Paula’s Comments (group member since Oct 28, 2015)

Paula’s comments from the Science Fiction Microstory Contest group.

Justin wrote: "Paula wrote: "I'm hoping to get something in this month, but--to answer Jot's question--it's very hard to write a science fiction story when we are living in what's previously seemed a science fict..."
Thank you Justin. Yes, sanitizing the outsides of cans from a store (or/especially delivered!) is crucial, too, I'd think. I wonder how long the virus survives on, e.g., paper (or cloth) surfaces--anyone know? I've read it survives, on hard surfaces, for 9 hours--or 9 days--or up to 21 days---depending on what "expert" one reads.

Jack wrote: "Paula wrote: "I'm hoping to get something in this month, but--to answer Jot's question--it's very hard to write a science fiction story when we are living in what's previously seemed a science fict..."
Jack, thank you!

I'm hoping to get something in this month, but--to answer Jot's question--it's very hard to write a science fiction story when we are living in what's previously seemed a science fiction and/or historical/fiction period. I'm a bit at risk, and Oregon's public health system is not exactly the US's best, so I'm disturbed by what's happening. And I sympathize with you and your daughter's situation, Justin. I hope you are able to keep her out of school, or are the schools already closed there yet?
Meanwhile, I've four books, including a meta/parody/sf novel of the multi-calypse, that I'm struggling to get into ebook and pod format for self-publishing . . . if not before the virus reaches here (it's already in Oregon, though there's nearly no testing around), then hopefully at least before it reaches my neighborhood. A big thank you to Jack in regard to the self-publishing.

Jot wrote: "Thanks so much, Paula!!!"
An important cause, Jot.

Thanks so much for attempting to reach her, Jot and C.
And, Jot, great idea and action on your part. I've nearly no funds anymore for donations, but have sent a donation per your suggestion here the St. Baldrick's Foundation something. Good of you to do this!

Has anyone even been in touch with Carrol in recent months?

Any figures for volumes 1, 3, or 4, Jot?
(no need to look these up unless you've the free time to!!!)

Nice one, Tom. Many good stories this month, people!

When people are attempting to pinpoint causes of a problem, in hopes a solution may be found, it's not clear how terming this "complaining" and comparing those posting ideas to "a lame bunch of whiny internet trolls" can be helpful. That sort of personalization of comments has not helped this group in the past--may be an abyss best backed away from.
By the way, I think J.F. is right--it's wise to avoid setting up a theme+parameters that overly narrow authors' story choices.

Jot wrote: "I'll hold off on the screenplay experiment, until I have time to go through the work to convert one of my own stories in a movie format. That way, I will know a lot more about what is needed to put..."
Oh, I think it was *you* who founded the site/contest, Jot. I was one of the first participants, first or second month, yes. And yes, obviously, no matter where the contest/group migrates, you should be listed each month as the group's/contest's creator; I seriously doubt anyone would question that!

p.s. Not everyone here is in software development. How long would it take someone with no experience in software development and no knowledge of Git to get up to fluent and quick usage on it?

Thank you all re my birthday! I hope we will all have a good year.
I see no reason to move the site of this group/contest; on Goodreads, it is "every group member's" site; on, say, Jot's or Jack's or C's or Justin's or . . . , it becomes that member's site, even though he/she likely had/has no wish whatsoever that that happen. Further, if one wants more participants, best to leave the contest on a known and public forum.
As for the screenplay idea--it's a specialized form; we'd all do well to read several screenplays, of which many written in the past few years and some--but not all--for the media/format/type (vid, serial, film, etc.) we'd want it to be in.
As for the judging and what gets published and remunerated---well, as Jot said, very kindly 3 or so years ago, my work tends to go in my "own" (more literary) direction than what most of you prefer. And Marianne's also differs from what most here seem usually to prefer. And most here tend to a particular cluster of themes/forms. And so if what gets published--and what gets (most) remunerated, but the publication point is basic--is decided by vote, then it is likely that the number of participants will not increase, and perhaps may decrease, should publication of the stories, remuneration, and/or perhaps screenplay participation depend on a vote-for-a-"winner" model.
Sorry to sound negative. I think what is wanted is to *open* the contest/group/site to reach and appeal to *more* participants, yes? And it's not clear that all these ideas, though very fine and thoughtful, will do that.

Some thoughts/questions:
---- there might be
--a Jot-site contest, i.e. the present one--on this (Jot's) site on Goodreads;
--Jack's contest on Jack's publishing house site;
--Jack's contest's site "listen" section, for (selected? voted upon? contest-winning?) stories (each month?)
--screenplay long-story/novella site (based in github, which--you do realize?--not everyone is familiar with or perhaps has even heard of, btw), created from "winning" screenplay-style chapters (one per month) (each by the whole group? by one winner per month? by--? and edited together?--by--?)
---payment (if any) for this long-form screenplay will be based on "contribution" time? or on who wins how many screenplay-chapters? or on--? Circulation and attempted sale of screenplay will be done by--?
Just some questions for people to consider. It's a lot to consider, in fact.

Clever and intelligent tale, Tom; I think you may want to expand it to a longer story, let readers know these characters even more.

Well-written, suspenseful story, Chris.

Thanks, Jot. Shall try to do that tonight or tomorrow!

I wrote one, but no time to get it in, even tonight--sorry.
Some very good stories here this month!

Jot or anyone else here who may know, did you notice that, during the big fire in (Malibu?) the LA area last year (October? November?), large planes were used dropping the red retardant, but in the Camp Fire in Paradise, at about the same time, small planes were used, dropping water. Given the comparative "body count," this difference in tactics seems crucial. Do you know why different materiel was used in each of these?

Kalifer, your piece is so terrific. Wonderful when a tale employs conceptual challenges and intertwinings in ways actually integrated to, and moving, the story.
C., that is a very cool and--indeed--powerful ending; nice.

Some very pro-quality film critiquing going on in this group.