Ayshela

Thanks hugely! =) I'm still holding out for my personal teleporter, but it hasn't come my way yet. drat.

*shrug* sometimes, to be fully resolved, things must be SEEN to be resolved. There have been previous objectios TO things being taken to private discussion and left hanging with only the disagreement in public but no sign of the resolution. I think that's a fair point, and have no wish to leave anyone seeing only the negative, only the misunderstanding, ONLY the misinterpretation, of any of us. Sometimes that means things get thrashed through, kicked apart and put back together, out in public. For those who are uncomfortable with that - I'm sorry. FWIW, the only thing being kicked apart and put back together here is the issue - never each other. =)

(replying in reverse order) Bless you, Canid. *gentle hugs* Clearly, comprehensively, and respectfully stated. I wish I'd done half so well. =) Not all the disagreement is attack, however. Most of us do remember the basic rules of engagement, and discuss ideas, choices, words - but not people or personalities. What someone says or does is open to discussion, but who someone IS is not. Namecalling in any form is never appropriate, here or anywhere else. Zool - wow, you said I had a way with words? At first, that looked like one of the most impressively determined misinterpretations of what I said that I've seen since I left the kids' dad! Oz let me know, however, that how that *read* may well not have been what was *meant* so I'm forging ahead taking that as read. Some of this does need clarification, though, because it's important that it *not* be misunderstood. To that end, I'm going to quote several sections so I can make sure I'm responding to what was actually said, not trusting to my memory and thus responding to what I think you said. Apologies beforehand for the inevitable length. censorship - "to suppress or delete as objectionable" - yes. One thing which does seem to have been completely missed in all the "he said, she said" of this is that the original objection, while followed up on by a fellow member, was made *by an Elder*. Meant or not, that carries an additional weight because you have one of the forum mods coming in and saying we don't post stuff like this here. Just the request of a new member of not posting the topic, requested by anyone, would be discouraging enough. Made by a mod, that's generally read as a gentle reminder of the rules and a "don't do that again." We don't post "stuff like this" does directly state that it is objectionable and unwanted. I see where the emotional objection to the word censorship is - it makes me as twitchy as plaigarism - but where it is, it is. Changing "the wrapping" of the post so that the objective behind bringing that story here was completely disregarded and focus diverted to something else instead does *not* negate the fact that simply asking for people's thoughts on the material as originally presented was objected to. The same "story" was presented, yes. The same objective was not. We have NOT been talking about what Whisky came her to talk about, because we've been talking about inspiration, NOT about what people think about the material presented. Different things, *because* the original post was somehow objectionable. She was unable to ask what she wanted *because* the wrapping had been changed. That any of us, mods or members, feel free to tell someone who has presented a discussion topic IN the right place AND in a very respectful manner that what they've done is objectionable - yes, I do find that disturbing. (After all, the Cabaret has long been labeled as the place for General Discussion - nothing more specific. There have been those in the membership and among the moderators who have felt differently, but the room description still reads nothing more specific than this: "Here one can have a drink and idly chitchat with a friend.") Some people are uncomfortable with such discussions - true enough. Yet no one is forcing anyone to read every thread in every forum here. The freedom to skip discussions we're uncomfortable with remains. Preemptively telling any of our posters - member, guest, mod, whoever - that their respectfully handled topic is objectionable and it must be changed (or re-wrapped) to be acceptable - that frankly makes my skin crawl. I've disagreed with that tendency since I first fell in these gates almost four years ago. I do understand the desire to protect the membership from flame wars and raging arguments on the boards. I don't think that's a misplaced urge on the part of ANY mod. I do think it is misplaced to preemptively determine that that is, of course, what is inevitably going to happen. And even more misplaced for that to lead to those topics being completely disallowed (whether it's deleted, diverted into something "inoffensive", or acted on in some other way). "talk, talk, talk, in an unending circle..." no, that would be silly. =) However, I don't at all understand why discussion is out of place **in the general discussion forum**? There have been so many discussions shut down in the name of "we're a writing board. we only discuss things related to writing." that we now have members who don't know each other well enough to be comfortable participating in activities! How is THAT doing any service to our membership? We can discuss movies, or our opinions of the latest concert we went to, what our favourite writing implement is, or what our favourite CANDY is, for heaven's sake - and somehow that's all right. But discussing ideas, events, the beliefs and convictions which shape what and how we write - that's inappropriate anywhere? I don't get it. How are we supposed to get to know each other if we *can't* talk about anything more significant than candy, movies, and concerts? Not because anyone will overtly *say* it's not allowed, but because every time someone tries to the thread is shut down? Will someone please explain how that even makes sense? Because I just don't get it. Where is *that* in the standard? As far as discussion of this and similar topics - it's right there. "Our primary goal is to create a family of posters who by working together can nurture growth and encourage creativity for all, by all." A family is not a collection of people who barely know each other. Personal growth comes from being exposed to new ideas and new ways of thinking, as well as developing skills in interpersonal interaction. All of this blends with active writing and critique to encourage growth as a writer. Isn't that what we're here for?

I'm moving within the next week. I'll be picking the keys up on Friday, and spending the next several days dragging things from one place to another, cleaning, painting, and probably doing a fair amount of cursing. That being the case, I'm not sure what my availability will be for keeping up on ANYthing here for that time period. We're already in the process of transferring utililities, so with a decent amount of luck 'net downtime will be a matter of two or three days. (Not holding my breath on that one, though... the pessimistic imp in the back of my head shrieks with laughter at the very idea of things working that smoothly...) I'm going to hit as much stuff here as I can tonight, since tomorrow's going to be a mass of boxes and bags and I'm babysitting in the midst of it all, and then Friday the real fun starts. I'll check in as often as I can, but if I'm wanted for something specific it'd be a good idea to poke me about it. I have PM notifications turned on, or I can be e-mailed directly at ayshela@gmail.com if you'd rather. Not falling off the face of the earth, I promise. =) Not ignoring anyone, either. Just cursing my way from one place to the next, trying to figure out how many different ways one can accurately describe how very much I despise the whole moving process. *huggles* all, on the way to the next mound of boxes

Welcome aboard! Always glad to see new writers popping in! =) Oh... beware the flying *tacklehugs* - I hear they're addictive! *pounce* *tacklehugs*

And THIS was what disturbed me about the whole thing. "it's all in the wrapping" is a fair point, but there's a clear difference between a discussion of what someone else is trying to do and a discussion of what inspires you, personally. The post was nearly identical - true. But since the "wrapping" was different, what was asked was different and the trains of thought the audience was directed toward was different. The information was there, but the *point* no longer was. As for the issue of censorship - isn't it? In saying we don't discuss Topic A or Idea B here, we're writers so these aspects of life are inappropriate here, isn't that censorship? From Merriam Webster: Main Entry: censor Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): cen·sored; cen·sor·ing /'sen(t)-s&-ri[ng], 'sen(t)s-ri[ng]/ : to examine in order to suppress or delete anything considered objectionable ; also : to suppress or delete as objectionable Having a specific place for specific types of writing is one thing - stories here, poetry there, roleplay over there - even PG-13 back in *here* doesn't say "you can't write about *that* here." Since the Cabaret IS the discussion forum, it was even in the right place, as well as inoffensively presented. Saying we don't talk about things like that here - personally, I've heartily disagreed with and disliked that policy since the last such discussion thread which was summarily closed. I objected then, and I object now. We are a community of writers seeking to improve our skill and hone our craft. What writers *do* is write about life and the living of it, in whatever setting or characters we choose. Avoiding fundamental aspects of what shapes who we are and how we think only limits our ability to grow and develop - as people AND as writers. Should such subjects be handled carefully, with a solid grasp of respect for each other and differences of opinion? Absolutely. Should they be avoided? I don't believe so. Part of what people have been wanting from the Pen has been open discussion. This was a splendidly opened opportunity for discussion branching into several avenues. If we don't permit *this* discussion because it might make someone uncomfortable, what WILL we allow?

meep... okay, so a few days and then a few more. Sorry, have been house hunting and packing of late. =( This word list is slightly different than the others I've run, since there are a couple specifics beyond the usual "noun, verb, adjective, adverb" stuff. Still, it should all work well. And I'm planning to snag a couple more paragraphs here and there to prep and have on file for future rounds. If anyone runs across something which seems like it would work well, feel free to PM me suggestions! =) Without further ado - the official Word List! 1. adjective 2. verb 3. noun 4. body part 5. verb 6. body part 7. emotion 8. adjective 9. noun 10. noun 11. pronoun 12. emotion 13. adjective 14. adjective 15. body part 16. verb 17. noun 18. verb 19. body part 20. emotion 21. verb

OMG - an Aardvark!!! *squee* *glomp* How'd you know I'd been wishing for an Aardvark epistle? =) Engaging as always, and leaves me wishing for more.

Have you ever driven down the freeway with your passenger leaning across your lap to snap a photo from your rolled-down window because the sunset was too beautiful to not make the attempt? =)

If you allow no one close, no one can hurt you... But also, no one can help you.

=) I will take that as definite interest, then. Will hunt up something appropriate and post the word list in a few days.

hrmm. Looks like it's been a while. I'll hunt up a suitable excerpt if there's interest. Anyone up for another round?

Kaitlyn wandered through the garden with a slightly concerned look at the growing population of garden gnomes. Some of them seemed to have lost their hats, and some were a little off-balance - almost as if they'd been caught out too late after a party and turned to stone where they wobbled. With a sudden gleam of excitement Kaitlyn ran to her room and came back dragging her lawn chair and clutching a small bag. Within moments she'd affixed lopsided bows of varying colours to each non-fox gnome without a hat. (No one ever quite figured out how she managed it, either.) The one particularly wobbly gnome had been gently pushed over to recline in her lawn chair - comfort level most definitely questionable. Kaitlyn surveyed her handiwork and skipped off, humming happily, searching for Ayshela.

Yup, purse counts as one item - as would a backpack or briefcase or similar "container" type item which is grabbed and carried with one hand or over the shoulder(s). That's really how I'd squeak out with three - throwing cel and meds into my purse. MOST of the stuff of any emotional value, for me, is valuable not because of what it is, but because it's the only link I have to someone who isn't here. That's why I specifically prefaced this with the assumption that all people and pets made it out safely - that's THE most important point, and all the "hunh, what *would* I take?" comes after that. =) *huggles*

Okay, okay, so it's Sunday morning... so sue me. =) Partially, been a really hectic day, and partially waiting to see if Mardrax was going to put us in a dice-rolling tie. Your game ending scorecard: Dead: Troy - NPC kill Tanuchan - Vanessa Lochmond - first lynching - villager Trina - NPC kill Savage Dragon - Mr. Coolio - second lynching - villager Giles Jordan - Giles Jordan - first wolf kill - villager dragonqueen - Charmaine Meeks - third lynching - wolf Still active: Mardrax - Carrie Dee - baner NightFae - Alexia Lee - seer Gryphon - Seth Able - villager - and survivor, this round!

Charmaine is so intent watching the scuffle at the door that she does not see Philip return, speaking quietly but intently into his cel phone. The movement behind her finally draws her attention. She turns to see Philip walking toward her, the crowd parting before him as if he emanated a simple command: "Move." Charmaine turned to the side and tried to look like she was simply following the motion of the crowd (which hadn't yet reached her), but stopped dead when she nearly ran into Sheila. "Going somewhere?" Sheila gave a businesslike smile and pleasantness to the question, almost hiding the nasty glint which made Charmaine take a nervous step to the right. "I was, yes. I just got here. My plane was late, and I haven't met anyone here yet..." Charmaine broke off as Philip's hand dropped onto her shoulder. She stuttered when he asked for her cel phone, "What? N... no! You have your own, why do you need mine?" Troy spoke up now, stepping up beside Philip. "Because he'll find my phone number there, and Vanessa's, and probably a lot of other people's as well - all people you've pressured and tried to enlist in your plans to sabotage every album but your own, and that of the new band you've picked out to work with." Philip smiled happily and said, "I'm so glad you accepted our invitation! I wasn't sure you would." He waved in the policemen who had been hovering just inside the side door. OOC: dragonqueen was the wolf, so this concludes the game. Feel free to add any RP that you wish in the way of concluding your character interactions or development, but there are no further phase changes or accusations. Thank you all for bearing with what may have been the strangest WW game yet...

Been a rough day here, and I have to leave in a minute to go be chauffer for medical testing and stuff... will do phase change this evening. sorry.

Ouch. *huggles for you both*

Ayshela creeps in to Peredhil's recovery day and pulls the ribbon on Sweet's hug. Thank you all! It was rather an extended birthday, which is always fun. And my youngest kicked me out of the kitchen for the night, to make me lasagne! yay! A line forms in front of the table beside Ayshela. Each person gets a hug and a piece of lemon filled cake.

heh... yeah, I think I have the dubious distinction of having the *strangest* WW game ever... First run - wolf caught in the first lynching, by pure random chance. Second run - down to one villager and ALL THREE specials... O_o Bizarre...

It is now Day Phase, which will end at 6PM PDT, Friday. Your current scorecard: Dead: Troy - NPC kill Tanuchan - Vanessa Lochmond - first lynching - villager Trina - NPC kill Savage Dragon - Mr. Coolio - second lynching - villager Giles Jordan - Giles Jordan - first wolf kill - villager Still active: Mardrax - Carrie Dee NightFae - Alexia Lee Gryphon - Seth Able dragonqueen - Charmaine Meeks

Carrie and Charmaine are distracted from conversation by the arrival of - another security agent? He had an air of authority about him, but lacked the uniform. They watched openly, joined by several people who tried to look as though they weren't watching. The newcomer's identity was made clear as he surveyed the crowd and made his way directly to the buffet - where he ignored the food and dropped his left hand on Giles' shoulder. As Giles turned around, the newcomer said, "Giles Jordan, you are under arrest on charges of destruction of property and sabotage, relating to tampering with recordings from your department. I suggest you come quietly." Giles stared in shock for a moment before saying, "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, with all that's happened here. You're wrong, but I'll come with you and prove it." The plain-clothed officer read Giles the Miranda warning as they moved toward the door. The growing murmurs behind them were, this time, partially shock, partially fear, and partially annoyance as the number of accused and removed grew. OOC: Giles Jordan will successfully prove his innocence - being a villager - but will not be returning to what's left of the party. It is now Day Phase, let the accusations fly. Day Phase will end at 6pm Friday evening. Happy hunting!

The second stanza - "The people, the places, How am I supposed to stop the sun?" This doesn't follow as clearly as the first and third do. What is the connection between people, places, and whether or not you can stop the sun - or whether or not there should be a new beginning? Your third stanza, though, I especially like. You've built that progression wonderfully. It's almost strong enough to stand alone. =)

I love the vivid description. You make it nearly possible to see and feel the scenery, to see the perplexed and startled looks and hear faint cadences. Actually, I thought the sense of "let down" at the end was perfectly appropriate given the content. What more appropriate sense for something which would have been perfect shared with another - who isn't there?

Sunrise... isn't that time to go to sleep? not much to say beyond heartfelt agreement, and have a beer for me please? (My meds would be quite angry if I did.) *dragging pillow and blanket back to my corner*