I had hoped the posting of The English Courtesan, which is nothing more than a story about two people, separated by centuries, who are struggling to come to terms with the very different worlds they live in would be taken at its face value. That it is somehow managing to degenerate into analogy of modern day political and social issues and a platform for readers to voice their thoughts on them is unfortunate. It is no wonder so many authors who deviate from the standard fare that is so popular when it comes to TG literature and acceptable TG good-think have gone silent or given up posting their stories here.
There is, I expect, nothing that can be done to keep the Occupy TopShelf zealots from airing their views. To do so smacks of censorship, which I am not a fan of. Freedom of speech, even speech that offends you and is unpopular, is the number one right in the very Constitution I pledged to defend against all enemies, foreign and domestic. So I urge Erin to be judicious in how she handles people you take great joy in pissing on the efforts of those who make the effort to post here or who donate money in order to support the efforts of Erin and her merry crew. For me, as a writer, to know what the readers of stories posted here on TopShelf think and want.
As I said, lesson learned.
HW Coyle
a.k.a. Nancy Cole
Comments
Um, Nancy,
Um, Nancy,
I'm not quite sure why you are cross with us. I don't think anyone has said they do not like the story you are writing. Having had a quick look back at the comments after each chapter they are all saying how they are enjoying it one way or another.
I think I am the only one to say something and I was not criticizing. I just missed not reading more of Paolo's story as that is the part I find intriguing. So I fail to see what we have done to upset you?
Best wishes
Sophie
Please don't stop
Your story 'The English Courtesan' is developing to be one of the best on BC. I hope the fact that America is heading toward elections with political arguments that seem strange to us foreigners won't stop you moving the story forward.
That Megan to me feels like a democrat and Paolo someone who will become a republican must I hope show you that I am not reading this story as propaganda. That a Guest Reader draws a personal parallel between this week's post and political campaigning is just a sign, I hope you accept, that your readers are investing in your characters.
Rhona McCloud
What!!!!
Please don't condemn this site for the comments of what appears to be one person.
It has been my experience that Erin quickly "handles" anyone who "pisses on the efforts" of writers. It has also been my experience that Erin's political views tend to match yours more than they agree with those that offend you.
I'm not going to try to judge those comments that you've felt are "pissing" on your efforts, because I have not read your story and probably won't because it is a serial.
You're entitled to your conservative viewpoint, but please don't try to squelch comments that are coming from the other side of the aisle. Comments are a life blood for this site.
Years ago, Amelia R and I co-authored "Peaches." The first comment we received said, "Lions, and Tigers, and Bears, or dear! I couldn't follow the story at all."
That story was quite well-written and warmly received by the vast majority of others. That comment is an example of "pissing on the efforts". I see nothing that comes close to that in the comments you've received.
I'm very sorry your feelings were hurt. Obviously you've worked hard on your story and are being protective to the point of wanting to screen the comments that are now framing it. I can understand that. However, calling out Erin for not doing her job is NOT called for and very inaccurate.
Jill
Angela Rasch (Jill M I)
Don't throw stone in glass houses
Having read, liked your stories even to the point of purchasing your first works as an author I can tell that this is a wrong conclusion and we as readers support and like spending time immersing ourself in your world.
The reason I take up a book instead of viewing a film is I take your words and paint my own picture of your words. That is the beautiful thing about a book, it grows beyond the authors words to something more. If a reader have a new thought and make connections to more than what was written that is the human mind. And we have a beautiful mind for us to use.
That Said, I for one got burned with taken down releases after purchase of all your Books in your first series Tips. After writing a good review of the book on lulu and noting the need for better spelling I found myself with taken down release and no way to redownload. That gives my saying don't throw stone in glass houses. We as readers support you and like your works but appreciate us readers also. Don't burn us.
It would appear
It would appear from what I have read that there are those that 'feel' the need to interject their version of 'politics' in the comments. In today's world it seems that people, which is not even on this forum, want to give voice to their view of things even when it has nothing to do with the story, thus they are attempting to 'hijack' the comments away from the story to that of a political debate.
In essence what they want to do is take over the story for their own and in some cases, selfish backdrop. One must step back and 'understand' that the era of old is nothing of today. Just as the individual who found himself in a different era when Mark Twain wrote "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" so to would these individuals if they were sent back then.
Honestly I doubt they would survive long if sent back.
Sounds too me like:
The historical setting is simply getting some people side tracked on their own thoughts in contrast to modern conditions, and airing their views on such. It does not really reflect on the story it self. While maybe they should not air them here, as those thoughts are irrelevant in context, but it was the story that stimulated those thought, so where else would they air them?
Look at it this way, "you did the historical setting very well", well enough for people to think about the contrast and gyrate side-wise discussions. They are NOT about the it self story, so therefore irrelevant.
>i<
Occupy BC?
What is this?
I've seen nothing in regards to this. Free speech isn't practiced here. This is a managed forum. Say something offensive and/or against the rules and your post will be removed. So I wonder how something could have offended you so severely and still keep their posting?
Dayna.
What's all the fuss?
Hi,
I've just read all the comments made on the English Courtesan. I found none to be offensive in any way. I did note some readers discussing a correspondence between the story and modern political, social and religious themes. To my way of thinking, this e exactly what the authors were trying to portray, hoping that readers would take this story to heart and apply it to their lives, society and religions. Isn't that the goal of 'literature?'
Red MacDonald
Yes I'm a conservative
I know most people that visit this site tend to be more liberal than not. That being said I also took issue with guest readers comments about religion. Stating that the conservative congress is trying to form a religion that everyone must follow is just plain non-sense. It would be like me claiming that liberals are trying to outlaw religion. Yes I'm a fiscal conservative and yes I'm angry that I pay as much in taxes that I do and yes I'm angry that those taxes are being spent for programs I don't support.
That being said I think Nancy's story is a wonderful informative story. Not only do we learn some history of the day and she treats us to a modern day mystery too. All I can say is great writing Nancy, Arecee