JANUARY 2020 - MICROSTORY CONTEST (COMMENTS ONLY)

[Marianne]

Thanks, Justin. :)

[Oswald]

Hello World, nice to meet you all - I'm a first time poster so be kind - first thing I have ever written for public consumption - Oswald Icetone being something of a nom de plume - another personal AI (might make more sense if you read my story). I'm a friend / teammate of Jack's - he introduced me to this group - I have enjoyed reading all of your work for several months now - and I'm finally dipping a toe in (and my story gives Jack a bit of shtick as a back-handed thank you!). Looking forward to getting a bit more active here. Jeff (is the real name)

[Tom]

Welcome, Jeff. And, Oswald.

[C.]

Welcome Jeff. Glad to read your contributions.

[G.C.]

Mine's up. I crack me up. :-)

Now on to reading them all.

[Kalifer]

Welcome, Oswald (Jeff)! I think almost everyone here is AKA. I didn't start writing until I was almost 70 so I'm a forever amateur. Should have paid more attention when I was young so it would be more ingrained. It's a tough lot to compete with but don't get discouraged. I've been with this group for a number of years and once in a while, I ring the bell. Win or lose, there's a lesson or two out of the infinity of writing lessons. It always fun.

[Jot]

You are very welcome here, Oswald. Love that "Oswald Icetone"s leads to only two Google matches, both to our little club. I hope this becomes a seed that turns into successful career in writing.

[Marianne]

Welcome, Oswald( Jeff). :)

[Justin]

Yes, welcome Oswald! Stories are handled pretty gently here, especially for newcomers. Thanks for contributing!

[Oswald]

Thank you all for the warm welcome and encouragement. For several months I have enjoyed following the group, especially reading every story, and learning from the feedback so I appreciate the chance to participate more actively. Thanks again.

[Jack]

C. wrote: "That was pretty fast, Tom

C, what were the criteria you laid out for voting/rating stories?

[C.]

Hi Jack ,

See critiques thread for last month to see my reviews and the criteria I used.

-C

[C.]

Here's a link:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[C.]

Wow that didn't work. Here they are:
1-5 Hypernova stars:
A. Overall story enjoyment:
B. Writing quality:
C. Scientific content quality:
D. Emotive quality:
E. Ending strength:
F. Compliance with story requirements:
(1=disappointed. 2=Meh. 3=OK. 4=Nice! 5=LOVED IT!)

[C.]

Critiques posted for this month's stories.

-C

[Justin]

Thanks for the feedback C!

[C.]

Hello all,

I am offering advance notice on the required element for our February story. This will be first contact with aliens, who can read human minds. I want to give everyone plenty of time to take the red pill and look hard into the mirror.

I hope everyone finds this month fun and challenging!

-C

[Jot]

Ah, mind readers. Nice! We never did that one before.

[Jot]

Any other requirements?

[C.]

No, per Jack's timely request that is all for this next month.

As you might expect, the planetary paroxysm possibilities are pregnant with potential, and the aliens will acquiesce only after being absolved of all aggression.

-C