To Post Or Not To Post, That Is The Question

[kerravonsen]

I have started writing a Labyrinth story (prologue is done). I fear it is going to be a long one and not everything is clear about the plot, either. So I was wondering if I should experiment with a post-as-you-go sort of writing, with the clear understanding that this would be a rough draft, alpha reading, and that it will change, possibly drastically, before the final draft, but also with the hope that y'all would comment and give feedback as I wrote. Should I do so?

Poll #4580 Alpha Reading

Open to: Registered Users, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 5

View Respondents

Who should I allow to see this rough draft?

View Answers

Nobody. Wait until it is finished.
0 (0.0%)

A subset of people on my flist
3 (75.0%)

My entire flist
0 (0.0%)

Anyone
1 (25.0%)

If you could read this as I posted it, would you comment on it?

View Answers

Yes (there is no try, only do, or do not)
1 (25.0%)

No (be honest, now)
3 (75.0%)

Comments

[juliet316]

I answered know on the commenting only because I've never actually seen or read Labyrinth *hangs head in obvious shame* and it wouldn't be fair to comment on something that's based on material I've never seen or read.

[kerravonsen]

Don't hang your head in shame, that's silly. This stuff is supposed to be FUN. Stupid to borrow false guilt, there's enough real guilt going around.

I notice you didn't answer the first poll question, though.

[primsong]

I think the use of a filtered flist so you can share it with those who are your betas would be a grand idea. I personally prefer finishing something before putting it out for public comment, but that's just my own style for writing, I've seen others who make their WIP almost a community project, like those theater groups that let the audience vote on the ending.

[kerravonsen]

Me, I normally like to finish things before posting them too, but I thought it wouldn't hurt to experiment.

[infiniteviking]

Ooooh, Labyrinth. That's a courageous way to post a story, and could be fun to comment and watch you work with it!

*has to be honest, I'll read it if it's a genfic; that's just the way I roll~*

[kerravonsen]

By one definition of "gen" it is gen, by another definition it isn't. It will probably be about as "gen" as "The Princess Bride". Does that make you less interested?

[infiniteviking]

..heh, so close but not quite as gen as Labyrinth itself, you mean? XD Aaah.... I've been having trouble with the fluctuating nature of 'gen' lately.... will check it out, anyway. ^^

[lurkingcat]

I answered this and then thought my answers probably looked a little odd so here's the explanation - if it's a rough draft then showing it to people as it's being written is a very brave thing to do especially if that's not the way you've worked in the past. A subset of people on my my flist probably ought to be people you trust rather than just random subscribers.

Having said that, and knowing that I'm a random subscriber, I've commented on WIP stories before and will almost certainly do so in the future, which is why you got a Yes answer for the second question.

[jhall1]

I've answered "Anyone" to the first question because I'm generally in favour of everyone being able to readeverything unless there's a very good reason why not. Besides, I'm not on your flist and would hate to think that I was missing out on what seems likely to be an enjoyable read. :)

I've answered "No" to the second question because, though I would hope to comment, I can't guarantee it, and you didn't offer a "Maybe" option.

[fred_mouse]

I haven't filled out the poll, because I'm failing on decisions right now, and the first question threw me for a loop (plus, I don't really know you, which make that kind of a comment just not possible).

However: I would like to comment on the story - I love the idea of reading it as it comes along. If you make a restricted list, may I please be included?

(I have the snippet open in another window. I've thought about the questions, but have no comments Right Now. And as I'm about to lose internet access for up to a week, I may never get back to it. But I *want* to)

[kerravonsen]

At the moment, the list isn't restricted, so don't worry about it.