They Say Fighting on the Internet is Like Winning the Special Olympics...

Because you're still... well, that's not a polite word.

Far be it from me to tell people to use only polite words (if you haven't noticed, I talk like a sailor), but there some words best left alone, and as the older brother of someone with special needs (and a former participant of the Special Olympics, how's that for parallels), I definitely feel that one is best left out. Either way, it has nothing to do with my opening at all, because I am not going to tell you all how to be politically correct, but point out that while petty arguments on the internet are often viewed as trifling and silly, what better way to measure out the size of your E-thing (genderless term to include all ;) ) than to get into a T-1 match.

That's right Valucre, it seems as of late that everyone is all for fighting on the interwebz, only like the civilized people we are (I totally wrote that with a straight face), we take it to the arena and try to outdo each other with misunderstood physics, questionable logic, and ambiguous move sets. That's why if you're always the spirited fighter, you have not found a better time to be in Valucre! We have so much T-1 stuff going on right now, you won't know where to pick your first fight.

Just please refrain from doing it in Free-Chat. 

What's Happening Valucre?

The Chosen Has Started - Far too late to sign up if that was what you intended to do, but now that the pairings are up, there are matches to spectate. It might be a little early to start calling matches and deciding which are the best to watch, but there are certainly some interesting pairings, which should lead to some fun to read fights. If you are looking for something to do between posts, go take a look, and come discuss it in the lounge.

They Fight Crime Flash Contest- Well, if you sleep under rocks or make a point of actively avoiding Free Chat, you might have missed that little humorous thread called, 'They Fight Crime!'. A website has put together a little random generator of goofy ideas mashed together in ways that rarely make sense, to put two unlikely heroes in one crime fighting duo. Due to the sheer amount of awesome found in some of these examples, a member based flash fiction contest has begun. Write a story between 500 and 1100 words, and submit- all there is to it. There are no real prizes aside from a pat on the back and some laughs, but hey- this contest is about fun, not being the big cheese. See what you can generate. :)

Valucre Combat League- Looking to put your T-1 prowess on the line inside of an In-Character setting with rankings? Well then, better come help get this system off the ground. Praetorian is looking for confirmation of five non-OIC members to show interest before putting forth the framework to develop this new system, and is looking for ideas as well. How this will all work out is not yet fully decided, and much of the details are still on the table for discussions. However, if you are looking to find who might be a good match-up for you, this will definitely be a start :)

Port Town Festival- The long awaited Port Town Festival has begun. If you enjoy board related activities and contests, this little schbang has all kinds of things for you to do and check out. You can see what they have cooking up over here.

Inception RP- Well, if we can have Pokemon and Power Rangers RPs, why not have an Inception RP? The idea is certainly interesting, as world of dreams definitely has a great deal of potential for working with. This person already has a plot framework down, but it looks like they have room for details and players as well. A role-play within a role-play.

Black Tarantula- That place you always overlook, the one over in Biazo? Yeah, there is more to it than meets the eye, and that's exactly the way they want it. The Black Tarantula is a hidden gem with a full service bar and lounge, and many services to help those with legitimate or... less reputable business. A flash of coin is all you need for absolute discretion.

Question of the Week!!!

Well, at least I had one answer this week- one is better than none. I'm beginning to think that this might go the way things that merely cling to life for the sake of existence, rather than the enjoyment of its stay. That's a fancy way of saying I might scrap it, especially if a better idea comes to mind. Anyway, last week's question:

"What was the most challenging thing you ever had to write (about)?"

Only Response:

Most difficult thing to write for me is essays...god I hate essays. Most difficult thing to write about....so far...the only thing I can think of is the reply post to the adventures thread. Or maybe conflict. I always have issues writing about conflict...with another live person. I fail at conflict.

Well, the next question:

"Do any of your characters have a sort of catch phrase? If so, what are they?"

Let's see what this brings out. :)

New Members and Returns!

Welcome, Eyeofthenyte

Welcome, Insidious Grace

Welcome, Vivaldi

Welcome, Nightviera

Welcome, Jackblades

Welcome, Senka

Welcome, Azrael Hollow

Welcome, Death By an Angel

Returns:

Welcome Back, Creationism

Welcome Back, Peppered


A little bit of a slow week, but eight new faces is a perfectly acceptable number as far as I am concerned. Welcome to Valucre everyone, I hope you find all that you are looking for*

Assuming what you are looking for pertains to awesome role-play, writing, and a strong community, while maintaining reasonable expectations and sustainable ideals that are not based on unachievable requisites. Also, please do not come to Valucre looking for people to troll, harass, bully, or for that matter, a place to be a general asshat with no redeeming qualities. We also do not provide llamas. A moose might be available, but that will be dependent on experience, negotiations with our delusive Canadian division, and the current growth pattern of Malum's Beard. Prices and participation may vary. 

Other Highlights?

Thread Subscriptions- Hey, having trouble keeping up on posts? Hard time remembering to check and see if you have had a response to that thread yet? Well then subscribe to it! Subscriptions are great, and you can have them work in a few different ways- instant notification, daily notification, or weekly notification. You can be notified through the control panel only, or through both the control panel and email. So how do you set one of these up, you might ask? Easy, you have two options:

1. When replying to the thread, go advanced. Below the message field, you will see other options, including one for subscribing to the thread.

2. If you have nothing to add yet, you can just go to the top of the thread, click on 'Thread Tools', and then go down to the subscribe option. From there, set it up as you want it. :) 

Did You Know- You can reply to all the recipients of a PM at once, by clicking reply all? It is a great way to have a PM conversation with multiple people. You can see the button by going to this thread, and you can check out all the rest of the Did You Know Archive over here.

Closing Thoughts?

I suppose it sounds silly to open ‘closing thoughts’ like this, but I have been doing a little think as of late- imagine that, talking about thinking in association with thoughts. Suppose I deserve an award for stating the obvious, like declaring that green beans are in fact- green.

I digress—it seems I cannot help but tie in a little humor into anything I do.

I have been thinking about history. By that I mean my own history and by extension, the history a person carves out for his or herself- defining your path, so to speak. Every choice we make in life, even the choice of choosing nothing at all, is a stepping-stone down the road of life’s development- a stroke on the canvas, a notation in our story. Every experience becomes another detail; a fundamental piece of what defines who we are and what we will be. Sometimes we add things by choice, and just as often, if not more so, things simply happen, and it is beyond our control to reject it.

I imagine many were like me, picturing a certain progression my life would take when I was younger. I had it mapped out, a systematic plan that was to be my life over the next ten years or so. I was going to leave high school and enroll in college, get through the first four years and then move on to med-school, so I could become a doctor. If things went according to plan, I would be finishing my last year of med school right now, looking ahead to that wonderful six year residency before I could actually do what I want (pediatrics hematology & oncology for those who are curious).

I’d be on my way, probably broke and certainly too busy to enjoy the little things in life.

Of course, life had its way and shit happened- I had to drop out of school, and getting back in is certainly harder than getting in the first time at all. There were extenuating circumstances, some that puts the onus back on me, some that were beyond my control. Would better decisions have led to a different outcome? Possible I suppose, but even with hindsight, I cannot rightly say whether I could have entirely avoided the situations that came up.

Had life continued the way I thought it should, I would be in an entirely different place right now. I would not have pursued role-play with the same furor I do today. I would not have learned some life lessons that I have learned, many of them the hard way (oh, to be in one’s late teens and early twenties). My experiences would have been different, and the path I would have traveled, albeit more traditional, would be different from the one I am on now.

Do I regret it?

I think about it sometimes- well, sometimes I think about it some, and sometimes I think about it a lot. I suppose I am usually thinking about it to some degree or another. Wondering where my life might be right now had I made those better choices, or had situations simply not fallen apart. Of course, this does not just apply to that distant past, but even circumstances closer to now, with things that apply to the last two years.

I think about these times, and while looking back at what did not happen, I realize how easy it is to pine for what you did not have, missing it without even knowing what you were missing. Was it actually better, or is it because I put it up on a pedestal and made it look that way? Would I be happier for it? What about other things that have happened since then? What of those other choices I have had to make and the situations I have experienced- all things that have led to me becoming who I am today. Am I okay with who I am now, or would I trade it for what I might have been?

My situation could be better, but then it could be a lot worse. There is a lot I could improve about myself- oh, don’t even get me going down that list. Yet, when I look at the big picture, there are things about the person I have become that I am happy with- I have developed qualities I feel are worth cherishing. Sure, my life has had some real vicissitudes, but along the way, I sure picked up a lot of wisdom. My opinions on things have changed, the way I see and understand my world has grown, and for that, I feel I am a better person.

Instead of looking at it from a perspective of what I have or have not accomplished, I see it from what I have gained. I left high school with lofty goals and a road-map to what I thought would be my success. Only, life has a way of setting the winds of change upon you, plucking maps from our fingers and dashing them away. You’re left to figure it out for yourself- and who knows what roads you might end up taking. Having my plans, my ambitions, all of those carefully written notes taken from me- it was painful, and it left me to figure stuff out on my own.

Perhaps I am better for it.

A friend of mine the other day, one I have known for just over 13 years now, brought up this subject- plans and how they go wrong. Back then, he was unsure of what he wanted, and I was the one with dreams of med school. Things didn’t go as planned, and so here I am, unsure of what I want to do, and my friend, finishing a transfer associates in Hospitality Management and developing some tangible long term goals for the management, and eventual ownership, of hotels.

He jokingly mentioned how it might be a good thing that life does not always go as we plan it in high school—after all, if it did, this kid we went to school with would be graduating med school as well, and this person as a doctor… well, that notion scared the shit out of us. This person dropped out of college instead and now drives trucks- a good thing for those who might have been his patients (not cutout for being a doc). Of course this humored me, but it made me think.

Perhaps things have worked out the way they have for a reason.

Every failure is an opportunity to grow. Every mistake I have made is just a lesson from which I can take wisdom and grow. If everything worked out the way I wanted it to at the time, I might not (probably not, really) be as happy as I am now. Had I received a promotion when I was trying for it, my low seniority in that position would have placed me in some crappy circumstances. Perhaps if I had gone the path I first intended all those years ago, I wouldn't be half as well off as I am today.

To wrap this up into something everyone can take, let me summarize it as this:

We have plans, life has its plans- when they don’t match up, life is going to win, every time. You can choose to fret about it, lie there and take it and hate it- or you can get back up, brush off the dust, and go after it again. There is nothing wrong in having things not  go the way you first expect them. There is nothing wrong in failing once, twice, or several times, if there will come a time where you perform flawlessly. Figure out what it is you truly want and then pursue it relentlessly, but then more importantly- realize when what you truly want might have changed.

Sometimes things happen for a reason. Maybe we needed a life lesson. Maybe we needed a chance to get our priorities straight. Maybe that moment isn’t your moment to be in the light. When that moment comes though, when you have fought and toiled and done everything you can to get where you are going, that damned light still won’t be on you.

That light will come from you.

Take it easy- I’ll see you April 5th!

- Acies

"Our greatest glory consists not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." 

 ~Confucius

Oh Snap!

Imagine my horror, my deeply rooted sense of shame, when it came to pass that I did a first of the month blog update, and forgot to announce the drawing winner!

I suppose I could blame it on my dismal sleep habits and complete lack of carbohydrates in my body (got glycogen?), which would probably account for why I am so forgetful, and cranky (truth be told) as of late. With a thousand apologies and a thousand more, I am sorry for skipping over that first of the month blog drawing, and will be making up for it by doing it this week! Also, last month's winner never told me what he wanted... *ahem*

Other than those things, I must quickly point out that I am starting this blog about an hour and a half late- you can thank some work dynamics for that one. If this comes out feeling rushed or a bit hurried or even heaven forbid--sloppy, just bear with me. I am exhausted, running on no sleep, and now in a hurry to boot. This does not equate to a bi-winning combination here. =(

What's Happening Valucre?

Spring Equinox - If you are looking for a way to kick off your spring season this year, Port Town has thrown together quite the event for our Valucrean members to attend! One and all are invited to threads involving multiple shows and events, including a sword dueling match. There are some rather unorthodox events as well, so you really should stop by this thread and go check it out!

Kuratel Academy of Martial Arts and Survival- Much in how the Gaian academy is a good place to start out a young character, this is a great place to put your young developing character of Genesaris. Do you want to justify having a well honed character who is tougher than nails and able to hold their own under almost any circumstances? Bring them to Kuratel, where some of the toughest people in Valucre reside. They'll make men out of your boys- and girls, for that matter.

Rulers and Activity Wanted- Terrenus- Supernal is looking to build upon activity and leadership roles taken within the continent of Terrenus, and has adopted a similar system to that which Genesaris is using. If you have interest in having some pull and sway in the dealings of one city or region of Terrenus, you really ought to come here and claim your stake.

Dystopian RP- A new member of ours has an interesting idea for a dsytopian sort of role-play, where things in our world have devolved back into medieval living and to top that off- a major revolution as well. Perhaps you can bring back paradise?

Power Rangers RP- Yes, someone is doing one- seriously. I know, it is the power rangers, and I was seriously tempted to look away, but because Stone is awesome and I have to be fair, I am pointing out that you have a power rangers RP coming your way. If you were ever big into power rangers, this is your chance.

Question of the Week!!!

So much for consistency. This week, not a single one of you answered the blog. I don't recall if this has ever happened before. Either way, I will repeat it for the posterity's sake.

"The next time we want to hold a writing contest, what theme would YOU like to see, and do you think this should continue to be free form, or we should hold a contest that is specific?"

With a lack of answers, I have nothing else to provide you in that regard. However, I did forget to determine a winner for last month's drawing (shameful of me). So, let us figure that out right now!

The winner is...

...

...

Lunadrakla!

Congratulations! I will contact you shortly and find out what you would like- 500vb, or a $5 E-card to any place I can use that option :P

Alright, new question: 

What was the most challenging thing you ever had to write (about)? 

Let us know!

Brand New Storytellers!

Well, this was originally supposed to be one, but we ended up needing two, as Soulbrand has now resigned, citing an excessively busy work schedule as conflicting with performing ST duties. We appreciate what Soulbrand brought to Valucre Storytellers and wish him the best. Because of his departure, I had to hire two new people instead of just one.

Give a friendly congratulations to The Hummingbird and Nameuser, your new storytellers :)

New Members and Returns!

Welcome, Fallen Angel

Welcome, Therelicofowls

Welcome, Luna

Welcome, Equinefreedom

Welcome, Morinehtar

Welcome, Epileptix Equinox

Welcome, HatsuneMiku

Welcome, Piccolo87

Welcome, Coci Sinopi

Welcome, Though Art Finished

Welcome, Missmist

Welcome, Thegoldenflower

Welcome, Sokunh

Welcome, LuluRoax

Welcome, Tyrannus

Welcome, Dyrus

Welcome, Turret 

Welcome, Kensaki

Returns:


Welcome back, Phoxphyre

Welcome back, Soap MacTavish

Wow! We had more in one week than we did in the previous two weeks- and the previous two weeks were decent. This week, we had 18 new members and 2 older member returns. Not quite a record, as I think the record was 21 new folks. 18, however, is certainly a fine number to go with, and I will happily take it. :)

Other Highlights?

New Blog Entries- Well, if you feel like you just cannot get enough of blogging, I implore you to redirect your attention back over to Val. Valucre boasts blogs for the members as well, and you can see who has recently posted a blog entry simply by clicking 'New Blog Entries' found on the right side, after you have already clicked, 'See New Posts'.

Did You Know- That Valucre uses a reputation system as a fun little system of showing appreciation, or shared humor, with other members of the site. You can read more of it here or check out the other 'Did You Knows' to learn more stuff. 

Closing Thoughts?

Forgive me for how brief this one will be, but I simply do not have it in me to write anything of great length today, nor do I have the time for that matter. :(

Today, I thought I would point out the benefit observation brings to your writing. If you think about it, writing about something you have never seen or experienced is much more difficult than it is to write about things you have encountered. It makes sense- if you have observed something, you can write out those observations for your reader, whereas if you have not observed something, you have to do your best to make a guess as to how to capture that element. Research can help in this sometimes, but there are just things that you most benefit from seeing.

What does that amount to?

Two things

First, get out and experience the world. The only way to build up life experience is to actually go out and experience life. Somewhere between those days of shutting yourself in so you can just write and write, you have to go outside and see the world. Take a trip, go to a museum or visit a zoo- do something fun and different. You don’t have to be a world traveler to reap benefits- you just have to get out there and do something.

The second is going out and watching people. Capturing personality traits of people is something that you can do without observing anyone beyond daily interactions of life, but I think that a lot can be said for going out and people watching. Look at how the communicate, how his or her body positions change as the talk to someone. Listen to the words they use, the way they use them, their voice and tone. You can learn a great deal by watching people, and see an entire spectrum of different people to insert into your stories.

The more lifelike they are the more believable and real they are to your reader.

That is all I really have for today. Absolutely pathetic, I know, and again, I am sorry. This is a tough week for me, and this evening has not gone well either

Promise to work at putting something much better next week- :)

- Acies

"Characterization is an accident that flows out of action and dialogue." 

 ~Jack Woodford

The Storyline Board

If you haven't heard of the Storyline board on our forum roleplay site Valucre, then you're missing out. I won't blame you for not hearing about it. It used to be on the front page of the forum but in the interest of keeping things as trim as possible, the sub-board was moved into the Profile Database.

Enough about context, let's get into the meet of the matter.

The purpose of the Storyline board is to host threads that allow a user, or users, to keep track of the great mass of writing that they contribute to the site. Of course, this isn't the only way to keep track of your character's history. Some members do so on their character profiles, editing links and a brief description into the last section of their post or as an entirely different post on the same thread.

So what's the benefit of using the Storyline board? For one, given that it is dedicated for that specific use, it is more accommodating of larger and more detailed posts. A thread represents your character's history and impact on the site, and each consequent post can detail the events of a specific thread. On top of that, the Storyline board better lends itself to collaborative efforts. One can keep track of plot histories that encompass a group, or a collection of groups, a nation or a collection of nations rather than just the individual character.

On a more informal note, it also advertises the exploits and achievements of your character, especially if those achievements are numerous. What's better and more ego-gratifying than showing the community how badass your character is, and have the sweat and elbow grease to back up your claim to boot?

But on a more serious note perhaps the greatest benefit of the Storyline board is longevity. Valucre is a constantly shifting tapestry, a network of collaboration that is altered by every contribution made to it. With so many members writing so many stories at all hours of the night and day, do you want your story to get buried or do you want it to stand out?

Now Sugar Free!

Because if the Blog was just too sweet for you before, rest your worries, the writer has given up the junk food.

A bit of personal disclosure, don't mind anything that might be a little fuzzy inside the blog, I have not had any real amount of carbohydrates in about 4 days (putting myself into Ketosis), and it is making my brain funny. I feel foggy, and man do I have little patience right now. Fortunately, nothing is making me feel like raging while I write this here blog, so all of my thoughts are mellow and smooth, and not focused on murder! At least not yet, but hey, things could change in a flash. ;)

Either way, welcome back after our two week hiatus, where we skip the week where the newsletter is supposed to come out (*Ahem*) and let previous thoughts simmer for a little while. I hope you're back for more, because I got more to dish up.

Go figure, I made at least a few food references above. Can you tell I am craving carbs or what? :P 

What's Happening Valucre?

Pirate Role-Play- Avast ye role-players, are you looking for some pirate action? Well now, this here be the place to be getting yer fix! Head on over to this thread and take it up with the lass who seeks someone willing to put a little elbow grease into their posts- that is, er, write a few paragraphs and make sure they're cohesive and such. If you got yer sea legs and think you got what it takes, come swig of the rum and head out to sea, you scurvy dogs.

Gang Warfare- Much is happening down in last chance, and all at once, it is coming to a head. Five major gangs shall clash in an all out war, determined to rip the resources of the other from beneath their feet, and take control of Last Chance's criminal enterprises once and for all! The thread author seeks at least 5 to facilitate the guild leaders, but others can join in differing roles as well. Care to join the war?

Body Snatchers in Dougton- As dark and dangerous as it sounds, the residents of Dougton are succumbing to a plague of Body Snatchers taking over the entire city. If no one intervenes soon, the entire city shall be under their nefarious control. These efforts will be resisted of course, and to top that off, you have to deal with the public's inability to suspend their disbelief. This quest is described as hardmode, so be prepared for things to go wrong- very wrong in fact. Up for the challenge?

Death and Other Things- In need of some very specific services... such things that are best not discussed out in the open? Think you have someone you need to take a fall, and quickly at that? Well, there is a man who is willing to do anything, from a simple NPC to an actual Player Character to burning down a school- nothing is too much. Your contact is found in the destroyed Temple of Biazo, and goes by S.

Rebuilding Izabal- Part of the ongoing storyline detailing Orisia's recovery from the attacks of the North, Izabal was a particularly affected port town who needs some IC TLC to get back on its feet. While the rebuilding occurs, there are planned complications involving battles and more, so don't assume this is only on for the story of rebuilding a city. There is much more to it, if you look.

Demon Hunter- Escape the Caverns- Once again pimping out an awesome resource for finding your fix of Terrrenus based RP. If you are having a hard time locating something, it always pays to check this out. Take a look over this way.

War of Guilds- In a world built up by guilds, where once there were many but now only a few remain, a war continues to rage between the groups. How will you fit in with all of this? Well, that is for you to decide. Do you befriend one group and become the bitter enemies of others? Are you seeking peace and the end to all this frivolous war? Perhaps you have some personal agenda that you seek to fulfill. Whatever it is, this an RP with some great potential, and is advertised as for older players, as it will contain violence, adult situations and (hopefully) tasteful/mild sexual situations.

Question of the Week!!!

Hey, if you cannot improve, at least remain consistent, right? This week, I have two answers once again, but I will take 2 over 1 or none, that is for sure! I'd like to see more getting involved, but I am not sure what it will take to do so! Anyway, on to last week's question:

"Which do you prefer to read/write: A character driven story, or a plot driven story?"

Response One: Neither.

Kidding. Except not really. Let me try to explain in my simple uneducated way. The plot is only as good as the characters and the characters are only as interesting as the plot. I can develop a character, make him an extremely interesting character, by having him do nothing but sit around and think. After awhile the reader is going to get bored with it. On the other hand I could have a super bad ass plot filled with triumph, pain, and conquest and have a completely two dimensional character that does not evolve or change. A character that is completely see through and just does for no real reason. This is a character I will never connect to and because I cannot connect I will not be interested in the story.

Like many things in life I seek a balance. High top speed, good cornering, decent acceleration, acceptable mpg. Because lets face it a Prius isn't any fun to drive and a Lamborghini burns through gas too fast. Kinda off topic now but you get the idea.

tl;dr: Needs both otherwise the story sucks, imo.

Response Two: I've always been more of a plot-driven writer. My basic plot and basic characters usually materialize in tandem, but I almost always develop the rest of the story before I go into further detail about my characters. When a story is too plot-driven, I've found the writer sometimes forces their characters to act in ways they normally wouldn't in order to get to the next plot point. I find this annoying when I read it, so I try not to fall into the same trap.

Things are a bit different in roleplay. Even though I do still tend to plot my stories a bit, the character usually already exists, so the plot is based on the character's personality and goals as opposed to just something cool I'd like to see happen.

Hey, it is only two answers, but two good answers are better than one or none, and I'd venture to say that two good answers are better than a handful of 3 word sentences, ha. Anyway, let's get on to this week's question:

The next time we want to hold a writing contest, what theme would YOU like to see, and do you think this should continue to be free form, or we should hold a contest that is specific? 

Let us know!

Writing Contest Results!

As promised, I said I would reveal the winners first via blog, and then at a later time (probably 12hrs or so from the time of the blog posting) on the forum itself. If you want to know who won... well, you're already reading this aren't you?

The contest had a clear 1st place winner, with second and third place pretty close together. Without further fluffing and ado, your third place winner is...

Subtlerfuge, with "I Went In That Way".

Congratulations on winning 200vb!

Alright, that leaves us with two others, one who got second, and one who got first. Can you feel the tension yet? Are you nervous, waiting with bated breath? Bah, I'm terrible with this climaxing stuff (oh, there's an opportunity for a 'That's what she said' joke, ha!), so let's announce them. 

Second place winner is...

Critias, with "The Skeletal Watch".

Congratulations on winning 350vb.

Now, we all should know which submission got first place, but whose is it? Ah, now that is the question, isn't it? Well, now I do have your attention. :P

Without milking this any further, your undisputed winner of first place is....

Nameuser, with "The Serpent's Side"

You have just won 500vb, and a book, should you be willing to make the necessary arrangements (i.e a shipping address). 

Congratulations to one and all- your VB should be coming within the next 24hrs, and I will touch base with Nameuser via board PM at about the same time. :)

Now, if you never read these submissions, and you want to check them out, you can take a peak over this way.  

New Members and Returns!

Welcome, Chachi

Welcome, RebelliousPeace

Welcome, Soaringarrow

Welcome, RyuuKen

Welcome, Althaea

Welcome, Canderstyle

Welcome, Regnante

Welcome, Shyama

Welcome, Theunknownwriter

Welcome, Antika

Welcome, ZadocFish

Welcome, Deviant

Welcome, DeadFeesh24

Welcome, Saskia

Welcome, Phaeos

Welcome, Heracles

Welcome, Susanna Wraith

Returns:

Welcome back, CreatorKai

Welcome back, Punklin

Welcome back, Havoc

In total, 17 over the last two weeks, a decent, solid number if you ask me. Having three people return to us is always a great thing to, so in total, we have netted 20 members these last two weeks- sounds great to me! Welcome to all those who are knew, welcome back to those who are not so new. We hope Valucre has all that you are looking for!

Other Highlights?

Profile Database and Character Creation- This one comes up sometimes, so for all you knew folks out there who are unsure of what to do with your characters, I thought I would point this out. We have a character database which you are free to use to house any character, whether they be in the canon world or alternative only. Characters DO NOT need to be approved by someone before you can use them, assuming the role-play you are joining is open. Semi-open implies that there might be a restriction, closed/private means that there will be much firmer rules. Otherwise, make any character you want, and just realize that going out with a character beyond MP, and then blowing up cities- is not going to be recognized as canon.

The profile database also has a couple other nifty resources. One is sheet templates people are willing to let you use, and the other is a repository for character images. Perhaps you can find the right one for your character. ;)

Did You Know- About the front page message called Writer's Refuge? It gives an overall statement that hightlights some of the goals of Valucre, and what we hope to instill and foster. Give it a read, if you haven't yet. As always, find more of these did you knows by coming over here. 

Closing Thoughts?

I guess you could consider this another one of my ‘follow-up’ pieces, where I take a thought I have already done and write something akin to a sequel piece. A while ago, someone asked me to write a thought pertaining to time management; how do you organize your time so that you can accomplish more in a day. I went through and outlined things I have done to help me stay on track, working the hours I do while still getting errands and other important tasks completed. I even manage to squeeze in a weekly tournament (mtg) and a night of D&D as well. Despite this, I am guilty of the excuse, “I don’t have the time.”

It is a classic excuse, one I have heard come from my own mouth and from others as well. It is such an easy fallback that we use it to excuse our lack of effort in getting around to doing something. If I look at my busy schedule, and see all that I need to do as it is, I find I can easily write off doing anything that I am not as motivated to do, using the excuse- “I don’t have time”- and believe me, I am speaking from experience.

I do tend to be a very busy person—I work a lot. I also make time for other things, and that squeezes my schedule further. This means that I tend to push things off to the side. I should make better food to take to work- but I lack the time. I should be going to the gym more often- but I lack the time. I should spend more time trying to write, since I aspire to be a published writer someday- but I lack the time. The same excuse comes up for each one, and I feel justified in using it because I really do have limited resources when it comes to having time.

That is, until I really started thinking about it. We say we never have the time, but we find pockets of time to do things both silly and mundane. When we really want to do something, we will go through many efforts to find a way. If we want something in the immediate situation that badly, we will find a way to get it accomplished. Given that this is true, should we not be applying that to all aspects of our lives? The realization that there is usually some bit of spare time we can allow ourselves, in order to pursue something important to us, should mean we can apply that elsewhere.

In fact, apply it to all aspects of your life- and I am working on that myself, so as not to be the hypocrite here. ;)

I always say I don’t have time to prep good meals, yet I managed to get an hour in on Saturday to prepare a large part of what I need for the work-week so that I would not have to try and get it done before going to work. I say I don’t have time to go to the gym, yet I have found a way to make time every day this week so far. I say I don’t have time to write, yet I have managed to plug away at my Writers of the Future short story entry a bit at a time- slow going is still going, after all.

The truth of it is, it is easier for us to brush off something with the excuse, “I don’t have the time” then it is for us to find the time and then make it work- and in most cases, we really could have found the time. I think we get caught up in the idea that there is always tomorrow, forgetting that tomorrow is no certainty, and that time has a way of creeping up on you. Every year, I find the new year slips through faster than the last, making time fly right by you. Before you know it, you will have thrown away years of opportunity.

Do yourself a favor: Make the time.

Sorry for this one being so short, but I am running on 2hrs of sleep and a lack of glycogen, whoo!

See you next week folks :)

- Acies

"It only takes one person to change your life – you." 
 ~Ruth Casey

Literary Fiction vs Genre Fiction & Is Fiction an Escape?

I just finished reading yet another blog concerning the long winded argument between literary fiction and genre fiction, an argument that falsely aligns itself with good fiction vs bad fiction.

In that blog the writer said that all fiction serves as some form of escape. This is the real point where I began to disagree with the writer. I used to think of fiction in this way and I see where the viewpoint comes from but I don’t think that it’s all about escape. In fact, I think that if escape is all you’re reading for, then you’re either reading sub-optimally or are unaware what you’re really doing.*

I think fiction is an exercise. We might read a high fantasy book because it takes us to a different time or place, but notice how we always relate to the characters that appear the most human, that elicit the strongest thoughts and feelings from us. This is not coincidence.

We run to another place and time to be human somewhere different than we are, to reflect on the same principles and concepts that have, will, or can affect us. We escape into a different character, but notice that these characters, even if not human or us, always exhibit some aspect of humanness or human condition. We superimpose fictional realities onto our own in an effort to reflect life back onto ourselves. Escape? Sure, but you’re escaping into something no less real than where you are, figuratively or otherwise.

This ties back into the whole literary vs genre fiction debate. It isn’t the same as good fiction vs bad fiction. Good fiction will elicit that process of discovery and empathy, a knowing and feeling of something that you did not previously have (or that you did previously have and challenge that/force you to struggle with the issue). It is that exercise that massages the muscles of understand not only at the level of logic, but of emotion as well. Catharsis is the goal, purging that emotion, drawing from ourselves answers and questions that make us sit back and take a moment.

If you don’t think this is the case, think back to the last really good book you finished. I know many people will think about that book long into the next book they read. Sometimes they won’t be able to pick up another book until they’ve digested the one they’ve finished. Sometimes they will talk about it, share in that exercise.

Fiction can be an escape, but it’s more an exercise of being human, that is to say an amalgamation of our greatest faculties: imagination, emotion, and logic.

*For those who want to say that they know how they read, understand that if introspection served as an appropriate marker of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviour, that we would have mastered the field of psychology long ago. This isn’t meant to discredit your claim entirely but to remind us that we handle and respond in many ways that go unnoticed – subconsciously, so to speak.

Written by Malum