RuneScape Forum Archive | ~The Guild of Unique Authors~

Cicobe1

Posts: 4,823 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

~~Bank of Inspirations~~
This is where we drop down our inspirations if we’re having a very imaginative day yet quite powerless to realize – look here if you’re having a writer’s block and feel free to draw any material from it (By submitting resources here you have agreed to allow others to use these materials for further writing purposes).
~A cold, millionaire who believed everything has a spare - even human life.
~A single, sixty years old man, recalling the moment in which, if only he had went for it, he wouldn't have ended up spending the rest of his life by himself.
~A perspective of the tramp in Varrock, the feeling of homelessness and rejection by the society and those around him.
~A story that suggests everything must grow cold back to room temperature, and the inevitability of death.
~In a world where there are no consequences for whatever action one takes, what would become of the most obedient man? If one is not restricted by consequences, what terrible deeds could one commit?
~What crime can one commit/allow to happen in telling a white lie?
~A scientist creates a creature that needs and feeds on his own love for it. The scientist loves it very much and will always love it. It doesn't mean the creature loves him in return though. Explore the mind of the creature.

17-May-2009 23:48:46 - Last edited on 17-May-2009 23:51:46 by Cicobe1

Cicobe1

Posts: 4,823 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

~~Advancement~~

If you feel you have improved since the time that you have submitted your entry, or you felt that your score has fell below your expectation, feel free to post another short story for advancement purposes. We, after all, aim to improve all the time. Practice makes perfect.
The format for that will be the same as your entry:
~6k characters limit
~Unique, and strange.
You need at least a month before each time you submit an advancement entry. The application will be in two parts, the story, and the essay.
The reviews for this tended to be not as long as the entry review, and the grades that you get from your advancement entry will remain with you for at least another month, unless you scored lower than the guild entry requirement, in which case the application will be considered null.
If you have any questions on that, feel free to ask me. The point of this is not only giving our members a second chance to improve on their writing, but also encourage more writing and explorations of different styles.
Final note: Remember, it is possible to score lower than you previously had, so if you are going for it, make sure it is good.

17-May-2009 23:48:46 - Last edited on 17-May-2009 23:52:02 by Cicobe1

Cicobe1

Posts: 4,823 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

~~Author’s Bio format~~

Once you’ve been accepted, you will be asked to confirm your membership by submitting a Bio related to yourself. Please be truthful, for this is how you want to be known amongst others in the guild.

An introduction to yourself (Say hi and talk about yourself):
Username:
Nickname:
What kind of author are you (Horror/comedy writer etc.):
Describe your personality:
Summarize your nature:
Hobbies:
Common phrases:
Dislikes:
Favourite films:
Favourite books:
Favourite music:
Favourite food:
Favourite sport:
Favourite instrument:
Favourite animal and why:
Ultimate goal in life:
Current stories on forum:
Grades:

Feel free to add ANYTHING you want on here and add as much as you want. However, try to keep it within a post, and of course, what is a guild without a signature

~~Member of The Guild of Unique Authors~~
Or
~~Reviewer of The Guild of Unique Authors~~
Whichever sees fit - or both, for some cases.

17-May-2009 23:48:47 - Last edited on 17-May-2009 23:52:25 by Cicobe1

Cicobe1

Posts: 4,823 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

~~Wish List Format~~

Each member will have a Wish List beneath their Bio. The Wish List contains works that a member wishes Ciao to read. All the items on the Wish List will go into Ciao’s reading list. The member has complete freedom to invest his/her reward points in one of the items (thus pushing it further up in Ciao’s reading list) on their Wish List. For more information about the Reward Points Scheme, read the post below.

--Member’s Wish List--
1) Item name
Story posts: (1 - 20)
QFC and Page:
Format: (Review/Proofread/Read/Gentle Feedback)
I invest = Points in this item

2) Item name
Story posts: (1 - 20)
QFC and Page:
Format: (Review/Proofread/Read/Gentle Feedback)
I invest = Points in this item

3) Item name
Story posts: (21 – 50)
QFC and Page:
Format: (Review/Proofread/Read/Gentle Feedback)
I invest = Points in this item

Total Reward Points:

~The first two spots are only for story or part of a story up to 20 posts. The third enables you to have something up to 50 posts read. Only ONE story is allowed per spot.
~The Review format concentrates on all aspect of the story. I will not review it with the guild grading scheme, however. I’ll comment on all sides about a story.
~The Proofread format concentrates only on grammatical errors, typos and inconsistencies.
~The Read format is for somebody who’s content for me just reading their story and leave a landmark post saying I’ve read it.
~The Gentle Feedback format is less intense compared to Review format, with suggestions and comments on how to improve the story, as well as a few mistakes pointed out.

17-May-2009 23:52:32 - Last edited on 17-May-2009 23:53:02 by Cicobe1

Cicobe1

Posts: 4,823 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

~~The Reward Points Scheme~~

This new scheme promotes contributive activity within the guild. By doing certain things, like applying for jobs or posting stories to be discussed or giving feedback to another author, the member will be awarded with reward points which can be invested into their items in their Wish List to have their story read by me. Each item on the Wish List will be added to my Reading List and the more points an item has, the higher up it will be on my reading list. I cannot say for definite when I’ll read or review your stories – but that will be the order by which I work. For details on what activity can gain you reward points, check out the Points Table on Page 15 Post 1.
The idea of this is to promote people to read and write more within the guild, and yes, I am willing to give up extra time to read and review your stories if you do participate. It depends on how much you are willing to give to the guild to improve your writing and reviewing skills – not only it’ll improve you as a writer, but also as a person.
So, stay active for a lot of goodies await you …

~Guidelines
-If you believe you have gained points, please inform me with the exact amount of points you gained and which item you’d like to invest in, as well as why you’ve gained them. I can’t work everything out for you and so please make sure you’re familiar with the Points Table.
-Members found cheating will be severely punished.
-500 Points will be deducted if a member has not posted for 2 weeks.
-I will reward Points to positive contribution to the guild, and deduct points from the negative contributors.
-My decision on exactly how many Points to award is final.

17-May-2009 23:52:32 - Last edited on 17-May-2009 23:53:20 by Cicobe1

Cicobe1

Posts: 4,823 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

~~Bonus activity~~

This is renewed once every two weeks. The aim is for the whole guild to participate in one activity, and the winner receives extra reward points. Although points will still be rewarded for those polite individuals who helped out in the guild and start positive discussions, the bonus activity offers some hefty rewards…

Current Task: Produce a report on what could be improved in the Guild.
Deadline: 3rd May

Description of task: I’m looking for a detailed report on aspects of the guild that can be improved and the best ways to improve the shortcomings.
The winner will receive +500 reward Points.

17-May-2009 23:52:33 - Last edited on 17-May-2009 23:53:37 by Cicobe1

Cicobe1

Posts: 4,823 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

~~Grading Scheme~~
Categories:
1) Characters
E = Very believable characters, well described and well developed. Your characters are both compelling and breath-taking. You have established a solid personality to your characters and your readers can picture them physically as well as mentally, enabling them to sympathize with your characters perfectly.
G = Believable characters, somewhat limited in physical description or characteristics, but your characters are well thought out and have a fairly strong personality of their own. There are emotions seeping through the dialogue to the reader.
A = Believable characters. However, the physical descriptions were vague and their traits and personality are not very well thought out. Room for improvement.
B = Unrealistic characters. Contradicting traits and behaviour. Poor/lack of physical description makes it difficult for the reader to picture your characters in their mind.
D = Your characters are unrealistic and uninteresting. The voicing is monotonous and there is no emotion in them. There are hints at physical description but it is impossible for the reader to picture your characters in their mind.
U = You provided the character a name. Nothing much more than a name. Your characters are simply boring.

17-May-2009 23:52:33 - Last edited on 17-May-2009 23:53:56 by Cicobe1

Cicobe1

Posts: 4,823 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

2) Description
E = Applicant showed a great range of descriptions, both engaging and poetic. The description flowed naturally in the story and the reader can conjure perfect images from your words. Creative imagery and symbolisms are used. Simply breath-taking!
G = A good range of descriptions through similes and metaphors, most of the required descriptions are in place. However, there are some moments in the story where the image could be a little clearer.
A = A fair range of descriptions. Applicant finds this area somewhat difficult. Images are limited, however, just enough for the story.
B = A small range of descriptions. Images are missing and are severely limited. The reader questions the scenery, feeling incomplete. Applicant finds this quite difficult to provide enough description to keep the reader informed of key images.
D = Very little descriptions. Applicant finds this extremely difficult.
U = No descriptions used.

3) Plot
E = Fantastic. Witty, original and flawless storyline carrying a strong moral message. The applicant is creative and is unafraid to break genres. A truly deep and inspiring entry.
G = Original. A powerful story carrying a moral message. Applicant showed fantastic story-telling skills.
A = The originality of the story is in question. Over all, it was quite creative and exploratory. The applicant begins to explore the possibility of new genres and new writing styles.
B = Not original. Flaws in the storyline. The plot is dull and uninteresting. Very little creativity shown. The Plot is clichéd with old ideas or is based on a clichéd genre. It was not exploratory.
D = Poor originality. Applicants copy-and-pasted the story from a pervious work, or works by others.
U = Plot unidentified.

17-May-2009 23:52:34 - Last edited on 17-May-2009 23:54:16 by Cicobe1

Cicobe1

Posts: 4,823 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

4) Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar
E = Flawless – I cannot spot a single mistake.
G = Decent, with very few mistakes, mostly stylistic.
A = Fairly decent, multiple mistakes.
B = Many mistakes throughout. Very distracting for the reader.
D = Very poor sense of Grammar and Spelling. Use of txt spk
U = Unreadable.

For the fifth category, the applicant will choose ONE of the following areas to be assessed. Please inform me which option you have opted for in the Written Evaluation part of your application – applicants will be automatically assessed in Vocabulary if they have not done so.

5A) Vocabulary
E = A high complexity and range of vocabulary, as well as using them correctly.
G = A good range of vocabulary. However, the choices of words are sometimes inaccurate, including awkward expressions. Very little room for improvement.
A = A fair range of vocabulary. However, words are sometimes used incorrectly. Multiple strange expressions in the story. The verbosity of the applicant can be improved.
B = Some attempts at longer words. However, many of the words are incorrect or inaccurate. Many strange and confusing expressions in the story. The vocabulary is rather flat.
D = No attempt at longer words whatsoever.
U = txt spk.

5B) Flow
E = Your story flowed beautifully like poetry. Every sentence is required to be there and there are no rough edges or rough sounds. You have chosen each word carefully and have thought about the way it would sound. The applicant managed to write the entry as if it is a piece of beautiful music drifting in the air, clauses are carefully balanced with the right and the best sounding numbers or syllables.
G = A nice, easy read with no rough edges. All sentences are necessary, and there is a sense of forward movement.
A = A few odd sounding phrases and wrong punctuations that interrupted the flow. The majority of the entry is very well written.

17-May-2009 23:52:34 - Last edited on 17-May-2009 23:54:41 by Cicobe1

Cicobe1

Posts: 4,823 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

B = Many rough edges in the story. The flow is frequently interrupted with the wrong use of punctuation and words. Many awkward phrases and sometimes the story just didn't flow.
D = For the most parts, the story just didn't flow with many, many interruptions throughout. Your story is a rough read.
U = Unreadable.
5C) Devices
E = Applicant showed a great understanding of the use and effects of many devices, including symbolisms, references and hypocrisy. The entry is extremely well crafted in imagery, a clever piece.
G = Use of devices. Most of the devices used were extremely effective.
A = Use of devices. Some of the devices used were effective, while others not so much.
B = Very few devices used, and very few were effective.
D = Few devices used, and none were effective.
U = No attempt at devices
5D) Impact
E = Your story was breath-taking! The impact ensured the reader want to read the entry again and again. It could possibly have shocked me, or left a dent in my heart. A truly powerful read.
G = Powerful stuff, although I believe that it could be even more powerful, I feel that the entry has not reached its full potential somehow, but the power is there – you just didn't quite manage to express the full extent of it.
A = Quite powerful. It was a memorable reading, although you have pretty much explored the full potential of the story impact wise. Well done.
B = It SHOULD’VE been a powerful reading, but in some ways you managed to turn it around and I can’t feel anything from it when I read it. There is potential for power in your story, but you’ve spoilt it for yourself and others. Very bad.
D = Your story is not designed to make an impact on the reader. It had no potential for impact, and your writing had no impact.
U = Your story is indeed memorable, but in a VERY bad way.
With this in mind, all my grades are therefore standardised. If you're feeling unhappy about a grade, feel free to contact me and I'll be happy to discuss it

17-May-2009 23:52:35 - Last edited on 17-May-2009 23:56:53 by Cicobe1

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~The Guild of Unique Authors~