Bookwyrm, even considering the minor role I have played with regard to the creation of some elements of Jack Archer  . Thank you .
In a similar trade-off, can I send you my basic ruleset for the d20 combat rules section of my sourcebook so that you can possibly comment on it? I would appreciate your take on the combat styles detailed in the text, especially since several of the techniques are modelled after some of the discussions we've had about Archer's combat technique...
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Bookwyrm
Great Reader
USA
4740 Posts |
Posted - 14 Oct 2004 : 06:01:38
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I'd love to. Who knows, since the actual d20 aspect of Jack's fencer levels are still up in the air (in that they aren't published as a twenty-level class), I might work out a few things from it.
(One of the reasons I've taken so long on that is because I looked at the final product and thought that it was a lot like a 3e bard: you needed to read it at least twice to understand it. I'm trying to figure out some ways to simplify the whole thing.)
Oh, and I should say that I didn't forget Lady K. in that list. It's just that a) I noticed her email bounced, and b) if you get it, she gets it too. |
Hell hath no fury like all of Candlekeep rising in defense of one of its own.
Download the brickfilm masterpiece by Leftfield Studios! See this page for more. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 14 Oct 2004 : 07:50:02
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quote:
Originally posted by Bookwyrm
I'd love to. Who knows, since the actual d20 aspect of Jack's fencer levels are still up in the air (in that they aren't published as a twenty-level class), I might work out a few things from it.
Great to hear. As soon as I have the final "okay" from the publisher, I'll send a basic copy over to you.
quote:
(One of the reasons I've taken so long on that is because I looked at the final product and thought that it was a lot like a 3e bard: you needed to read it at least twice to understand it. I'm trying to figure out some ways to simplify the whole thing.)
I'll be sure to make a note of that.
quote:
Oh, and I should say that I didn't forget Lady K. in that list. It's just that a) I noticed her email bounced, and b) if you get it, she gets it too.
I'm not sure why that is. As far as I know, she'd only just recently cleaned out her account. Hmmm... She'll probably just read my copy then.
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Alaundo
Head Moderator
United Kingdom
5695 Posts |
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Purple Dragon Knight
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1796 Posts |
Posted - 14 Oct 2004 : 21:43:24
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Sage: can't wait to read the introduction! 
Bookwyrm: from what you say it appears your teacher has never read a fantasy novel before... perhaps you should seek help somewhere else, although your teacher can still be "used" as a fairly decent spellchecker... |
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Bookwyrm
Great Reader
USA
4740 Posts |
Posted - 14 Oct 2004 : 22:16:10
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quote:
Originally posted by Alaundo
Also, on the note of relevance to Candlekeep, Bookwyrm, I was under the impression that this tale did feature the Realms in depth after a start in Earth? 
If it did, I couldn't publish it.
There are two Jack Archer stories. First, the one I introduced here. Second, the one Ed Greenwood inspired me to write. The later is the one I'm going to be emailing to people who want to read it, or rather a part of it that I've written so far.
This story involves a typical sort of starter, one that if I were to summerize would sound like just another bad transfer fantasy story. In a way, it's worse than the one I used for the Realms version, because this one is deliberate. (At least it isn't to fulfill some ancient prophecy -- not that any prophecies are ever newly written in these stories. )
The world he's in is not the Realms, not by a long shot. First, the Realms, and D&D, is typical sword-and-sorcery -- generally, all orcs act like orcs, all elves act like elves . . . . Now, before people yell at me, I said generally, so I know there are exceptions. But you can't deny how there are a lot of things that are simply fixed.
In mine, there's such a thing as racism, as in the kind we had in the US less than a century ago. Elves and certain humans are considered equal (some elves would privately disagree), while other humans and dwarves and orcs are lesser. Women are also unequal in a similar way.
Moving from social aspects to historical level, it's about equal to the 17th/18th century of Western Europe, while D&D is generally about 15th/16th century. The differences are seen in ways like how magic is filling in for war like gunpowder did, making people shuck heavy armor. Heavy weapons are needed to bypass heavy armor, so lighter weapons have come into play. Rather fortunate for Jack, considering that this version is an even better fencer than his Realms counterpart.
Jack is stuck in the city he was summoned into. Since the summoning was deliberate, yet they hadn't thought they'd get a person along with their 'probe,' shall we say, Jack gets a bit of money from the Wizard's Guild. It gets him on his feet, but it's also a bribe -- so that he doesn't go blabbing about the way the experiment came out. (There's more to this, but I can't exactly recount the whole thing here, can I?)
When Mr. Greenwood suggested a 'series of Jack Archer novels,' I knew I had two options for this character. He could be a revolutionary (which is how the original character started, before I folded his personality into the Jack Archer talked about on this thread), fighting against an oppressive government. (The original was Plato's republic as it would be in the real world -- Plato's dream only works if everyone works for the greater good, and doesn't make allowances for corruption.)
Alternatively, he could be a detective, in the same sort of way that Eberron has "inquisitives." (Please note, though, that I don't really like the Maste Inquisitive PrC. Too magical for me. If I were to describe this Jack in d20 rules, I'd use d20 Modern, though I'd need to use the gestalt rule.) I was rather irritated with the Eberron book, because the mini-adventure in there started out in a similar way to one way I was going to do it.  Fortunately, I have other ideas. I need to look for that hidden microchip WotC planted in my computer, though.
There're going to be a few "revolutionary" aspects, of course. Jack won't be standing by with racism about him. He'll also support the fledgling democratic elements coming through in the city (call it a proto-Parliment).
The last thing I'll cover is what JA fans will want to know -- is he a wizard here? Yes, but he's starting from scratch in this story. If I wanted D&D terms, he might start with a free level of wizard, as far as caster level is concerned, but that's simply raw talent. The only bonus he gets is that he recieves a more experienced familiar, whose mistress has died. In that, it's the same as the D&D version's familiar, but rather than a 5th-level wizard getting the former familiar of a 6th-level wizard, it's a 1st level getting a 7th level one. (When you're not doing game balance, you can do that sort of thing.) Of course, familiars don't work quite the same in this world as in D&D. Same with magic, though I'm keeping some aspects of "memorization" of spells.
That's about as detailed as I'm prepared to go at the moment. Probably too detailed, but trust me, I've got far more in notes. I wish I could just talk about it to the world, but . . . you know.
Regardless, it should show that this Jack really isn't in the Realms. I suppose I could change his name so there'd be less confusion, but . . . I like "Jack Archer." |
Hell hath no fury like all of Candlekeep rising in defense of one of its own.
Download the brickfilm masterpiece by Leftfield Studios! See this page for more. |
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Purple Dragon Knight
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1796 Posts |
Posted - 15 Oct 2004 : 01:47:52
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I suggest you rename the Realms' "Jack Archer" especially if you plan to use this very same name as your future novel's protagonist...
If I would be your future editor/publisher, I'd ask you to rename the novel's hero not to confound readers with your early work or your early characters... (so if you don't want to rename your novel's hero, I'd make the change now for the Sage campaign) |
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Bookwyrm
Great Reader
USA
4740 Posts |
Posted - 15 Oct 2004 : 05:51:17
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Now, now, that wouldn't make Alaundo very happy, would it? He'd have to re-shelve this topic if I renamed my character.
It's an interesting point, though. Would anyone else say it's a good idea, and if so, what name would they prefer? |
Hell hath no fury like all of Candlekeep rising in defense of one of its own.
Download the brickfilm masterpiece by Leftfield Studios! See this page for more. |
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Purple Dragon Knight
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1796 Posts |
Posted - 15 Oct 2004 : 06:23:40
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Jack Archer for your novel,
John Fletcher for the Sage's campaign Earth SCA guy! :)
(plus, that's the name of my father-in-law... you HAVE to use that name!! ) |
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Bookwyrm
Great Reader
USA
4740 Posts |
Posted - 15 Oct 2004 : 06:43:42
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| "Fletcher," hmm? Are we sticking with a theme, here? Especially since "John" and "Jack" are actually the same name, like "James" and "Jim." |
Hell hath no fury like all of Candlekeep rising in defense of one of its own.
Download the brickfilm masterpiece by Leftfield Studios! See this page for more. |
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Bookwyrm
Great Reader
USA
4740 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2004 : 05:56:55
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Well, that short story got workshopped tonight. Parts of it were highly irritating. Mostly because you're not allowed to talk while your story is discussed. Good rule, but I'd never thought that they'd get so much wrong!
They got most of it, but there were little points that were off. And not from me not expressing them -- one person said there wasn't a sense of how much time elapsed, and it's stated in the story that it's two days between the start and finish. Another thought it was taking place in Earth's own history!
Some points were too subtle, it seems. Only one person got an obvious joke -- at least obvious to anyone who's ever seen The Princess Bride, and anyone who hasn't is obviously mentally deficient. One person had no idea what a "second" was in terms of duelling, and that was something I'd assumed everyone knew.
I got several compliments, and several points where they said the wanted to know more about something in there -- not needed, wanted, like what the Wizard's Guild has to do with Jack. But it's obvious that (to borrow PDK's comment) they've never read fantasy before. |
Hell hath no fury like all of Candlekeep rising in defense of one of its own.
Download the brickfilm masterpiece by Leftfield Studios! See this page for more. |
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Purple Dragon Knight
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1796 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2004 : 06:17:46
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quote:
Originally posted by Bookwyrm
Well, that short story got workshopped tonight. Parts of it were highly irritating. Mostly because you're not allowed to talk while your story is discussed. Good rule, but I'd never thought that they'd get so much wrong!
They got most of it, but there were little points that were off. And not from me not expressing them -- one person said there wasn't a sense of how much time elapsed, and it's stated in the story that it's two days between the start and finish. Another thought it was taking place in Earth's own history!
Some points were too subtle, it seems. Only one person got an obvious joke -- at least obvious to anyone who's ever seen The Princess Bride, and anyone who hasn't is obviously mentally deficient. One person had no idea what a "second" was in terms of duelling, and that was something I'd assumed everyone knew.
I got several compliments, and several points where they said the wanted to know more about something in there -- not needed, wanted, like what the Wizard's Guild has to do with Jack. But it's obvious that (to borrow PDK's comment) they've never read fantasy before.
Hey: I've seen Princess Bride, but there's no way I'd remember anything about it as it's been years since... I also took fencing for one term back in my days at the Royal Military College of Canada, but I have no clue what a "second" is...
It's a good rule that you can't be talking while people dissect you work: it gives you perspective on it. You can't be expecting that everyone who reads your stories will have lived the same, exact experiences that you have, and if you do, well you target market is perhaps a bit narrow, as the ideal customer for your book would be yourself!
Take it in strides, accept this as good criticism, don't be the unyielding oak but a flexible blade of grass, and all that good stuff! |
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Bookwyrm
Great Reader
USA
4740 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2004 : 06:29:27
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The Princess Bride joke was in reference to two fresh cuts, one on each cheek.
A second is not a term for modern fencing; it originally referred to the person who would take over if you died (thus the second person), but now means the person who helps arrange the formal duel. Besides, it should have been evident from context.
I know my target audience is narrow -- my target audience is you guys. People who actually read this stuff. Not soap opera fiction, like two of the other stories in the group (five stories total, including mine). |
Hell hath no fury like all of Candlekeep rising in defense of one of its own.
Download the brickfilm masterpiece by Leftfield Studios! See this page for more. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2004 : 07:13:54
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quote:
Originally posted by Bookwyrm
Another thought it was taking place in Earth's own history!
It never surprises me when I hear something like this in regards to tales of fantasy. It clearly illustrates both the lazy mind of the student, and the poor capabilities of the teacher responsible for the subject... And, it's a problem that seems to be growing.
- Disapproving Sage
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Bookwyrm
Great Reader
USA
4740 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2004 : 07:39:39
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There were two who made similar mistakes. The first said it was taking place in Europe. Of course, she also wears a pendant with the Wiccan symbol for evil magic (upside-down star-in-a-circle), so I don't consider her too bright. (The symbol was supposed to be right-side-up, but she'd disconnected the chain from the loop to turn it all the way around, so it was deliberate.)
You'd think she'd know fantasy, right? After all, isn't it fantasy books and D&D that's causing everyone to turn to black magic? 
Anyway, the other person got that it was another world (as did all the others), but despite references to Earth, seemed to think Jack was a native. At a mention of the Olympics (in regards to fencing), she suggested that I find another name for it, since this other world wouldn't have something by the same name. I felt like whimpering -- hello? "Jack Archer"? The only Anglo-Saxon name in the whole thing? Mentions Earth in internal dialogue? Do you have any bells to ring up there?
I'm being overly upset about it, perhaps. But it still seems to me to be something that people should be catching. And she had some very good points about other things in the story. What I can't understand is the strange mix of seeming to see that he's new to the world, yet not seeing that above connection.
Plus, one person marked a copy up in glitter-filled ink (I kid you not), and another referred to Jack as an "earthling." Both are annoying to me. |
Hell hath no fury like all of Candlekeep rising in defense of one of its own.
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2004 : 07:53:56
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quote:
Originally posted by Bookwyrm
There were two who made similar mistakes. The first said it was taking place in Europe. Of course, she also wears a pendant with the Wiccan symbol for evil magic (upside-down star-in-a-circle), so I don't consider her too bright. (The symbol was supposed to be right-side-up, but she'd disconnected the chain from the loop to turn it all the way around, so it was deliberate.)
You'd think she'd know fantasy, right? After all, isn't it fantasy books and D&D that's causing everyone to turn to black magic?
Anyway, the other person got that it was another world (as did all the others), but despite references to Earth, seemed to think Jack was a native. At a mention of the Olympics (in regards to fencing), she suggested that I find another name for it, since this other world wouldn't have something by the same name. I felt like whimpering -- hello? "Jack Archer"? The only Anglo-Saxon name in the whole thing? Mentions Earth in internal dialogue? Do you have any bells to ring up there?
I'm being overly upset about it, perhaps. But it still seems to me to be something that people should be catching. And she had some very good points about other things in the story. What I can't understand is the strange mix of seeming to see that he's new to the world, yet not seeing that above connection.
Plus, one person marked a copy up in glitter-filled ink (I kid you not), and another referred to Jack as an "earthling." Both are annoying to me.
That in and of itself has almost convinced me not to attempt bringing my own work to light. But then, that completely voids the reason for the work in the first place does it not? I have a story to tell after all.
I was intending to use your experiences with bringing your own work on Jack into the public light as a experiment. I'd hoped that maybe I could borrow any positive actions that you might employ in my own attempt later next year.
I'm thinking now that it may be a better idea (at least, to begin with) to post smaller parts online, in forums that deal with various genres in the hopes of reaching a far larger "reading' audience. Maybe then, I might be more "encouraged" to try for a more "public" audience.
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Jack Archer of Earth
