Forum posts made by principessa

Say what a neck

ERECT

A lot of people used this referendum as a protest vote, a means to voice their anger with current government policies. They did not really think about the consequences or imagine that the leave side would win. There is a lot of remorse now with the realization that the vote is binding and it is not really what many people wanted. They sent a message to the elites and now have to live with the result. Many wish they had voted remain now.

I hope that this is a lesson for Americans thinking about voting for Donald Trump. Never mind what he would do domestically, imagine him on the international stage and with his finger on the nuclear button. A very scary thought. Be careful what you wish for. This uprising of populism with all that it carries as baggage, his xenophobia, sexism, racism, and willful ignorance along with his bombastic thin-skinned temperament make Trump unsuited for the office of President.

I don't. I believe in what we have here and now, being hopeful for the future and not being stuck in the past.

Macadamia nut and white chocolate. However there is something to be said for chocolate chip (sometimes with nuts) and oatmeal raisin cookies.

He has made sure that he uses his own hotels and other resources that belong to him and to pay them from campaign funds. I understand that he has reputation for not paying contractors and others who do work for him and trying to bargain down to a fraction of what is owed when he does pay. He intimidates his creditors in that he is not reluctant to be in litigation and has much deeper pockets to finance it than they do. Would he transfer this purported business acumen to government, perhaps refusing to fully pay on US bonds or treasury bills?

He does not have the normal infrastructure of a campaign state by state or for fundraising. Of course, he thinks he knows best. This applies to every aspect of foreign policy, governance, and domestic issues. He says he watches Sunday morning television for information.

This has been another Trump scam, perhaps the most colossal one he has ever pulled. He has hoodwinked a large segment of the US electorate into believing that he actually has plans and policies to make their lives better while appealing to their xenophobia, sexism, racism and more, giving them permission to say in public things that formerly were said only within their homes. So much for making America great again. He does love the "undereducated".

The convention should be interesting.

@ Just_A_Guy_You_Know

You are exactly right. It would be entertaining if it were not so frightening. After the surprise in the Brexit vote, we cannot be sure that he will be rejected.

@ cdlsf

I don't know what country you are in or what you know about the criminal justice systems of your country or other countries. In common law countries like the US, Canada, and the UK judges do not hear evidence from both the accused and the alleged victim in many if not most criminal cases in countries where the accused is not obliged to testify. There are constitutional protections that allow the accused's case to be put to the court by their lawyer and defense witnesses. The prosecution has the right to cross examine these witnesses just as the defense has the right to cross examine prosecution witnesses. Judges weigh the credibility of witnesses and evidence in bench (judge only) trials, but it is the jury who makes this determination when it is a jury trial. In this case the judge renders a decision on penalty if there is a guilty verdict. I should also add that there is usually a provision for the alleged victim to remain unnamed in the press unless that victim opts to go public. In the Brock Turner case she published her devastating statement, but remained anonymous.

What you have described is not realistic.

San Pellagrino Blood Orange

Maybe I'm just being obtuse; but would you mind explaining how having those stories appear on both writers pages, not double posted in the categories; but simply appearing on both writers story list be unfair? Specifically, in what way would others be negatively impacted? I don't see how this would effect anyone beside the writer in question? I would benefit from a detailed example of how another would be harmed.

If they could be harmed by this; than how would having the story appear on my story page do so, yet providing a link on my page as Buz suggested; would not? Surly a link is a link? The story would still carry only the avatar of the posting author. No one is suggesting an actual duplicate story on the site. Merely that it appear on both writers page with the award next to it.

It has been stated that having those awards appear would also be unfair, and again, who is hurt and why? Again, I fail to see the harm. I would like to understand how an award earned by both writers should only apear on one of their pages. Having them appear on both damages others in what way? I find that thought to be curiously confusing.

You seem to discount the earned views, yet we have badges for famous stories, legendary stories and for those with over a million views, so if they were unimportant than why have the badges? Why would adding more badges then be a remedy? That seems counter-intuitive to me.

Is this really important at all? Maybe not, but then why do we write at all. I write for myself, but it is pointless if no one reads it. That's why views matter. If that's silly, then why do we have 3 different badges celebrating views? Again, it seems counter-initiative to say those views don't matter. We don't rank authors directly by views anywhere, so who is hurt by giving credit to both writers instead of one? I'd like this explained so I can understand.

Writing is a difficult art and one many of us put much of ourselves into. I don't think it unfair to expect a duel and equal recognition for our contributions. The idea that 'someone else' is somehow negatively impacted makes no sense to me and I really would like that concisely explained.

Edit.
Prinicipessa, I came back later and reread this post. While I feel my point is accurate, I came off much more strongly than I intended. I have tremendous respect for you and our friendship so I apologize for the challenging tone. That was not my intent.

I have no objection to co-authored stories appearing in both authors' pages, perhaps with a new symbol posted like an RR or EP to indicate that it is indeed a collaboration as I suggested, this new symbol not being an award but merely information. My concern was with respect to the number of views leading to badges like "Famous Story" and "Legendary Story". Would the number of views on one writer's page or on both writers'pages? Either way there seems to be an issue in getting to 30K or 100K as compared with a story written alone. This may be less of a problem than I realized at first because as you pointed out the story would still be published just once in its category for readers.

I may be complicating this too much by hairsplitting and seeing both sides of an argument, but that is how I earn my living. I really have no objection to stories being posted on both writers' pages as I have felt guilty about being the one getting the attention for work that I did not do alone. I just think we have to understand the implications of making this decision before changing how we do things. The fairness interest for co-writers may well be more important than other considerations. There are a small number of co-written stories as compared with the number done solo on Lush. These stories could be posted on both authors' pages with an indication that the story is a collaboration with no negative impact. For some people, collecting views and badges is very important and that is where there may be issues to be worked out.

Milik, there is no need to worry. You just asked me to explain myself more clearly. I have the greatest of respect for you and our friendship. Our collaborations have produced wonderful stories and I would work with you again in a heartbeat.

Beaches

I hadn't thought about the "double-dipping" issue, but you do make a valid point. However, I still feel that the co-writer is cheated. At the very least, the story should at the very least post on the pages for both authors. If there was a "Co-Author" badge (VirgoGo had a great idea for this) it might help. Now, there aren't that may co-written pieces and if Lush want to encourage this... then a solution needs to be found. Perhaps (and this is just a suggestion Gav) there can be a setting for those who don't care about the counts (like clicking a box for opting out of the votes, awards, etc.)

I like the idea of a Co-Author badge to be awarded when you have written in collaboration. Given that it is unusual, adding more parameters such as multiple co-writers or a threshold number of stories seems unnecessary to me. It is enough to have two egos set aside to work in tandem to produce something that is often more than the sum of its parts. There is a certain synergy that happens when people write together, at least that has been my experience. The counts issue could be partially resolved by having the ability to turn that off if the posting writer did so, presumably in consultation with their writing partner. For those who were not concerned about the views being counted on the posting partner's page, it could be left on.

As well, you could add a symbol like the RR or EP that is not an award, but is an indicator that there are two authors for a particular story.

At least this would be a way to give some recognition to the effort made by various members to write together and produce some of the great work here on Lush.

I have been the writer who posted the stories that I have written with collaborators. I have always felt a little guilty about getting the recognition attached to those stories but for the mention of the co-writer's name at the beginning of each story and the acknowledgement note that most writers (including me) added to the stories. Anyone who reads the stories knows who the other writer is so the praise in comments is shared. I realize that there is some inequity in the poster of the story getting the views, badges, and possible awards.

However, the suggestions that have been made so far to remedy this would put those who collaborate on stories in a better position than those who write alone in that each story would be doubly posted, doubly awarded and double rated and ranked. For those who count views towards hundreds of thousands and millions, it would be a sort of double dipping to allow the story to be viewed and have those views counted on two members' pages. Dividing the views between the two writers does not make sense either.

I understand that it rankles to see a story you have worked on garner views and awards for your co-writer that cannot be shared, but I can think of no equitable way to fix this to make it fair between collaborators and at the same time remain fair to the other writers on the site. I would be open to any suggestions that could do that.

underwear

I think it's a troll. The post on the rape thread, while vile and offensive, seemed to me to be fairly carefully constructed as one of those "fake nostalgia" sentiments (that we are seeing a lot in current politics.)

I agree with you.

Well, I guess that he is gone now unless he opens a new account under a different name. His illiterate style and obnoxious opinions will give him away. You wonder if this individual is a troll baiting us and this is an act or if it is real. Either way, this person is not worth the time.

I agree with Buz, American Beauty, and Fletch64. You can find people with a similar world view by reading their opinions in the forum, particularly the Think Tank. Those who have written stories will reveal themselves to you in a different way. You can always leave a comment on a story and follow up with a PM, or send a PM about a forum post as a way of opening the door. As Fletch says, be polite and respond if someone writes to you. Have a look at their page to have an idea of what they are like, or at least the persona they display here. It is the internet after all.

I have interacted with people here that I would not have met any other way and developed some interesting friendships. Give it time.

While I'm certain that there are schools that would fit your description, there are also many that would not. Many schools have mandatory reporting requirements, even if the victim wishes to remain anonymous. Many schools also have their own police departments -- with real, trained, peace officers and NOT Barney Fifes -- that serve as first responders for crime on campus. The good ones recognize their own limitations in investigatory response capabilities, and actively involve the police departments of their host cities when those limitations are exceeded. I guess what I'm trying to say is that not everything we see on Law & Order: SVU is an accurate depiction of actual campus law enforcement.

Several recent cases have highlighted the failures of athletic staff members to forward reports of misconduct by their players to relevant authorities. This is a cultural problem, in that coaching staffs too often fail to see the problem (i.s., the "boys bein' boys" viewpoint) and/or they feel that part of their job is to "take care of" (i.e. shield) their players from adverse actions. These staff members are simply wrong. Their actions undermine discipline, and feed to all too prevalent sense of entitlement that far too many of the athletes seem to possess. Well run athletic departments spend a good deal of time and attention in educating both players and staff as to what the legal and institutional reporting requirements are, and discipline players and staff members when those requirements are not met. That said, the athletic staffs shouldn't be expected to be chaperones or baby sitters -- they should be expected to try to teach their athletes to behave like humans, however.



With respect, I understand that there may be trained police officers on campus, however, they are employed by the universities. They may be pressured by the administration to handle allegations of rape differently than the municipal or state police would because of the reasons I outlined above. My point was that all such incidents and allegations should be within the jurisdiction of the local police, not campus police, for investigation and that proceedings to determine guilt or innocence and possible punishment should be within the criminal justice system, not the universities' discipline mechanisms.

Coaches should not be babysitters as you said, but they should not reinforce the culture of entitlement for young male athletes, and that should start at high school level, not when they reach university. In the end it is up to parents to bring up their sons and daughters to be decent human beings.

@ cheifpussypop (by the way chief is misspelled)

I have read your misogynistic posts in this and other threads. I don't know whether you are a troll and think this is funny or these are genuinely your opinions. Whichever is the case, your posts are no less shameful and ignorant.

Part of the problem is that many universities do not want to bring the police on campus. They prefer to rely on their own discipline mechanisms which generally do not have the same due process and evidence rule that we know in the criminal justice system. There are many considerations that have nothing to do with an honest investigation of rape allegations relating to money raised from donors and earned by sports teams, the reputation of the university in terms of recruiting students and athletes, and a culture that is male centered, especially if fraternities are a strong element on campus. Athletes are coddled and given a pass because their performance in college sports is so important. The women who are their victims are often treated shabbily.

The first step in changing this would be for the universities to be required to inform the police of any rape allegations and allow them to collect evidence and investigate. I realize that their track record is not stellar, but it is better than in house investigations by universities whose main concern is their reputation and finances. The criminal justice system should have jurisdiction for crime, whether on campus or not. One can then only hope to get a more enlightened judge than Persky.

https://upload.lushstories.com/2098905637-tumblr_m3p285hHq71r6nm6ao1_r1_500.png

Intelligence and wit. Someone who can make me laugh.

Also another thing I was wondering when I'm introducing the characters Can the writer or author describe a little bit about their character? For example their looks something to give the readers an idea of what she or he looks like,and also their personality or do I leave those two things to the readers imagination?

You should find ways to let the reader know what they look like without what we call the laundry list, e.g. Redhead, green eyes, 36DD breasts and long legs. Or, tall, dark and handsome with a 9-inch penis.

That is what most readers do not want to read.

The use of 'supposebly' over SUPPOSEDLY. Drives me nuts!



Me too. Probably from the same people who say pacifically (which I saw recently in the forum) for specifically.

Dishonesty
Bad manners
Ignorance
Self-absorption
Illiterate writing (bad spelling and grammar)
The use of "like" constantly in conversation

Every time I think his pronouncements could not get worse, Donald Trump ups the ante. After the massacre in Orlando, he has now alleged that President Obama somehow is sympathetic to the terrorists. I suppose this is connected to his allegation that the President won't use the phrase "Islamic terrorism". Of course, everyone is entitled to free speech in the marketplace of ideas, but to make this accusation Trump has gone beyond the bounds of reasonable debate and civil discourse. It is shameful and proves he is unfit for the office of President. Of course, Trump was very active in fueling the birthers who alleged that President Obama had not been born in the US so he has a history of animus toward President Obama and making outrageous allegations.

GOP politicians are running away from this and denying access to the press to be questioned about their continuing support for their presumptive candidate. They must be cringing and wishing he would shut up. I believe 24 GOP senators are up for reelection this year. It does not look good for them in a time when voters tend to vote an entire ticket rather than splitting their votes among the parties after voting for President.

Keep talking, Donald. Your name will be linked in history to Barry Goldwater's as GOP candidates swept by the Dems.

I've refrained from posting to this thread, mainly because Trump has certainly aroused visceral reactions from both sides. I really tend to stay away from rock fights.

At first I, like many others, mentally wrote Trump off as a dilettante. I, like others, have been astonished to see his successful campaign so far. I'm astounded, and not in a good way. You see, I'm a Republican. Always have been since I first registered to vote. We've fielded some marginal candidates in the past, but I've never been ashamed by them -- until now.

Here's the thing. Trump has tapped into and stoked the anger of a whole bunch of people who feel that the modern world is leaving them behind. They fear change and believe that Trump will make it all go away. He's pandered to the Republican base that can be counted on to vote in primaries, and that has paid off handsomely for him. "I love the poorly educated!" -- this is likely the most honest thing Trump has said in the campaign so far.

While I was wrong about Trump's ability to gain the nomination, I'm going to go out on a limb and predict a landslide Clinton victory. Most Democrats will vote for Hillary, the rest of the Democrats (and I'll bet a fair portion of Republicans) will vote against Trump, and the Republicans who got Trump the nomination will vote for Trump. And the longer the campaign goes on, more and more people are going to fall into that second camp. From now until election day, Trump is his own worst enemy -- his unscripted comments will cost him far more votes than he will gain.

I really hope I'm not whistling through the graveyard...



From your mouth to God's ears. I admit that is my hopeful prediction as well, especially the part about Republicans holding their noses and voting for Hillary. I also agree about Trump digging himself in deeper and deeper with his stream of consciousness as the weeks pass. What the Dems have to do is simply use his words against him. You don't get in the way when your enemy is destroying himself.

Binge watching a new season of "Happy Valley".

Please, Liz, can we have another movie quiz.

I had written a number of stories with another Lushie in 2012/13 that were well received and built my confidence to write alone. "Stacey's Choice" was that first effort. It was written about a character who is a lot like me, in my city in early summer, and includes memories of the south of France and the art it produces. It is admittedly a romantic story, with a twist. I remember sitting and watching the number of views increase along with votes and comments and being relieved and happy. It was well received and was voted an Editor's Pick ribbon, auspicious for a first effort. I admit being proud of myself after the nervousness I had felt before submitting it. It has earned a "Famous Story" badge.

I think the story stands up even a couple of years later. I wouldn't change anything. Here is the link if you wish to have a peek at it:

https://www.lushstories.com/stories/love-stories/staceys-choice.aspx

guilty - have stayed up late enough to get very little sleep

Have had sex on a vacation with someone you would never be with again.

I have a few pens but all take cartridges. A couple are very expensive and some more ordinary. You can get turquoise ink in cartridges but it is not opalescent like Liz's ink. I probably would make a mess with a pot of ink.

I love writing with a fountain pen. It encourages you to be mindful of your writing. I save the broader nib for something like a special card or note and use a medium nib otherwise. It takes a little getting used to, but is worth the effort.

The looks you get from other people when you pull out and write with a fountain pen are interesting. It invariably brings a lot of questions.

How do you clean them properly?
Do you like filling the ink better than using cartridges?

I wear one that sez..I like coffee and maybe two other people.

That made me laugh. I should have it for grumpy days when I like coffee more than people.