Utah's picture
Moderator
Utah from Fort Worth, TX is reading Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry March 5, 2012 - 9:50pm

This is the thread for Round 1:  WAR Is The Answer

Dedication to all you motherfuckers. 

 

Welcome to Round 1 of WAR, the (Un)Official LitReactor Battle Tournament.  For the official rules of the tournament, read the first post of this thread

Come here to this thread to check out the bracket, see who's fighting whom, talk shit, place side bets, etc.

Prompts will drop into contestants' in-boxes this coming Friday, March 9, at 7:00 pm US CST.

When it comes time to vote, please bear in mind some wisdom from LitReactor's own Richard Thomas:

1. If you can, read all of the stories. If you can't read both stories in a bracket, don't vote.

2. Don't base your vote on friendships. So, don't vote just for people you like, or avoid voting for people that you don't like. Just vote for the best story.

3. Don't vote based on politics or strategy (e.g., to try a face a "weaker" opponent, or to try and make somebody else face a "stronger" opponent). Vote for the best story.

4. Seeds don't mean anything. As Sugar says, "Write like a motherfucker." As they say in the NFL "Any given Sunday." Which also means, bring your "A" game, and ANYBODY here can be beaten.

5. Don't question any winners, don't berate any losers. Be nice. Egos and feelings can get hurt. That doesn't mean we can't talk smack, but just be aware of the dialogues that are going on.

6. The "best story" is whatever YOU liked the most. Period.

Also, and this is very important:  Do not reveal which story in the polls is yours.  Do not reveal what your prompt was.  We are trying to keep this as anonymous as possible.  So don't identify your story.  This rule is right up there with turning your submissions in on time:  failure to follow will result in your disqualification.

Let's end this on a positive note.

The time has come to get you some, motherfucker.  WAR is the answer!

Utah's picture
Moderator
Utah from Fort Worth, TX is reading Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry March 5, 2012 - 9:51pm

THE MOMENT YOU'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR:

BRACKET!

http://images.challonge.com/war_unofficial1.png

Richard's picture
Richard from St. Louis is reading various anthologies March 5, 2012 - 9:55pm

BRACKETS! 

wow, there are a lot of great matchups here. i'm actually kind of stoked. really, anybody could do well or win this. very cool. 

R.Moon's picture
R.Moon from The City of Champions is reading The Last Thing He Wanted by Joan Didion; Story Structure Architect by Victoria Lynn Schimdt PH.D; Creating Characters by the editors of Writer's Digest March 5, 2012 - 9:56pm

Richard, Manda and Nikki... I must say, it is an honor to be in your company...

Utah's picture
Moderator
Utah from Fort Worth, TX is reading Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry March 5, 2012 - 9:58pm

Seriously, dude.  I'm kinda nervous about my first one, to be honest.  I saw him pull some wild shit in a battle once.  Diaz is a fucking unpredictable opponent.

Also, Richard, I did blatantly move your guide to contest etiquette from the other thread to here.  And then I italicized it.  Hope you don't mind.  If you do, I suppose I can erase it.  But I think it's important.  I'll give you a cut of the money I'm embezzling from the tournament funds.

.'s picture
. March 5, 2012 - 9:57pm

This bracket...is not working in my favor. 

manda lynn's picture
manda lynn from Ohio is reading Of Love and Other Demons (again) March 5, 2012 - 9:58pm

excited!!! <3

Nikki Guerlain's picture
Nikki Guerlain from Portlandia March 5, 2012 - 10:00pm

Hey thx moon man wish I would've had the opportunity to read your work! But it must be something special ;-) wooohoooo! Let the bloodshed begin. I'm a sucker for the underdog so it'll be an exciting trip!

Richard's picture
Richard from St. Louis is reading various anthologies March 5, 2012 - 10:00pm

totally fine, @utah. i mean, with blind stories it doesn't matter as much, but the sentiment is still there. i actually think this is going to be really surprising. if you don't really bring your best, you could go at any time. i'm not seeing a huge difference from the "top" to the "bottom" so i'm already nervous. 

R.Moon's picture
R.Moon from The City of Champions is reading The Last Thing He Wanted by Joan Didion; Story Structure Architect by Victoria Lynn Schimdt PH.D; Creating Characters by the editors of Writer's Digest March 5, 2012 - 10:02pm

moon man

- That was my nickname in highschool. I haven't been called that in 15 years. Brings back memories.

Americantypo's picture
Americantypo from Philadelphia is reading The Bone Clocks March 5, 2012 - 10:04pm

Guess its time to size up my opponent. Though, not being a sports person, i have no idea how the pairings work.

Americantypo's picture
Americantypo from Philadelphia is reading The Bone Clocks March 5, 2012 - 10:05pm

Actually, I'd have to agree with Richard- its anyone's game really if they're having a good week of writing and the other person shits the bed. All in all, it'll be a fun experience. And if I make it past the first or second round, I'll have some new stories to work on sending out.

Nikki Guerlain's picture
Nikki Guerlain from Portlandia March 5, 2012 - 10:10pm

Yeah It's really anyone's game. Especially with everyone upping their games. Big risks don't always work out the way you think they will. But you should take them anyways!!!

Utah's picture
Moderator
Utah from Fort Worth, TX is reading Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry March 5, 2012 - 10:12pm

I think these brackets are really going to get people taking some risks.  You're not going to walk away with a round unless you've got some balls...or whatever corresponding anatomical part works in female lingo.

Nikki Guerlain's picture
Nikki Guerlain from Portlandia March 5, 2012 - 10:14pm

Woman have balls too. I mean ... Uh ... We're supposed to right?

R.Moon's picture
R.Moon from The City of Champions is reading The Last Thing He Wanted by Joan Didion; Story Structure Architect by Victoria Lynn Schimdt PH.D; Creating Characters by the editors of Writer's Digest March 5, 2012 - 10:18pm

^ If you've got a man, you do...

Jose F. Diaz's picture
Jose F. Diaz from Boston is reading Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel March 5, 2012 - 10:18pm

I guess I asked for it. Time to buckle down and get ready.

I actually kinda feel like this right now.

R.Moon's picture
R.Moon from The City of Champions is reading The Last Thing He Wanted by Joan Didion; Story Structure Architect by Victoria Lynn Schimdt PH.D; Creating Characters by the editors of Writer's Digest March 5, 2012 - 10:25pm

Four days to get reacquainted with the art of the short story. Warmed and Bound, Granta, Poe's Children and Las Vegas Noir here I come. And maybe some Carver, Hempel and Elmore for good measure.

Dave's picture
Dave from a city near you is reading constantly March 5, 2012 - 10:25pm

Awesome Joe.

aliensoul77's picture
aliensoul77 from a cold distant star is reading the writing on the wall. March 5, 2012 - 10:31pm

I think Utah did a pretty good job there.

aliensoul77's picture
aliensoul77 from a cold distant star is reading the writing on the wall. March 5, 2012 - 10:38pm

Okay, so they are due a week after we are given them?  Are we just doing one draft?  Do we give them to you, Utah???

Bekanator's picture
Bekanator from Kamloops, British Columbia is reading Ugly Girls by Lindsay Hunter March 5, 2012 - 11:16pm

@Joseph - I'm feeing quite the same.  It's like elementary school track meet all over again.  I just want to hear the cracking gun and do this.  All this waiting around is getting me anxious.

I'll probably be listening to this for the rest of the week, because nothing gets me pumped quite like electro piano and European sterotypes:

Jose F. Diaz's picture
Jose F. Diaz from Boston is reading Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel March 5, 2012 - 11:06pm

Some motivation for all.

Chester Pane's picture
Chester Pane from Portland, Oregon is reading The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz March 5, 2012 - 11:17pm

Great Job launching this Utah. Damn proud son. Even if you are a state.

I can't wait to see the prompt. 

There're budderflaws in ma anticipation.

I agree, after looking at the matchups, this thing is unpredictable, if not downright scary. Those seeds might as well be baby paste. Well, mine is way too high anyway. Boone's dope-smoking squirrel just took on a whole new level of intensity for me.

I've read work from everyone in here and all I can say is l'm rootin' for every motherfucking last one of ya.

Good Luck everyone. No matter what happens, it is going to be a pleasure to read all of you.

David Shepherd's picture
David Shepherd from shepherdsville, KY is reading Idoru by William Gibbson March 5, 2012 - 11:19pm

Good luck to all! Hand shakes all around.
(discreetly pisses on hand)

R.Moon's picture
R.Moon from The City of Champions is reading The Last Thing He Wanted by Joan Didion; Story Structure Architect by Victoria Lynn Schimdt PH.D; Creating Characters by the editors of Writer's Digest March 5, 2012 - 11:35pm

This is going to be such an enjoyable experience. Good luck to all. It's anybody's game.

Laramore Black's picture
Laramore Black from Joplin, Missouri is reading Mario Kart 8 March 6, 2012 - 12:31am

                                                There will be no mercy, unless you're a cat. I like cats.

                                                                                           *MEOW*

Flaminia Ferina's picture
Flaminia Ferina from Umbria is reading stuff March 6, 2012 - 5:00am

lol @Dakota, that's exactly what I thought as I read where I stand. Wow. Getting all excited and stuff, I'm discharging tentacles

Laramore Black's picture
Laramore Black from Joplin, Missouri is reading Mario Kart 8 March 6, 2012 - 5:14am

Heyyyyyy, tentacles are my thing.

=(

Flaminia Ferina's picture
Flaminia Ferina from Umbria is reading stuff March 6, 2012 - 5:47am

yeah, take em back they're freaking me out!

Handy though.

avery of the dead's picture
avery of the dead from Kentucky is reading Cipher Sisters March 6, 2012 - 5:56am

This is so cooll!!  Okay, I see some matches I am really excited about. 

Mine is not one of them!  I'm nervous about mine!  Ha!  Okay, I need to go get motivated to kick ass.

manda lynn's picture
manda lynn from Ohio is reading Of Love and Other Demons (again) March 6, 2012 - 6:06am

where/who is Closure? i need to become acquainted with my first opponent. the stealthiness and mysterioso is too romantic....

R.Moon's picture
R.Moon from The City of Champions is reading The Last Thing He Wanted by Joan Didion; Story Structure Architect by Victoria Lynn Schimdt PH.D; Creating Characters by the editors of Writer's Digest March 6, 2012 - 6:13am

^ I agree Manda. I have no clue who Matt Thomas is. 

Utah's picture
Moderator
Utah from Fort Worth, TX is reading Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry March 6, 2012 - 6:20am

Michael Thomas was Myhers.  He changes his name for the tournament.

This morning I'm pretty fucking excited, guys.  Check out the end of the alternates list in the second post of the WAR home thread.

Ya'll keep making this shit better and better.

Laramore Black's picture
Laramore Black from Joplin, Missouri is reading Mario Kart 8 March 6, 2012 - 6:27am

Pfft, alternative Nik Korpon?

Throw him in the middle to take people out.

Utah's picture
Moderator
Utah from Fort Worth, TX is reading Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry March 6, 2012 - 6:32am

I want to.  It wouldn't be fair to somebody to just say, "Hey, you know, uh, you my boy and all but, uh, your ass is out."  I wouldn't worry about it.  I get the feeling some slots will open up.  It's just kind of a probability with a group this size that people have obligations come up that take precedence.

R.Moon's picture
R.Moon from The City of Champions is reading The Last Thing He Wanted by Joan Didion; Story Structure Architect by Victoria Lynn Schimdt PH.D; Creating Characters by the editors of Writer's Digest March 6, 2012 - 6:32am

Still don't know who Myhers is...

Laramore Black's picture
Laramore Black from Joplin, Missouri is reading Mario Kart 8 March 6, 2012 - 6:36am

Well, if I'm still in this after 4 weeks you might have to text me the prompt and I'll find some wi-fi to post it. Are you still doing a redemption for the fallen to step back up?

Utah's picture
Moderator
Utah from Fort Worth, TX is reading Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry March 6, 2012 - 6:41am

I don't think we'll be able to this time around.  If we'd had 16 players, or 20 or something, we could have swung it, but I think with this being the first time we're putting this together and with it already being pretty big, all a loser's bracket would do is cause confusion.

But before I commit to that, does everyone else feel the same?  One and out is how we're set up right now, but I could re-create the bracket tonight to be a double elimination (where you lose twice to be done).  That would take the tournament from the 5 rounds it currently is to 6 or 7.  10 weeks to 12-14.  If you guys want that it's no problem, but I'd like to get some opinions on it.

Laramore Black's picture
Laramore Black from Joplin, Missouri is reading Mario Kart 8 March 6, 2012 - 6:44am

What we could do is set up a smaller bracket in reverse, where the the closest defeated battle and move on to battle the next group that lost and ending with the winner of the second bracket challenging the champion.

Oh, and:

Utah's picture
Moderator
Utah from Fort Worth, TX is reading Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry March 6, 2012 - 6:45am

Okay, so they are due a week after we are given them?  Are we just doing one draft?  Do we give them to you, Utah???

Yes to all.  Prompt on Friday night.  Drafts due in my independent email at 7:00 pm CST the following Friday night.  Polls will be posted as close to immediately as possible.  They will run for 4 days (wanted them to run for 6, but we don't have that option).  After polling, brackets will advance and we get more prompts.

Laramore Black's picture
Laramore Black from Joplin, Missouri is reading Mario Kart 8 March 6, 2012 - 6:45am

It would only make WAR like a week longer.

Utah's picture
Moderator
Utah from Fort Worth, TX is reading Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry March 6, 2012 - 6:46am

We could do that.  So some of you folks chime in.  What do you think?

David Shepherd's picture
David Shepherd from shepherdsville, KY is reading Idoru by William Gibbson March 6, 2012 - 6:50am

Sounds like a good idea to me.

Laramore Black's picture
Laramore Black from Joplin, Missouri is reading Mario Kart 8 March 6, 2012 - 6:54am

Sounds like a good idea to me.

 

 

I'll swallow your soul! I'll swallow your soul! I'll swallow your soul!

DEAD BY DAWN!

David Shepherd's picture
David Shepherd from shepherdsville, KY is reading Idoru by William Gibbson March 6, 2012 - 6:56am

Oh fuck I didn't think I was going to have to break out my chainsaw hand.

wickedvoodoo's picture
wickedvoodoo from Mansfield, England is reading stuff. March 6, 2012 - 7:06am

So it's officially war eh? Good stuff. Not long now before the blood and body parts start flying. Will somebody topple the prolific Richard Thomas? Will Nikki, the new femme fatale in town, show us all how it's done? Who will write the more insane stories, Danny or Dakota? So many answers to unearth. This is going to be fun.

My new reason for living is to kill Jason Van Horn, AKA the comic book guy from the Litreactor magazine. Interesting. Watch your ass Jason! Heh, :-)

Are we mailing each other the scalps of the fallen then? A few of you peoples look like you have pretty little scalps.

Unfurl the banners, people! Beat on drums made from elephant skulls. Sacrifice every lamb and every virgin you can get your hands on. Blood for the blood god! The word war is nigh!!!

David Shepherd's picture
David Shepherd from shepherdsville, KY is reading Idoru by William Gibbson March 6, 2012 - 7:17am

Dibs on the ears!!!

avery of the dead's picture
avery of the dead from Kentucky is reading Cipher Sisters March 6, 2012 - 7:31am

I say do single elimination. 

You get one shot, so make it count.

Bekanator's picture
Bekanator from Kamloops, British Columbia is reading Ugly Girls by Lindsay Hunter March 6, 2012 - 7:36am

It'll be interesting to see how all our styles match up.  I do hope we get some surprising wins.

Utah's picture
Moderator
Utah from Fort Worth, TX is reading Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry March 6, 2012 - 7:39am

Holy Shit.  I nominate WickedVoodoo for the position of Official Harbinger of Apocalypse!