Do authors need tumblr? and other questions

[LtheStoryteller]

And if not then they should be gathered for sale all together as a collection when the game is finished.

****, I just saw that I haven't answered this
Yes, they should definitely do that

I'm very curious, in what universe do you need to use ableist slurs? I mean this seriously, because that's not people being woke, that's people pointing out you're being ableist and that's not something to be proud of. Now, I admit, tumblr can be extremely woke and they take it too far, but suggesting you don't use slurs isn't that far out of pocket, that's basic human decency. We can criticise authors for money-grabbing or attention-seeking, that's fine and I mostly agree with you on the money-grabbing, but some authors aren't money grabbing and are just on tumblr for the interactive purposes. I'm more likely to send them an ask than faff around with a google form, even when they have that option, and also polls about options, changes, what is the harm in that? And I've seen many authors change course due to feedback, so it seems like either you were in a very limited corner or you don't want to admit that there is more of a purpose to things like tumblr than just advertising, because as I said, these authors want a relationship. Not necessarily buddy-buddy, but more like genuine dialogues happening about choices, which I've seen happen often, and I've rarely seen that happen in the comments of itch.io games. Not never, but not often.

I'll answer the slur comment last, because I've answered it plenty of times by now, and honestly, I care about the rest of your reply more than that.
So, I did went nuclear on explaining how they use Tumblr for the most part, but you need to understand, what you're saying there is exceptions. THere are always exceptions, and I do agree with that. Just how I also agree that there are normal writers out there, normal people, good people, all that.
Not all are money hungry pricks, I know, and I agree. But everything you said, from engagement to polls to whatever, I mean, why would you need that? The only thing I can think of that one might ask for polls, is about something like, which character do you like the most? But honestly? Who gives a ****?
You're writing your own story, just how I'm currently doing, right. I don't really care about information that has no relevance to the said story.
Asking people something like that, is trying to force a discussion or something, and I get that, you're trying to get some engagement and that is fine, but it is really not necessary. Not saying that you shouldn't do it, I'm just saying that you shouldn't mostly focus on that, is all.
Changing course due to feedback is an iffy thing really. Sometimes it can be good, sometimes it can be bad. Let's put it this way.
You can have story in mind. You want to write it like this, to be about this, for this and this to happen, but, you get a bunch of people saying, oh, you should instead do this and this. The thing then is, if you're doing it for yourself, or for others.
Imagine if songwriters were writing specifically what fans asked them to write. Or movie directors making movies specifically about what a bunch of people is telling them to make a movie about.
That's not creativity, and that would make you hate the art or craft that you're doing. But, as I said, it can also be good, change a story in some better direction, or fix and improve the pre-existing one. All in all, never said that it was the worst thing in the world, just that it became something that it shouldn't be.

And to answer your question, retard is not a slur, no one listens to that anymore, it's an SJW thing, and where I'm from we don't care and are not really snowflakes to be offended by something like that. Nor is the majority of the world. Only the woke west

 

[Mondy]

I haven't played the game that the poly drama was mainly about from what I saw, but for me it's like 'poly routes can exist, but should either be intentional and obvious from the beginning or not to the detriment of individual routes' like I played a game about a year ago and I seemed to get trapped in a poly route because I didn't even know it existed and I was just flirting with anyone because I'm a slut, but when I replayed to get off the route, half the development for the ROs on their own was missing and it was a huge let down because their character development on the poly route was delicious, but that doesn't mean I want to play a poly route even if I am a slut.

u calling urself a slut made me laugh so hard
I always admire ppl who are able to cause a ruckus in the game through continous flirting with everyone. damn I can't do that lol.

 

[LtheStoryteller]

everytime I see you mention the backlash u still receive from other authors nd how u hold some dirt on them, I can't help but be overly curious about it. I wasn't around for that since I tend to not involve myself too much into drama. I like IFs nd that's it, idc abt the bagage that comes with it unless it's bleeding into the IF itself. as for the author, no we're not talking abt the same one. this is abt this one new person who set up their own IF, they were in a sense very direct nd blunt in their way of answering questions and interacting with the followers they got. I found it refreshing how they're open and being themselves instead of the overly exaggerated pleasantries. nd they themselves have posted multiple times abt how that's their own way of interacting with others so no one should take an offense to their speech. nonetheless, because the average liberal Tumblr user is a breeding ground for heightened sensitivity and entitlement, they bullied that poor person to the point they had to delete their blog nd never consider again writing an IF

Iiiiiii, am pretty sure that that's the same one we're actually talking about? The author who said that they like the character Goob?
And yeah, there are still some writers who watch my **** and try and **** up my ratings and whatnot, and think that I am the all evil that is happening to them. Also, me having dirt on them and not saying much is a hell of a courtesy that I'm giving them, considering how they treat me. But also, why would I do that? Sure, they stabbed me in the back, called me ****ing sexist, bigot, this, that, whatever you can think of, and the source was trust me bro.
The best part were that they were all like **** yeah, facts. So yeah, if you're curious about specific things, ask away, and I may or may not answer in moderation, considering I am not in business of exposing people like that, but if the **** that I'm getting continues, I just might.
Also, you should see how people are treated by those writers in the if discord mod team. You try to say that I may not actually be a spawn of satan, and you get a warning that you'll get banned for defending a "known bigot and harassing other people"

I have no idea who you're talking about then. Is it the IF that was started and deleted only a few months ago? The blog was only up for a bit and I remember people disliked it because on the surface it seemed like a story where everyone would be obsessed with the band's singer (which, tbf is very realistic).

Yeah, I legit think that we're talking about the same thing

I haven't played the game that the poly drama was mainly about from what I saw, but for me it's like 'poly routes can exist, but should either be intentional and obvious from the beginning or not to the detriment of individual routes' like I played a game about a year ago and I seemed to get trapped in a poly route because I didn't even know it existed and I was just flirting with anyone because I'm a slut, but when I replayed to get off the route, half the development for the ROs on their own was missing and it was a huge let down because their character development on the poly route was delicious, but that doesn't mean I want to play a poly route even if I am a slut.

Yeeaah, people usually **** up those, because they only do them for the sake of their audience

I always admire ppl who are able to cause a ruckus in the game through continous flirting with everyone. damn I can't do that lol.

Same I literally feel bad

 

[Mondy]

Iiiiiii, am pretty sure that that's the same one we're actually talking about? The author who said that they like the character Goob?
And yeah, there are still some writers who watch my **** and try and **** up my ratings and whatnot, and think that I am the all evil that is happening to them. Also, me having dirt on them and not saying much is a hell of a courtesy that I'm giving them, considering how they treat me. But also, why would I do that? Sure, they stabbed me in the back, called me ****ing sexist, bigot, this, that, whatever you can think of, and the source was trust me bro.
The best part were that they were all like **** yeah, facts. So yeah, if you're curious about specific things, ask away, and I may or may not answer in moderation, considering I am not in business of exposing people like that, but if the **** that I'm getting continues, I just might.
Also, you should see how people are treated by those writers in the if discord mod team. You try to say that I may not actually be a spawn of satan, and you get a warning that you'll get banned for defending a "known bigot and harassing other people"

Yeah, I legit think that we're talking about the same thing

Yeeaah, people usually **** up those, because they only do them for the sake of their audience

Same I literally feel bad

well if ur fine with it nd offering to do it, but I believe we're slightly deviating from the og purpose of this post lol. yet, I'm content with whatever you can give out abt them, I'm not cherry picking

 

[Grace5963]

I'll answer the slur comment last, because I've answered it plenty of times by now, and honestly, I care about the rest of your reply more than that.
So, I did went nuclear on explaining how they use Tumblr for the most part, but you need to understand, what you're saying there is exceptions. THere are always exceptions, and I do agree with that. Just how I also agree that there are normal writers out there, normal people, good people, all that.
Not all are money hungry pricks, I know, and I agree. But everything you said, from engagement to polls to whatever, I mean, why would you need that? The only thing I can think of that one might ask for polls, is about something like, which character do you like the most? But honestly? Who gives a ****?
You're writing your own story, just how I'm currently doing, right. I don't really care about information that has no relevance to the said story.
Asking people something like that, is trying to force a discussion or something, and I get that, you're trying to get some engagement and that is fine, but it is really not necessary. Not saying that you shouldn't do it, I'm just saying that you shouldn't mostly focus on that, is all.
Changing course due to feedback is an iffy thing really. Sometimes it can be good, sometimes it can be bad. Let's put it this way.
You can have story in mind. You want to write it like this, to be about this, for this and this to happen, but, you get a bunch of people saying, oh, you should instead do this and this. The thing then is, if you're doing it for yourself, or for others.
Imagine if songwriters were writing specifically what fans asked them to write. Or movie directors making movies specifically about what a bunch of people is telling them to make a movie about.
That's not creativity, and that would make you hate the art or craft that you're doing. But, as I said, it can also be good, change a story in some better direction, or fix and improve the pre-existing one. All in all, never said that it was the worst thing in the world, just that it became something that it shouldn't be.

And to answer your question, retard is not a slur, no one listens to that anymore, it's an SJW thing, and where I'm from we don't care and are not really snowflakes to be offended by something like that. Nor is the majority of the world. Only the woke west

The songwriting/directing comparison is interesting but it's not quite the same thing. A songwriter releases an album, done, finished, fans react after. Interactive fiction is a format where reader input is structurally part of the work, like tabletop RPGs. Polls that affect the game aren't caving to pressure, they're using the medium intentionally. A director who let audiences vote mid-shoot would be chaotic, sure, but a DM asking their table 'which plot hook interests you more' isn't losing their creative vision, that is the creative vision. The 'writing for yourself vs others' point is genuinely valid for traditional fiction, but for interactive fiction specifically, 'others' isn't the enemy of the work, it's baked into the concept. And yeah, nobody's saying you have to poll or chase engagement, but 'I don't see the point' and 'it has no value' are different claims, and you are making the second one.

On the slur point, 'nobody listens to that anymore' is doing a lot of work there. The people it actually affects listen. Calling it an SJW thing is just a way to dismiss the objection without engaging with it. You're not being asked to walk on eggshells, you're being asked to not use a clinical term for cognitive disability as an insult. That's a pretty low bar. Also, and I say this neutrally, someone who has 'dirt' on people but generously chooses not to use it, and whose critics are apparently all acting on 'trust me bro' sources, is a pattern worth reflecting on. That's not how being wrongly accused usually sounds.

 

[Grace5963]

u calling urself a slut made me laugh so hard
I always admire ppl who are able to cause a ruckus in the game through continous flirting with everyone. damn I can't do that lol.

I am not brave enough to be a slut irl but the slutty urges win out in IF. Like let me **** all characters possible, please and thank you, and as I do, I'll also create the most drama the IF allows... which is often disappointing

 

[f8butterfly]

The songwriting/directing comparison is interesting but it's not quite the same thing. A songwriter releases an album, done, finished, fans react after. Interactive fiction is a format where reader input is structurally part of the work, like tabletop RPGs. Polls that affect the game aren't caving to pressure, they're using the medium intentionally. A director who let audiences vote mid-shoot would be chaotic, sure, but a DM asking their table 'which plot hook interests you more' isn't losing their creative vision, that is the creative vision. The 'writing for yourself vs others' point is genuinely valid for traditional fiction, but for interactive fiction specifically, 'others' isn't the enemy of the work, it's baked into the concept. And yeah, nobody's saying you have to poll or chase engagement, but 'I don't see the point' and 'it has no value' are different claims, and you are making the second one.

IFs don't have to have user engagement, though. Even outside of IFs, early access periods where devs constantly bow to the whims of players has actually made the game worse in a lot of ways, like BG3. I'm honestly neutral about tumblr accounts and IFs except for the potential parasocial aspect, the overall IF fandom being annoying, and the patreons. Tumblrs can also discourage writers too. Either through bullying and or constant requests for features to be added.

 

[Mondy]

tbh, the only user engagements I can perceive as legible enough are ones that tackle the fate of certain characters; whether it be changing their ending or try to involve them more if the fans are that intrigued by them.

 

[LtheStoryteller]

well if ur fine with it nd offering to do it, but I believe we're slightly deviating from the og purpose of this post lol. yet, I'm content with whatever you can give out abt them, I'm not cherry picking

Most of them spend more time venting about not wanting to write than actually writing? I'm just giving you something very general, because as I said, I'm not an as*hole, so I'll refrain from anything very specific. Though my eyes are set on a current trio for now, because I'm trying to figure something out, and that is all I'll say about that.

The songwriting/directing comparison is interesting but it's not quite the same thing. A songwriter releases an album, done, finished, fans react after. Interactive fiction is a format where reader input is structurally part of the work, like tabletop RPGs. Polls that affect the game aren't caving to pressure, they're using the medium intentionally. A director who let audiences vote mid-shoot would be chaotic, sure, but a DM asking their table 'which plot hook interests you more' isn't losing their creative vision, that is the creative vision. The 'writing for yourself vs others' point is genuinely valid for traditional fiction, but for interactive fiction specifically, 'others' isn't the enemy of the work, it's baked into the concept. And yeah, nobody's saying you have to poll or chase engagement, but 'I don't see the point' and 'it has no value' are different claims, and you are making the second one.

On the slur point, 'nobody listens to that anymore' is doing a lot of work there. The people it actually affects listen. Calling it an SJW thing is just a way to dismiss the objection without engaging with it. You're not being asked to walk on eggshells, you're being asked to not use a clinical term for cognitive disability as an insult. That's a pretty low bar. Also, and I say this neutrally, someone who has 'dirt' on people but generously chooses not to use it, and whose critics are apparently all acting on 'trust me bro' sources, is a pattern worth reflecting on. That's not how being wrongly accused usually sounds.

Yeah, they are different things, I know, but what you're saying is exactly what the first post on here talked about.
That became a thing, but wasn't a thing back then. Meaning, it never was a part of the process, rather it just became one for this reason or that, which is what we're trying to deduce here.
Though what I'm claiming still stands. In grand scheme of things, if the whole process was how it once was, then it is pointless. Sure, you can make it in some different way, it's not a one shoe fits all scenario, but if you can't say that IFs need to have it as a part of the process. At the end of the day, that's still game developing/game making, and that is a solitary idea of a individual or a team, and it doesn't have to involve your entire fanbase.

It's not doing a lot of work, because it's the truth, along with everything else I mentioned. I am dismissing it because I already engaged with it plenty, and am tired of repeating the same old story.
And I am not being asked that, mainly because I can't be, since it is just an insult as any other.
And it's not a pattern worth reflecting on. Just go and ask dear little Pink, I assume the one who is making The Lost Bride, since she's the one who said that I am a sexist, by, and I quote, "some of the things that I've said." That is the evidence? Look awful like trust me bro, no?
Now personally, I don't recall single instance of that, nor do any of the FEMALE authors who I'm still friends with.
I'm being generous because that's who I am as a person. Can't be said about them though

 

[f8butterfly]

tbh, the only user engagements I can perceive as legible enough are ones that tackle the fate of certain characters; whether it be changing their ending or try to involve them more if the fans are that intrigued by them.

I've seen some pretty good suggestions but it depends on the IF and its fandom. People pointing out character dynamics and plot holes when they really understand the story for example.

 

[Grace5963]

IFs don't have to have user engagement, though. Even outside of IFs, early access periods where devs constantly bow to the whims of players has actually made the game worse in a lot of ways, like BG3. I'm honestly neutral about tumblr accounts and IFs except for the potential parasocial aspect, the overall IF fandom being annoying, and the patreons. Tumblrs can also discourage writers too. Either through bullying and or constant requests for features to be added.

Okay true, I did misword that, but it is something that can have value if used right and, if I'm being honest, if the author has a thick enough skin and enough integrity to know what to listen to/ignore, both for the game's sake and for their own.

 

[LtheStoryteller]

IFs don't have to have user engagement, though. Even outside of IFs, early access periods where devs constantly bow to the whims of players has actually made the game worse in a lot of ways, like BG3. I'm honestly neutral about tumblr accounts and IFs except for the potential parasocial aspect, the overall IF fandom being annoying, and the patreons. Tumblrs can also discourage writers too. Either through bullying and or constant requests for features to be added.

This is true, completely.

tbh, the only user engagements I can perceive as legible enough are ones that tackle the fate of certain characters; whether it be changing their ending or try to involve them more if the fans are that intrigued by them.

I mean I suppose, but if I wanted to off a character, just because people are crying around me to not do that, shouldn't effect that. If that was the original idea, and it makes sense, you should do it

I've seen some pretty good suggestions but it depends on the IF and its fandom. People pointing out character dynamics and plot holes when they really understand the story for example.

This is the only acceptable thing, I'd say

Okay true, I did misword that, but it is something that can have value if used right and, if I'm being honest, if the author has a thick enough skin and enough integrity to know what to listen to/ignore, both for the game's sake and for their own.

It's becoming harder and harder to differentiate those unfortunately. Because often you'll get some personal bullshit of a critique, saying like you should do this and this, which literally has no meaning, and in all honesty, if I wanted to do that, I would, but I didn't, hence why I didn't.
Tumblr crowd thinks that they have become some literary council who knows all when it comes to that, failing to see that they just read a lot of tik tok slop, and think themselves high and mighty because of that, and then want you to make something like that

 

[Grace5963]

I've seen some pretty good suggestions but it depends on the IF and its fandom. People pointing out character dynamics and plot holes when they really understand the story for example.

And I do think this is a really good use of this. I know people can use comment sections on the host site but from what I've seen, they don't and prefer anywhere else. Like my likelihood of using these things are tumblr ask box > google form > comment section if I must. I don't know why, I think it's because I get a different vibe from all three places.

 

[LtheStoryteller]

And I do think this is a really good use of this. I know people can use comment sections on the host site but from what I've seen, they don't and prefer anywhere else. Like my likelihood of using these things are tumblr ask box > google form > comment section if I must. I don't know why, I think it's because I get a different vibe from all three places.

Personal preference is completely valid, and is also part of the reason why people do it

 

[Mondy]

Most of them spend more time venting about not wanting to write than actually writing? I'm just giving you something very general, because as I said, I'm not an as*hole, so I'll refrain from anything very specific. Though my eyes are set on a current trio for now, because I'm trying to figure something out, and that is all I'll say about that.

well ain't that insane.
how can u come to the writing store nd be mad nd upset that writing is involved.

 

[LtheStoryteller]

well ain't that insane.
how can u come to the writing store nd be mad nd upset that writing is involved.

You can actually connect the things I say.
I say that they want the benefits and perks, without providing anything in return. This is just another piece of that puzzle.
And again, this is for a huge chunk, but not all. I have mad respect for the ones who do the craft, and they deserve the rewards for it

 

[f8butterfly]

I forgot, bug fixes too. Tumblr probably is the better area to report anything wrong with the game because of tags. The COG forums is annoying to navigate, devs and the woman who runs cogdemos lurk there more often, and you can't privately send in inquiries (maybe this part is a good thing because i've heard IF authors are relentlessly bullied). To relate back to the intial post...i guess this a good reason for having a tumblr account? Also, it really does help with visibility. I've found some IFs through tumblr that I would've never found on COGdemos or Itchio. Theres this one WIP thats always near the back of the updates on COGdemos so its a lesser known one. Itchio is worse. I've discovered so many Twine IFs through tumblr that I cannot find while in the IF tag and sorting by Twine. I can see why tumblr is very important for being discovered.

 

[Mondy]

You can actually connect the things I say.
I say that they want the benefits and perks, without providing anything in return. This is just another piece of that puzzle.
And again, this is for a huge chunk, but not all. I have mad respect for the ones who do the craft, and they deserve the rewards for it

i have a question tho.
it seems like every IF Writer on Tumblr know each other to some degree, is it a requirement to be acquainted with everyone since ur equally posting ur work there. it's always been smt I'm curious abt

 

[f8butterfly]

i have a question tho.
it seems like every IF Writer on Tumblr know each other to some degree, is it a requirement to be acquainted with everyone since ur equally posting ur work there. it's always been smt I'm curious abt

I think its a bit clique-y. I've always imagined that as soon as you post a WIP demo introduction post on tumblr or the forums you're dm'd by someone with a practiced welcome and eventually sent a discord invite to a writing server or something. Maybe I'm too cynical. It's also very gross how some of the most well known authors seem to only reblog other well known author's posts. They could be helping out new authors instead.

 

[Grace5963]

I forgot, bug fixes too. Tumblr probably is the better area to report anything wrong with the game because of tags. The COG forums is annoying to navigate, devs and the woman who runs cogdemos lurk there more often, and you can't privately send in inquiries (maybe this part is a good thing because i've heard IF authors are relentlessly bullied). To relate back to the intial post...i guess this a good reason for having a tumblr account? Also, it really does help with visibility. I've found some IFs through tumblr that I would've never found on COGdemos or Itchio. Theres this one WIP thats always near the back of the updates on COGdemos so its a lesser known one. Itchio is worse. I've discovered so many Twine IFs through tumblr that I cannot find while in the IF tag and sorting by Twine. I can see why tumblr is very important for being discovered.

But that was part of my original point, the forums are useless really and itchio has so many genres and stuff that it's hard to find what you're after or organically find out about. Like sure, it seems clique-y over there and there are a lot of issues, it seems like the best option.