Green Room - Week 10 - Day 4

[clauderainsrm.livejournal.com]

LJ Idol is all about your personal growth as a writer.

Or it's all about the fun.

Or the strategy.

Or the torture.

Or the combination of all of these things!

Perhaps it's about the all-you-can-eat virtual buffet!

The bottom line is that it always ends up meaning something different to different groups of people, which means that the way folks approach it are going to be completely personalized.

Sooner or later, the idea of "who "deserves" to move forward over others always ends up coming up.

Different people are going to approach that differently.

I'll use an example that I *think* is safe because it can be a real life one, that hasn't really come up this season - and I'm pretty sure the people involved won't see this to take personally. (hopefully no one related to them does. Because it isn't.) The kids participating in Idol this season.

There is a huge difference between Season 9 and Season 10 in that regard. Week 1 of Season 9 the kids and the "troll accounts" (people who folks thought were just there to stir things up) were eliminated. In the coming weeks the remaining "troublemakers" were taken out. Pretty much every time you poked your head up, the voters were chopping it off.

For whatever reason, people in that season decided that it was going to be "really serious", and the overall tone reflected that. And you can't have kids outlasting adults in something that's "really serious".

I'm still trying to figure out what Season 10 is, and honestly, I don't think we will know it's full shape until we see the first couple of post-Second Chance weeks, if not even later than that. But, for whatever reason - maybe as a reaction to the seriousness of Season 9. Or maybe because of the influx of new blood who make their own rules - "the kids" have done better/gotten further than almost any Under-17 year old contestant. Which I think is remarkable. Does that mean they will be gone soon? Does that mean that people are grading them on a scale and they could end up outlasting *all* of the adults? I'll be honest - I literally have no idea right now. That is entirely up to the voters. It's up to YOU.

Not just with the kids, but with every other person - and every kind of writing that you see. You get to decide the "who 'deserves' to stay". That's all you.

The collective "you" has the power to shape the kind of place you want this to be this season, and the bigger story you want to tell. Let's make it a good one!

***
Second Chance sign-up http://therealljidol.livejournal.com/981280.html and the first Second Chance Topic:http://therealljidol.livejournal.com/986817.html

The main competition topic, due *today, March 2nd* - http://therealljidol.livejournal.com/985303.html So make sure to get yours in!!

Comments

[messygorgeous.livejournal.com]

First!!
Cheers! It's what I get for being a night owl even if it isn't good for me!

To me, Idol is therapy, seriously. The prompts force me to look back thoughtfully at my life and see what floats to the surface. Sometimes, I rediscover memories I haven't considered in years and I can ruminate on them with the new perspectives I've gained through the years.

It also forces me to take a few hours for ME, to do something I love, and that is important too!

[xo-kizzy-xo.livejournal.com]

I couldn't agree more :)

Season 9 almost killed that aspect for me with the whole "seriousness" stance. I'd never disparage anyone with designs to *be* a published writer and stretching their muscles here (because it's already happened and will probably happen again), but for some reason last season tended to attract people who were not just of this ilk, but were also (again, IMO) quite comfortable dismissing anyone who wasn't of their ilk. Really, I dropped out early on just because Idol for me wasn't fun anymore. I'm hoping to last longer this season but we'll see. This time it's less about fun and more RL stuff hitting me from all directions. It's distracting :p

[ryl.livejournal.com]

I honestly felt hassled by all the SRS BZNZ people in Season 9 and that's why I didn't participate in the mini-season. This season is much more relaxed and enjoyable, if a little quiet. (I'm trying to comment more, really I am.)

I forgot about the troll accounts. *rolleyes*

[clauderainsrm.livejournal.com]

In their own way, the trolls are the other side of "all about the fun". Both of them (since I know who they are) are people who like Idol quite a bit. They just like "messing" with people for the lulz and stirring things up.

Seeing both them *and* the kids going out that early told me right off what kind of season we were going to end up having.

[kathrynrose.livejournal.com]

I actually think the presence of the troll accounts added to the "let's be serious" environment, by way of reactions setting the pace.

if that makes sense outside my head

[clauderainsrm.livejournal.com]

It definitely does.

[kathrynrose.livejournal.com]

Thanks. I'm never really sure. :P

[clauderainsrm.livejournal.com]

I *good* thing about people stirring things up is that it gets people talking. You don't have to worry about people finding stuff to talk about. ;)

[xo-kizzy-xo.livejournal.com]

LOL, no kidding ;)

[clauderainsrm.livejournal.com]

I think that's what happens when you have both finalists writing professionally.

Ideally, Idol should be a mixture of the two worlds, with both sides respecting what the other offers. Writing for fun *and* developing your craft at the same time.

[xo-kizzy-xo.livejournal.com]

Ideally, yes.

Unfortunately (again, IMO) it's the wannabes who tend to push that divide more so than the professionals...no doubt because the professionals are too busy writing professionally to be bothered with the pettiness such incidents tend to incite.

[kehlen-crow.livejournal.com]

Yes, it is the same for me this season, the prompts go into real life stuff^TM one after another and it is not very usual and also allows me to see it from a different perspective sometimes.

[tonithegreat.livejournal.com]

The me time aspect of idol is glorious! I agree!

[eternal-ot.livejournal.com]

LJ for me has always been Fun and experimental. It also is my escape from the Real world for sometime.

Reading the kids this season has been refreshing. I usually read them when I am tired reading the entries and they always make me smile.

Normally the twists and seriousness of the game takes over as we reach closer to top 50. This time it is a mixed bag of fiction, non-fiction and poetry and each one has equal weightage that's good actually.

[favoritebean.livejournal.com]

I'm hoping there will be another season of Idol Jr. If that happens, do try to pop in and read all of the entries there, because it is so delightful. I think yamyam_kat fostered her love of Pokemon there, because of the many stories devoted to it.

Also, thank you for sharing your thoughts. As a parent, I was worried about how the kids would fare.

[clauderainsrm.livejournal.com]

I'd love to do another Idol Minor season.

The biggest "cons" of it - the turn-out isn't great as far as people commenting goes and my Patrons actually dropped quite a bit during the last one as people dropped off and lost interest.

That said, it was still one of my favorite things. So it's probably going to happen again.

[murielle.livejournal.com]

I vaguely remember the Idol Minor season. I wasn't that involved as a reader, because of the timing.

I'm old and grumpy with little interest in drama, except when it's related to my viewing pleasure. (Thank you for telling me about Legion, bleodswean!) For the most part if I even notice drama, I just move along to something, somewhere else. Truth is, I just don't have the energy for drama, and what energy I do have I would rather use in positive ways.

For the first few weeks all I could come up with was non-fiction. Now that's gone. Which is a relief, but is sad too because I enjoyed digging through the various closets looking for skeletons.

Okay, I am taking my grumpy old self outta here. I have a story to write, bagdangit! (Grin)

[messygorgeous.livejournal.com]

I really love airing out the old skeletons too.
Cheaper than REAL therapy!

[murielle.livejournal.com]

So much cheaper! (Smile)

[xo-kizzy-xo.livejournal.com]

Yep :)

[murielle.livejournal.com]

So much cheaper! (Smile)

[cheshire23.livejournal.com]

Yay! My girls have asked about it and would definitely be up for that.

[clauderainsrm.livejournal.com]

Summer or Fall? Which do you think works better?

(both have a lot of potential scheduling conflicts for kids)

[tonithegreat.livejournal.com]

My girls almost participated in this season and will be game for Idol minor assuming we can fit it in our schedule! So they'll be glad to hear you're considering it.

[clauderainsrm.livejournal.com]

Posted this above, but I'll repost it so you will see it.

Summer or Fall? Which do you think works better?

(both have a lot of potential scheduling conflicts for kids)

[eternal-ot.livejournal.com]

I will definitely keep a lookout for that :) Though I wanted to follow the last season of Idol junior RL took over after a while.

<3 *Hugs*

[murielle.livejournal.com]

I'm so confused. And second. But mostly confused.

Last season, 9, was my first Idol experience. All I remember is the love and the absolute amazement when I wasn't voted out in the first few weeks. I saw a lot of love, everywhere.

Do you mean the children? The children are wonderful! I read them first, and enjoy their entries so much.kfp_rawr and yamyam_kat are absolutely precious and they bring so much energy and joy to all of us.

Okay, going back to confusion and bed.

[kehlen-crow.livejournal.com]

I almost never notice the drama either, and to be honest, I don't care for it.

[murielle.livejournal.com]

Yeah. I just don't get the need for drama. There's enough of that in rl, why bring it here?

[favoritebean.livejournal.com]

Your comment really touched me when I read it last night. I am so grateful for your honesty and support. I can't speak for all the kids, but I know that yamyam_kat has really enjoyed the opportunity she's been given to participate.

So thank you.

[murielle.livejournal.com]

I get such joy from reading their entries each week. It's a real pleasure. Thank you!

[murielle.livejournal.com]

Oops! Season 9 was my first acquaintance with Idol. I joined so I could vote, but I didn't write until last year's mini-season. See, I really was confused, but not about our youngest writers, love 'em!

[messygorgeous.livejournal.com]

I'm with you. I wasn't here for 9, but in seasons past, when Gary or another contestant would clue me in on some drama, I usually had no idea anything was going on. Usually I would think I needed to work on my obliviousness!

I believe, if you avoid the drama, or are not the group instigating it, you may not see it happening!

[xo-kizzy-xo.livejournal.com]

The reason why *you* (and I mean that in general, not just you personally) might not have seen it is because much of it went underground via Facebook or what-have-you. *I* knew it was brewing somewhere, but I couldn't pinpoint anything because obviously *I* wasn't part of it nor part of any group, for that matter.

I'm not getting that feeling right now and I think it's because most Idolers are off doing their own thing. I wouldn't be surprised, though, that something starts brewing once we hit the Top 50 or thereabouts.

[kehlen-crow.livejournal.com]

The voting-out of kids in season 9 was quite surprising for me for the simple reason that I did not know they were even there. I almost never manage to read all entries, although I do read every contestant on and off, and simply missed their entries.

Usually the way I vote does not affect the results much though, so it was obvious that some people who read them really ~did not vote for them.

[favoritebean.livejournal.com]

First of all, thank you for even allowing the kids to participate this season. I think for me as a reader, it's been fascinating and inspiring to watch them grow with each season. I adored Idol Jr personally, and I know that yamyam_kat did too.

As a parent, I was worried about the kids would be received in Season 10, and I'm so relieved at how much support they've been getting overall. For Season 9, I remember the kids getting voted out early, although yamyam_kat did not participate that year. I felt bad. The tone this year is far different. I am grateful that they are getting support this time around, because they are all very talented writers.

The overall tone this season is much different, I've noticed. I've not had much opportunity to visit the GR, sadly, but just with the entries alone, the tone has changed. I want to say that perhaps it is due to current events, that I see far more non fiction, and I note that the ideas shared are new- even unique.

[sarcasmoqueen.livejournal.com]

I don't remember when season 9 was or what happened dramawise. I will say that for me, I will absolutely judge kids differently from how I judge the (supposed) grown ups.

[bleodswean.livejournal.com]

Season 9 was my intro and I didn't realize until now that it was more serious than its preceding seasons. I guess....I'm serious? About writing. For me, it was all about creating deeply literary short fiction that year and it was GLORIOUS!!! There was endless fantastic short pieces being written by so many contestants and the season was life-altering for me. So, heh, yeah, that sounds pretty damned serious. I don't remember any drama.

Now...the mini-season. Um...I still have the scars and the deliberate amnesia. That was not good. But the writing was amazing!!!

This season does have a different vibe than those two. It is quiet, the writing is quieter, more personal and non-fictional. It seems there are a lot of deep-thinking introspective players. I began the season writing non-fic but it's simply far too personal for me to share in that way. It's like being skinned and turned inside out and then stripping my bones clean all at the same time, so I'm back in the fiction saddle. We have a strong mix of fic, non-fic, and assorted at the moment!

I think the kids are better suited to a Junior Idol only because I can't see how they will be able to go long with the adults. But reading them is an uptick to any day!

[ryl.livejournal.com]

I began the season writing non-fic but it's simply far too personal for me to share in that way. It's like being skinned and turned inside out and then stripping my bones clean all at the same time, so I'm back in the fiction saddle.

I've done a grand total of one non-fic this season and I was nervous about that mainly out of superstition (I don't want to jinx my muse). I found, however, that I'm more open fictionally than I am nonfictionally. There's elements of me in every story I write, but they're so mixed up with what I've made up that I can feel comfortable with the oversharing. I'm also comfortable with the fact that no one knows what's real or made up but me. >:D

[bleodswean.livejournal.com]

I think that makes total sense! And writing can be both personal and cathartic! It can also...provide a focused escapism from non-fic situations/people that are holding one hostage.

[messygorgeous.livejournal.com]

I am actually much more nervous writing fiction than autobiographical things. I guess with non-fic, I KNOW what was said, how I felt...it was real, so the retelling has that breath of truth to it. I think I worry in fiction more about creating believable fantasies.

Not to mention, I really don't know any of you in real life, so I can go about my oversharing in an authentic manner because, what have I got to lose?

[bleodswean.livejournal.com]

You definitely have a strong vibe going for capturing your non-fic! If that's what the prompts are inspiring you towards and you're enjoying it - that's a GOOD thing! :)

But fiction doesn't have to be "believable fantasies". Think "dirty realism" and Raymond Carver!

[xo-kizzy-xo.livejournal.com]

In all honesty, I feel better posting nonfiction this season thus far compared to the last couple of seasons which heavily learned toward fiction.

I've noticed that my nonfiction entries thus far are revealing certain things about myself which I've never quite examined closely. I've found that writing them out helps me look at myself from a more detached view. I'm past what readers may think. It's like saying, here I am, warts and all.

Except I have no actual warts at the moment, LOL. BUT ANYWAY.

[bleodswean.livejournal.com]

It's nice to see a bit of a pendulum swing! It certainly seems a good time for folks to LISTEN close to one another's stories.

That's quite interesting about your own process with writing non-fic! It can be unnerving, eh?

[dmousey.livejournal.com]

I don't know where my post went. My kiddo pulled me in to Idol in seas. 9. And did a large portion of mini season. The tone of 9 was more cliquish.
Min season more toned down and a lot more love.
This season so far has been gentler and kinder. I think there is more non-fic than I recall, and poetry.

The one constant is my writing has changed/improved greatly since being a part of Idol.

Thank you for that, my fellow members and players, and most of all to you Evil Overlord Gary.

[my-name-is-jenn.livejournal.com]

Ah, geez. For some reason, I thought the deadline was tomorrow. YIKES! I'd better get writing! Well, typing at least. I took pen to paper yesterday and the entry is mostly finished.

[messygorgeous.livejournal.com]

I had the opposite problem. I thought it was due LAST NIGHT, so I was desperately writing yesterday only to realize at 7:57 that the deadline was Thursday, not Wednesday. Good luck! You've got this!

[messygorgeous.livejournal.com]

I'm with you. I wasn't here for 9, but in seasons past, when Gary or another contestant would clue me in on some drama, I usually had no idea anything was going on. Usually I would think I needed to work on my obliviousness!

I believe, if you avoid the drama, or are not the group instigating it, you may not see it happening!