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RE: SM Publisher - 11/17/2011 5:41:05 PM   
DumbassSub


Posts: 89
Joined: 7/4/2010
Status: offline 		My task was to seek out a publisher... if possible one that would require minimal investment or perchance zero upfront investment. To knowledge of Goddess $7,000 is anticipated for publishing. She contemplated such but has tasked me to find less costly options. Via CM message board i have been generously informed of numerous options. Conveyed these other options but it basically fell on deaf ears in that She is with a preconceived notion. That remains my fault as i had not elaborated in detail. In my enthusiasm i had conveyed options almost immediately and us such had not undertaken the due diligence to research and compare them in depth.

As for investment that is Her current expectation and i am am to seek out alternatives. I do not know who would absorb the monetary costs. That is substantial money but doubt if it would me in that we had not discussed such and regarding the short stories, none include me. I would think my grunt work to have a value and such to be taken into consideration. In knowing Goddess i do not see myself financially partaking of costs with this project. With my LJ entries perchance i would partake financially with that, but we are not yet at that stage and it has not been discussed.

Ouch, as yes English is my first language. In my forties perhaps my English is old school. You make it seem as i am illiterate at worst and with very lacking writing skills at best. Unfortunately that shall not improve in short term which has so i start with a major handicap. Certainly takes some of the steam out of me. Shall not allow it to kill my enthusiasm and acknowledge professional resources will be required, either via guidance or in having another apply finishing touches. Bottom line is i can only do what i can do and to make a best effort.

With short stories it is mostly compilation by Her slaves submitted to Her over the years. Thus true, not Her own authorings. As for my LJ it is written by myself in series of journals and actual accounts, thus not authored by Goddess. I can not speak for others, but i am with no qualms if Goddess derives financial benefit from my works or LJ, actually it is part of our goal. For me the interest is not financial gain for myself, rather i hope to highlight and convey the essence of Goddess. To have success with this major project would be awesome and gratifying on a number levels. With input and straight talk received thus far i am with no delusions this is a easy task. I did not think so before and absolute do not now. I do however remain optimistic with project and with confidence in that perfectionist trait of Goddess and Her resources. In event it does not meet with financial success it certainly will be a learning experience.

< Message edited by DumbassSub -- 11/17/2011 5:44:00 PM >

(in reply to LafayetteLady)
Profile   Post #: 41
RE: SM Publisher - 11/17/2011 6:22:37 PM   
DumbassSub


Posts: 89
Joined: 7/4/2010
Status: offline 		Gawd this project grows from big to massive. With your input Stellauk i am with further insight and see there are yet further important aspects i had not considered in depth. Had not considered gaining knowledge of copyright law and absolute will check out "First Rights" type contracts. Your advice as to MSS i also did not consider and is logical sage advice.

The self publishing aspect has been mentioned a few times and becomes the aspect that interests me most, however final decision remains with Goddess. She had not previously given this venue consideration. I mentioned it briefly in passing however She seemed with non-interest. In feeling it is deserving of further consideration i shall become better informed and put it forth in greater detail with perceived pros and cons.

Curious if you have faith with automated programs such as Tex, LaTex. Sounds impressive but in using graphics software and being adept at it, i detest extensive automation of some programs. Of course with this project others have made me realize a program that automates typesetting would be a bonus for me. :-)

Appreciate your willingness to jump out of the envelope and to inquire at LAM. Any insight, knowledge, awareness, suggestions, options i certainly seek and open to. Already i have been blessed by much input and given a reality check... a few reality checks actually. Think back a few days and chuckle at how blind and naive i was. Remain with much to contemplate and to wrap my mind around.

(in reply to stellauk)
Profile   Post #: 42
RE: SM Publisher - 11/17/2011 8:20:35 PM   
LafayetteLady


Posts: 7683
Joined: 5/2/2007
From: Northern New Jersey
Status: offline 		You do have another big hurdle to jump through. Those other stories, which she hasn't written DID have writers and if she publishes those works as her own, there could be legal problems. Did those men write those thing for her and give him permission to use in a book? If they didn't and she uses them, smacking her name as "author" she breaks the law because she is plagerizing, claiming another's works as her own. Even in a rewrite if those people could recognize themselves in the work, they can still take legal action.

This also present a problem to publishes (Lance and Stella can clarify if they wish). She is NOT writing the book, she is merely compiling things. YOU are to edit them, then another aquaintence will "polish" and she STILL has not written a thing but her name at the bottom of the page. Publishers aren't going to take kindly to that, especially since she is an unknown author.

Then YOU are supposed to market this work she is claiming as her own to publishers without them meeting her, the alleged author. It reeks of scam.

You said that you and her talk easily together. Well, you need to MAKE her listen to reality. It is seeming more and more as I feared. She read all these slaves stories on her site and now thinks she can claim them as her own, take credit and make money from it. YOU may not have any interest in the money it may (although not likely) make, but those other slaves are probably not going to feel the same way. No one wants someone else getting credit for their work. It just rarely happens.

Sorry, yes, your writing and language skills are that bad. Get yourself in a Basic Skills course at your local community college post haste. Regardless of the outcome of this project, it will benefit you. Don't get me wrong I understand you, but it doesn't have much flow and you often are repetitive.

Also you have mail (in a minute).

(in reply to DumbassSub)
Profile   Post #: 43
RE: SM Publisher - 11/17/2011 10:02:30 PM   
stellauk


Posts: 1360
Status: offline 		Oh dear. I thought this was a book she was writing about her experience. I thought it would be such a book, I didn't realize that it's an anthology, i.e. a collection of works.

Your Goddess has a major issue here with copyright, because she is actually not writing a book about her experiences, but compiling a collection of stories written by other people. She has tasked you with finding a publisher.

There's the obvious issue of copyright infringement. Does she have the written permission of these slaves to publish their stories? On what terms? If she doesn't, she needs to obtain it. If she goes ahead without bothering to do this, she will run into a second problem of credibility. Being unpublished itself is a risk. Being unpublished but not having any credibility .. forget it. Seriously.

I second all that what Lance has posted.. All of it. If there's no interest at the very start from a publisher from either the idea, an outline, or a sample chapter then you're going nowhere.

To sell anything there has to be original content, and it has to be interesting enough to a large enough selection of people to get anywhere.

A few years back I was in contact with a pro-domme in New York who's persona is based on royalty, she's African American, been doing it for 40 years and so I drafted something under a working title of 'Queen of Queens', thinking of a mainstream audience. You see this was somebody else's experience, but it's someone's life, someone out of the ordinary. There's a nice cross-cultural aspect when you combine the concept of English royalty with the urban reality of downtown New York. Throw into this her character, presented as a positive role model for women, which bucks the trend in BDSM movies and such of objectifying and fetishizing female dominants.

It never got off the ground because for various reasons I cannot get to New York and she cannot get to London. It would take too much correspondence when I would actually need to spend time with her, in New York, to get a first hand experience of the setting the environment, and also to see things through her eyes. Without that I cannot credibly get that story together for an audience in a way that is acceptable to an audience. Without that, the project is going nowhere.

I'm also going to be upfront and straightforward here. I think your Goddess is being unrealistic, particularly if she's looking to make any sort of money out of it. You might as well go out and blow the entire $7,000 on lottery tickets in the hope of winning the lottery. The odds are much more in your favour.

Sure, you read about people getting stuff published but this isn't common and you also read about lottery winners. The frequency and odds are about the same. Being a successful author is no different to being a successful actor, movie director, musician, or anyone else who is creative. Include artists and photographers.

The struggling author who is trying to find a publisher but who has to support themselves through menial work isn't a hard luck story. This is the reality. And it's a reality you have to go through for years. Unless you have a sizeable audience, are established as a name, and can sell your work you're not going to make any money out of it. Nobody is going to make any investment or put any effort into trying to sell your work.

Your Goddess doesn't even have her own idea, but is using the ideas of others, getting others to do the work and she still expects to make money out of this?

And hasn't it occurred to her, in trying to make money out of publishing other people's stories, that those who submitted such stories might just have similar expectations?

I'm going to be brutally honest here. If you want to be successful then you have to work at making other people successful too. If you intend to be successful by stepping over everyone and exploiting them, then you yourself end up being exploited.

Bear in mind that you're going to come up against people who exploit others as a full time occupation. They do pretty well out of it too.



_____________________________

Usually when you have all the answers for something nobody is interested in listening.

(in reply to DumbassSub)
Profile   Post #: 44
RE: SM Publisher - 11/17/2011 10:37:41 PM   
LanceHughes


Posts: 4737
Joined: 2/12/2004
Status: offline 		I'm going to weigh in once again.

DumbassSub, I can hardly begin to tell how poor your English skills are.  Let's look at the last four sentences of your post # 42.  And I quote:
----------
Any insight, knowledge, awareness, suggestions, [or] options i certainly seek and [am] open to.

Well, it seems this was written by Yoda.  Let's un-Yoda-ize it to get:

I certainly seek and [am] open to any insight, knowledge, awareness, suggestions, or options.

WOW!  Now it actually sounds like something!  Before, it was so very hard to read, I had given up..... AND YOU CAN'T EVER LET THAT HAPPEN!!!!  Not even in ONE sentence.  And you go on and on with difficult constructions.  Your post wore me out, so I decided to see if I could get some main points down..... but no..... you keep on writing the same style. 

If you are to edit, what the HELL is the quality of the original work?  You yourself must be able to "hear" (in your own head) a clarity of thought.  And now, the very,very hardest part of being a copy editor - - You MUST retain the "voice" of each individual author.  As mentioned above, each issue had a different author for our fiction piece.  What "good" would it be to have my voice imposed on their plot?  Their character developement? and so on?  <== Rhetorical question, BTW.
---------
Already i have been blessed by much input and given a reality check...  [quite] a few reality checks actually.

I'll give this one a "pass," although the parallel construction you are trying to achieve is very weak.  Oh?  You didn't know you were trying to achieve a parallel structure?  Well, maybe that's why it's so weak!!!! LOL!  For my first draft, I would have written:

Already I have been blessed by much input and [by having been] given a reality check...  [quite] a few reality checks actually.

In a sense, that's weaker still.

Already I have been blessed by [receiving] much input and a reality check... [quite] a few reality checks actually.

And now we can see the ellipsis and corrective phrase are really redundant, leaving:

Already I have been blessed by [receiving] much input and [quite] a few reality checks.

AND, while we're here, let's un-Yoda-ize the front of the sentence, leaving us with a nice, strong (and totally re-written) sentence, namely:

I have already been blessed by [receiving] much input and [quite] a few reality checks.
--------
Think back a few days and chuckle at how blind and naive i was.

WHERE IS THE SUBJECT????  Almost all English sentences have both a subject and a verb.  Here, you expect the reader to read the sentence at least twice.  Once to figure the "gist" of your meaning; the second to correct it so that I can try to see if my understanding matches what I think you wrote.... ALL that EXTRA work on the poor reader.... he's about "had it" and is wondering why he ever even started reading this junk to begin with.....

When I think back a few days, I chuckle at how blind and naive I was.

See how EASY that was?
--------
Remain with much to contemplate and to wrap my mind around.

I'll let you "have" the idiom at the end.  After all, "choice of idiom" is a way authors distinguish their voices, one from the other.

I feel that I have much remaining to contemplate and to wrap my mind around.

Again, a weak parallel structure.  I'll show you the parallelism:

I feel that I have much remaining
A) to contemplate
and
B) to wrap my mind around.

The weakness is that thee (A) part and the (B) part are not really paralles.  You're trying to make that poor, little "to" bear too much weight.  AND, now that I see it laid out like that.... "remaining" WHAT?  I would guess "remaining ideas" but can one really wrap one's mind around ideas?  Well, you could write that, but I think you'd get a response of "DUH!" from most readers.

Let's throw the whole sentence overboard.

The last sentence is obviously meant to be a closing one.  Genrous of spirit, friendly, and meant to assure the readers that their posts are being taken under serious consideration.

Remain with much to contemplate and to wrap my mind around.

I realize I have many ideas to contemplate, many of which are so new that it will take me some effort to wrap my mind around them.
-------------------
When I taught computer programming, I realized a certain truth and expressed it in this compact form:
"We write as we speak and we speak as we think."

If you are the editor, your project will not suceed.  No insult intended.  Just a fact.  How can YOU correct other's writing when yours is so poor?  And I mean "poor" in the sense that it will not keep the readers' attention.  ALL writing must first, catch the readers' interest and secondly, keep the readers' interest. OMG - A really well structured parallel sentence!

-----------

Lance, that's enough.  It's your bed-time and I can tell it is mainly since you're starting to get snarky.....
Aww, Mom!  Just a little more, please?
Oh, okay.  But only because you're trying to help somebody.
Thanks, Mom!  I won't be long. I promise.

-----------
FOUR lines! And an entire short story!  Captured you with the first three words.  Held your attention for ALL four lines.  Character developement?  Clear as a BELL!  Good dialect!  (You can HEAR these two people talking as you read, can't you?)  Conflict, resolution, climax.... ALL there in FOUR lines!
----------
Lance?  What did I tell you about bragging?  And what about your bed-time, young man?
Okay, Mom.  I'm shutting down the internet.......
.
.
.
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.
.
.
.
.
<shh!  Don't tell her, but I just HAD to say "g'nite" to you all.  And good luck, DumbassSub.  I hate to say it, but I don't think there's enough luck to help this ill-defined project suceed, but double-good luck anyway.>
.
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.
LANCE!
Okay, okay........

_____________________________

"Train 'em the right way - my way." Lance Hughes
"Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer, but wish we didn't." Erica Jong

10 fluffy points
50 nz points

Member: VAA's posse

(in reply to LafayetteLady)
Profile   Post #: 45
RE: SM Publisher - 11/18/2011 3:53:30 AM   
DumbassSub


Posts: 89
Joined: 7/4/2010
Status: offline 		Have not inquired of Goddess as to the permissions aspects but certainly shall bring it to Her attention. With mine which are posted on Her site but not part of this project and also with my LJ writings which are to be part of project i had previously given my consent in that i conveyed they are Hers to do with as She pleases. I remain to feel that way, but perchance others do not. Your comment brings awareness that a more formal, updated and written confirmation should be in place.

The short stories book is exact as you say... Goddess writes only a small portion, majority is submissions are by others. I am tasked to edit and another will polish further or provide input so that i do labour intensive aspects until i am beyond my capability. In my instance with LJ perchance it shall be published under my name and logical in that it is a true account and writren from my accounts and perspective. Goddess in past has never conveyed it to incorporate Her as author, only that it should be published. Focus with such has always been twofold... in brief, my desire to convey Her dominance, perchance even to promote it and how it has had life changing effect on me. Aspects some will not believe but all are actual experiences and transitions. Secondary aspect has been financial in nature and for financial benefit of Goddess. Some will have issue with financial aspect but i do not and am happy with such. For me it is a non issue and a part of my desire in that i undertake this task from servitude and worship perspective.

Goddess is with a small core of slaves. Some i have have chatted with others i have not. In conversation with Goddess discussions of slaves sometimes surfaces. Her longest serving slave is ten years and another six years. Others i do not know but i am aware most are with longer duration than me. One in particular seems to come and go, unable to make up his mind but always he returns. As such i certainly do not see the receiving of written permissions to be a issue.

Goddess at no point conveyed Herself as author of anything. Certainly not with my LJ writings. It is something we discussed more in past and resurfaces again now that i am returned. Always it has been referred as my writings, my accounts, nor has Goddess made edits to it. She once or twice had issue as to my thoughts/emotions, but always allowed for journal entry to stand. In that it is portrayal of factual of power exchange events and transition with perspective and emotions of myself, it would lose much impact if portrayed just as a story written by another. I know with absolute certainty with my LJ Goddess has no intent of portraying Herself as author. Again with short stories i do not know Her intent however as each story currently is with signature, i assume it shall remain that way. If they are short stories written by slaves it is not logical for Goddess to claim to be author of such. In addition it would not be reflective of Her character. I am confused Lafayette Lady as i do not see nor understand where the perception is that Goddess claims them as Her own. In my instance it is a gift to Her. It has been discussed in past and so Goddess does not just arbitrarily taking this and signing Her name to it. In my having returned She has simply tasked me to undertake this project we previously discussed. Now Goddess has conveyed She wants a publication of short stories as a test before moving forward with my journal. In many aspects that is logical as my LJ commences again but has not yet fulfilled intended climax and conclusion. Also this project is bigger than i realized and first portion of it will be a learning experience that will bode well with second portion of task.

I will discuss with Goddess regarding Her venue with short stories and inquire of aspects You mention.

Confess although with literary shortcomings i had not realized it to be as lacking as you conveyed. That i am verbose, repetitive among other things i did realize. That you are straightforward, obviously informed of which you speak and honest without sarcasm makes so i do not refute your insight and opinion. It is a kick in the ass reality check, but in sincerity i do appreciate it.

(in reply to LafayetteLady)
Profile   Post #: 46
RE: SM Publisher - 11/18/2011 4:43:32 AM   
DumbassSub


Posts: 89
Joined: 7/4/2010
Status: offline 		Exactly, i am tasked to find a publisher and/or options and more cost effective venue. In addition i am to edit a publication which is a collection of short stories written by others. Goddess refers to it as a test before commencing with main aspect we have previously discussed a number of times which is a book.

The permissions aspect i do not know details of but later today shall inquire. From my history with Goddess and Her longstanding slaves i do not envision it to be a difficulty and very much assume She is already aware of such legality and concern.

In beginning i thought this to be a straightforward task, however you, Lance, Lafayette Lady and others have given me a reality check and to realize it is more intensive and challenging than i at first realized. It is with many more aspects and i see i am more lacking in qualifications than i first believed. It does not bring the project to a halt, just makes so i finally understand how truly difficult and challenging it is. I at first thought suggestion of Goddess to proceed with short stories as a test was time-wasting. In hindsight i see it is wise choice to commence with a experimental project.

Input received has so i do not think short stories will go far even if directed at a primarily niche market for reasons you, Lance and Lafayette Lady convey. On the upside however it has me with optimism with LJ task which does incorporate apects missing with short stories.

So much straightforward talk has so i feel i am getting numerous slaps. Not pleasant nor inspiring feeling but i do appreciate it as it is sincere, informative and with real life, experience. Much prefer that over BS pats on the back. lacking substance. That you and others are being honest, open, helpful  and straightforward is what i seek.

The financial success aspect you do put into perspective very clearly. That conveys to me the self publishing venue is option to pursue. Not sure as to odds in other localities but last i checked odds of winning a major lottery such as Lotto 649 is  one in 14 million.

True this project is not with ideas of Goddess but in fairness and reality it was not undertaken as such. From beginning it was intended and my desire that my experience, actions, life change and transition under Her should be documented and put forth as a story. That it potentially be a revenue source for Goddess is not the only reason but certainly yes it is a primary driving factor and intent. What has happened in once again discussing publication of story which remains to run its course, Goddess has decided to test potential and pitfalls of such. In words of Goddess it is a 'test'. As such i am not so sure Goddess anticipates revenue from short stories as much as She creates i am more seasoned and aware with intended project.

What you say i very much agree with... If you want to be successful then you have to work at making other people successful too. If you intend to be successful by stepping over everyone and exploiting them, then you yourself end up being exploited.  To me that is Karma and Karma i absolute believe in.


 

(in reply to stellauk)
Profile   Post #: 47
RE: SM Publisher - 11/18/2011 5:23:17 AM   
DumbassSub


Posts: 89
Joined: 7/4/2010
Status: offline 		Wow, you jumped out of the envelope and went the distance with explanation. Previously you and also Lafayette Lady conveyed my lack of literary skills. I realized such but failed to agree to the degree conveyed; until you gave such pointed insight. NOW i understand and agree. You have a way of making things crystal clear. Gawd what the hell struck me to think i could edit!

"We write as we speak and we speak as we think." Those words speak volumes!

I ask myself, what do i do from here? Lafayetter Lady gave answer with her comment... Get yourself in a Basic Skills course at your local community college post haste. Regardless of the outcome of this project, it will benefit you. Don't get me wrong I understand you, but it doesn't have much flow and you often are repetitive.

She is correct of course. Now i clearly see it. Situation requires as with most things worthwhile... a investment of time and effort. Time which i do not have with first task. I do not see where i can make self changes without a course in basic writing skills, certainly not in short time frame.

With first task stories are already written. I will be little more than a spell checker and to notice only most basic of  corrections. That shall have to suffice and in essence likely all that was expected of me.

Realize now what has been conveyed and to understand reasons my story will require much editing. To understand at this stage is a bonus and creates so greater awareness is applied to future entries. Also a bonus LJ task allows so i am with time to partake of a Basic Skills course.

What began as a basic request has become overwhelming with options and challenges. Only a few days and already such a learning experience and reality check! 







(in reply to LanceHughes)
Profile   Post #: 48
RE: SM Publisher - 11/18/2011 12:29:13 PM   
DumbassSub


Posts: 89
Joined: 7/4/2010
Status: offline 		First two of short stories edited :-) Task has revived some waning self confidence. That also is a good feeling :-) That stories are short and with much different style than my own made task easier. Perfect or not, i do not know, certainly better. Good way to close a Friday!

(in reply to DumbassSub)
Profile   Post #: 49
RE: SM Publisher - 11/18/2011 12:38:27 PM   
Alecta


Posts: 1355
Joined: 1/19/2010
Status: offline 		There are a few issues to be considered, and granted I am not as knowledgable and experienced in the subject as others have demonstrated themselves to be, I hope you will consider my input helpful:

1. Anthology Copyright. Every piece of writing and every photograph has to be covered by legal documentation that she now owns it, that the identified persons involved have given her the right to use and publicise them in this manner, and legal contracts of how the original owner/author/photographer was compensated (a contract stating "has received satisfactory compensation for the rights to XYZ" is generally enough, don't need further specifics). It all needs to be notarised and legal. The Documents should also clearly state expectations in terms of crediting, whether the original author/photographer expects to be identified and how.
1.2 Identification. This does not just stand for people who are named with real names, this stands in cases for any character which is written in such a way that people in their acquaintanceship would easily be able to say "wait, that's XXX". For example if you state this person's full entire real background and detailed physical description, or a photograph showing parts of his body that are identifiabl like tattoos or birthmarks, but withhold his name and/or face, that can still be construed as identifying him. If you cannot obtain the mentioned person's legal permission, you will have to edit in such a way he can no longer be identified.

2. Automated editing software. Don't bother. They sux. Do use a good spellchecker though, and google any word you are not sure of.

3. Language and style. However you and Her choose to see this, the book you are working on is a Vanity Project and will rely very much on the tone you two put into it. As a writer, I would say don't worry about your style and accuracies, just go through the manuscript and make sure that it flows in a way you two like, and that there are no grammatical errors that you can identify. Spelling must however be pristine.

4. Vanity/Self-Publishing. I find it curious that she wants a "traditional publisher" but is prepared to pay up to $7000 for it-- any publisher that requires you to pay is a vanity press, or at least taking you on as a vanity client. I am wagering a misunderstanding. Vanity publishing can take many forms. There are self-publishing places who'll print anything you want, deliver it all to your house and be done with it. There are those who will "print on demand", meaning you give them the manuscript and they print you as many copies as you want, or you'd send your buyers to their website and they print off single copies to send directly to the buyer. These days they also offer a full marketing package with your book that sends it to bookstores to be sold in the shelves. You'd have to pay, of course. There are also ones who are more discerning and will only market the books they believe in. That said, while there is the old school prestige attached to being bought by a publisher, it's incredibly unrealistic in the modern climes to expect them to purchase your work "unseen" (ie you are not already established in the publishing world or a superstar in your own realm). About the only writers who get picked up by paying publishers on their first book/novel are actually connected to the field in some way. The more common is for a self-published (ebook usually) writer to gain the publishers' attention after the first attempt.

5. Numbers and Publishers. Show the appeal and demand in the anthology project by citing such things as site traffic and membership, testimonials of people interested in buying the book, raw figures, basically. Make them realise that a good chunk of people would pay for it. Research others with similar books and cite their sales figures. Sell yourselves and Her as celebrities in the D/s world, if possible. No-one wants to get a book about someone they don't think is special or important.

6. Get an Agent. Technically you can run through the publishing houses yourself, yes. But a good agent knows people, and a good agent is trusted by the publishers. They can make the difference between a publisher taking on a boo on the agent's say-so or chucking the manuscript in a corner to gather dust for 3 years without bothering to crack it open. Agents know how to sell manuscripts. You just have to know how to pick a good one.

(in reply to DumbassSub)
Profile   Post #: 50
RE: SM Publisher - 11/18/2011 3:23:04 PM   
DumbassSub


Posts: 89
Joined: 7/4/2010
Status: offline 		Alecta absolute your post is helpful, especially as it goes into detail... thank you :-) I am overwhelmed by quality of responses received and appreciative of everyone. It has also been a reality check for me and any criticisms have been positive and constructive. It is a true learning experience :-)

Anthology contract covers enough details. I see that in not being notarized, my previous blanket statement of permission granted to Goddess would not hold water if i was included in the short stories. The 'Identification' aspect is also with some interesting details.

True, from my experiences with automated software i agree with your take on it... it sucks. Sometimes makes me crazy when i want to do something that is proper but automation of software has so program wants to do incorrectly. Have one specific program here that drives everyone bonkers.

What you say of Language and Style i can definitely handle and am capable of.

$7,000 is expectation of Goddess from research and input received at Her end. My task is multiple which includes finding a publisher or choice of publishers and most cost effective option. Thus far i become to strongly feel with first portion of task e-book is absolute the way to go and is very cost effective. Following that path will provide direct hands-on assessment for second and larger task. I have gut feeling e-book would be logical path for second project as well.

(in reply to Alecta)
Profile   Post #: 51
RE: SM Publisher - 11/18/2011 8:29:02 PM   
LanceHughes


Posts: 4737
Joined: 2/12/2004
Status: offline 		Lance withdraws, but only after trying to parse "$7,000 is expectation of Goddess from research and input received at Her end."

$7,000 is expect[ed] [by] Goddess [from the sale of the anthology.] [This is expected due to the] research and input [she has] received [from others.]

OR (a complete and total reversal)

Goddess [expects to pay] $7,000 [for publishing due to the] research and input [which she has] received [from others.] <== I think this is what you really mean.
 
IF SHE HAS RECEIVED SUCH INFORMATION, I'D LIKE TO ASK WHY HASN'T SHE SHARED THAT WITH YOU?
SHE DID (OR SOMEHOW "HAS") RESEARCH THAT SHOWS THIS PROJECT IS WITHIN HER BUDGET.

                              GO FOR IT!

I'm going to put as "fine" a point on it as I can.  I seriously doubt anyone is interested in reading your journal entries, much less pay to do so.

Before I "go," I would like to show you an example of a recent "howler."

From your post # 46, we have:
quote:

Goddess is with a small core of slaves.

I must ask: "Have you a good mid-wife?"

If you don't "get" the joke, you assure yourself failure.  I'm serious.

Lance withdraws.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
<edited the HECK out of this>

< Message edited by LanceHughes -- 11/18/2011 9:08:59 PM >

_____________________________

"Train 'em the right way - my way." Lance Hughes
"Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer, but wish we didn't." Erica Jong

10 fluffy points
50 nz points

Member: VAA's posse

(in reply to DumbassSub)
Profile   Post #: 52
RE: SM Publisher - 11/18/2011 10:11:03 PM   
DumbassSub


Posts: 89
Joined: 7/4/2010
Status: offline 		Yes Lance i understand the term mid-wife. To read of such at beginning of thread i perchance would mistakenly interpret as a insult. However in having received straightforward sincere input thus far, i instead understand it to be sage advice. True, i am lacking literary expertise and more so than i at first realized. Another, who is with the recognized  skill and  professionalism, a 'midwife' would be a huge asset. With short stories i do not see it happening for reasons i do not wish to convey in a open forum. With conversion of journal to a story format i concur with what you say and hope such transforms. Have received partial offer of such and as journal is not yet with its anticipated conclusion time remains.

O

(in reply to LanceHughes)
Profile   Post #: 53
RE: SM Publisher - 11/18/2011 11:29:05 PM   
stellauk


Posts: 1360
Status: offline 		DumbassSub

I'm sorry but I have to come back to this. I've tried to stay away but I can't.

I've looked at your profile and being honest I find it confusing given that what I have read from your posts.

Not long back you come here to 'vent' about a pro-domme who you did work for but who didn't fulfill her promise of OWK sessions.

Now all of a sudden you've found yourself a 'Goddess' who wants to waltz into the publishing world off the back of other people's stories and make money out of it.

A domme who has an awful lot of expectations it seems and has tasked you with the job of doing the donkey work and setting up this deal - which most people fail at and the failure rate I'd imagine is around 90%. This domme seems to have very little in the way of anything which would merit any sort of successful career as a writer or editor - not much in the way of creativity, nor follow up on her ideas, or indeed that much effort.

You yourself write about her preconceived notions revealing that she's refusing to listen to you.

At this point I have to ask you - point blank - what's the story here? What's the bottom line?

Where's the payoff? For you, not her? What are you getting out of this personally?

Now please, don't get me wrong. I like you. We haven't had any direct contact, I don't know you from Adam, but you've revealed enough of yourself from what you've posted for me to see you as someone more than your typical idiot or corner boy.

It's your thread, your experiences, your life, your relationship, please also tell me to butt out if you think I'm being too intrusive here.

But please you've got to understand that I have my own history as an obscure fringe playwright, I even have a very patient publisher but remain unpublished, and my own experiences of both success and failure in media and arts.

You're dealing with an industry which is hard, very hard. Creative people get all the promises and only a fraction of their worth. You wait months, maybe even years for money to come through, and sometimes it doesn't come through or isn't enough to cover even your outlay or initial expenses. Trust me, J. K. Rowling is the exception.

What I want to know is why you keep setting yourself up for a fall.

Have you bought into this idea that as a male sub you're inferior to a dominant woman?

Or are you just fooling us when you use the word 'confident' when in fact you have self-esteem and self-worth issues?

Or is being used and exploited one of your kinks? (If so, please tell me to butt out).

Where's the payoff? What's in all this for you? What is the unabridged version of your story?

You see I know quite a number of Dominants, many of them women, many of the ones I know are wonderfully creative and bring something meaningful into my life and I assume, the lives of many others. I'm quite certain that none of them would ever put themselves into the situation of your Goddess.

This is the whole thing about Dominants, especially dominant women. They want something they get it. They don't need a submissive to get them what they want, they just prefer it or enjoy it that way, but there's a very very clear difference. They have expectations of course, but they also give in equal measure.

This thread, together with the hindsight of your previous thread, brings to my mind two songs.

What i would like you to do is to listen to the words of this song and then this song and reflect on the relationship between those lyrics and your experiences as a male submissive.

If you want to take this discussion off the boards and continue it privately I'm cool with that. If you want to dismiss this posting and that what I have written I'm cool with that too.

But also please bear in mind that I see you differently to the way you see yourself, others do too...

.. and unfortunately it seems that unlike your Goddess, I'm quite prepared to come out openly and share with you what I really think and give you my honest opinion.

Something to think about?

_____________________________

Usually when you have all the answers for something nobody is interested in listening.

(in reply to DumbassSub)
Profile   Post #: 54
RE: SM Publisher - 11/19/2011 8:39:59 AM   
LafayetteLady


Posts: 7683
Joined: 5/2/2007
From: Northern New Jersey
Status: offline 		I tried to open the first song and it is "blocked on copy right grounds" in my country. My country, the USA is also the OP's country. Don't know if you can fix it, but figured I would let ou know.

(in reply to stellauk)
Profile   Post #: 55
RE: SM Publisher - 11/19/2011 11:12:05 AM   
DumbassSub


Posts: 89
Joined: 7/4/2010
Status: offline 		No, not a sudden found a Goddess... absolute not! There was a period where i was not in servitude due to personal situation at my end but a communication remained and a respect remained. The incident of short period of work sessions with other Mistress, a professional Mistress, represents first time i have been scammed by a Mistress. It had me perplexed and very much frustrated. Some here referred to it as a power exchange. I can accept the premise of such but strongly disagree in that there was pre-established agreement of sessions including OWK aspect. I saw it more as Mistress not in the mood(busy, tired, possibly with depression) and opting to continually postpone. Barter seemed to be viewed by some here as differing from a cash transaction. My frustrations created so i found myself thinking selfishly of cash expenses incurred($600), viewed my time to have monetary value, viewed my time, skill, tools, purchases as saving her substantial time and expense. It also had me reflecting why a professional would not honour her word. At same time my emotions were tugged in opposite direction as we shared a good rapport and i did derive a good feeling in assisting her. Strange in that it at times felt more a friendship than a power exchange... for example mutual participation with some tasks, excellent meals and easy personal  rapport. As relayed previously i found it to be a frustrating and confusing situation. I found my closure and it is now water under the bridge.

Again i shall convey Goddess and i are with shared history and as part of that shared history we discussed plans of eventual book which in turn led to my recording events in Live Journal. We may be waltzing into publishing yes, however it is a previously planned project. To recently resurface in conversation with Goddess it was my assumption to be commencing preparation of journal entries and the groundwork for bringing it to publication. Goddess has since informed me to edit a series of short stories of Her slaves for publication as a test.

Some may question motives of Goddess however it is not the focus of my post nor my position to judge or question. In the years i have known Goddess i have derived a bond, trust and strong respect for Her. I have at times questioned, but never did i find fault with Her character and values. Thus regardless of initial outward perception pertaining to short stories, it is off track from the intent of my post. I am well aware of Her nuances whereas others are not. As such i do not desire a public forum to discuss, defend, justify aspects of Goddess. She is not in need of justifying nor defending. I am aware of Her persona and character attributes. Such attributes in a person and especially a Mistress/Goddess carries much weight with me. I am already aware She will follow proper protocol, to dot the i's and cross the t's. She is not a charlatan and as such i am without the concerns expressed by some well meaning individuals. In that it has come up and made mention of is valid and good, that being said it has already been noted and expressed.

I do not expect others to understand nuances, history, details, persona, interactions of Goddess or myself. As such i do not expect Her word "TEST' to resonate with others in not knowing Her style, intricacies, etc. For myself that word speaks volumes. It means i am with a set task ahead of me that must and shall fulfill. The journal is not ready for publication in that it is a true accounting and has not yet reached the anticipated climax and conclusion. Yet in knowing journal is not ready(unless Goddess is with plans to fast track events) She has given me a publishing task. First portion is determining publishing options, cost options, edit already complete stories. Stories written and submitted by others where English obviously is not a first language. To edit such i assumed the editing task to be easy. I have since discovered my editing skills are nil and i am little more than a spell checker and taking a translated text and creating so it reads more naturally. Regardless with first portion of task i shall obtain requested information and options. I shall also edit the short stories to best of my ability as requested. What becomes of it from here? When Goddess conveyed 'TEST" does She refer to a test to discover options, barriers, feasibility?  Does She mean 'TEST" as in publishing short stories in advance to the book we a number of times discussed. As it is already on Her website i fail to see logic of  actually publishing the short stories. Mine however is not to question, it is to do! I am with a task and i shall fulfill it. What becomes of my effort is for Goddess to determine. There is reason i do not question motives of Goddess, nor to be with concern. Some here are making assumptions which is understandable, but in doing so are allowing assumptions to run ahead of actual events, and possibly far beyond intent of Goddess. Does Goddess have intent to publish stories? She has stated such but i do not know and have not questioned. Personally i see it as groundwork and prelude to LJ being edited to a story and published. That has always been a shared intent. In event short stories are to be published i am with every confidence Goddess will follow proper protocols. I say that in knowing Her and from other projects which provides me insight to Her penchant for detail and perfection. I am also aware of  Her relationship with long serving slaves and the stories i work on on from that genre of slave. In being with awareness of Her relationship with a number of these slaves there are concerns being brought forth that although well intentioned are also off base. I am with no reason to justify the actions of Goddess and yet this post sometimes pulls me in that venue. Character and integrity are very important aspects to me. In that Goddess has already demonstrated Herself with these attributes i no longer question and there is no reason for post to veer in such direction.

(in reply to stellauk)
Profile   Post #: 56
RE: SM Publisher - 11/19/2011 12:24:05 PM   
DumbassSub


Posts: 89
Joined: 7/4/2010
Status: offline 		True Stellauk i am being tasked with donkey work, however as slave it seems appropriate. I am glad as others have given me so much greater insight and awareness. It is a much bigger project than at first anticipated. Also i have come to realize my literary skills are severely lacking. If i had ego, Lance has totally cleared that away. lol  His blunt forthright assessments are brutal but true, thus i appreciate and respect his comments. Others were equally informed and conveyed similar reality to me, however Lance took time to explain in clear precise detail and with literary example. Made so i understood, to see and unable to refute what he said. He and a few special others have made me realize the LJ project will require editing beyond my capability. That Goddess and i had not foreseen.

The payoff for me and other curiosities you have,  i shall respond to privately via CM. In taking a lesson from my previous 'work slave' posting i am with no interest in unfounded sarcastic judgments by the informed on a public board. It simply creates a perpendicular tangent destined to spiral downward due to judgmental naivety and negativity. I am a open, honest, direct individual that appreciates similar trait in others; as such you are not being too intrusive in that you are honest, direct and hard hitting but also there is no sarcasm.... some judgments yes, but mostly in a curious sincere way. Yes i shall listen to the songs and express my thoughts.

I understand what you say and confess at outset was totally naive. In my ignorance i had assumed it to be easy and straightforward. You, Lafayette Lady, Lance and others have made me realize how totally mistaken i was. Gawd, in hindsight i feel foolish to think i could properly edit the journal entries. This thread is only a few days duration yet so much insight, perspective, information has come from it. I am now with much doubt as to success with book and publishing but shall continue to push forward. To stop is not a option. There is a twofold purpose with the book, one of which is money. It may be a effort in futility but it also a desire. Desires admittedly are not always logical. I am with interest and enthusiasm to continue effort and see what comes of it. Goddess remains determined and with expectation. I begin to believe those expectations will fall short, but i also realize at very least we indeed will have a book when all is said and done

Find myself disappointed in your comment... "and unfortunately it seems that unlike your Goddess, I'm quite prepared to come out openly and share with you what I really think and give you my honest opinion." In that Goddess is indeed open and honest with me i do not understand where that assumption comes from. Intent with my post is to focus on publishing options; not on aspects of Goddess. To explain interactions, history, persona of Goddess, of myself, especially in public forum i see no logic or purpose to.

< Message edited by DumbassSub -- 11/19/2011 12:50:03 PM >

(in reply to stellauk)
Profile   Post #: 57
RE: SM Publisher - 11/19/2011 1:03:19 PM   
DumbassSub


Posts: 89
Joined: 7/4/2010
Status: offline 		Actually Lafayette Lady i'm from Canada... a "Crazy Canuk: :-)

I was able to opened first song without copyright concerns. Here is another link to it. Good luck.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOMMWeExwh4&feature=share

(in reply to LafayetteLady)
Profile   Post #: 58
RE: SM Publisher - 11/19/2011 1:20:09 PM   
risktaker9


Posts: 197
Joined: 3/10/2010
Status: offline 		This in no way covers the whole thread, but please consider taking a writing class as was suggested. I can't even make myself read what you write OP even though I try. Too long, too boring...if I can't even read a post of yours in it's entirety, then I can't imagine you'll have much luck writing anything else readable either. I know that sounds mean and I don't intend it to be that way, but think of if a couch potato said she wanted to run a marathon. She'd need to work at it.  

(in reply to DumbassSub)
Profile   Post #: 59
RE: SM Publisher - 11/19/2011 1:33:43 PM   
stellauk


Posts: 1360
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: DumbassSub

True Stellauk ...........Intent with my post is to focus on publishing options; not on aspects of Goddess. To explain interactions, history, persona of Goddess, of myself, especially in public forum i see no logic or purpose to.


That's fine. I'm not you, don't know you from Adam and my postings here don't come with a guarantee of being right. Sorry if I disappointed through my assumptions, it wasn't my intention to disappoint, upset or anything, and generally my assumptions from what I read in threads is all I have to go on.

_____________________________

Usually when you have all the answers for something nobody is interested in listening.

(in reply to DumbassSub)
Profile   Post #: 60
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