2008 News & Views: Discussion and Announcements for the Survivorphile

[Lauren Hynde]

Hello, Survivorphiles! Pay particular attention to this:

...while I was tallying 2007's final scores, I came across a number of submissions posted in clearly inappropriate categories, such as submissions with no sexual content at all posted in the Lesbian category. They had been reported to Laurel as well, by readers who obviously didn't agree with Why-I-Don't-Do-Anal essays being offered masquerading as Anal stories, and were relocated before the tallying of points was made official.

The point is, trying to cut corners to get more points than those earned by the stories does not pay off. Someone will see through it.

Each individual submission you make should go into the category it actually corresponds to. Each individual submission should be able to stand on its own in that category, even if it part of a multi-chapter series. That is the key element. Multi-chapter stories should always be series of stories capable of standing alone. They should not be a larger story simply split into small parts without autonomy. If that is the case, then all those parts should go into the Novels & Novellas category only.

For example, if you are writing a very long story with a lesbian theme, you have three courses of action that would be fair to everyone, not only you and the other contestants, but also to the readers:

1) Post the entire story, as a whole and in one single submission, in the Lesbian Sex category.

2) Post the entire story, or split into smaller manageable parts, in the Novels & Novellas section. (Each part will need to have 7500 words to be eligible for points in Survivor)

3) Post the story, split into smaller parts, but making sure that each part can stand on its own in the category it is posted under. If a part doesn't make sense on its own, without reading the rest of the series, it shouldn't be posted on its own. Join it with other parts until the block has enough internal coherence. If a part, even being able to stand on its own, does not include lesbian sex, it shouldn't be posted under the Lesbian Sex category, but under Non-Erotic or whatever other category best corresponds to that specific part's content.

I originally made this post on January 8th, and the things stated then will be implemented.

a) If by January 1st, 2009, we come across any stories posted in categories where they do not belong, we will contact Laurel and recommend that they be moved to the proper category.

b) If by January 1st, 2009, we come across any chapters that do not make sense on their own, any chapters that absolutely require that the previous and following chapters be read to be understood, any chapters that cannot be stripped of "Ch. 41" and still be a complete standalone story, we will contact Laurel and recommend that all chapters in the series in question be moved to "Novels and Novellas", with the consequent loss of points for each chapter smaller than 7500 words.

c) If by January 1st, 2009, we come across any multi-chaptered story, regardless of when or how it was originally posted, where some chapters are posted under "Novels and Novellas" and some aren't, then either all the "Novels and Novellas" chapters or all the other category chapters in that series - whatever makes more sense in each case based on the number of chapters in each category - will be entirely disregarded as far as Survivor is concerned.

If you come across any submission in these conditions, feel free to contact either CrimsonMaiden or myself.

 

[BOSTONFICTIONWRITER]

Hello, Survivorphiles! Pay particular attention to this:



I originally made this post on January 8th, and the things stated then will be implemented.

a) If by January 1st, 2009, we come across any stories posted in categories where they do not belong, we will contact Laurel and recommend that they be moved to the proper category.

b) If by January 1st, 2009, we come across any chapters that do not make sense on their own, any chapters that absolutely require that the previous and following chapters be read to be understood, any chapters that cannot be stripped of "Ch. 41" and still be a complete standalone story, we will contact Laurel and recommend that all chapters in the series in question be moved to "Novels and Novellas", with the consequent loss of points for each chapter smaller than 7500 words.

c) If by January 1st, 2009, we come across any multi-chaptered story, regardless of when or how it was originally posted, where some chapters are posted under "Novels and Novellas" and some aren't, then either all the "Novels and Novellas" chapters or all the other category chapters in that series - whatever makes more sense in each case based on the number of chapters in each category - will be entirely disregarded as far as Survivor is concerned.

If you come across any submission in these conditions, feel free to contact either CrimsonMaiden or myself.

...and now it starts...as it did last year.

As I said at the beginning of the contest feel free to manipulate my scorecard however you feel will give me the least amount of points and give someone else the win. I've already come to terms that the contests here are not fairly run.

I only wonder if you will be going through all the scorecards or just my scorecard.

No matter, I've already won this contest. To me, as it was last year, my aim was not to dump 750-1,000 word stories, and I hope you check some of those stories to see what sexual content that they have. My aim was to write the best story that I could write at the time.

Now, if you want to single me out by making reference to chapter 41, which I believe I may be the only poster who has a story with a chapter 41, I expected this turn of events. I've already posted my suspicions in my "Unofficial Survivor Thread", which is why this post came now instead of in December.

Unless I'm banned from the site or disqualified from competing in this contest, I will still participate in the Survivor Contest next year. You see, there is nothing that any of you can do to hurt me.

Yeah, sure, you can stop me from winning yet another contest that I so deserve to win. You can call me a cheater, as you did last year. Whatever?

In my heart I know that I competed fairly. If only those who judge the contest gave me the same courtesy, perhaps, I'd be the ultimate survivor.

Yet, when a contest allows you to post your stories, when write in the notes asking help in where to post your stories, to come around at the 11th hour in the contest and manipulate a scorecard to the disadvantage of one and to the advantage of another is called a fix.

No contest that I know of would be respected if submissions were accepted until the smoke clears and it is obvious that by massaging scorecards and changing scores, scores that were deemed real, honest, and accepted by this site, well, who is cheating here? Not me.

Do what you feel is necessary to give the win to someone else. I expected this. I've been waiting with baited breath for this note to publish. When I saw Princesserin's posts deleted, I know what was coming next.

I can lay my head on the pillow at night knowing that I'm not the cheater here. I'm the honest and self-righteous man who has been wronged again by those who have serious emotionals issues and who just don't like me for one reason or another. This has nothing to do with the contest and/or with my scorecard. This is a personal attack on me.

Are you going to delete this post, too?

Freddie
Bostonfictionwriter

The two time Survivor Contest winner...not. Not ever and never here, never will those in charge of monitoring contests allow me to win a contest here.

Is it because my name is in capital letters? Is it because I'm from Boston? Is it because I was born with a penis instead of a vagina? Is it because people around here should be on medication? What? I'd like the real reason why you single me out to lose this contest. I'd just like to know. Perhaps, if I knew the real rules, I'd have a chance of winning.

Thanks for the heads up. At least I won't expect to win this contest now, now that I know it's been rigged again against me in favor of another less deserving participant who didn't write the best story she knew how, but who dumped 750-1,000 stories that don't fit into the categories she posted them in.

As far as I'm concerned if you people accept a story to post in a category, that should be the end of it.

I can't imagine a contest in any sport, before the official score is announced after the game, the referees being allowed to take away points in favor of another player and/or team. WTF!

Do what you will because you will.

As far as I'm concerned, this isn't a Survivor Contest, it's a lunacy contest, where you guys pick the winner.

 

[PrincessErin]

.....

 

[BOSTONFICTIONWRITER]

That makes perfect sense. Would it be possible for those changes to be reflected in our scorecards so that we know which stories didn't count. I'm assuming if it's only a few people it would be easy, if it's more then I know it would take too much time.

Erin

I wouldn't worry about it, Honey. They got your back. Besides, they don't make the changes to the scorecards until after the contest ends. They all sit in the backroom around a table and decided who is going to win. You're all set (wink, wink). It's in the bag. Hey, I made more money betting against myself with the bookies than I'll ever make trying to win this crooked contest.

 

[Lauren Hynde]

Would it be possible for those changes to be reflected in our scorecards so that we know which stories didn't count.

Yes, any changes eventually made will be clearly marked in the scorecards.

 

[BOSTONFICTIONWRITER]

Well, this is certainly telling. This is the first time in a year that Princesserin hasn't responded to a comment that I made.

Someone, I wonder who, must have told her not to get involved with arguing the rules of the Survivor Contest. Someone, I wonder who, must have told her that the contest is fixed in her favor and there's no need to embarrass herself in a public display of back and forth.

Gees, I wonder why her previous comments were deleted. I thought that was strange. I didn't think they deleted anyone's comments, once they were posted. The plot thickens. This whole thing is very strange. I wonder what will happen next.

They'll probably disqualify me for cheating. Yeah, that's what they'll do. They disqualify me.

"If they can't beat me, then cheat me."

That's my new motto. What do you think? I think it fits here, especially in light of these new circumstances with the 11th hour implementation of posting rules.

"We'll let him think he's won the contest and then we'll pull the rug out from under him, as we did last year."

Only, this time, I expected it. This time, it doesn't matter to me. The writing and the story is what matters and you can't take that away from me.

Sure, you can name whoever you want to win your contest, but I'll stand up against any writer here story for story. Only, as I've written many times before, I'll never win a contest here.

 

[BOSTONFICTIONWRITER]

I just realize why they deleted Erin's comments from the thread.

It's because she forced their hand. They were hoping to unleash their hatred for me at the end of the contest and not now.

I can't imagine someone hating another person in cyber space. It gives real meaning to delusional.

Anyway, to save time, this is what I would do if I were you. Now, I'm not telling you what to do. I'm only suggesting. Obviously, you already know what you want to do. You want to disqualify me from the contest for "cheating". When all I did was to write stories. Yet, that decision is not in my realm of control. This is your game and not mine.

Anyway, here's my suggestion. After you delete whatever stories to make sure you eliminate whatever bonus points earned, why not move all of my shitty stories to the non-erotic category. Just by the sheer volume of my stories alone, I'll still come in 2nd place.

I'm sure whatever you decide will be fair.

(Gees, I can't believe I wrote that with a straight face. Hmm...maybe with this poker puss, I should play poker.)

Allow me to be the first to congratulate you, Erin for winning the 2008 Survivor Contest. You deserve to win.

(Gees, I am definitely going to take up poker.)

 

[BOSTONFICTIONWRITER]

"You should have won the Survivor Contest."

I'd like to take this opportunity to make a public announcement.

Whoever sent me that bank check for $5,000 last year with the note, "You should have won the Survivor Contest," please send another one.

It appears that it's deja vous all over again.

I still don't have a clue who sent me the money, but it was at the time that I was writing my Paparazzi stories about celebrities. Now, I have no idea how those stories can be deemed non-erotic, but whatever. Maybe, they should all be moved to the non-erotic category, too.

Anyway, I just donate the money to the shelter, but five grand buys a lot of food and it's always needed more around the holidays and the winter time.

I'm hoping Oprah sent me the money. I'm hoping she and Gayle King are one of my biggest fans.

Who knows, maybe they'll send me ten grand this year, although times are tougher this year than it was last year, but only for the middleclass. The rich people are still having a good year.

Okay, so, whoever sent me the money last year, please double the amount because it's being donated for a good cause.

Thank you for allowing me to make this public announcement. I feel better getting that off my chest.

 

[BOSTONFICTIONWRITER]

Still no comment from Erin. Now, this is very strange.

She'll probably send in the second team to comment on her behalf. She'll probably send in the lunatic from down under to tell everyone that I've been cheating on the Survivor Contest again and should be disqualified.

Truly, I don't see how anyone can call me a cheater, as they did last year and as they will this year. I just write stories. I have no control where Literotica posts my stories.

Oh, well, I can waste any more of my time here. I need to write more stories for my non-erotic category, which will now have close to 400 stories.

 

[BOSTONFICTIONWRITER]

You must be dying to make one of your famous, stupid comments, huh, Erin?

I have to tell you, I'm surprised you can control your lunacy for this amount of time.

I guess they already told you the good news that you won the contest after they massage my scorecard to my disadvantage and to your disadvantage.

Have you decided what you're going to do with the money?

If you decide to spend it on psychological therapy, I'll gladly match the amount. No one should be walking around insane the way you do. There is help out there.

No doubt, you'll spend it on Xmas gifts for your pretend family or cheese doodles.

 

[Boxlicker101]

Hello, Survivorphiles! Pay particular attention to this:



I originally made this post on January 8th, and the things stated then will be implemented.

a) If by January 1st, 2009, we come across any stories posted in categories where they do not belong, we will contact Laurel and recommend that they be moved to the proper category.

b) If by January 1st, 2009, we come across any chapters that do not make sense on their own, any chapters that absolutely require that the previous and following chapters be read to be understood, any chapters that cannot be stripped of "Ch. 41" and still be a complete standalone story, we will contact Laurel and recommend that all chapters in the series in question be moved to "Novels and Novellas", with the consequent loss of points for each chapter smaller than 7500 words.

c) If by January 1st, 2009, we come across any multi-chaptered story, regardless of when or how it was originally posted, where some chapters are posted under "Novels and Novellas" and some aren't, then either all the "Novels and Novellas" chapters or all the other category chapters in that series - whatever makes more sense in each case based on the number of chapters in each category - will be entirely disregarded as far as Survivor is concerned.

If you come across any submission in these conditions, feel free to contact either CrimsonMaiden or myself.

Hi, Lauren; it's nice to hear from you again.

You must be aware that the authors don't determine the category for a story. We can suggest, but the story is posted where Management sees fit. For instance, I have a story about a threesome centered about a M to F TS. I wanted to post it in TS & CD, but it is listed in Fetish. It's one of my oldest stories, and doesn't matter now.

There are others too. Many stories can fit properly in several categories, and sometimes they are posted in the one the author didn't choose. I submitted a story about a man doing anal sex with his stepdaughter, and suggested Anal Sex as a category. It was posted in Incest/Taboo. Last year, in the Halloween Contest, I submitted a story featuring a curse placed on Jayne Mansfield. I wanted it to go to the EH category, but it is in Celeb. The two I mention are not misplaced; they ae just not where I wanted them.

Choice of posting can make a big difference. I expect to write in all categoies this year, and I have five to go. I expect that, late in December, I will submit a story for the last of them. That one story will represent 33 points, but if it is posted elsewhere, it will be worth only one point.

 

[Lauren Hynde]

Hi, Lauren; it's nice to hear from you again.

You must be aware that the authors don't determine the category for a story. We can suggest, but the story is posted where Management sees fit.

Hi, Box. Absolutely. But you know that with so many stories submitted each day, some get by without being properly assessed by Laurel, or she trusts the authors to at least pick wisely. If we see a story that does not belong at all in the category where it is - I'm not talking about stories that could go into several categories, but about stories that are in one that is absolutely wrong given its content - we will contact Laurel and recommend that it be moved to a more appropriate spot. The final decision will, as always, be hers.

 

[CrimsonMaiden]

You can check the bottom of edited posts to see who edited them. Moderators are only allowed to remove personal contact information and spam. We also can move posts from one thread to another, which is frequently done when conversation drifts over to the FAQ thread. Those posts get moved to this thread. No other content from posts are edited.

I posted this just in case someone might wander in and actually believe that one of the moderators edited Erin's comments.

 

[PrincessErin]

.....

 

[velvetpie]

Boston ...

Please, my brother,

You need to take a major chill pill and be a gentleman.

I, as many others, have gone through a fair share of inconsistencies with the contest but we did not rail blindly against the establishment. We fixed any mistakes so that we were in line with the guidelines that were established within the time allotted. Why can't you just correct the errors and win the contest in the true spirit of a winner?

The tone and context of your postings is very childish as are the postings of those who have responded to you without remembering that this contest is a PRIVILEGE. Laurel and Manu have given us a beautiful forum to express our sexual selves, to post our creative writings and to enjoy the constructive (and sometimes UNconstructive) criticisms that come with it.

You and I well know that there will always be people, in any thing that you do in life, that don't like or agree with you. If you spend the rest of your life concerned about it, you will end up the bitter person who wrote your previous postings.

All I can say to you is RISE ABOVE IT.

Good luck to you,
Velvet

 

[CrimsonMaiden]

Scoreboard has been updated.

 

[starrkers]

I'd just like to remind everyone that our moderators Lauren Hynde and CrimsonMaiden are NOT part of Literotica management. They are writers just like us who have taken on the task of managing this contest out of the goodness of their hearts and give their time for nothing.

They receive no reward for their work, and have no power to change, move or delete stories from the Literoitica Story files. That can only be done by Laurel (note, different name to Lauren, different person).

I thank Lauren and Crimson for their efforts in keeping this ship afloat.

 

[CrimsonMaiden]

I just want to remind everyone of the rule regarding immunities:

At the end of the year, all immunities claimed will be considered valid, as long as there are two categories filled with regular submissions for each immunity. e.g.: If a contestant has 7 immunities won, but has only regular submissions in 12 different categories, only the first 6 immunities will be considered valid.

I've noticed quite a few people whose only points are from immunities. If you don't have the required number of stories, those immunity points will not count come January.

 

[Boxlicker101]

Hello, Survivorphiles! Pay particular attention to this:



I originally made this post on January 8th, and the things stated then will be implemented.

a) If by January 1st, 2009, we come across any stories posted in categories where they do not belong, we will contact Laurel and recommend that they be moved to the proper category.

b) If by January 1st, 2009, we come across any chapters that do not make sense on their own, any chapters that absolutely require that the previous and following chapters be read to be understood, any chapters that cannot be stripped of "Ch. 41" and still be a complete standalone story, we will contact Laurel and recommend that all chapters in the series in question be moved to "Novels and Novellas", with the consequent loss of points for each chapter smaller than 7500 words.

c) If by January 1st, 2009, we come across any multi-chaptered story, regardless of when or how it was originally posted, where some chapters are posted under "Novels and Novellas" and some aren't, then either all the "Novels and Novellas" chapters or all the other category chapters in that series - whatever makes more sense in each case based on the number of chapters in each category - will be entirely disregarded as far as Survivor is concerned.

If you come across any submission in these conditions, feel free to contact either CrimsonMaiden or myself.

I have been thinking some more about this. I have several stories about Angel Jones, a TS, and they are all ove 9,000 words. I have them in the TS & CD category, because that's where they belong. Each part can stand alone, but I often make references to previous parts. The character of Angel was established in the first part, and I really don't like the idea of doing it again for every subsequent part.

I also have a two part romance from last year. In the first part, I explain the backgound of the characters and describe their meeting. This part is over 8,000 words. In the second part, I pick up where I left off, and get them into bed. The second part is almost 7,000 words.

I am doing a thid part, which will also go into Romance, for this year. It involves the same people, and I make references to what happened before, but I don't establish the characters again, or explain their backgrounds. I precede the story with a paragraph directing readers to look back and see for themselves if they need to. This part will be about 9,000 words. I would hate to have this one not counted as a Romance submission because of this.

 

[Lauren Hynde]

I have been thinking some more about this. I have several stories about Angel Jones, a TS, and they are all ove 9,000 words. I have them in the TS & CD category, because that's where they belong. Each part can stand alone, but I often make references to previous parts. The character of Angel was established in the first part, and I really don't like the idea of doing it again for every subsequent part.

I also have a two part romance from last year. In the first part, I explain the backgound of the characters and describe their meeting. This part is over 8,000 words. In the second part, I pick up where I left off, and get them into bed. The second part is almost 7,000 words.

I am doing a thid part, which will also go into Romance, for this year. It involves the same people, and I make references to what happened before, but I don't establish the characters again, or explain their backgrounds. I precede the story with a paragraph directing readers to look back and see for themselves if they need to. This part will be about 9,000 words. I would hate to have this one not counted as a Romance submission because of this.

"The Godfather Part II" makes references to "The Godfather" and it still stands alone.

 

[JPTurner70]

Petition to Abolish Survivor

Shouldn't there be one?

 

[BOSTONFICTIONWRITER]

Shouldn't there be one?

Who's sock puppet are you?

It'd difficult enought to keep the players straight around here and then they have to bring in the alts.

Scram! Get lost!

 

[Selena_Kitt]

Shouldn't there be one?

I don't know about a petition JP, but we could do a poll. I don't think we could start one on this thread, though. I think only moderators can start threads in "Survivor."

What's the matter, BFW, I thought you said you wanted it abolished?

Why not put it to a vote?

 

[BOSTONFICTIONWRITER]

I don't know about a petition JP, but we could do a poll. I don't think we could start one on this thread, though. I think only moderators can start threads in "Survivor."

What's the matter, BFW, I thought you said you wanted it abolished?

Why not put it to a vote?

My apologies. I didn't know that was your sock puppet, er alter ego.

Based upon what happened last year in the Survivor Contest and what will happen this year in the Survivor Contest...where do I sign?

 

[scouries]

i love polls...

In fact [size=+2] freddie [/size] I’m no longer in favor of abolishing the SURVIVOR contest. I still don’t like it or the concept behind it but it’s hard to ignore the fact that a large number of LITEROTICANS participate in it and must enjoy it to some degree.

Instead I’m now in favor of fixing it. Keeping the good while throwing out the bad.

Yes I know, many of you are already shaking your heads. “Change! Why change anything Mr. Scouries? We’ve always done it this way.”

Yes my reactionary friends, and for the last three years the contest has ended in charges of cheating and the hurling of recriminations.

Lets take a page out of our President-Elects book – Change Can Happen.

So change what? How?

Well guys and girls that’s up to you. You’ve got to decide what’s wrong with the present contest. What to keep and what to toss. What do you like about it and what do you hate. Talk about it among yourselves. Make some decisions. If you don’t it’ll just be more of the same old, same old next year. Which is getting tiresome for the rest of us…

From where I sit as an impartial observer here’s my take on the SURVIVOR contest: Too many rules and too complicated a scoring system.

KISS boys and girls – (keep it simple stupid)

My suggestion:

-Do away with the whole lottery/immunity business – why get points for not writing?
-Forget the poetry categories – invariably the results are awful
-Dump the illustrated stories – same reason
-Dump all the bonuses – they just complicate matters

Scoring:

- 1 point for every original stand alone story submitted
- You must enter a story in every category before you can enter a second 'point earning' story in any category
-Similarly you must have entered a second story in every category before you can enter a third 'point earning' one in any category (and so on)
- Most points win!

Rules:

- Stories must be original works and be accepted and posted at Literotica.
- Literotica reserves the right to change the category under which a submission is entered. However, once accepted and categorized this decision will not be revisited or be subject to second guessing.
-Cheaters will be shot

I’m james r scouries, and I approve this message…

[size=+2]Dolphins believe in change…[/size]