The difference between LJ and Skyehawke

[blamebrampton]

In one of my stories, I have a scene in which the bad guys attempt to take control of the Thames Barrier to hold it open while an artificial storm surge races up the river to flood much of London. It's told in fast snatches, but there are a number of very clear bits of information given to show what's happening, including:

The rest of Draco's Unspeakables arrive. He speaks quickly: "Thames Barrier, we think there's a team using dark magic to hold it open. Storm surge is coming, a big one."

A few people responded to its posting on LJ with "I had no idea what the Barrier was, so I looked it up, it's cool/was on Doctor Who!"

Last night I posted that chapter on Skyhawke. Today I received a comment similar to "Look, I liked it, but you'd have made the ending so much more gripping if you'd explained what the Barrier was." *

I was THIS CLOSE to answering with "Thanks very much for letting me know you liked it, but if you need more Barrier info, you can find it easily! In my day we did not have Google and you had to shag computer scientists to get internet access, so just count yourself lucky, young whippersnapper and use the tools Tim Berners-Lee gave you!"

I held back, but only because I knew I'd receive a reply saying "Berners-Lee? Who?!"

Ah LJ folk, Let me never take you for granted ...

* I should emphasise that I genuinely think this person meant to be helpful here. They were not being intentionally annoying, I am just the least patient closet librarian in the vicinity.

Comments

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

Oh NO! That's just silliness! I hereby give you a gift of a phrase I use in my professional life: Some people are too stupid to read this publication.

Maybe we need a little warning up with the wordcount and NC17, etc. You could choose from "brain candy", "requires a little thought", "complex themes", "some research may be required" or "Will need your full concentration".

[emerald-dragon8.livejournal.com]

Oh, that's brilliant! Love it.

That's a fantastic idea! I must admit, there are some fics I have read at odd times when I'm exhausted, and they've been so sharp and quick that my brain has muddled things up entirely. Thankfully, I'm always aware enough to realise it and stop reading until a later date.

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

We should popularise it! I'll start putting it in my headers, you too?

And yes, I do exactly the same, with books as well as fics. I usually have four or five on the go at once depending on the level of concentration I am able to bring to them.

[emerald-dragon8.livejournal.com]

We definitely should! I'll put one in my hd_inspired for sure, if I actually get around to finishing it!

I wish I had time for that - I used to! But now between school work, reading a school book, reading a for-pleasure book and reading newspapers, I've hardly ever got time for fic anymore.

And now I've gone and signed myself up for co-organising the "oneday" event at my college, I am royally screwed.

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

Look at it from the other perspective: you are royally constructing an effective CV.

[emerald-dragon8.livejournal.com]

True, true. Between Young Achievement Australia, my constant conference-going and my ridiculous habit of volunteering at every fundraising event available (one of which included 4 hours in a room wrapping and organising roses to be delivered), my end-of-year reference is beginning to look extremely impressive.

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

If I wasn't freelancing, I'd hire you!

[emerald-dragon8.livejournal.com]

That's good to know! I'm going to need a good job next year, and I've been getting worried that I won't be able to find someone to hire me! :)

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

You should be fine. If you have time amid all your exams, do a few weeks of work experience in places that interest you. We have frequently hired interns in many of my workplaces, so if you fit in straight away and pick it all up quickly, it can be a great route to a job. And if you cock it all up, you'll have learned for free, so people are less disturbed that you've blundered and you'll know better when you're doing paid work.

[emerald-dragon8.livejournal.com]

I actually did some work experience at the National Library at the end of June, which I completely loved. Unfortunately, because my supervisors weren't high up, they couldn't hire me on further, but said they would want me back for a paid internship during uni, when I'm a bit more experienced with Java Script, and would recommend me to the "powers that be". :)

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

I cannot tell you how much I love the ANL. It's SO GOOD! I hope they do take you on!

[emerald-dragon8.livejournal.com]

It's absolutely brilliant - and the best part was that I got to see everything behind-the-scenes - all the ancient books (you would not believe the number of government publications they have!). It's amazing.

[khateh.livejournal.com]

You could choose from "brain candy", "requires a little thought", "complex themes", "some research may be required" or "Will need your full concentration".
This is brilliant!

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

I think that one of my jokes may actually be useful!

Well, it had to happen eventually ... Come on board the brain rating scheme! All welcome!