Welcome to Gaia! ::

NOTICE: Well, after forgetting about my entire obligation here at the press for several months (perhaps even an entire year, I forget), I've decided to start up my column once more, even though it never really got anywhere to begin with... but no matter. I'm starting all over, and you can definitely expect to see material from me at least once every couple of months, if not every month.

Also: wondering if THIS--

would be acceptable as part of the header. (Which I don't really have, but I suppose you HTML wizards must do some crazy hocus pocus to make things magically appear, and viola, pretty pictures. 3nodding
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A column dedicated to bringing you the importance of Story and Plot in every aspect of our meaningless little lives.

To date:

Boredom and You

It's Not Just About Writing, Fool

Bring it on.

That joke... is ******** amazing. xd

But your point still holds regardless!

*straight face*

domokun Thanks. A new article coming up within the next two weeks-- "Digital Media: Underlying Aspects (Part 1)"...

It's coming...!

EDIT: Actually, having just looked at the journal entry you made, I would like to mention that the column itself, as it might be referred to in the index, is called "Story, Dammit!" Boredom and You is just the title for the first one.

Not trying to make things difficult... sweatdrop

Nice, but the point still holds. I can b***h much better than you can. whee

Is the Whiminator (not to be confused with womanizor) gone? crying

It's Not Just About Writing, Fool

What's this? Don't believe me? Well, it's true, you stubborn son-of-a-gun. Of all the people who have to manage and deal with Story-- be it for fun, or because it's their job-- not even half are involved in actual "writing," per se. So don't place yourself on that high pedestal just yet, because you need to know exactly who it is you're up against in this crazy messed-up world of Story.

Let's take the movie industry. I'm sure many would be quick to point out that the main source of Story in this case would be those who write the scripts, yes? NO. If movies were built solely off the written words of a bunch of pencil-pushing idea-mills, then nobody would watch the damn things. What adds actual depth, real STORY, to a movie, is the involvement of those who must bring it to life-- directors, actors, etc. These folks are tasked with taking what Story is salvageable from a script, making it look and feel as realistic as possible, and creating a tale which transcends mere words*. Mere words do not a successful movie make, nor do they make much Story. The vision and artistic abilities of those involved beyond this process are the final word on the full capacity for Story in any filmed work, and although this is perhaps no longer the same world as that of novels and prose, it must be stressed that without the aforementioned artistic abilities, no piece of writing will ever garnish much merit.

That not good enough for you? Well, let me give you another example. Of all the forms of media which have evolved over the last couple of decades, video games-- yeah, you read right-- can now be considered as major contenders in the realm of Story. I imagine you doubt this even more than with the movies, but it is a truth we have to face up to. It has come to the point where every year sees more than a few gems that tell such a stirring tale (or just a very intriguing one), it almost rivals actual gameplay. And before you start asking those questions, let me answer them straight off: yes, the majority of writers involved in this area do little more than just pump out scripts. However, those are not the ones which garner such acclaim. Only when the Story, or Scenario, crew (as is plainly listed in most game manuals), are involved in refining such aspects of the game as level design, the various aesthetics in-game, and everything which can benefit from being overseen from a writer's viewpoint, will a game truly display the qualities of a well-designed Story.

There are many more examples I could bring up, but this entire publication is already long enough as it is, so I invite anyone who differs in opinion (or would just like me to elaborate on any of my points) to PM me. I will gladly debate/explain anything pertaining to this subject.

In closing, I will stress once more the importance of Story beyond the boundaries of the written word. You, as a writer, may not have the responsibility of going that extra mile for your readers... but if you cannot free yourself from bits of pulped wood or countless chicken scratches on a computer screen, then you will never achieve anything more than a passing mention.

* Please note-- many movies fail in this respect. I'll admit that readily. But that doesn't void my whole point, which is that you can't just write out a bunch of scenery and dialogue, and expect it to contain Story.

Sweet, it's back up.

You think this might be ready in time for this month's issue?