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Monday, September 25, 2006
Not just for gun nuts
Gay gun nut Jeff from Alphecca emailed me a few weeks ago asking me to help him recruit writers for his group blog science-fiction novel, Colony Alchibah. I haven't had a chance to read much of it, but I'm finally passing along his request.
From the site's FAQ:
In the middle of the 21st century, a ship of dissidents seeking freedom from the oppressive world government of Earth land on a planet circling the star Alchibah. There, these colonists begin a new life, a new world, a place where the limited government is subordinate to the citizens. First they had to create that government and the documents that would constrain it. Actually, first they had to escape Earth! As in any sci-fi story, there are plenty of other problems as well...
"Here's the thing, writes Jeff in his email, "I have only one "liberal" (in quotes) participant. The other 11 are libertarian or conservative and I'd really like more divirsity, especially for arguments over a "constitution" and bill of rights for the new colony. Plus, I think readers would like it if not everyone just agreed over everything."
Anybody want to belong to a virtual space colony with 11 conservatives and libertarians, most of whom are probably heavily armed?
September 25, 2006 at 01:50 PM in VT Blogs | Permalink
Comments
Aw...dude. I sit around a write sci fi for fun (or at least I did before the blog, which now eats up my time). I'm a hopeless geek (go ahead....ask me to name all the "Green Lanterns"...I dare ya)
Anyways, sounds like fun. I'm a dyed-in-the-wool far leftie... although with more of a left-libertarian bent than a left-socialist one, so I may not be ideal.
I assume the token lefty would be writing for the bad-guy sorts that lose out in the end? Somehow, I don't think the whole right-wing utopia thing is gonna play out well for my team...
Posted by: odum | Sep 25, 2006 3:38:08 PM
The fact is that most liberals would probably LOVE to stay on a one-world-government utopian earth. The fictitious place the author wants to create is mainly going to attract a true conservative-minded person (NOT to be confused with a Repelican).
Posted by: The Fat Bald Married Guy | Sep 25, 2006 5:50:34 PM
Thanks, Cathy. I think.
Actually, in matters where there are decisions to make, each colonist has an equal vote and those votes are tallied (and many actions of the colonists are arbitrated) by an independent participant (called The Reporter). I, as the plotter and writer of the main story have no control over the outcomes and must abide by the results.
In addition, I have to take into account the actions of the colonists in their "diary posts" when writing each succeeding chapter...just as they have to deal with plot twists I throw at them.
While the first four chapters were heavy on action (some of it violent), we're now at chapter five, should go up in a week or so. We actually land on the planet and the colonists have to spread out, explore, and as part of the task -- "discover" two species of fauna or flora. So there is fun in this.
Anyway, I would like a few more "liberals" to balance things out and make for livelier discussions or arguments, especially when, in future chapters we have to create laws, a constitution, etc. Please read the FAQ as it explains A LOT.
Posted by: Jeff Soyer | Sep 26, 2006 6:14:39 AM
BTW, Odum, I think a "left-libertarian" would be great. You would NOT be on a losing team, you would be bolstering a...minority? I'd love to have you join in, as well as others reading 802. This is a leisurely project only requiring a couple hours every few weeks.
I'd also love to have some artist/illustrators contribute their talents. No pay but you'd get plenty of credit and I'd make sure there were links to your own websites (commercial or personal).
Posted by: Jeff Soyer | Sep 26, 2006 12:35:12 PM
That was going to be my next question, Jeff -- time commitment. I'm intrigued by the project, but just not sure if I can commit the time. If it is only a couple of hours every few weeks, I may be able to swing it. I'll have to give it some thought (and finish reading all the chapters/diaries). (and the scenario you give on Earth -- how could anyone LIKE it other than those in power? geez, get me out of there too!)
Posted by: evening | Sep 27, 2006 8:29:41 AM
Evening: Some of the colonists are very active, especially now, trying to fill up the Colony version of the Wikkipedia but most simply read what I or others have done and contribute a sole "diary post" relating their own actions in response to each chapter. I don't (and don't want to) pressure anyone into feeling they have to produce. This whole exercise is meant to be fun and escapist. A new chapter goes up about every 5 weeks or so. You generally have that much time to put up a post of your own.
You do get to create your own character and a brief bio and then I'll just weave it into the story.
As I say in the FAQ, I welcome all, and all political/idealogical/lifestyles to be colonists. I don't know what yours is but I'd welcome you gladly if you do decide to participate.
Posted by: Jeff Soyer | Sep 27, 2006 9:25:51 AM
Was skimming a bit... I dunno if I can get past that intro, it feels like a big burly bouncer at the door of the club looking for liberals to throw out... maybe I should start a counter blog-novel and our planets can start nuking each other or something (I smell a video game!)...
But seriously...Im interested...might be fun if I have time
Posted by: odum | Sep 27, 2006 9:58:19 AM
I'm pleased to say that, because of this post, there are now two new colonists -- both of whom describe themselves as "liberal" which will make three so far. So see, Odum, you shall not be alone if you join. Heck, you all now have some strength in numbers for scheming, voting coalitions, etc. (And remember that the other ten colonists are a mixed bag of libertarians whose votes or plots could go any-which-way.)
Posted by: Jeff Soyer | Sep 30, 2006 7:29:06 AM
Cool. Glad I could help.
Posted by: cresmer | Oct 2, 2006 9:17:49 AM
Glad to say I'm the 2nd of the two new liberals on board. I'm posting here with my newly accquired character name, and I'd like to encourage others to join. I just spent the weekend reading almost everything there and it's honestly a really great story so far and the interaction between the characters looks to be really interesting. I'm really, really excited about all this.
In response to odum's "big burly bouncer" bit, the intro threw me a bit too, until I realized that it wasn't actually an intro. That just happened to be the blog post on top when we were looking at it. As the Historian (aka Jeff) says, everyone should hate the new World Govt. It's not liberal, it's a bastardization of liberal ideals - corrupt, misguided, power hungry politicians and all that. So odum, kick the bouncer's butt and get on board!
PS - got some interesting ideas for Vermont in the story arc. The 2nd Republic will have its day! Anyway, hope I see some of you there.
Posted by: Corin | Oct 2, 2006 10:53:25 AM
Doh! Name's "Connor" not "Corin" - damn. Anyway, check it out. 'Tis cool.
Posted by: Connor | Oct 3, 2006 3:20:01 PM
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