FFR's (not quite) First Literary Contest

[dore]

Re: FFR's (not quite) First Literary Contest

I have nothing against judging with grammar in mind, but I don't think you should count against something for a typo. Using the wrong version of "your" or "there" but small typos that are obviously typos and not stupidity shouldn't count.

[ieatyourlvllol]

Re: FFR's (not quite) First Literary Contest

I agree (to an extent).

In literature, grammar and spelling shouldn't be used for the primary basis upon which a work will be judged - the quintessential purpose of writing is to deliver concepts, ideas, and themes, not to demonstrate technical proficiency in their conveyance. Nonetheless, literary norm has given way to the perception that the ability to consistently follow conventions like grammar and spelling is highly indicative of an adept writer (and one who is concerned for his/her audience). Furthermore, it's impossible to deny that visual aesthetics and textual coherence have a significant role in deciding the inherent quality of a phrase or sentence. Consequently, even seemingly trivial things, such as a misplaced comma or misspelled word, can have a tremendous impact, and when these errors happen to occur in just the wrong place, they can completely ruin the author's intended message, regardless of its value in terms of syntax and diction. For this reason, grammar and spelling must be considered when critiquing almost any form of writing, but its importance should not be allowed to overshadow that of the actual literature.

[rzr]

Re: FFR's (not quite) First Literary Contest

Well, I wrote up an entire rubric and my browser crashed. So, I'll get around to re-posting it. In the meantime, I'll answer Temote's question. The only way I will be judging your grammar and spelling is off my head. While I'm reading it. How many errors stand out, how frequently, and how easy of a mistake to not make. Like, text speak is going to get a low grammatical grade from me. However, the plot and content mean a lot more to me than any grammar flaw. As long as you hook me an grasp my attention you don't need to worry.

[MooMoo_Cowfreak]

Re: FFR's (not quite) First Literary Contest

Like, text speak is going to get a low grammatical grade from me.

For the record, this is called dialect, and it can be used to wit. However I can't imagine anyone on ffr using dialect.

[dore]

Re: FFR's (not quite) First Literary Contest

My story will have some dialect in it, but nothing too heavy.

[rzr]

Re: FFR's (not quite) First Literary Contest

Nobody's keeping a record, MooMoo. And I won't bust your ass if you're describing a scene with text speak. Example:

"Jenny replied "I'll c u 2maro" in that chat room."

That's a part of the story. It can reflect Jenny's character. However, a statement like:

"Den da monstr attackd"

will show up low on my grammar/spelling meter.

[bluguerrilla]

Re: FFR's (not quite) First Literary Contest

Some of my favorite short stories would get terrible grades by your rubric.

I was thinking about entering until I saw the requirements. They're just strict enough to be lame.

I'd prefer a contest that was either much more strict or much less strict.

[rzr]

Re: FFR's (not quite) First Literary Contest

Like?

[User6773]

Re: FFR's (not quite) First Literary Contest

"Den da monstr attackd"

No one writes like that.

[rzr]

Re: FFR's (not quite) First Literary Contest

I was giving you a reference to build off of. Why is everyone so hell bent on belittling our idea?

[kmay]

Re: FFR's (not quite) First Literary Contest

No one writes like that.

read bodega dreams... he says words like thass instead of that's when he uses dialogue.... i hate that book.

[DoctorSerpentine]

Re: FFR's (not quite) First Literary Contest

nobody rites like dat dat'd be retardid y wuld u rite like dat

[bluguerrilla]

Re: FFR's (not quite) First Literary Contest

That's to emphasize an accent or dialect or both and I agree, it can get old.

However, many fanfics end up exactly like that so...

And rzr, like nearly anything written by Faulkner.

I'd say Joyce but I'll never read anything by him so it'd be cheap of me to site him. /lazy

[funmonkey54]

Re: FFR's (not quite) First Literary Contest

I said in for both. You only have me down for the 1 day.

[rzr]

Re: FFR's (not quite) First Literary Contest

Hammy, you've been eyeing this thread for quite some time. Would you like to join?