So lately MOST of the submissions we've been getting are fiction stories
and/or illustrations. While these sort of submissions are welcome, it's
really becoming too much.
You do not have to be a great writer. Write about a recent shmengy
experience. Be ENGAGING, that's the key. It would be nice to see some
variety in the people posting, as well as some variety in topics, content,
and style.
biggest piece of advice? DO NOT WRITE SHIT THAT IS CLICHE! DO NOT WRITE
SHIT THAT ABSOLUTELY NO ONE CAN RELATE TO (or make them relate). And it
doesn't hurt to use humor.
I stole this from the F.A.Q section (written by Devin):
WTF is Shmeng?
Shmeng exists because people suck.
Everyone tries to keep a positive outlook on life, but sometimes it's just
not possible. You're going through life all content and smiling, and some
fucknugget comes along and does something that's just plain stupid.
Everyone has these stories. Everyone loves these stories. Why do you think
the Darwin awards exist?
Shmeng is as good a place as any to tell everyone about your stupid people
experiences. What should you post? Bad dates are always good. Stupid things
people say, clueless friends. Anything shmengy.
Sticupus
Fanatic
Posts: 254 Registered: 31/12/1969 Status: Offline
posted on 1/8/2003 at 04:27 PM
Recent events on Shemng have also made everyone here a little cautious. If
you are part of the Pantheon, you may be oblivious to the impact of such
developments, as they don't effect you. I don't see why it's such a wonder
that the average poster is trying to please everyone.
If you want to see an example of my point, notice the ‘Politically Correct’
blurb at the end of Domkitten's latest article. It's there to please
everyone.
I think a different approach is needed than pointing out the obvious. So
far this forum doesn’t seem like it’s going change much in the minds of
people. Not only do they have to fear the wrath of the editors ( ) but now also
fear their Karma may be hurt, hence the posting of crowd pleasing rants and
the lack of actual “Shmeng” articles.
____________________ The OBOLISK is Divine.
ickgirl
Member
Posts: 99 Registered: 31/12/1969 Status: Offline
posted on 1/8/2003 at 07:31 PM
Yes, well I'm guessing that posting an article isn't going to do anything
to your karma points. It gets posted, or it does not. I'm only guessing,
but I would hope this to be true (devin? help me out here)
My purpose for starting this forum was to ENCOURAGE people to write
something, therefore, yes at least *I* do understand that people are
feeling cautious.
I like what monolycus had to say about worrying about your karma (see his
comment on the polls)
being politically correct doesn't keep your karma points high. being NICE
doesn't keep your karma points high. look at bettie_x as an example. does
she kiss ass? is she nice to everyone? is she politically correct? hell
no.
I would encourage everyone to read devin's article again, because,
frankly, it seems to be that NO ONE actually gets it.
fuck. it's annoying that i even bothered to elaborate. now i have devin
yelling in my head "can't save the stupids!"
Monolycus
Fanatic
Posts: 580 Registered: 31/12/1969 Status: Offline
posted on 1/8/2003 at 11:15 PM
Aw... thanks for the praise, Ick. I had no idea if anyone would get what I
was saying or not. People have some skewy idea of what karma is if they
think they will grow by never taking chances. You fuck up and learn from
it... there's your karmic reward if you have to put things into that
model.. Do all the right things out of fear of getting spanked and deny
yourself the opportunity to learn and grow from your mistakes. There's
your karmic punishment if you have to put things into that model.
Anyway, I tend to write in illustrations myself for a couple of reasons.
Not the least of which is that people seem to respond more productively
when they think you are talking about someone else, and the kinds of people
who would most benefit from a literary bitch slap are usually the most
likely to miss your point no matter which way it is presented. I didn't
used to think presentation was important (shouldn't change the meaning),
but experience has taught me a few things... or, as Devin put it, you can
say something that everyone agrees with and still make them want to kick
you in the teeth. I'll try to vary my approach when I get a bit of free
time to sit and write.
Don't let the Stupids make your blood pressure rise. You've led those
proverbial horses to water... now they can either drink or drown
themselves. Either way, you've done all you can. I am, as always,
your faithful servant,
~M.
Domkitten
Fanatic
Posts: 470 Registered: 23/9/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 2/8/2003 at 12:11 AM
Well, jeez Stic (blush) it always nice to know you read with bated breath
everything I write, but I just wanted to point out that I was not being pc.
The article I wrote was about a small minded person judging me for stupid
things. In the course of writing an article, and a help wanted ad, I did
not want to make the same mistake of being small minded and judgmental. I
mearly wanted to show a balanced view of my opinions, I wasn't really
trying to be P.C. I just don't want to be a hate monger.
There is enough shmeng coming off the woman who turned down the job. I
didn't feel a need to add to it.
I agree with Monolycus, that karama is meant to encourage learning and
growing. One cannot shut off all experience and expect good karma to just
flow.
The fire and brimstone has passed or is passing, if people don't start to
come out of there holes they may achieve balance but they won't achieve
growth. So write DAMMIT!
____________________ It's like kegel exercises for your throat.~Monolycus
Sticupus
Fanatic
Posts: 254 Registered: 31/12/1969 Status: Offline
posted on 2/8/2003 at 01:46 AM
I know you weren't trying to be politically correct Domkitten, you were
just trying not to offend anyone.
I get the article Ick, I'm just projecting my observations- I'll elaborate
more on some of the stated points when it's not 4:45 am.
____________________ The OBOLISK is Divine.
daria_4
Member
Posts: 96 Registered: 29/7/2003 Status: Offline
posted on 4/8/2003 at 04:12 PM
I'm working on something at the moment... there was an article I read,
"Through the Eyes of Newbie" I think it was, that really sums up my
feelings. That SUBMIT button is rather daunting, particularly after reading
some of the great things I've read here.
I'm not trying to make excuses. And I must admit, I'm not very familiar
with the recent issues people have been having with Karma; my vote for the
latest poll was "What's Karma?"
I suppose I'm just posting to let you know that there are some of us out
here who are writing. I just happen to be relatively slow--I have bursts of
inspirations. Short bursts.
____________________ "I've told you before, I don't comprehend religion, although
conviction is a concept I'm beginning to get. In any case, a person
with a real religious conviction is, I propose, a religious convict,
and deserves locking up."
Monolycus
Fanatic
Posts: 580 Registered: 31/12/1969 Status: Offline
posted on 4/8/2003 at 10:28 PM
Daria: Don't be daunted by a button... it is to submit articles, it won't
make you submit to anyone.
Had a discussion with a friend recently about what is "engaging" and
"rant-worthy". Excerpted from my side:
M: "When in doubt make fun of the fashion industry. I do several times a
day. Hell, that's what it's there for. If you can't laugh at yourself,
there is always Donatella Versace."
Ick: *chuckles* cannot save them, but we can send them to their afterlife
and let the divine educate them... *chuckles*
____________________ The earth turns on a tilted axis - just doing the best it can.
Hohenheim of Light~Full Metal Alchemist
ickgirl
Member
Posts: 99 Registered: 31/12/1969 Status: Offline
posted on 5/8/2003 at 10:19 AM
Yes, yes! do not be afraid of the submit button. The very worst that
happens is you get made fun of. I'd say take that chance!
Laugh at yourself AND fashion.
Tenebrarum
Coward
Posts: 7 Registered: 1/8/2003 Status: Offline
posted on 6/8/2003 at 11:11 AM
Shit happens....yeah is very normal to live your lifew and suddenly live a
hell just because someone got the great idea to make your life even worst.
Happens all the time...is part of our existence, life sux, I wanna kick
some ass hehehehe...
*bites*
daria_4
Member
Posts: 96 Registered: 29/7/2003 Status: Offline
posted on 6/8/2003 at 12:36 PM
I can handle being made fun of. I've dealt with my fair share of that in my
life; not that I'm expecting it right off the bat, but just in case...
Thanks for
putting things in perspective.
Now if only I could think of the right way to end my latest project and get
to that button...
____________________ "I've told you before, I don't comprehend religion, although conviction is a concept I'm beginning to get. In any case, a
person
with a real religious conviction is, I propose, a religious
convict,
and deserves locking up."
daria_4
Member
Posts: 96 Registered: 29/7/2003 Status: Offline
posted on 19/8/2003 at 01:41 PM
If one submits something and it doesn't get posted, will that person get
notified or get any feedback at all? (ie... this sucked too much for us,
this was OK but you could fix it in X, Y, Z ways, etc.) I understand the
editors are quite busy; I was just wondering. Thanks much.
____________________ "I've told you before, I don't comprehend religion, although
conviction is a concept I'm beginning to get. In any case, a
person
with a real religious conviction is, I propose, a religious convict,
and deserves locking up."
ickgirl
Member
Posts: 99 Registered: 31/12/1969 Status: Offline
posted on 19/8/2003 at 02:24 PM
sometimes you'll be notified. some things sit in the submissions box for a
long time until we decide what to do with it. if i just flat out delete
something i try to remember to let the person know. if you want to know
the status of something you have submitted, send a message to callei or
myself (or devin). include the name of your article, please.
we'll try to give you feedback at that point
-ick
callei
Extreme Fanatic
Posts: 759 Registered: 31/12/1969 Status: Offline
posted on 21/8/2003 at 06:23 AM
we really do try to read each article when it comes in, but somedays we get
6 or 7 and that takes alot of time. and when we get 6 or 7 the next day as
well, and the day after and so on, things can back up a bit.
____________________ Real goths wear silver and crosses to keep the werewolves and vampires
away.
daria_4
Member
Posts: 96 Registered: 29/7/2003 Status: Offline
posted on 22/8/2003 at 08:32 AM
I understand completely how busy you get... I'm not in a hurry for
feedback; I was just wondering if I would get it were any of my submitted
articles not to be posted. It's not a huge deal, really.
I haven't been able to be around here as much as I would have liked lately,
anyway. Work's been trying to kick my ass for the last couple of weeks.
____________________ "I've told you before, I don't comprehend religion, although
conviction is a concept I'm beginning to get. In any case, a
person
with a real religious conviction is, I propose, a religious