It was mentioned in an earlier post about how new members don't last long.
The theory as to why ranged from people thinking they were being mocked or just not understanding what was going on. There may be more.
I agree with Dave when he says, "Check your feelings at the door." But I would like to welcome any new memebers who may have questions.
I'm somewhat, but not very, new myself, but I at least have some knowledge that I can pass on.
If any new people read this and have questions you can PM me or add me.
As for everyone else I expect insanity to follow after I post this.
Another thing, if you want to hit the ground running and want to submit some work, check out the Weekly Prompt discussion.
Lastly if you want, add an intro discussion. You'll get a nice achievement and Dave will come greet you.
Dave is the (Un)Official LitReactor greeter.
INSANITY!!!
Are we really that bad that you have to go searching for more friends?
Haha no. I'm just trying to be nice.
Ah. No wonder I didn't recognize it.
But seriously, I feel like you were abducted by aliens at some point, because you seem much meeker than when we first met.
And visit my profile to see what a veteran looks like.
If you're new to the neighbourhood and need to borrow a cup of sugar, feel free to stop by my profile. But keep in mind I only lend sugar when it is being used to bake me a cake.
Or brownies ;)
Panda, I think this was a good idea.
Haha thanks. How was I when we first met?
I think I came off as a prick, before.
You just seemed more ... confrontational.
I switch on and off depending on the situation.
That's kind of the philosophy behind why I welcome every body I can...it can be intimidating trying to incorporate yourself into an established community. Most of us were new at some point, and though my welcoming people has become something of a joke, that in itself lets people know that there's a handful of us that like to kid around and mess with each other, and that's okay. But we also have our serious sides, well, most of us anyway.
I obviously don't take myself too seriously, life is more fun that way. And that's my whole point, LitR can be whatever we need it to be, I like to blow off steam and mess around with you guys on the boards, but when i have a legitimate concern, it gets addressed. The workshop is just that, where we work on our craft. We can have fun there, but the overall focus is on our writing.
So is Linton gone, then?
Is that a Delorean?
Well put Dave. Yeah I think he is :(.
Yes it is Avery haha.
Why do you guys think Linton's gone? It's only been four days since he intro'd. He might have been ignoring the Internets for a few days.
Doesn't the Cocaine Clown drive a DeLorean?
Has anyone PMed Linton?
Hi! I'm new. Thanks for the welcome. I hope to stick around.
I came to this site, and joined after having had read a few articles on the main page, as a way to help motivate myself to continue writing. I figure, by chatting with other writers, sharing experiences and whatnot, I could work through a few issues with my writing and keeping thinking about it all the time.
I'm not thin-skinned so don't worry about offending me. I work as a copywriter for a living (formerly in advertising, now as a content web writer for a bank), and believe me, I've had my creativity questioned to my face enough times, and had my writing shredded so often, I pretty much have no sensitive feelings about my words anymore. (which is actually a good place to be).
@Boone
4 days? It's felt like weeks. I wish Dr.Rockso drove a DeLorean.
@Clutch
Welcome! I hope you do.
The site is great and I've learned so much just by getting my writing reviewed and interacting with other writers. It sounds cliche, but it's true.
But it's hard putting your stuff out there for people to critique. After I get a review I usually go back and decide to come back better.
"Has anyone PMed Linton?"
Well, I think Panda mentioned it and you made a snide remark about how he has a whole thread dedicated to him and he would be fine.
Me, snide? Nonsense, woman!
Compared to The Cult's forums, this place is a goddamn cake walk.
So is Linton gone, then?"
Is it me, or do we seem a tad obesessed with Linton? Ok- so, I will write for him.
Dearest Litreactor,
I realize we just met, and you seemed fun at first, but....I don't know, I am just going through some stuff and I really don't have a lot of time and you asking me 'where are you' all the time isn't helping. Look- I really like you, but I don't think the timing is right. Maybe someday, but I.....I just....I am sorry we just need to be friends.
Love you always,
Linton.
P.s. Welcome Clutch!
"this place is a goddamn cake walk."
It's because we're so sweet.
It's because we're so sweet."
You're giving me cavities.
I heard there was a requirement at the Cult that everyone use anabolic steroids.
Must maintain this thread alive.
I'm new, I've felt very welcomed, but also a bit disoriented. There's obviously a lot of in jokes and I don't seem to know what the hell is going on in some of these discussions. I've seen some forums that are very cliquish, but I haven't been around here long enough to know if this one's like that. I've been involved with one forum for almost four years now, so I know what it's like to feel especially comfortable in a place and have new people come in that don't understand the culture or the quirks/personalities of the members. If there is a culture of exclusivity here, the financial component (if one has chosen to go that route) makes it particularly unfortunate. One can be ostracized for free, why pay a monthly fee for it? (Not that I feel ostracized, mind you, its just an observation)
I'm new, I've felt very welcomed, but also a bit disoriented. There's obviously a lot of in jokes and I don't seem to know what the hell is going on in some of these discussions.
- No worries man. I've been a member of LR since day one and everyday I come in here and wonder the same thing. Leave for five minutes and the thread has changed topics nine times. It's all good, though.
@Ches - I think we are pretty open to new members. We make friends quickly, and we like to talk about writing and literature, so that is something we all have in common.
Don't feel shy about jumping in - no one is going to treat you like an outsider.
Interesting point. I see a lot of names in the workshop that I don't see on the boards. If you're paying the fee, and relegate to the workshop, that's great. Again, I think LitR works for us each in our own way.
It would be unfortunate for someone to stay on the workshop side of things because they feel ostracized. I maintain that there are enough differing threads going that there's something for everyone. Watch the FB feed, I see names there I don't see here or in the workshop...it's a very multifaceted site. I'm here because I want to network and SOCIALIZE with other creative types. I can't tell you how much I've grown by being here, even through our antics. I tend to go to a very dark place at times when I write, it's awesome that I can come here and trade jokes about panda porn and Chuck Norris. Or have my mind blown by a book I probably would otherwise never known about, or seeing all the workshop submissions and how the people I interact with express their thoughts. I love this place, and I hate to think anyone doesn't get out of it what I do.
But, everyone's not me, so to each their own. I don't loose sleep over it.
Dave, you=win
@Ches
I understand that. I felt the same way.
The main thing to rememeber is that you came here for writing, which I think is what the site is mainly about.
The discussions are places I think you just kind of have to hit the ground running. Another thing you can do is start a discussion of your own.
Also No Country for Old Men is my favorite book and movie.
Most of my discussions are aimed at having people share more about themselves. Favorite TV, Videogames, Literary Characters, Mugs of Doom!, Room of Doom!. They're all "safe" threads.
I almost feel new after being out of the loop for a month. What the fuck happened while I was gone?
You were gone?
@Renee - not much. It looks like something, but it boils down to nothing.
Well hell, that's why we all missed you!
Don't get me wrong, I like what I see here, very much, I'm just trying to get a feel for the place. I tend to have a sick, twisted sense of humor, but I try not to over step my bounds, especially if I new. From what I've seen, I don't know if that's possible. :-)
@Panda - It's a fantastic book. I've only recently started reading Cormac McCarthy but his style is right down my alley.
Maybe I am just thrown off by all the new people who seem at home. Makes it feel like I have been MIA longer.
You're great Ches. It took me a couple weeks of reading and *trying* to understand all the nuance here before I was ready to jump in.
@Renee: well now that you're back, I totally think you should check out this thread. This is going to be right up your alley, and we're trying to get the balance a little less male-centric.
@Ches: Man, you should totally check the thread out as well. It's going to be awesome.
@Ches
Haha don't worry I don't think anyone misunderstood you.
All you have to do to not overstep your bourndaries is piss Avery off or start an abortion thread.
I'm perfectly nice and reasonable. Don't be fooled.
I'm perfectly nice and reasonable. Don't be fooled.
- Uh, okay
- Uh, okay
It's like the choruses that Chuck talks about, only you really have to pay close attention to several threads to catch it. Bravo!
" Uh, okay"
I swear to God. Why do you keep responding to me with this exact same thing?
*I know that there didn't seem nice and reasonable - but I was provoked.
"It's like the choruses that Chuck talks about, only you really have to pay close attention to several threads to catch it. Bravo!"
You....
I swear to God. Why do you keep responding to me with this exact same thing?
- Because I can
I like that Avery showed concern when I didn't post for a weekend. I'm not dead!
*I know that there didn't seem nice and reasonable - but I was provoked.
- Chill. I'm fuckin' with you.
In other news...
Before this thread derails again.
I must keep this thread going in a positive and welcoming way!
Dear new people, I would like to take this opportunity to extend Dave's hand in friendship.
