Writing Challenge (False Start # 2)

[Lester Curtis]

Holding a writing event on Aphelion and another site simultaneously does not break any rules that have previously been established on Aphelion.

Of course not. This site HAS no rules. Maybe on another forum, you'd be kicked and banned for this behavior, but we're not them, for better or worse.

And, as far as "poaching" participants, the two I see joining the new project at the other site are members who we probably wouldn't have if it weren't for Mark anyway.

As long as those new people participate in the editorially-approved Aphelion activities, I can't see much to complain about.

[Lester Curtis]

I had conducted other writing challenges in the past and Nate never felt the need to make a legal disclaimer with them. The reason this time is due to its success.

I'm going to have to dispute you on this, Mark.

The need for Nate's legal disclaimer was not present for your May challenge, because that activity was confined to Aphelion. Such need DID materialize when you announced that you were simultaneously running the same activity elsewhere. As Nate suggested, that opened the possibility of a rights dispute (copyright or usage) which could have threatened this site.

I find that you have placed a disclaimer in the rules you put forth for the July challenge, and apparently, it is satisfactory, since Nate decided to allow you to proceed. Had I been writing that disclaimer, it would have been a bit more complicated (I actually do read EULAs before I click the button that says "I agree"). In particular, I'd have mentioned that Aphelion has no affiliation with The Creator and the Catalyst, and that neither entity would be held liable, etc., etc.. Sucks, but it's gotta be covered, just in case. Remember, even the most frivolous and baseless lawsuit can still be ruinous.

The fact that the members of the "editorial board" did not weigh in on May's challenge with any word or post whatsoever, showed me they were waiting for it to crash and burn. It did not to most everyone's surprise.

How does an absence of response show you anything?

Nate's statement of banning me (without warning) if he decided in his newly acquired editor position that I was self serving in my labors shows prejudice on his part.

To me, Nate was being very level-headed and decent. He was merely stating a possibility which would have been triggered by events that did not occur or actions that you did not take. Nothing prejudicial in that at all, and if I were you, I'd apologize.

Self-serving? Damn right you are, but so is every other living being. And you've shown us that your version of self-service involves pouring your own labor and money into projects that have had a positive result here. I'd like to see that continue, because self-serving-me likes to find fresh stories and lively commentary on this board.

[Lester Curtis]

How does an absence of response show you anything?

It was enough that you made a comment that they disappoint you. I was of the same mind.

Not the same thing at all, Mark. I merely stated my disappointment at their silence. You INTERPRETED their silence as an indication of malice. In other words, you made a baseless assumption. This is not a good habit, but it's probably something you're unaware of. (Really, I can't imagine you thinking that way on purpose.)

I've only had two people commenting on my novel opener. Should I take that to mean that everyone else hates me? Of course not. An absence of input is simply that, and nothing more. For all I know, there could be fifteen people out there who've read the whole thing and are thinking, "Man, that's so fantastic I just don't know what to say!" So I wait patiently, and remind myself that other people have lives different from mine, with families and jobs and social activities, and if it sits too long without a response, I may bump the topic.

We all value harmonious relationships here (at least I think we all do), and I don't believe that anyone here wishes you ill. Try taking that as a starting assumption.