I think its time the Author's Hangout had...

[Lovecraft_Lore]

There already are top story lists.

The only people who would know who most of these people are others who have also posted for years. Most people didn't know who they were, don't know this forum exists, would be voting at random, for people who in many cases stopped posting because they died.

It would be like voting on which of those three magi that brought gifts to baby Jesus had the longest beard.

 

[Voboy]

...its to honor people who have helped keep this forum, and with their stories, Literotica, going strong, I see this simply as acknowledging people's efforts.

Okay.

Have fun! It seems to me that this very thread is meeting your intent already, but if you want an extra-special honorific, I hope it works out to your satisfaction...

 

[SimonDoom]

I think it's an interesting idea in theory, but that it probably won't work. Here's why: no agreed upon criteria, and not enough votes. If you get 100 people voting, which would be a lot, you'll get people into the Hall of Fame with 10 votes. What does that mean?

I would suggest having a lengthy discussion about how to do it and what criteria to apply before nominating anybody. I think that's jumping the gun.

Thoughts/suggested criteria:

1. Set a minimum number of votes they have to get to be on the HOF.
2. Set a minimum number of stories they have to have written.
3. Don't get too wedded to numbers, like views, or votes, or scores. They can be a factor, but not decisive.
4. Maybe prepare a list of finalists and tell people that to vote you have to have read at least one story of each of them.
5. For the finalists, perhaps publish some of the information about them: their 10 best stories (maybe what THEY think are their 10 best stories, or how they rank in contests or lists, or whatever), their awards, whatever.
6. Anyone who nominates someone should post an explanation why and discuss what about that author makes them deserving.
7. I think if we do it we should make an extra effort to include authors from the past who don't write anymore. It shouldn't just be a contemporary popularity contest.
8. I would also take into consideration the author's contribution to the forums, and helpfulness to other authors.

If you want to have an author appreciation thread, I would support that.

 

[KeithD]

I'm not invested in this and have (and will) only suggest people based on what I thought this was--recognition for helpful participation for a prolonged period on the Author's Hangout (and I haven't and won't challenge any names anyone else comes up with). We already have hall of fame lists for the posting of stories. Writing a lot of great (or popular) stories really has nothing to do with providing help on the AH, unless you do that as well as post the stories readers vote up. And I'm not making this distinction because I'm at a disadvantage of story file here. I have a mammoth story file, lots of red Hs and green Es, and a few contest placements.

I thought this was for support activity on the Author's Hangout. You don't have to have written many stories at all to have been a consistently helpful support for other users on the Author's Hangout for years. People giving realistic advice on the AH more likely than not have gotten feces thrown at them over the years rather than accolades, because most of those asking for help want validation and praise more than they want honest, experienced help, this discussion board is no different than most others in giving priority to chumminess over expertise, and some of the users want to play king of the mountain with those giving more knowledgeable advice than they can. In that vein, It would be nice if folks did get some recognition for taking the time and effort to try to provide actually useful help over a large chunk of time.

Of course we have a "sort of" category for that in the "sort of a joke" annual contest here, but those doing the heavy lifting in support for users on the discussion board aren't really being nominated in that "annual" contest very often. That contest is heavily based on chumminess. And a major issue on Literotica is that the administration defaults to the users to give help to other users.

I'll just lift a toast to Ogg and TxRad for having, I think, rightly been lifted up for appreciation and celebration for their long contributions to the AH.

 

[SimonDoom]

I'm of two minds about that. On the one hand, it would draw attention to deserving authors. On the other hand, if hardly anyone knows who they are, do they deserve to be in a "Hall of Fame"?

I think the impulse to recognize and honor fellow writers is admirable, but I am not sure this is the best way to go about it. Perhaps a stickied thread in which people could post homages to their favorites would accomplish the same thing, without the complications of making it competitive.

I kinda like the idea of a moderated sticky thread called something like "Favorite Authors" or "Most Appreciated Authors." People can propose someone, name some favorites stories, and briefly describe why the person deserves to be on the list. A moderator or Laurel can review the nomination to see if passes muster and if it does it can go up.

 

[KeithD]

I kinda like the idea of a moderated sticky thread called something like "Favorite Authors" or "Most Appreciated Authors." People can propose someone, name some favorites stories, and briefly describe why the person deserves to be on the list. A moderator or Laurel can review the nomination to see if passes muster and if it does it can go up.

As I noted, I don't think that really has much to do with what the OP was trying to get to with this thread. If you'll look at the initial posting, I think you'll see that the proposal has more to do with support on the AH than stories posted to literotica. There are already functions here highlighting the authoring of stories (although none of them have a very strong quality control function attached to them).

"This is not a strictly writing based. You do need to have stories here, but also be a strong and steady contributor to the forum as well . . ."

 

[SimonDoom]

As I noted, I don't think that really has much to do with what the OP was trying to get to with this thread. If you'll look at the initial posting, I think you'll see that the proposal has more to do with support on the AH than stories posted to literotica. There are already functions here highlighting the authoring of stories (although none of them have a very strong quality control function attached to them).

"This is not a strictly writing based. You do need to have stories here, but also be a strong and steady contributor to the forum as well . . ."

I had the sense it was somewhat vague, which is why I suggested discussing the criteria first. I think both longevity of service and positive contributions to the AH should be considered.

 

[TxRad]

I have a dozen names of people who made the AH what it is but only a few of you would even remember the names, much less what they contributed to the place.

 

[SimonDoom]

I have a dozen names of people who made the AH what it is but only a few of you would even remember the names, much less what they contributed to the place.

I think that's one of the possible benefits of doing this, or something like this--letting people know about authors from the past who contributed a lot to the site.

 

[Agiel]

I think your suggestion, although doubtless coming with the best of intentions, is misguided. Although there’s many things I like in respect of reading other people’s opinions there’s enough crap on here already without adding to it.

 

[stickygirl]

Will there be a gala night when we can dress up? Will participants be able to say "Get ma wife's name outta your ****ing paragraph?"

My response is 'no'. An author's work stands as their mark of fame or even memorial. To set one author above another will always be acrimonious, which you clearly recognise because you've created an alt to make the post. We're all only as good as our last story and our community thrives on helping each other and planning to write the next one, rather than basking in the glow of our achievements. As was previously mentioned, we already have a top stories list.

I'm not a fan of anniversaries or birthdays either, so while I can see your intention is worthy, the end result may not be.

 

[oggbashan]

More from the past: Matriarch and her partner; tatelou. They organised the UK meet in the new Forest.

 

[oggbashan]

I share some of the concerns expressed above. What I would suggest is that the list is changed to those, ten years or more ago, who WERE significant contributors to the AH, NOT current ones.

 

[JuanaSalsa]

I previously wrote on a site which had a similar program of calling out and acknowledging strong contributers. However, it was run by the site and used to encourage quality content to drive business metrics and there were tangible, if not particularly valuable, rewards that came with being chosen.

Still, even with an unbiased non-participant, anonymous, judging panel and real criteria, the program resulted in the expected fracturing of the community, feuds, hurt feelings, temper tantrums, boasting, and flounces.

Eventually, the program was discontinued.

I simply offer this as a cautionary tale.

 

[Bramblethorn]

I appreciate the intention here (and the nomination!) but I do share the concerns that this could turn into a source of drama.

Rather than trying to establish a definitive HoF, what about making it a thing where anybody can celebrate somebody who they think has enriched the forum and/or the site?

 

[Voboy]

...what about making it a thing where anybody can celebrate somebody who they think has enriched the forum and/or the site?

Again, I think that's precisely what this very thread is doing. Ogg and TX and others have taken a rewarding trip down memory lane, and clued the rest of us in to the contributions of those who came before us. Productively, with no voting or drama or competition or rules required.

So good job, OP!

 

[KeithD]

My response is 'no'. An author's work stands as their mark of fame or even memorial. To set one author above another will always be acrimonious, which you clearly recognise because you've created an alt to make the post. We're all only as good as our last story and our community thrives on helping each other and planning to write the next one, rather than basking in the glow of our achievements. As was previously mentioned, we already have a top stories list.

I'm not a fan of anniversaries or birthdays either, so while I can see your intention is worthy, the end result may not be.

I'm not plugging the idea, which probably isn't doable, but can't resist pointing out again that this isn't about writing stories; it's about the support given on the AH to other folks wanting to get their stories posted here. Apples and kumquats. It's quite true that superlative lists already exist here for the writing of stories. That isn't what I see that this proposal is about. Can't we at least understand what the proposal is about? The fact is that there are prolific authors here not doing a damn thing in helping other authors get their story posted (or giving off-the- wall guidance because they don't know what they want others to think they do know) and then there are others who are on here nearly daily patiently doling out sympathy and experience for decades.

The Web site defaults bigtime to the regular users in supporting other users in issues brought to the AH. It produces hazy guidelines, doesn't respond to e-mails, and doesn't have anyone authoritatively answering for it regularly on the discussion board. The regular site users are left to help others and try to guess what Laurel will do about anything. It's nice that someone recognizes that there are users here who have provided/are providing that help for a decade or more.

It's not about stories these folks have written and posted here. Looks like, though, that this can't go any further than a user or two recognizing who's done the heavy lifting here in user support on questions/problems on getting stories posted. Thanks to the OP for doing so; the OP has done so in the timeframe the OP wanted to do it. It would be nice if those asking for help here all would recognize that regular users have no obligation to try to help them but they do even when a new poster just wants to rail at other users about the Web site's underage policy or about a hazy-worded rejection (often for an offense that isn't there) or because Laurel won't answer their queries.

 

[AlinaX]

Okay, well now I'm even more confused. (And breaking a self-imposed silence, sorry.)

Is this a chance for AH regulars and old-timers to acknowledge historical and on-going support efforts? (A noble aim, but would be better without constructing a Hall of Fame with arbitrary criteria.)

Or is this some odd way to get random users and somehow perhaps even Laurel herself to acknowledge the efforts of a select few whose contributions are deemed significant and useful? (But why? We don't hang out in Author's Hangout out of some great altruistic purpose. We hang out here because we're bored and AH is a fun place to hang out and argue and occasionally, yes, help fellow authors, and maybe even gain some extra readers for our stories.)

ps. I apologise for the drive-by abbreviations. I was exhausted after a long day and misread OP's intent. Someone who could be anyone claiming anonymity and a lack of bias while proposing division and everyone jumping in... was not a great end to my day.

 

[_Lynn_]

I kinda like the idea of a moderated sticky thread called something like "Favorite Authors" or "Most Appreciated Authors." People can propose someone, name some favorites stories, and briefly describe why the person deserves to be on the list. A moderator or Laurel can review the nomination to see if passes muster and if it does it can go up.

As a mod myself, I wouldn't want to make those decisions.

 

[AHHOF]

EB, have you ever considered auditions for the role of 'Carnac the Magnificent'? (Me thinks there's a future for you there, if you so desire.) For the record, I'll see your unmentionable nomination, JBJ... (There. I said it... because he fits the criteria and I have this thing for exploding heads... ) Further, I'll raise you a Sam Scribble who would make absolutely NO one's head explode and he richly deserves recognition for his contributions. *the cat twitches her tail and exits thru the revolving door*

I know of at least two others who would give JBJ a vote, and I'd consider it. He had a deliberate polarizing persona, but was a good writer when he finally decided to prove it, and did give advice. He was much better through PM where he'd drop the act and helped more than a few people.

I started with I don't want it to be personal, and I'd extend that to him. The other two I alluded to in a reply to Electricblue I would never want to see nominated and I don't think any here would argue. What they did can't be tolerated.

As I noted, I don't think that really has much to do with what the OP was trying to get to with this thread. If you'll look at the initial posting, I think you'll see that the proposal has more to do with support on the AH than stories posted to literotica. There are already functions here highlighting the authoring of stories (although none of them have a very strong quality control function attached to them).

"This is not a strictly writing based. You do need to have stories here, but also be a strong and steady contributor to the forum as well . . ."

You're getting it right, being a longtime strong contributor to the forum is the main thing. I did mention some candidates story accomplishments, including yours, because I think success on the story side adds merit to one's posting here. Would a new person be more apt to take the answer of someone who has 100 posts and 2 stories to their credit or someone who has been here a long time and has a lot of success with their work? You can answer based on been there done that.

Its why I mentioned Tx Tall Tales, all the story accolades you can imagine, but in his active time of 2001-2017 less than 1000 posts in the AH, that's hardly supporting the AH, so for me, in his case I'd say no. But for those who have both the steady input here and the story file to match, that's lends some extra credit to me.

 

[AHHOF]

Okay, well now I'm even more confused. (And breaking a self-imposed silence, sorry.)

Is this a chance for AH regulars and old-timers to acknowledge historical and on-going support efforts? (A noble aim, but would be better without constructing a Hall of Fame with arbitrary criteria.)

Or is this some odd way to get random users and somehow perhaps even Laurel herself to acknowledge the efforts of a select few whose contributions are deemed significant and useful? (But why? We don't hang out in Author's Hangout out of some great altruistic purpose. We hang out here because we're bored and AH is a fun place to hang out and argue and occasionally, yes, help fellow authors, and maybe even gain some extra readers for our stories.)

ps. I apologise for the drive-by abbreviations. I was exhausted after a long day and misread OP's intent. Someone who could be anyone claiming anonymity and a lack of bias while proposing division and everyone jumping in... was not a great end to my day.

No problem with the abbreviations, I understand and just responded in kind.

Your description of the AH can help make my point as for why many are here, but you left out procrastination. But there are those here who have made a sort of home for themselves here right down to being a dysfunctional bickering family of sorts.. They're here more often than not, and for some reasons you mentioned, but also to give back to the community and are always responding to questions. The difference between casual posters and the true AH crew.

As for devisive, I don't see it that way, the ones who choose to are the ones who'll make it that way,

 

[Voboy]

As for devisive, I don't see it that way, the ones who choose to are the ones who'll make it that way,

Ah, but many more than one respondent has told you they do see it that way.

If this thread is the openminded feeler you're claiming it is, then you should perhaps consider that point of view whether you share it or not. No?

 

[AHHOF]

I have a dozen names of people who made the AH what it is but only a few of you would even remember the names, much less what they contributed to the place.

Going to try to be careful with my reply here. Just because someone was here in the early days doesn't mean they shaped it. It was an open forum created by the site. There is a difference between yes, someone who really drove it, and playing the nostalgia of the good old days can't be beat and the new era of authors aren't as good as the 'pioneers'

We're in 2022. There is a strong case to be made that the AH of today has been shaped by people like yourself, and SR, lovecraft68, Ogg-the one start to finish poster we have here to my knowledge- and also people who have not been here for the 10 year mark I suggested, but are great contributors. Simon Doom, Electricblue and others have helped mold shape and drive this era of the AH.

What I'm saying is just because someone was here for a couple years pre 2006 or so, doesn't mean they shaped what is here now. Same can be said of us if this place is still around in another 15-20 years.

Ogg mentioned three names I've never heard of and my first pop up here is early then your join date. Does that mean they are irrelevant, of course not, but people say Colleen Thomas, I know that name. Not wise posted he didn't know Slyc, but he'd heard the name, if the majority of people can't recall the name...well that's one of the areas of this that will be hard to work out.

 

[AHHOF]

Ah, but many more than one respondent has told you they do see it that way.

If this thread is the openminded feeler you're claiming it is, then you should perhaps consider that point of view whether you share it or not. No?

Fair enough. The majority of people here don't see it that way. Many have question whether it can work, but they don't see it as a negative.

Now e test your open-mindedness.

My guess to why its devisive to some is they're the same people who think straight A students who bust their ass and sacrifice time and fun with friends for good grades and a good future should be denied recognition in an honor roll because oh, no, the lazy kids who half ass it don't get anything.

Excellence should be awarded, people used to want to strive for things. To see someone who is good at something and want to rise to that level not feel everyone should sink to theirs.

Should the site do away with scores, because high scores make people with low scores feel bad? Get rid of the H for those who don't have them? Get rid of the Hall of fame story lists because not everyone can be on them? Get rid of the fav author list, tell the people on the most prolific list, sorry we can't tout you having thousands of stories here because the guy over there who only has three feels bad?

This is the same thing. There are people here who have put in far more time and effort keeping this forum alive than others, and some of them as I replied to Keith have also done that on the story side of things. Two of the people I mentioned are the #2 and #4 authors here on the all time fav list. Yes, they should get some credit for that, whether the person who's on 100 fav pages likes it or not. Everyone is free to be able to qualify for this as time moves on. If this happens I already know in two years Simon and EB will be shoe ins for the same reason this group is.

I think in this instance division is another word for this isn't fair because I don't qualify.

Am I wrong, would not be the first time, but its what I see in all aspects of life, here wouldn't be different and speaking honestly, this is the biggest issue I foresaw doing this, pettiness.

 

[Voboy]

I think in this instance division is another word for this isn't fair because I don't qualify.

Speaking for myself, you couldn't possibly be more wrong.

I'm against this idea because, simply put, it's unnecessary. I truly do think this thread itself has fulfilled every purpose you could ever want in your "HoF." It has highlighted the contributions of those who are gone, it has fondly reminisced, and it has done so with minimal drama.

Well and good.

Why not leave it? Every competition Lit has ever had has descended into pettiness and backbiting, some of it for very good reason. Why would you believe this would be any different?

I value the AH. You can tell, because I post here and noplace else. I generally feel the same way about the others who post here. I value many of them and cordially ignore the rest. Pray, what (to me) is the necessity of a brand-new HoF, especially when it carries the possibility (probability, I'd say) of descending into spite and cliquishness?

Seems to me you need to make a case for this. In my mind, speaking respectfully and cordially, that case remains unmade.