Green Room - Week 10 - Day 5

[clauderainsrm.livejournal.com]

The poll is up for the main competition: http://therealljidol.livejournal.com/987604.html

And for those hoping for a Second Chance, there is the sign-up http://therealljidol.livejournal.com/981280.html and a topic http://therealljidol.livejournal.com/986817.html

***

Continuing the thoughts from yesterday - and stuff that I didn't get to answer because I ran out of time/got distracted looking at wedding photos. :)

- I'm very much interested in there being another season of Idol Minor. I loved doing it, but it wasn't until I met Olivia (and her Mom) that I'd really got any *real* feedback on it. That's why comments, emails and yes I'm going there, active Patrons, are so important. Because it let's me know what you are enjoying and want to see more of out of this decade-old experiment! If I don't get those things, then I don't know and, even worse, then I feel like I'm just wasting my time... Idol Minor isn't a huge draw after all. But it's an idea that's really special to me so if you want to see it post-Season 10 (even if you personally don't have/know kids that would want to participate - let me know!)

- In the spirit of "Let me know"... and the importance of comments... every season is a little different and I can only go on what I *see* and what I hear. Are Work Rooms still needed? Or would you rather go back to just doing that in Green Rooms? Green Rooms used to get too crowded, so I set up a dedicated space for it. I know that I've heard from Mentors that people really aren't contacting them for advise and to look things over this season they way they used to... and considering that I'm asking these folks for favors, I'm probably going to cut back on them *for now* and see how things go later in the season. But we'll see.

I like the idea that the "mood of this season" has been people sharing personal stories. That's how Idol started after all. It's nice to get back to the roots. :)

I do wish there were more people participating and *actually talking* in the Green Rooms and such. But that seems to be part of the current group dynamic and an issue of time with the folks who have shown up. (the numbers of people fighting to stay in week after week have been impressive enough that I can "forgive" them. Mostly. ;) )

Comments

[roina-arwen.livejournal.com]

First?? How about Idol Miner, where we all go at it with chisels and hammers and throwing rocks at each other? Hahahaha!

[ryl.livejournal.com]

Or Idol Minecraft where we write everything in cubes and use them to create a whole new world!

[eternal-ot.livejournal.com]

I would love this kind of intersection. Where everyone writes to form a story.

[bleodswean.livejournal.com]

BWAHAHAHA you two!

[rayaso.livejournal.com]

A great idea! Kind of like a food fight, but with pick axes. What could go wrong?

[rayaso.livejournal.com]

Would it be possible to have a tribe just for children, either with or without a vote? That way, we could all get the "awwww, how cute" fix, but without losing adults. I wonder how it feels to lose to a 5 year old (or whatever) and be voted out after a lot of hard work, and if that person would be inclined to come back for another season? Also, it might take care of any "vote the kids out" sentiment. You would not need the extra work of an Idol Minor, unless (hopefully) participation in the kids' tribe shows a need for it.

[clauderainsrm.livejournal.com]

There are several things in here, so I'll separate them:

Separating the kids into their own tribe would make sense if there are more of them. Right now, there aren't. I think the most we've ever had in a regular season is 3. So even if we were looking at a "going forward" thing, not sure it would warrant it any more than putting the poetry people in their own group. (Special camps for poetry writers!!! :D)

If I did though, it wouldn't be without a vote. Other than weeks where I am feeling extra mercy (and those are rare) people get voted out. That's the difference between Idol and Idol Minor. Having a tribe in Idol where no one was voted out... I imagine there are a lot of adults who would want to transfer to *that* tribe! ;)

Also - the Idol Minor topics are more "kid friendly" than the the ones in the main competition. I think there are some parents/guardians who are better at explaining the more complex topics to the kids than others - but most of the Idol Minor don't need explanations.

"? That way, we could all get the "awwww, how cute" fix, but without losing adults. I wonder how it feels to lose to a 5 year old (or whatever) and be voted out after a lot of hard work, and if that person would be inclined to come back for another season? "

That right there is a question that I wish I knew the answer to... hopefully other people can offer their insights.

[rayaso.livejournal.com]

I bow to your superior wisdom and I respect your comments.

I simply was thinking that having a tribe of children without voting on them is similar to soccer leagues for the young, where score is not kept. You just hope they get the ball in the right net. Or think of it as an exhibition league. Separating Idol into tribes by genres of course makes no sense, but the issues aren't the same. Having the kids write on the same topics as the adults was meant simply to minimize any work on your part, as was having no eliminations. Also, seeing what kids come up with can be lots of fun.

Being Gary must be a difficult job!

[clauderainsrm.livejournal.com]

Being Gary is an awesome job! Gary gets to be married to Cynthia!!!!! Being clauderainsrm? Heh, well... ;)

" Separating Idol into tribes by genres of course makes no sense, but the issues aren't the same"

You might think so. But this isn't a random idea that popped into my head. (Well, OK, the Idol Death Camps are *totally* a random idea and not one that is going to be implemented. You should definitely answer your door...)

"You should separate tribes by genres and have different rules for them" is something that's come across my desk as a suggestion not once, but multiple times. (from people that I'm pretty sure don't know each other or didn't at the time of the suggestion)

It's part of what helped me to come up with "how tribes" work and what goes into a poll. It's an inner "head canon", but I try to make it fairly consistent. Could that change? Sure. But not mid-season. (Unless it was already planned).

A closer example though might be that there is a Home Game exclusively for the kids. Which, the Home Game doesn't have a poll. It should never have one. So that would be more of a hybrid.

Of course, we've had contestants in the past *writing AS children*. Their identity in Idol is that of child, even if they are not actually kids. This is similar to how we've had people writing as dragons or the times when I have been told that I shouldn't have people in Idol claiming that they (insert thing here) because it's really rare and "obviously they are pretending". My policy is that I don't care. I will treat you as whatever it is that you tell me you are. It does make me wonder how the logistics of the big picture would go if I were to go down the route of keeping them separate though (or implementing a minimum age requirement)

(Note: the children *currently* in Idol are exactly that, Idol contestants who also happen to be children)

(Second note: When I used the children as an example yesterday, the responses I did get seemed to favor having them in. This conversation tells me there are people who don't. Which gives me something to think about for hypothetical future seasons/endeavors)

[rayaso.livejournal.com]

Thank you for the extended explanation. I'm glad I'm not clauderainsrm.

I enjoy the writing of the children, and don't have any problems with it. I have voted for their entries.

My only concern is on behalf of the writers who have been eliminated by the children, which is why I made my suggestion. I have been torn by what standards to apply, and also I have personal qualms simply about passing judgment on the creative efforts of small children in a competitive setting. Objectively, are the kids' writings better than, say, kajel? I don't think so. Do I like to read what the children write, do I enjoy it, and would I like to read more? Definitely yes.

I was trying to worm my way out of this, but I'll continue to muddle along. What's life without a few moral dilemmas?

I appreciate all your input.

[clauderainsrm.livejournal.com]

Every time I see *anyone* leaving there is a moral dilemma of "Is (fill in blank) better than they are?" Sometimes I agree with the results. Sometimes I don't.

Implementing Gary-only voting is the only real solution! :)

or Idol Death Camps. Just saying... I've been hearing a lot of positive things. People are talking about it!

[ryl.livejournal.com]

Being Gary is an awesome job! Gary gets to be married to Cynthia!!!!!

Sounds like somebody is still what my dad would call twitterpated. ;)

[clauderainsrm.livejournal.com]

I have been for the last (almost) 6 years.

[ryl.livejournal.com]

*is mesmerized by cute bunny*

[eternal-ot.livejournal.com]

I think the work room is the only place where I interact :P Don't take that away from me.
I wouldn't mind An Idol Junior season after season 10. (How about allowing adults to home game , so they don't drift away.)

[clauderainsrm.livejournal.com]

I believe I *did* have a Home Game section for the adults. I'll have to go back and check to make sure that actually ended up happening. (I don't recall much participation. But that could change, the idea was still really new)

[zhent.livejournal.com]

I participate in the green room! (only when I remember and am awake)

I have been writing some more personal entries this season, but I went back to fiction for this week. I had a fleeting thought about a personal history take, but fictionalizing it made it better. Can I label them "Based on a truly boring true story"?

[bleodswean.livejournal.com]

I try to pop into the GR when I'm online. Part of my issue is the current LJ wonkiness in regards to notifications. I just don't get them.

a couple of scents

[tijuanagringo.livejournal.com]

I tend to read the green room to see what people are thinking (and talking) about -- it reminds me of workshops and classes -- but I don't often have very much to say. Writing for me is intensely private, although I must confess I appreciate it when people comment on a piece and I always try to respond there.

[majesticarky.livejournal.com]

I want to see wedding pictures! I think rayso's idea about the minors having their own tribe would be good. That way the minors could get more people reading their work and interacting with them. Having them do it on their own seems like a more lonely experience that offers minimal encouragement and feedback besides from their parents and Gary.

[clauderainsrm.livejournal.com]

"offers minimal encouragement and feedback besides from their parents and Gary."

I don't give anyone feedback. ;)

[jake67jake]

I'm here... just having a sh*tty week and ready for the weekend and whatever. Maybe go to bed until April!

I... have a hard time asking for help on my actual writing, but I do peruse the workroom for ideas, to get the brain perking. Lately that is a real challenge.

I feel like I'm just dialing it in... and I hate that feeling, but it's not just Idol, it's everything ATM (and there has been more health drama for close family since my Dad's death that is really weighing on me too).

*le sigh* All I do anymore is whine... going back to my cubby now.

[clauderainsrm.livejournal.com]

There's a long history of people using Idol to help keep them together during a traumatic loss of a parent.

xo_kizzy_xo, I'm tagging you for no particular reason.

[jake67jake]

Full disclosure, I have *major* SAD, too, so I am aware that this is compounding the grief (or the grief is compounding the SAD)... but still... yeah. NOT fun.

Thanks for the words of encouragement. :)

[murielle.livejournal.com]

I'm hugging you, for lots of very good reasons. (Warm smile)

[jake67jake]

Thanks... Hugs are always appreciated.

[murielle.livejournal.com]

I'm hugging you, for lots of very good reasons. (Warm smile)

[dmousey.livejournal.com]

I like both green and work rooms. I read them but don't always participate (sorry Gary) because real life gets in the way.

And then once I start writing, I'm lost pretty much until fininshed. Being a sloooow poke with a thousand edits and tweaks, this generally takes me to deadline, I have used the mentors (am very grateful to have their insights) and try not to abuse the privilege. Having a beta reader-buddy system did not pan out, to my disappointment.

And on the TMI side- I would be a patron (again) but finances have to be straightened and improved.

I love the kids and vote around them- I usually give the low numbered a vote- before voting for anyone-even the them, and hope everything works out.

And that's enough from this lurking/babbling idiot here! Peace!~~~

[ellakite.livejournal.com]

I haven't been actively commenting this season because my Seasonal Affective Disorder has been hitting me so damned hard; I feel so depressed and lethargic much of the time that I usually can't form the concepts to write anything useful. Hell, I'm somewhat amazed that I haven't "byed out", because I've had difficulty just working up the energy to write my entries each week.

That being said, I did contribute to the Work Room this week, putting in my $0.02 USD regarding how the prompt could be interpreted. Granted, I've been feeling somewhat more energetic and positive this week, so that helped me get my creative juices going...

[clauderainsrm.livejournal.com]

Which reminds me, I'm pretty sure that I have something for you that got lost in the shuffle during the "OMG wedding!" period. I'll have to get that to you. ;)

Yes, I suspected as much...

[ellakite.livejournal.com]

... I was trying to figure out how to gently bring up the issue, but it looks like you remembered on your own. And I certainly understand about "OMG Wedding!" being a major distraction -- while I have never personally undergone that procedure, two of my nephews and one of my nieces got married in the past year, so I've witnessed how distracting such events can be...

In any case, I look forward to your taking care of this little matter shortly... and I thank you.

[lawchicky.livejournal.com]

Right there with you on the SED. This cold weather and limited daylight is always bad for my motivation :(

[ellakite.livejournal.com]

In my case, I've had it particularly rough this winter, and I don't know why -- We haven't had much snow to speak of, so although the days are short I'm usually able to get a fair amount of sunshine each day. If it had been overcast/stormy, then I would understand why I felt like Death warmed over...

[lawchicky.livejournal.com]

We would love another round of idol junior! (but you knew that already).

I wish I made it into the green room more often. I used to be on LJ every day and now it's once or twice a week, so I miss a lot of the fun.

[clauderainsrm.livejournal.com]

Parent question, so I'll post it here:

Would Idol Minor work better during the school year - when they have home work and other activities or better during the summer - when they have vacations and other activities?

[tonithegreat.livejournal.com]

For my little family, school year for sure. We scatter to schedule-lessness pretty strongly in the summer, and the kids lack reliable internet when they aren't with me.

[kathrynrose.livejournal.com]

I've been sucking at internet, as previously mentioned. Haven't read yesterday's GR yet, so I'll go do that.

As for work rooms, IMO they have a different flavor than GRs and I like going back to them even late in the week in a way that I don't with GRs unless there's still active conversation happening.

So if it matters, I vote for keeping the WRs. I'll do better at commenting.

Also, I have no opinion about the Idol Miner/minor/mine-err, as I was not involved.

[halfshellvenus.livejournal.com]

I like both the Work Rooms and Green Rooms. I'm just overwhelmed with work and such, and don't have as much time to read and comment in them as I would like. :(

[murielle.livejournal.com]

I cherish the children, but understand how some folks might feel they shouldn't be playing with adults. I will be perfectly truthful I would have a really hard time not giving a vote to a child.

I like the idea of a tribe of children playing, not with us, but alongside us. I don't understand the analogy to a poetry tribe. Not the same thing at all. In adult vs. adult, anything goes, anything is fair, and all things are equal unless someone is being abusive.

yamyam_kat and kfp_rawr have brought such joy to Idol, and maybe if we are a kinder, gentler group it is because of the innocence and unabashed enthusiasm they bring to our game.

I know. I'm weird. I'm also hungry so I am going to rummage up something edible.

Chow! Um, ciao!

[hwango.livejournal.com]

My "process" doesn't really allow me to make any use of the Work Rooms. I usually let the prompt simmer for a few days, then write with a couple of stop and starts, so by the time I'd be asking for feedback it would be too late to do anything with it. I don't want to visit earlier to ask for help coming up with ideas, because a big part of what makes writing for this sort of activity fun for me is attempting to come up with an interpretation unlikely to be shared by anyone else.

For Green Rooms, I feel like most of the time I come across them too late, and the conversation is over.

[murielle.livejournal.com]

Yes! Yes! Although lrig_rorrim did a wonderful thing for me when she mentored. I'm still using her advice. bleodswean has also read for me and alerted me to things I needed to address.

Maybe by my next season I will be confident enough to ask for concrit.

[hwango.livejournal.com]

Admit it - you only replied to this comment to prove me wrong that the conversation was not actually over, didn't you? =)

[murielle.livejournal.com]

Oops! Missed that part. That's me all over, a day late and a dollar short. (Grin)

[kathrynrose.livejournal.com]

So, Gary, if you're in the current poll, but things are looking shady, and it's Sunday night at 6:55, you can post an entry in second chance even though the poll you're in doesn't close until Monday night, and you'll actually be in both.

Right so far?

And then you can stay in both, and during that time if you're voted out of the main Idol poll you're still in SCI, and can get back in through that process(?)

Or you can stay in both and write two entries every week(?) Until Gary declares you have to fish or cut bait and only be in one?

[clauderainsrm.livejournal.com]

That's all completely accurate. Except the Sunday part. That's changed.