I did pop in earlier, Bear... briefly... then decided to do a little more writing. Since it is wet outside at the moment, it is a good time to enjoy some Yorkshire English breakfast tea. Thank you. 😊

Ape, since we are both retired, we've gone down to one car. It sits there for days, and then we find out that we want to use it at the same time! 🙄🤣 Back to typing...

Quote by Beachgirl1959

Thank you Bear and Kimmi for the birthday wishes. It has been a very good day. ❤️😎

Happy Birthday for yesterday Beachgirl1959 🥳😎

Good morning, Bear... it must be early there, as it's still morning here! The clocks went back an hour last night. 🙄

I will try the 49th Parallel coffee, thank you, James. I won't ask if there is a five and a half thousand mile fence is going up yet, or which nation is building it! 😳🤣

I write this, having not read what others have posted here, Kimmi, only your original post. 😊

My state of mind is not affected by what I write or how I feel. Maybe I am lucky, as generally I feel the same every day, happy, playful... and probably good at irritating to my wife.

Some might know this, but I used to run/own a company, which I sold at 54 and stepped completely away from at 57. From then on, I had nothing but my own time, and when the pandemic came along, I put my excess energy into actual writing. Before that, I helped erotic authors, including one who wrote here.

I never had an issue writing (my bar is fairly low when it comes to vocabulary), and as yet, I have never had writer's block, although I am sure that will happen one day.

Stats... I set my bar low on that, too. 🙄 I used to say I would stop writing if I didn't get 5 likes. I recently upped it to 10, but I'm not a great fan of judging your own story on how many likes you get. I like interaction, so that is receiving comments and writing on your own profile wall. 😊

As for comps, RR, EP... well, I did once come 10th in a comp, but these are all down to personal judgements. I have only once got irritated that my story did not make the top ten... As for RR, I might have written nearly 150 stories here, but I'm yet to get that pleasure. But that, too, is so random... It doesn't bother me. Which brings me back to owning a company, as paying people their wages every month and the stress involved in getting product out the door is far greater than worrying about your stories and what goes with it.

Really, I am only here to have a little fun. I know I am lucky, and I do sympathise with those who are affected by all those things you mention in your original post. 😘

You would think that my latest microfiction story, which has been up for only 24 hrs and has gained 26 likes and 11 comments, might be on the trending list... It isn't.

It doesn't personally worry me, but I know it does affect some members. However, (personal opinion here) I suspect this won't be fixed quickly, if at all, just like the story comment likes and how they disappear after a period of time.

Just a strong, Yorkshire tea for me, please, Bear, which is what I am currently drinking in real life. 😊

I'm starting a new story today, which is a continuation of my "Cash in Hand" series. Last night, my fun, Halloween-inspired microfiction story was published. It is a 100-word version of my 75-word entry to Kimmi's comp. Those extra 25 words make a lot of difference.

Out with friends tonight, which will be nice, and btw, Autumn has arrived on the South Coast of England, and that means my new hobby – collecting up the leaves. 😳😊

I wonder if any other authors have attempted this... 🙄 Probably not, but I like to know if you have! 😜😊

With only 9 genres left for my Omnium Badge, I decided to write a story (read novel) about a married couple and their life adventures. My task is to make each chapter a separate story and put it into a different genre.

So far, I have written in these genres: Uniform, Occupation, College Sex, and Exhibitionism*, with 5 more genres to go. Note, exhibitionism and one still-to-be-published story are not new genres to me and will not count towards the badge.

The story series is called "Cash in Hand", and this morning, I will start the sixth story. I have been taken aback by how popular each story has been, and I thank my followers for liking, commenting, and, most importantly, reading my stories.

I also published a slightly tongue-in-cheek Halloween microfiction story yesterday. 😊

Nuff said... back to writing. 😊

Enjoy Oktoberfest, Kat, although shouldn't it be held in September? 🙄😉 More importantly, good to have you back and especially to hear that the operation went well. 😊😘

As for me, I have been working on "Cash in Hand - 5", which is nearly there, but I will hold it back before publishing, as I am moving into the second half of the Cash in Hand series/novel. A strong cup of Yorkshire tea for me, Bear... Thank you. 😊

Quote by AAnna

Okay maybe an applications is not the right way but there has been a back log it seems since June. Is that how they do it here wait for a mod to invite someone to be a mod? Maybe they need expand the search. I can think of a couple of people here that have been here for sometime and write good. Maybe ask some of the veterans here for there input. The Mods have enough to do it seems to me. Lets take off some of the things off there plate and maybe make 1 Mod in charge of seeking help here. Just a thought. Just trying to be helpful.

Have a read of page one of this thread and see my questions there and the answers they received. It is a starting point.

Quote by Seeker4

I am the PM, my technology solutions manager is technical lead, then there's a development group at corporate that's involved and has their own PM. Problem is that we don't want them in control so can't just let their PM run the show.

Ape, is this something that you need to sort before the project gets really rolling? The chain of command for any project needs to be clear. If not, as soon as there is a hiccup, the blame game may set in. 😳

Sorry, Ape, but I have borrowed Amanda. She is currently helping me type up my next story, whilst demonstrating things she can do! 😈😜

Quote by David_LeRoy

I've been eating a keto diet for two months and can't have wine due to the sugar/alcohol

I've got a bottle of a good Californian Zinfandel just waiting on me right now in the fridge. It won’t be long before I break down and pop that sucker open.

Until this week, I have been good, staying away from alcohol since my Cretan holiday. That changed over the weekend, with the weather. My wife is cooking a roast... well, let's just say a roast dinner means to us that autumn has arrived, and drinking alcohol becomes more of a must. 😊

I might need longer arms than James and the other David, but I send a transatlantic, non-touching hug. 🤗 I also agree with James; almost certainly something in R/L means he has to take a break. Take care, Kimmi... 🤗 See what I did... I got another hug in. 😊 😘

I'm also Kat; my best wishes... I believe it was her op today. 😘

And Bear, as I am currently drinking white wine... which I may or may not have sneaked in. 🙄🤣

In a very British way – please, may I have another glass? I will, of course, purchase this one... Thank you. 🙄😀

Quote by techgoddess

Pistachio Green, but it looks paler in the picture due to the lighting.

It's lovely, Kat... Thank you for sharing the photo. 😘

Good to see you back in the house, Mama Bear... whoops, I mean, Kat. 😊 I'm pleased to hear that your daughter's wedding went well, apart from your son and his wife... What colour dress did you wear? Some shade of red? 😜

Good luck for Wednesday... ❤️😘 I will read your latest story soon... just working on one of my own atm. It's turning out to be around 5,000 words longer than I expected! 🤣

It's wet over here, showery... so it's a good time to be writing.

Bear, a cup of Yorkshire Tea for me, please. Make it a large, strong one. Thank you. 😊

Quote by techgoddess

Here's one for those of you who love a good love story:

Redemption is a tale that is part fantasy and part folklore. But above all else, it's a love story. (And if you like dragons...it's even cooler).

On my list to read... 😊 I'm looking forward to it!

Quote by Chet_Morton

I submitted a support ticket outlining the situation, because I figured that would be the best way to get the attention of someone who can look at the algorithm or hit reset if there's been a hiccup making the algorithm think it's currently October 2023.

Good idea, at the very least, Chet, there will be a record of the issue.😀

However, I don't think the issues are restricted to the Microfiction genre... I believe it's a wider banner issue (Friday, it was nice to see my gay male story trending after one like and one comment. I wrote it 16 months ago.).

I guess that it will come down to four questions. What is a trending banner meant to achieve? Is there a real problem? Is it a priority? Can we afford the time/money to fix it?

The King's protest did get some coverage over here on the news. To be honest, I had never heard of it until it came up in conversation here at Rumptiees... 🙄 Now I know. A mug of coffee, Bear. Please. Your choice. Thank you. 😊

It's a wet and breezy day over here, but I will be popping to Austin, Texas, later to watch the US Grand Prix. 💨💨😜

Quote by fuzzy1954

I Must post this with the upmost respect that on this day 214 years ago, October 17th, 1814 goes into the history books as

The London Beer Flood

8 people were killed in what became known as the London Beer Flood after 1,470,000 L of beer burst out of brewery and gushed into the streets; 214 years ago today on October 17 1814

At Noon Eastern Time all beer sales will be free here in Rumps.

On a side note the British tried blaming "dirty irish" or "upstart" traitorous Americans.

☘️😃☘️

I didn't know anything about that, Lion. 😳 I can also assure all those in Rumptees that I wasn't there! 😳😜

Here is another observation. It seems to me that the same issue is happening in the exhibitionism genre trending banner. My latest story, there is a link to it in my signature, has been up 17 hours, has had 26 likes, but is not trending. Currently, with the exception of one story, all the stories that are trending are old, some with just a few likes.

Could it be that the trending banners have become too sensitive? One click on a like and you pop onto it, only to disappear when it refreshes...

Update: Someone just liked and commented on my story, and now I am number one on the trending banner. I wasn't even on it 40 mins ago! 😕😳😊

I have just had published Cash In Hand 4 - "An UnDomestic Party" - Part 1 of 2, with part 2 finished. I am just waiting for the two days before submitting it for modification. Currently working on Cash in Hand - 5 and 6. I also have a microfiction story, which I am holding back for now.

Quote by JamesLlewellyn

Meanwhile, Kistin has published a new micro – and, as always, it's a remarkable piece of writing!

In the Name of the Cause

Take a look.

I agree, Bear... Another one here would like a strong cup of Yorkshire Tea.... 😊

David, I'm planning to read your "Hot Wives Holiday" story later today.

Congratulations to the winners and those who took part... 😊

Thank you again, Kimmi... and maybe most importantly.

Does your son see sausages in the same way after judging this competition? 🙄🤣🤣

I believe there are 28 entries (at the moment). Good luck, Kimmi's son, on judging them ... and a BIG THANK YOU, Kimmi, for organising this mini comp. It was fun. 😊

Thank you, James, for putting out the tart's... 😜

A cup of Yorkshire tea for me, thank you.

As I'm trying to stay away from sugar atm, so it looks like there is only one delight left for me to eat. 😀😈

However, my wife has just suggested that I should stick to sugar as it is... healthier! 😳🤣

Quote by David_LeRoy

I was surprised Wordsmith didn't break in. He was my secret pic to win but one never knows what the judges will do. I'm not at all surprised to see AndreaDetroit on the podium

David, have you just been listening in? I have just said exactly the same thing! 😳😎

Congratulations to the winners, to those who took part, and, of course, to the judges. In my opinion, the standard of stories was the highest I have read in the 10 competitions where I have read all the entries. 😊

Quote by KimmiBeGood

It’s not on SS. A small press holds the monthly contest online. They get between 400-500 entries, though.

You still get my vote, Kimmi... 😜

Brilliant, Kimmi. You have my vote... ❤️😊

All I can say is if you don't win on SS with that entry, the other entries must be spectacularly out of this world.

There is another way of looking at it!

If you don't win there, then with my vote, you won over here on LS, the dark side. 😊😘

Quote by KimmiBeGood

I think Obsolete_Fox answered the question.

I wish Fox did, Kimmi, but unfortunately, quite literally, the numbers don't add up.

Look at, for example, Moason's story, published 2 days ago, 32 likes.

While, for example, Pawn to Queen Four, published in Jan 2023, has 22 likes.

Guess which one is currently on the trending banner? 😜😊

Quote by WannabeWordsmith

🤣

Lush plc. Next stop: the FTSE 100.

You never know. 🤣🤣 Though maybe the FTSE 500 first. 😊