[IMPORTANT] Possible Policy Change, Call for Beta-Readers, and More! · 8:02pm Nov 28th, 2014
Ello, everyone. This is a fairly-urgent blog (though I should really just say it's worth some notice), so I decided to finally drag myself out of my bed after stuffing myself with Thanksgiving—'Murica—and write this blog. I'm going to cover three topics: a possible policy change on how we might release future chapters, a thing about prerequisites we would like you to fulfill if you have any interest in beta-reading Starbrought, and finally a short bit about the next release: Chapter Ten.
Let's start cracking!
I.) Policy:
Now, I don't wish to sound like a petulant child to any stretch of the imagination, but me and the other guys here on Ethereal Cerberus have noticed an irritating trend: the larger the chapter, the less people tend to view/comment on it. This is obviously detrimental to us because the lack of feedback is making us kind of wander aimlessly about in the dark, as we have not a clue what we're doing and whether it's any good or not (this'll come up later with the beta-reading business).
So, here's the deal. If you guys want it, we'll make a hard-cap on future chapters to never be above 12k words. The last blog we had was overwhelmingly in the positive for large chapters, so we're still kind of confused. If people could provide insight in the comments below on this blog, that'd be appreciated.
II.) Beta-Readers:
We'll be frank here: we need help. The early chapters of Starbrought were an obvious calamity that brought way too trouble than necessary. So, we thought it would be best if we were to make a public draft, of sorts, to see if there are any competent people out there who would be willing to help out. Your real job would be more of checking over flow and plot-inconsistencies than grammar (though a check wouldn't hurt), and the rewards would also be mentions in the summary.
If you're curious for more information, either ask in a comment here (please make it the same comment as the one you're trying to get recruited for) or wait until we send a PM to you, should you fulfill the requirements. Speaking of which, they're relatively simple: have a good grasp of the English language, be able to tell us when our writing is bad (and preferably ideas on how to improve it), to be able to check into the Doc every week or so, and to have a Skype (please be active for easy communication, as we'll most likely be pestering asking you for opinions).
If you can do all of that, we'll most likely take you (provided we don't get too many volunteers). We'd also appreciate it if you have at least one story of acceptable quality that you've proofread/edited for. Not a hard-set requirement, but it reassures us and makes the other guys less anxious. Leave a comment showing what you're made of, if you're interested!
III.) Chapter Ten:
After the immense weight of Chapter Nine was released into the stream, this chapter will hopefully be lighter (in both words and content). Less fighting, more interactions and world-building. Because, if it isn't plainly-clear to you guys next, Drake and Yuri are going to have a reunion at the Ethereal. So we hope to make that an interaction that'll satisfy you, as well as Slayer's misadventures through Equestria on his way to Canterlot with a caravan of Zebras in-tow. Possibly even through... Ponyville?
Things will be busy, that is for certain.
Well, that's all for now. Remember to pester us if you need more info, want to deal with us on a regular basis for beta-reading, or if you just want to chat! Peace.
-Dumb
Bro(s), the smaller number of comments are just because we are all too busy reading/geeking out over the chapter.
The smaller chapters tend to produce more 'Moar!' comments, do they not?
2622609
Hmm...
Perhaps you have a point. I can't exactly answer the question for all of us on what we'd prefer (no comments or 'Moar!' comments), but it is a valid point you brought up. We personally don't mind making huge expansive chapters really, but we want our writing to try and be as accessible as possible so many people can enjoy it. I suppose I'll have a chat with the others on this matter.
Then again, perhaps there would be less 'Moar!' comments if we just updated more...
Eh, we'll think of something. Thanks for the input!
-Dumb