Green Room - Week 4 - Day 4

[clauderainsrm.livejournal.com]

Good morning.

I just responded to something from yesterday. I had something else in mind to talk about in the Green Room today, but the comment really hit me so I wanted to check in where more people would see it.

When I posted the "List of Shame" yesterday, there were some people who knew what it was about - and others who didn't.

The "List" used to be a regular thing - with everyone on the same page that the idea of "shame" was a playful, tongue-in-cheek thing. (That List part though was totally serious. It was a real list. :D)

It was my way of using the LJ tagging system to give people a "heads up" that the deadline was approaching, so it didn't blindside them.

Over the years though, "shame" started being a much more serious thing. Or rather - more to the point - people started recognizing that it was an actual serious thing.

The word became more loaded, and I started being a little uncomfortable with it. (and honestly, my assistant used to put it together and I stopped having as much time)

That lasted for awhile until Luna died. She had been the #1 advocate for bringing it back. So I brought it back, in her honor.

Seeing that did actually *demotivated* someone though - that brought the questions back up in my mind, that second guessing... because all of the evil being brought to bear (and believe me, none of the actual evil has surfaced yet this season, it's coming though!) is to get people writing and having a good time. I hope people *do* end up enjoying themselves this season, and if something *does* come up where you are impacted negatively by something that you let me know. Not saying that it will change anything - because it may just be that you're wrong. ;) But I definitely do want to know.


***
Reminder: The deadline is TONIGHT http://therealljidol.livejournal.com/965056.html

Comments

[penpusher.livejournal.com]

Within the LJ Idol community, we should be a bit aware of the intentions and meanings of comments like this. Because things are said and done within the structure of LJ Idol that are different from their usage in the rest of the world.

But some people find that difficult to compartmentalize. Ultimately, writers need to develop some understanding about and resistance to taking things too personally. But I do realize that not everyone is equipped.

[messygorgeous.livejournal.com]

There is a definite irreverence in Idol.

I am absolutely a hippie, but it would be silly for me to get offended at Gary's hippie kicking references. I also come from a rather sarcastic, teasing family where, if you aren't getting picked on, THAT means you aren't liked.

I agree as well, that as a writer, especially a writer in a contest, you need to have - or develop - a bit of a thick skin! We won't all get a trophy in the end, and that is ok!

[bleodswean.livejournal.com]

I also come from a rather sarcastic, teasing family where, if you aren't getting picked on, THAT means you aren't liked.


Yes. Non-family/non-friends think we are abusive bastards when really we are cuddly lovebugs.

[alycewilson.livejournal.com]

Hippies for the win! I have clothes I haven't worn in years that still smell like patchouli.

[messygorgeous.livejournal.com]

I never was deeply into patchouli, but man, I love me some tie dye and Birkenstocks and positive energy!

[hwango.livejournal.com]

For me, it was trying to figure out if the "evil" really was all in good fun as I'd thought, or if Gary just liked screwing with us, and we were supposed to like it.

I'm fine with:

"Write until you can no longer meet the challenge!"
and
"Write until your entry is no longer good enough!"

I'm not interested in "Write until you can no longer stand the bullying and mind games!"

Fortunately, my concerns were unfounded.

[alycewilson.livejournal.com]

What bullying???

[hwango.livejournal.com]

Lengthier explanation further down the page. Shortcut:

http://therealljidol.livejournal.com/966185.html?thread=82881577#t82881577

[alycewilson.livejournal.com]

Thanks. I replied to this before reading further. Sorry you had that reaction, but I am glad you have decided to stick around!

Gary's really a softie, but he does have a twisted sense of humor at times.

[messygorgeous.livejournal.com]

Gary is really lovely. Much more your curmudgeonly, but secretly sweet, uncle, than a truly cruel person. Occasionally the twists can feel diabolical, but that's just to keep it interesting. Gary wants the game to thrive and it would not, if he was an honest to goodness bastard despot.

I believe the vast majority of folks you'll run into here are good - supportive, interested. Then again, I'm not one to get in the middle of a negative scene.

I just really want to write, and this pushes me to find the time each week. I enjoy that it forces me to be introspective, to *remember* and finally, to hang out with other interesting people who love writing too!

I was a part of the game a long time ago, seasons 2-4? Life got in the way for years, but I always wanted to come back and I'm so glad I did. You don't have fond memories like that of something that isn't really great.