Dave Hanson's picture
Dave Hanson from Connecticut is reading Incredibly pulpy fantasy and sci-fi November 8, 2011 - 8:10pm

Wallace Stevens broke his hand punching Hemingway in the jaw. Hemingway slugged him back.

Basic rules so far:

  • How to challenge: Call them out in this forum. The words "I challenge thee" must be included in the challenge in order for it to be considered valid.
  • The Prompt: first person to respond to the challengers' announcement issues the prompt.
  • Establish deadline... first draft 7 days from initial challenge. Final draft 14 days from initial challenge. (If everyone is open to getting a little frisky, we can cut that down to say, 4 and 8 days).
  • In honor of cowboywerewolf's pun, put Beyond Thunderdome before the title of the challenge so they're easy to find in the Browse Submission section. ex. Beyond Thunderdome: Me vs. You
  • Submission must be less than 2,500 words (so people will actually review it).
  • Let people know about the challenge in the Author Agenda section, so they'll review both challengers' responses (and promise the full 3 points).
  • Highest overall star rating wins.
  • Don't get your feelings hurt.

These rules are meant as a guideline so feel free to negotiate with your opponent. Some battlers are buying the winner a book of choice.

And if you're interested, the full account of the Wallace Stevens - Hemingway brawl can be read here: http://www.kwls.org/littoral/ernest_hemingway_knocked_walla/

 

Instag8r's picture
Instag8r from Residing in Parker, CO but originally from WV is reading Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy November 8, 2011 - 8:16pm

A literary cage fight of sorts.

Dave Hanson's picture
Dave Hanson from Connecticut is reading Incredibly pulpy fantasy and sci-fi November 8, 2011 - 8:18pm

Just like thunderdome. 

Renfield's picture
Renfield from Hell is reading 20th Century Ghosts November 8, 2011 - 8:51pm

cowboywerewolf's picture
cowboywerewolf from DC is reading Homage to Catalonia November 8, 2011 - 8:53pm

Look guys, can't we just get beyond Thunderdome?

Seriously, you have NO IDEA how long I've waited for an opportunity to make that joke. Several years at least.

To answer your question seriously, though, judging would be easy enough, you just use the rating system that's already in place, advertise on the forums and promise the full six points for every one who reads/comments on both.

It may undermine the intent of the community somewhat, but as long as everyone kept it in the spirit of good fun, I don't know that it would be that much of a problem. You'd need to set specfic time limits... first draft must be uploaded by X time on Y date, etc, but it's doable.

Liana's picture
Liana from Romania and Texas is reading Naked Lunch November 8, 2011 - 9:04pm

Why do I like the idea? And how does this work?

.'s picture
. November 8, 2011 - 9:20pm

Well theres the workshop and the prompt challenge thread but I'm down with whatever the concept is here.

Dave Hanson's picture
Dave Hanson from Connecticut is reading Incredibly pulpy fantasy and sci-fi November 8, 2011 - 9:55pm

Ok, so it looks like we got a start to this. 

Basic rules so far:

  • How to challenge: Call them out in this forum. The words "I challenge thee" must be included in the challenge in order for it to be considered valid.
  • The Prompt: first person to respond to the challengers' announcement issues the prompt. 
  • Establish deadline... first draft 7 days from initial challenge. Final draft 14 days from initial challenge. (If everyone is open to getting a little frisky, we can cut that down to say, 4 and 8 days).
  • In honor of cowboywerewolf's pun, put Beyond Thunderdome before the title of the challenge so they're easy to find in the Browse Submission section. ex. Beyond Thunderdome: Me vs. You 
  • Submission must be less than 2,500 words (so people will actually review it).
  • Let people know about the challenge in the Author Agenda section, so they'll review both challengers' responses (and promise the full 3 points).
  • Highest overall star rating wins.
  • Don't get your feelings hurt.

Everyone cool with that? Any other suggestions?

Renfield's picture
Renfield from Hell is reading 20th Century Ghosts November 8, 2011 - 10:14pm

This a good alternative to the other prompt thread because that one seems to crash and burn when everybody gets too involved with other projects. I approve of the above method.

Liana's picture
Liana from Romania and Texas is reading Naked Lunch November 8, 2011 - 10:15pm

I'll see how it works and then I'll play... But you mean a person will challenge a specific other person? Will there be a slap in the face to go along with it?

.'s picture
. November 8, 2011 - 10:22pm

Can't wait for this to catch on!

Instag8r's picture
Instag8r from Residing in Parker, CO but originally from WV is reading Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy November 8, 2011 - 10:27pm

Let's get ready to rumblllllllllllllllllllllle!

Mike Mckay's picture
Mike Mckay is reading God's Ashtray November 9, 2011 - 12:00am

Sounds fun First I want to see this in action.

aliensoul77's picture
aliensoul77 from a cold distant star is reading the writing on the wall. November 9, 2011 - 2:13am

So its whoever writes the most transgressive piece or which one people like more? Ok, I challenge jack's_username and the writing prompt is...bizarre encounter in a nightclub setting.

aliensoul77's picture
aliensoul77 from a cold distant star is reading the writing on the wall. November 9, 2011 - 2:15am

Oh wait, I challenge thee jacks_username. So I don't get to pick the prompt?

Renfield's picture
Renfield from Hell is reading 20th Century Ghosts November 9, 2011 - 2:15am

Will there be a slap in the face to go along with it?

 

I will try to work out the logistics for this. Coming soon.

Dave Hanson's picture
Dave Hanson from Connecticut is reading Incredibly pulpy fantasy and sci-fi November 9, 2011 - 6:59am

Jack's_Username, do you accept?

 

Writing prompt is: Character A slaps Character B. There has to be a description of a bouqet of flowers. 2,500 words or less.

First draft due on the Submission board by 11/16.

 

  • In honor of cowboywerewolf's pun, put Beyond Thunderdome before the title of the challenge so they're easy to find in the Browse Submission section. ex. Beyond Thunderdome: Me vs. You
  • Submission must be less than 2,500 words (so people will actually review it).
  • Let people know about the challenge in the Author Agenda section, so they'll review both challengers' responses (and promise the full 3 points).
  • Highest overall star rating wins.
  • Don't get your feelings hurt.
.'s picture
. November 9, 2011 - 9:33am

I accept. I like the new spin on the workshop. The rules were a bit confusing at first but now I get it.

I challenge thee aliensoul77.

misskokamon's picture
misskokamon from San Francisco is reading The Moonlit Mind November 9, 2011 - 11:31am

This sounds awesome! I approve.
 

Dave Hanson's picture
Dave Hanson from Connecticut is reading Incredibly pulpy fantasy and sci-fi November 9, 2011 - 1:40pm

ALRIGHT. FIRST BATTLE BEGINS. jacks_username vs Aliensoul77. We'll see your posts on 11/16

Dave Hanson's picture
Dave Hanson from Connecticut is reading Incredibly pulpy fantasy and sci-fi November 9, 2011 - 1:46pm

I'm up for a rumble if someone has the gall to challenge me.

aliensoul77's picture
aliensoul77 from a cold distant star is reading the writing on the wall. November 9, 2011 - 3:14pm

The writing prompt is a slap and flowers???

misskokamon's picture
misskokamon from San Francisco is reading The Moonlit Mind November 9, 2011 - 3:25pm

@Aliensoul Make it interesting, man! Take this prompt and blow us away with it.
Or, alternatively, Jacks_Username can take this prompt and blow us away with it. I'm not picking sides!

aliensoul77's picture
aliensoul77 from a cold distant star is reading the writing on the wall. November 9, 2011 - 3:27pm

Okay ill try but a slap and flowers reminds me of bad romantic comedies.

Dave Hanson's picture
Dave Hanson from Connecticut is reading Incredibly pulpy fantasy and sci-fi November 9, 2011 - 3:49pm

@AlienSoul77... slaps and flowers. I feel like the guy that started the thread "My Penis is a Deadly Weapon" could do some pretty deranged stuff with that.

.'s picture
. November 9, 2011 - 4:19pm

I'm making the best of it. Actually it makes it more challenging. So will there be more contenders or is everyone waiting to see how this pans out first?

Dave Hanson's picture
Dave Hanson from Connecticut is reading Incredibly pulpy fantasy and sci-fi November 9, 2011 - 4:33pm

I really don't think it matters how many people we have going at once... since we all still need to review stuff anyway.

Hey Renfield, I challenge thee!

<img>http://media.giantbomb.com/uploads/0/4544/285957-honkytonkman_large.jpg</img>

misskokamon's picture
misskokamon from San Francisco is reading The Moonlit Mind November 9, 2011 - 4:52pm

Oh, snap! Another challenge!

Dave Hanson's picture
Dave Hanson from Connecticut is reading Incredibly pulpy fantasy and sci-fi November 9, 2011 - 5:16pm

misskokamon, you make a hell of a fight promoter. 

aliensoul77's picture
aliensoul77 from a cold distant star is reading the writing on the wall. November 9, 2011 - 5:18pm

I already started writing something.

misskokamon's picture
misskokamon from San Francisco is reading The Moonlit Mind November 9, 2011 - 5:26pm

Wait, does this mean I get to issue the prompt? Um, um... if that's the case, um....
@David and Renfield The prompt is:
Character A has died before his time. Literally--the Afterlife isn't ready for him. Detail how this person's case is handled by the folks running the Afterlife.
This death must be a ridiculous one.
  2,500 words or less.

Afterlife can be whatever you want. Heaven and Hell, the Underworld, Hades' Inn, whatever. Be creative.
Go!

Renfield's picture
Renfield from Hell is reading 20th Century Ghosts November 9, 2011 - 5:32pm

Damnit, I accept. Can I counter your prompt with something else to include though?

misskokamon's picture
misskokamon from San Francisco is reading The Moonlit Mind November 9, 2011 - 5:32pm

^Explain!

Renfield's picture
Renfield from Hell is reading 20th Century Ghosts November 9, 2011 - 5:37pm

I thought of that before your challenge posted though. I forget who is issuing prompts here. But I thought an "I see your prompt, and raise you this'un" (as in, both would be used to inspire the story) would be a good twist. I didn't actually think up a good counter-prompt yet though.

misskokamon's picture
misskokamon from San Francisco is reading The Moonlit Mind November 9, 2011 - 5:39pm

Someone explain the rules again. This time write it like one would write a children's book, so that my brain can better comprehend the proper dueling procedure. Maybe include characters. Or fuzzy forest creatures. No rhyming, please.

.'s picture
. November 9, 2011 - 5:49pm

A third member picks the prompt I think.

Dave Hanson's picture
Dave Hanson from Connecticut is reading Incredibly pulpy fantasy and sci-fi November 9, 2011 - 6:20pm

Yes, first person outside of the challenge to reply with the prompt is the "Official Prompt of the Challenge."

(notice the quotes and capital letters for authenticity).

Renfield, if you want to message me any additions (BUT NO CHANGES), I'm down. 

Otherwise, I'll be talking shit behind your back until 11/16.

 

Dave Hanson's picture
Dave Hanson from Connecticut is reading Incredibly pulpy fantasy and sci-fi November 9, 2011 - 6:24pm

Also, @misskokamon and anyone else that's catching up. Rules reposted:

Basic rules so far:

 

  • How to challenge: Call them out in this forum. The words "I challenge thee" must be included in the challenge in order for it to be considered valid.
  • The Prompt: first person to respond to the challengers' announcement issues the prompt.
  • Establish deadline... first draft 7 days from initial challenge. Final draft 14 days from initial challenge. (If everyone is open to getting a little frisky, we can cut that down to say, 4 and 8 days).
  • In honor of cowboywerewolf's pun, put "Beyond Thunderdome" before the title of the challenge so they're easy to find in the Browse Submission section. ex. Beyond Thunderdome: Me vs. You
  • Submission must be less than 2,500 words (so people will actually review it).
  • Let people know about the challenge in the Author Agenda section, so they'll review both challengers' responses (and promise the full 3 points).
  • Highest overall star rating wins.
  • Don't get your feelings hurt.
Dave Hanson's picture
Dave Hanson from Connecticut is reading Incredibly pulpy fantasy and sci-fi November 9, 2011 - 7:06pm

Somebody challenge @misskokamon! Unless you're scared.

misskokamon's picture
misskokamon from San Francisco is reading The Moonlit Mind November 9, 2011 - 7:13pm

 

avery of the dead's picture
avery of the dead from Kentucky is reading Cipher Sisters November 9, 2011 - 7:54pm

You guys are hilarious!  I am completely mesmerized by that S. L. Jackson clip........

Brandon's picture
Brandon from KCMO is reading Made to Break November 10, 2011 - 5:39am

The loser should have to buy the winner a book of their choice.

Dave Hanson's picture
Dave Hanson from Connecticut is reading Incredibly pulpy fantasy and sci-fi November 10, 2011 - 6:55am

@misskokamon. Your awesome .gif has scared away everyone else, but not me. I challenge thee!

@Brandon... This is the first round of challenges, so we're still figuring out how it works. I'm sure kidneys will be up for grabs at some point. 

avery of the dead's picture
avery of the dead from Kentucky is reading Cipher Sisters November 10, 2011 - 7:37am

@ David & @misskokamon OMG!  Can I pick the prompt?? 

2,500 words or less.  The main character's mother dies on their birthday.  And you must have a cake.  GO! 

 

 

 

starnessports's picture
starnessports from San Antonio November 10, 2011 - 8:11am

this is the best thread since the slicedbread.com thread died about 4 years ago.... you may be gone, but we will NEVER forget thee.

Instag8r's picture
Instag8r from Residing in Parker, CO but originally from WV is reading Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy November 10, 2011 - 8:35am

This is a brilliant idea. Should be a lot of fun to watch. Does anyone know if there are any Vegas bookies taking action on this?

Renfield's picture
Renfield from Hell is reading 20th Century Ghosts November 10, 2011 - 10:03am

If you awake to find your fingers mysteriously severed and you cannot type, do I win by default?

avery of the dead's picture
avery of the dead from Kentucky is reading Cipher Sisters November 10, 2011 - 10:12am

^^  I say yes.  That seems fair.  Unless of course they have some sort of voice recognition software, in which case there is still a chance.

Renfield's picture
Renfield from Hell is reading 20th Century Ghosts November 10, 2011 - 10:20am

So I will have to break their computer as well? I mean, it will mysteriously become bashed in. Duly noted.

misskokamon's picture
misskokamon from San Francisco is reading The Moonlit Mind November 10, 2011 - 10:32am

@David but didn't you already challenge someone else? Someone is getting a bit challenge happy!

But if it is allowed, then I ACCEPT. 

Dave Hanson's picture
Dave Hanson from Connecticut is reading Incredibly pulpy fantasy and sci-fi November 10, 2011 - 10:57am

It's going to be a busy weekend @misskokamon. See you on 11/17.

@renfield, severing fingers is permissable, but thumbs are out of the question. It's in the rules.