#:thinking_face:

[arthuriusscottorius]

☻ 7/9/22

You may think

life passes in a blink

of an eye,

we're here only to die,

I suppose

life's scary with eyes closed.

-Arthur Scott

[kyliafanfiction]

The size of the shipdom being a factor does make sense, yeah. Not only will more authors be coming in and out naturally, but the higher number of readers and commenters overall probably drowns out the nasty commenters a bit anyway.

I'm friends with a bi woman in fandom and we ended up discussing why she decided to write exclusively slash instead of femslash, the first reason is that in f/f communities, a lot of the people are weird about bi women, every male love interest becomes comphet, bisexuality is not a valid explanation, and if a character is directly referred to as bisexual in canon they are constantly referred to as a lesbian in fandom and reminding people that the character is bi just makes them angry. Apparently it feels very isolating.

She also says that she's kinky, and the every time she's tried to post a kinky fic for an f/f couple the comments have gotten swarmed with radfems attacking her for "ruining" the pure lesbian ship. She says it's not not wanting to write f/f, but instead directly compared it to how a lot of people swapped from Stormpilot to Kylux in the Star Wars fandom, because they wanted to write kinky fics, and people weren't harassing them for it with Kylux.

Idk I guess it could just be food for thought in this discourse.

--

The counterargument is that the harassment was mega intense in, say, Sherlock fandom over which guy you put on top—to the point of leaking video of someone talking about their own sexual trauma because they "deserved it" for shipping this stupid ship the wrong way.

And yet, did Johnlock go away? No, it did not.

I still think you're right, but this crap has a disproportionate chilling effect on some types of ships while failing to derail others.

[got-into-worm-by-mistake]

Shell 4.5 Live Reactions

(This is me, writing reactions as I read, because why the fuck not. They're not complete, mature thoughts taken after I sit back and evaluate what I've read. Consider them as such)

In silence, we caught the bus at the ferry and got off at the Trainyard, the part of the Docks that sat opposite to the Boardwalk.

There is just something so deliciously absurd about the mental image of supervillains, even teenage ones, just... riding the bus. Granted, they're (presumably) not doing it in costume, but still.

slanted just enough that people wouldn’t be able to comfortably walk or sleep on top of them.

Ah yes, gotta love hostile architecture.

“If you asked me five hours ago, I would’ve said no,” Regent replied.  “I would have told you, sure, she’s a loose cannon, she’s reckless, crazy, she’s easily pissed off and she’ll hospitalize those people who do piss her off… but I’d have said she’s loyal, that even if she doesn’t necessarily like us-”

I mean, trust but verify and all that. No Rachel, no money, it's a safe assumption.

A soft clapping answered her.  It was slow, unenthusiastic to the point of being sarcastic. “Brilliantly deduced,” the same person that had been clapping spoke out.  As Tattletale whipped her head around, I took a few steps back from the storage locker, to get a better look at the two people who stood on the roof.

It's cliche, but I always like the 'character watching the protagonists figure it out and then do the sarcastic clap' trope.

They were standing with one leg higher than the other, to keep from sliding off the angled roof, and both were wearing identical costumes.  The costumes sported blue man-leotards with broad belts cinched around their waists, skintight white sleeve and leggings.  Their hoods were elastic, clinging to their heads so they left only a window for the face, and each sported a single white antenna.  Of all colors, their gloves, boots and the balls at the top of their antennae were bubblegum pink.  Their faces were obscured by oversize goggles with dark lenses.

Which... which video game is this?

“Rest assured, Tattletale, you do,” Über proclaimed.  He was the sort of person who proclaimed, announced, broadcasted and declared.  Just like Grue’s power altered his voice to make him sound haunting and inhuman, Über’s power made him sound like the guy who narrated trailers for action movies or late night commercials.  Overdramatic, intense about everything he said, no matter how mundane.  Like someone overacting the role of a gallant knight in a kid’s movie.

Evocative. I do think Wildbow's willingness to do descriptions like this (helped by using 1st person narrative, which I do think facilitates this sort of thing) whereas a lot of conventional writing wisdom would say to not do this, is a big part of Worm's success, honestly.

Leet frowned and turned to the camera, “Is that really necessary?” “You fucked with us,” I replied, “I fuck with your subscriber base.”

Hit 'em where it hurts.

He didn’t get to finish.  Regent swung his arm out to one side, and Über lost his footing.  I joined the others in stepping back out of the way as he fell face first onto the pavement at the base of the locker.

Regent's abilities would probably let him do well at slapstick improv shows or something. I mean, you don't need to fake a trip and fall with him around. :rofl:

Grue spoke in a low voice that wouldn’t carry to the pair of villains, “They did something to Bitch, they’ve got the money.  If we don’t get a decisive victory here, our reputation is fucked.”

Villain fight!

I wonder if, during her career as a villain, Taylor fights other villains more than heroes. From what I know of Worm, I wouldn't be surprised. But how much more, pound for pound? :thinking_face:

This was the sort of thing I had put on a costume to do.  Sure, the context wasn’t what I would have chosen, but going up against bad guys?

As far as some of Taylor's various rationalization's go, this isn't even a particularly dangerous or slipper one. :thinking_face:

[cupidscatcafe]

Is Blondie the only person you ship cupid with :thinking_face:

:thinking_face: I suppose so yes yes ���� they my favourites so I can’t really see them with anyone else ngl 😭

[mykria]

Just started playing Doom Eternal. I'm usually roughly 90 years late to every popular game, so I'll get to Starfield in 2042. Being a quake junkie as a youth (I have multiple quake posters in my place) I'm so into doom rn. The level of customization is almost laughable at points (like, I'm not complaining but my god it seems like overkill), but seeing all the open threads they left to make an absurd amount of customization possible inspires me for Mykria. :thinking_face: I'm starting to throw up links on the game directory sites as well in hopes that they pay out in weeks/months/years as I continue to get content cooking (there still isn't enough there imo).

[jonquilandlace]

Hey, uh. Response to my own tags freaking out about why I saw more than the cap "39 color nuances": there are actually more in the image once it's zoomed in lol. Just for people like me who were like "WHAT AM I HALLUCINATING THEN" no you weren't lol, there are actually (see gif) at least 256 color nuances, as limiting the palette to that amount does still change the image! But the point of the post remains as something REALLY COOL, and there is some really interesting potential color theory around why some people could have perceived the edges of those bands as different colors due to the variation while others might not have :thinking_face:

25% of the people have a 4th cone and see colors as they are

Given the sudden interest for the color of dresses and vision, here some of the fascinating findings we did recently.

The color nuances we see depend on the number and distribution of cones (=color receptors) in our eye. You can check this rainbow: how many color nuances do you count?

You see less than 20 color nuances: you are a dichromats, like dogs, which means you have 2 types of cones only. You are likely to wear black, beige, and blue. 25% of the population is dichromat.

You see between 20 and 32 color nuances: you are a trichromat, you have 3 types of cones (in the purple/blue, green and red area). You enjoy different colors as you can appreciate them. 50% of the population is trichromat.

You see between 33 and 39 colors: you are a tetrachromat, like bees, and have 4 types of cones (in the purple/blue, green, red plus yellow area). You are irritated by yellow, so this color will be nowhere to be found in your wardrobe. 25% of the population is tetrachromat.

You see more than 39 color nuances: come on, you are making up things! there are only 39 different colors in the test and probably only 35 are properly translated by your computer screen anyway :)

It is highly probable that people who have an additional 4th cone do not get tricked by blue/black or white/gold dresses, no matter the background light ;)

(x)

[thiefcant]

i should scoop zevlor from his sideblog to write him :thinking_face:

[augmentconsultancy-pgmp-pfmp]

Have you ever wondered how organizations kick-start their programs? :thinking_face: It’s an often overlooked question, yet it’s crucial for aligning initiatives with overarching goals. Three main types of programs can guide your approach:

Strategic Programs: These are vision-led and crafted by top management. They serve as a roadmap, ensuring everyone is aligned towards a common goal.

Emergent Programs arise organically when existing projects converge towards shared objectives. They remind us that sometimes, the best ideas come from collaboration and adaptation.

Compliant Programs: These are often mandated by regulatory bodies. While they may seem restrictive, they can also drive innovation and efficiency when approached correctly. Understanding these types can transform your strategy. Join our PgMP Certification Training Course at Augment Consultancy.

[stellardeer]

where are all those "my body my choice" losers now that they're passing mask bans, hmm? is it not also my choice to wear a mask?? :thinking_face:

[noobiesarethebestyea]

green or bananana :thinking_face:

[kyliafanfiction]

Very plausible. :thinking_face:

Okay, so I admit I'm not the most well-versed in the details of TNG, haven't even seen the whole show start to finish (unlike Voyager, Enterprise and DS9) but:

Data is a Lt. Commander during the show, right? At the very least, he has a starfleet rank, whatever it is.

So... why does Picard always call him Mr. Data, and not 'Lt. Commander Data' or w/e? I mean, if I didn't know better, I'd think it was because he didn't think Data's rank was real or legitimate or something, but that can't be it.

[mischiiefs]

we're gonna fight

this is weird foreplay,

[got-into-worm-by-mistake]

Interlude 1 Live Reactions

(This is me, writing reactions as I read, because why the fuck not. They're not complete, mature thoughts taken after I sit back and evaluate what I've read. Consider them as such)

You know, I'm making reading Worm harder on myself by doing this. :thinking_face: Or at least more prolonged.

“We don’t know how long he had been there.  Suspended in the air above the Atlantic Ocean.  On May twentieth, 1982, an ocean liner was crossing from Plymouth to Boston when a passenger spotted him.  He was naked, his arms to his sides, his long hair blowing in the wind as he stood in the sky, nearly a hundred feet above the gently cresting waves.  His skin and hair can only be described as a burnished gold.  With neither body hair nor clothes to cover him, it is said, he seemed almost artificial.

Scion! Everyone's favorite world-destroying genocidal golden freakshow!

“The golden age of the parahumans was thus short lived.  They were not the deific figures they had appeared to be.  Parahumans were, after all, people with powers, and people are flawed at their core.  Government agencies took a firmer hand, and state-” The television flicked off, and the screen went black, cutting the documentary off mid sentence.  Danny Hebert sighed and sat down on the bed, only to stand just a moment later and resume pacing.

While this is an important infodump, the 'character watching something on the TV' form of the infodump is probably the most... bland version of it, that's not just a David Weber style 'let's insert two pages on the history of hyperspace in the middle of this high speed chase scene' infodump.

It's fascinating worldbuilding, and it's always fucking hard to get it out, but this... not quite sure it works for me.

Also, Hi Danny!

Danny ran his hands through his hair, which was thinned enough at the top to be closer to baldness than not.  He liked to be the first to arrive at work, watching everyone arrive, having them know he was there for them.  So he usually went to bed early; he’d turn in at ten in the evening, give or take depending on what was on TV.  Only tonight, a little past midnight, he’d been disturbed from restless sleep when he had felt rather than heard the shutting of the back door of the house, just below his bedroom.  He had checked on his daughter, and he’d found her room empty.

It's 12:30 am! Do You Know Where You're Children Are?

Danny fucking doesn't! :rofl:

(I may have a bent sense of humor)

He had resigned himself to letting her reveal the details in her own time, but months had passed without any hints or clues being offered.

I can certainly see why 'Danny is a Shit Dad' is a take in the fandom, though most fics I've read thus far don't go quite that far.

Sure, he's not being a shit dad here, but he's definitely not winning father of the year here.

While it's good to give children their space, at some point you do need to push, and Danny is clearly not doing well with that.

Taylor hadn’t said as much aloud, but whatever had been going on had been mean, persistent and threatening enough that Emma, Taylor’s closest friend for years, had stopped spending time with her.  It galled him.

Danny's known Emma for probably as long as Taylor has, give or take. It should seem obvious to him, I think, but everyone has their blindspots, and Danny seems like he's been checked out - not really of his own will - for a while.

Like, based on what I've read so far, and what I've seen from discussions and in fanfic, the worm-verse sucks. It's all going to shit slowly, though Brockton Bay does in particular seem to be a particularly bad case of it.

But equally, there's just a lot of people who just don't really seem to be trying? Which, realistic, especially when it seems hopeless and pointless but I'm not sure it's entirely so likely people give up so damn hard.

And yeah, there are people trying, but honestly, the whole picture of the wormverse - I mean, there's clearly a reason why people call it 'grimdark' and 'grimderp' (if they're detractors)

And also, unreliable narrator and all, or at least 'narrator with a specific perspective' but when that's all we have, it's all we have to go on. Unreliabl/biased/etc narrator can only cover so many authorial and worldbuilding sins.

(Whether or not such sins actually are present here remains to be seen.)

 Danny Hebert felt a thrill of relief coupled with abject fear.  If he went downstairs to find his daughter, would he find her hurting or hurt?  Or would his presence make things worse, her own father seeing her at her most vulnerable after humiliation at the hands of bullies?  She had told him, in every way except articulating it aloud, that she didn’t want that.  She had pleaded with him, with body language and averted eye contact, unfinished sentences and things left unsaid, not to ask, not to push, not to see, when it came to the bullying.  He couldn’t say why, exactly.  Home was an escape from that, he’d suspected, and if he recognized the bullying, made it a reality here, maybe she wouldn’t have that relief from it.  Perhaps it was shame, that his daughter didn’t want him to see her like that, didn’t want to be that weak in front of him.  He really hoped that wasn’t the case.

Not that I don't understand why Danny doesn't push, and yeah, teenagers need their space to process shit on their own sometimes, but also, really, Danny, you need to make that effort.

I get it, I do, but fucking hell man.

 He was being cowardly, he thought, as if his clearing of his throat would give reality to his fears.

On the other hand, it is hard not to sympathize. He knows he needs to do better, but for so many reasons, he can't and won't and doesn't. He needs, wants to do better, and yet can't, at least not yet. And there's reasons why, both internally and externally and it hurts him to not, to see Taylor like this, but he's as trapped as anyone else.

It's a very workmanlike quality so far, writingwise, I think, but that's always something I tend to prefer. And even then, Wildbow does manage to evoke and imply a lot with that.

He was stopped by the smell of jam and toast.  She had made a late night snack.  It filled him with relief.  He couldn’t imagine his daughter, after being mugged, tormented or humiliated, coming home to have toast with jam as a snack.  Taylor was okay, or at least, okay enough to be left alone.

I mean, he (theoretically) knows his daughter well enough to say this with confidence, but eating after being tormented or humiliated could be a comfort thing.

Granted, Danny's not wrong here, and presumably he does know Taylor well enough, or did, for this to be a fair reading by him? Or are we meant to see it as an oversight from him, because clearly he doesn't know his daughter as well as he thought?

Relief became anger.  He was angry at Taylor, for making him worry, and then not even going out of her way to let him know she was okay.  He felt a smouldering resentment towards the city, for having neighborhoods and people he couldn’t trust his daughter to.  He hated the bullies that preyed on his daughter.  Underlying it all was frustration with himself.  Danny Hebert was the one person he could control in all of this, and Danny Hebert had failed to do anything that mattered.  He hadn’t gotten answers, hadn’t stopped the bullies, hadn’t protected his daughter.  Worst of all was the idea that this might have happened before, with him simply sleeping through it rather than laying awake.

Honestly, this whole interlude feels like it breaks several of the conventional rules of advice for writing - don't have a character spend too much time introspecting alone, don't infodump too much at once...

And yet, it works. Which both speaks to how... useless that conventional advice often proves to be, and how confident (justifably so) Wildbow was in this that he'd present us a big dump and then all the introspection character-work.

Then again, there's a target audience for both, which again brings us back to the issues with that advice.

He stopped himself from walking into his daughter’s room, from shouting at her and demanding answers, even if it was what he wanted, more than anything.  Where had she been, what had she been doing?  Was she hurt?  Who were these people that were tormenting her?  He knew that by confronting her and getting angry at her, he would do more harm than good, would threaten to sever any bond of trust they had forged between them. Danny’s father had been a powerful, heavyset man, and Danny hadn’t gotten any of those genes.  Danny had been a nerd when the term was still young in popular culture, stick thin, awkward, short sighted, glasses, bad fashion sense.  What he had inherited was his father’s famous temper.  It was quick to rise and startling in its intensity.  Unlike his father, Danny had only ever hit someone in anger twice, both times when he was much younger.  That said, just like his father, he could and would go off on tirades that would leave people shaking.  Danny had long viewed the moment he’d started to see himself as a man, an adult, to be the point in time where he had sworn to himself that he wouldn’t ever lose his temper with his family.  He wouldn’t pass that on to his child the way his father had to him.

What's that saying? "They fuck you up, your mom and dad, give you all their problems and then a few new ones" or something like that.

And here though, we have the reason why Danny isn't pushing. Why he's making a choice he knows is bad, because - especially right now - he's in no fit state to press her. And when he will be in a fit state, it probably won't be the right time anyway.

 Four years ago, he had lost his temper with Annette for the first time, breaking his oath to himself.  That had been the last time he had seen her.  Taylor hadn’t been there to see him shouting at her mother, but he was fairly certain she’d heard some of it.  It shamed him.

Broken people, break people. And Broken people aren't really in a great position to help other people who need it.

He would talk to Taylor in the morning.  Get an answer of some sort.

Well, whatever he does, he's obviously not going to get an answer. Wonder what'll go wrong.

[malibvnghts]

            single dad who’s a salaryman and v fashionable but was dumped with his former roommate’s kid with promise that his roommate would eventually come back for said kid  ,  and has no choice but to take care of this poor child  .

[misora-msby]

i wanna write h word but also i’ve never kissed a boy but i’ve watched a lot of p word so it’s okay right