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]

It's true. The next thicky I meet will not have me try and help them, rather, I will steal their valuables! And blame my life of crime on you.

[pingrid.livejournal.com]

That's fine. My cut is 40%.

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

Sounds reasonable. Have you seen any video from the coronation in Tonga today? Priceless.

[pingrid.livejournal.com]

No, I wasn't aware they were having one! I shall go and google it at once.

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

The ermine cloak! The silk knee breeches! The giant crown! And everyone was so happy. The Australian Governor General gave a lovely speech about how wonderful everything was -- and the delicious food!

[pingrid.livejournal.com]

It's like a displacement in both time and space! It's almost uncanny for some reason.

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

And yet charming, too!

[pingrid.livejournal.com]

Yes, but a little bit in that way that makes your face smile and the hair on your arms stand on end ... I don't know why it creeps me out, but it does, a little!

I see you're tempted by the darkfest! Dooo eeeet. Doooo eeeeet! I know I want to! :D

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

I am surrounded by bad influences! And I have to learn Italian!

[pingrid.livejournal.com]

Bah, you'll do fine with English, and it's too late now anyway. Well. For you it probably isn't, but just think of the shiny dark! :D

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

Maybe I could set the story in Italy. Venice is pretty dark ...

[pingrid.livejournal.com]

Venice, too? *envies* Yep, there's plenty of potential for atmospheric darkness in old buildings and murky canals! And the odd bout of violence and terror. Dooo eeeet!

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

And glassblowers, don't forget the very scary glassblowers!

[pingrid.livejournal.com]

I've never been to Venice and seen them so I can't tell if you're joking or if they're really freaky, but if glassblowers is the best you can do then maybe I'm wrong to encourage you. ;p

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

Nah, they're fine. But if I was writing about them they would be vampire glassblowers!!

[pingrid.livejournal.com]

Who mix blood and magic in with the glass and turn it into horrifying glassware that draws blood and sanity from your dinner guests?

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

You're right on the blood and magic front, but they then create elegant blowpipes and darts with which they bring down their victims and access their blood.

[pingrid.livejournal.com]

Crafty! Am I to take it that only common vampires use their teeth?

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

It's considered impolite in the best circles.