I keep meaning to drop back by here and say something to this for a couple of reasons. You've brought up valid points and I know we've brushed this subject a couple of times over the past couple of weeks, but not in this detail. Of course, if you'd sent me this detail over AIM, you would have lost me ... sometimes it takes awhile for copious amounts to sink into the brain when it's not relevant to work or what I'm working on at the moment.
1 - As a writer, I worry sometimes that I am creating works to please a fixed audience. In reviewing the past few stories I've worked on though, I can say that for the most part, I do work on ideas that appeal to me. And since my "fanbase" is typically made up of people who enjoy the same type of work that I write, I don't have to "change" anything to suit them.
I have given in on a couple of occasions to "test my skill" at writing non-traditional types of genre. These were more to see if I could write something believable more than to appeal to anyone else. And if there is someone who does want a story in a specific way (a very good friend of mine I often will write special pieces just for her, and she likes stories a little more sweeter and sappier than even I like), I will try to accommodate their tastes. But that's for specific requests versus a story I'm working on and someone has a complaint about what's going on. Then again, most folks who read my stuff are those who know what to expect already... since I don't branch out like some folks and write all different kinds of things.
2 - RPGs: hmmm... when I first read this, I want to say I was a little offended in an indirect way. But on later contemplation, I'd have to say that yes; you've hit it on the nose again. I have been in all layers at any given time with a number of RPG groups I follow/ed. There are some I've very close to, and others I more or less am a lurker (outside the group(s) which are closed RPG with no interaction). There are some players I'm a little warmer to than others. And, though they might not know, I know whom some of them are. That does color the perception of feelings behind the interaction. And because I know who some are, I know the personal life and how that person interacts with those on their personal LJ... so when I see a response or not, I'm not typically surprised. And because I'm sort of removed but still on an intimate level with a good portion of the RPGers, I don't feel the same as others do about the interaction or lack of.
I will admit, there have been times in the past where I did feel a little slighted when my comments were brushed off. But I can be an obnoxious sucker and will push myself to the fore of any group I find personally interesting. *sigh* At times I think I'm a bit too obnoxious, and some people get tired of me... but the few times I've asked (the different groups), I've been told no - that all is good. So I keep doing what I do.
In reading mindredemption's comments, I'd have to say that is a fair assessment from this RPG observer ... I've played the intermediary in addition to the observer role.
Your use of the word "clique" makes me want to chuckle because there is a "clique" of sorts... a few of us who "fangirl" over a RPG group, really go into dept about the scenes and the characters, how things are done and what we thing will happen - to the extend of pulling out past posts to show relevancy in the latest posts. We are comfortable with one another, and feel that anything said within our group will stay there. So inviting others inside isn't something that's going to happen for a long time. As far as this "clique" operating within the bounds of the RPG group? It doesn't happen. At least not so far... I want to say the group is too new, and they are very good about remaining neutral. Though there are things shared that with a couple that are not with those who do more lurking than with those who interact.
And I think I've rambled enough with my incoherent thoughts. I'm still at work and have been interrupted like six times while typing it. So if it makes ANY sense at all, I'll be surprised.
no subject
Date: 24 Feb 2005 12:10 am (UTC)1 - As a writer, I worry sometimes that I am creating works to please a fixed audience. In reviewing the past few stories I've worked on though, I can say that for the most part, I do work on ideas that appeal to me. And since my "fanbase" is typically made up of people who enjoy the same type of work that I write, I don't have to "change" anything to suit them.
I have given in on a couple of occasions to "test my skill" at writing non-traditional types of genre. These were more to see if I could write something believable more than to appeal to anyone else. And if there is someone who does want a story in a specific way (a very good friend of mine I often will write special pieces just for her, and she likes stories a little more sweeter and sappier than even I like), I will try to accommodate their tastes. But that's for specific requests versus a story I'm working on and someone has a complaint about what's going on. Then again, most folks who read my stuff are those who know what to expect already... since I don't branch out like some folks and write all different kinds of things.
2 - RPGs: hmmm... when I first read this, I want to say I was a little offended in an indirect way. But on later contemplation, I'd have to say that yes; you've hit it on the nose again. I have been in all layers at any given time with a number of RPG groups I follow/ed. There are some I've very close to, and others I more or less am a lurker (outside the group(s) which are closed RPG with no interaction). There are some players I'm a little warmer to than others. And, though they might not know, I know whom some of them are. That does color the perception of feelings behind the interaction. And because I know who some are, I know the personal life and how that person interacts with those on their personal LJ... so when I see a response or not, I'm not typically surprised. And because I'm sort of removed but still on an intimate level with a good portion of the RPGers, I don't feel the same as others do about the interaction or lack of.
I will admit, there have been times in the past where I did feel a little slighted when my comments were brushed off. But I can be an obnoxious sucker and will push myself to the fore of any group I find personally interesting. *sigh* At times I think I'm a bit too obnoxious, and some people get tired of me... but the few times I've asked (the different groups), I've been told no - that all is good. So I keep doing what I do.
In reading
Your use of the word "clique" makes me want to chuckle because there is a "clique" of sorts... a few of us who "fangirl" over a RPG group, really go into dept about the scenes and the characters, how things are done and what we thing will happen - to the extend of pulling out past posts to show relevancy in the latest posts. We are comfortable with one another, and feel that anything said within our group will stay there. So inviting others inside isn't something that's going to happen for a long time. As far as this "clique" operating within the bounds of the RPG group? It doesn't happen. At least not so far... I want to say the group is too new, and they are very good about remaining neutral. Though there are things shared that with a couple that are not with those who do more lurking than with those who interact.
And I think I've rambled enough with my incoherent thoughts. I'm still at work and have been interrupted like six times while typing it. So if it makes ANY sense at all, I'll be surprised.