AFriendlyFace

It doesn't seem to. It actually shows what it's analyzing and it's just a set of key words that it decides are female versus male. It didn't copy and paste too well, but here's the charts (which happened to be plugged in for my anthology piece): Analysis Feminine Keywords Masculine Keywords [with] 96 x 52 = 4992 [around] 24 x 42 = 1008 [if] 25 x 47 = 1175 [what] 53 x 35 = 1855 [not] 166 x 27 = 4482 [more] 21 x 34 = 714 [where] 18 x 18 = 324 [are] 26 x 28 = 728 [be] 52 x 17 = 884 [as] 266 x 23 = 6118 [when] 62 x 17 = 1054 [who] 9 x 19 = 171 [your] 16 x 17 = 272 [below] 1 x 8 = 8 [her] 215 x 9 = 1935 [is] 46 x 8 = 368 [we] 14 x 8 = 112 [these] 8 x 8 = 64 [should] 5 x 7 = 35 [the] 624 x 7 = 4368 [she] 261 x 6 = 1566 [a] 271 x 6 = 1626 [and] 408 x 4 = 1632 [at] 87 x 6 = 522 [me] 22 x 4 = 88 [it] 166 x 6 = 996 [myself] 0 x 4 = 0 [many] 3 x 6 = 18 [hers] 1 x 3 = 3 [said] 96 x 5 = 480 [was] 292 x 1 = 292 [above] 0 x 4 = 0 [to] 410 x 2 = 820 What I consider interesting is that "she" and "hers" are key words for female but "he" and "his" are not keywords for male. I can understand that if the focus is simply on the fact that females will be more concerned with gender and other such relationships, but I think it's a bit skewed for gay males. I use female pronouns every now and then, but obviously I'm going to use a whole lot more male pronouns. So I think male pronouns ought to appear somewhere, even if it's on the female side. As an interesting aside I was completely unaware that I hadn't used the word 'above' even once in my story (which is actually rather long). I'm not surprised I didn't use 'myself' since it's told in 3rd person. ....I wonder if I just gave you spoilers

Well I got the results I expected: Female LOL, I already knew I tended to think and express myself in that way. Buy Me A Drink: The only chapter that was male was the first one, which was actually fairly androgynous (similar scores but male edged it out), the rest (9 chapters and an interlude) were all female, most were markedly female but a couple others were near the middle too. Indefensible: Chapter two was the most 'male' thing I ever wrote...interesting considering I was going for a deeply emotional chapter. The other two chapters were female. Short Stories: If No One Notices: Male, but not extremely Going In: Male (well it's fitting I guess), but not extremely Giving up: Female The Long Good Night: Female but not extremely I tend to agree with Richard and Kit's observations though. This is probably in part due to the fact that I'm a gay male, and also the tool is playing on stereotypes. Nevertheless, I really do suppose I write more 'female' than 'male'. -Kevin EDIT: I was curious so I also put in my new anthology piece. It turns out it's solidly (but not extremely) male. Actually, that does make sense to me. It was a 'different' sort of piece than I usually write.

That's a really cute, pic dude! Hope you're feeling better now (from the tonsillitis that is) -Kevin

Well, personally I'm in favour of Robbie's big coming out. I don't have facebook or myspace, but whatever floats your boat (yeah, we needed another metaphor in this thread...)

I love your lips, Rose!

Wait, you mean at the same time!

Sounds like you're making the right decision then! On the other hand, if you did just want the practice and you don't care about actually getting the job, there's no reason not to go in anyway and give a crummy interview. You'll still get the experience and the results won't matter. Although I can certainly see how it's tempting to cancel. LOL, I'm really not trying to make your decision harder! Just saying My course went pretty well, slid out with an A when no one was looking Which really was quite remarkable considering I never bought the book or studied at all I've got my next class starting on the 27th (which happens to be my birthday, what a present eh? ). It'll be better though, only have to go once a week

Oh wow! I was surprised when Adam cancelled their date. It looks like Joe is really trying to figure out a way to overcome his issues and I'm really proud of him. I hope Mr. Winters can suggest someone. I enjoyed this chapter and I liked the way you incorporated two common experiences in the human condition: waking up and not knowing if it's morning or evening, and having a dream about a sound that's really something happening in the physical environment. Both happen to me relatively often, so it resonated. Well done! -Kevin

Yep, I figured that's what you meant...but it was fun watching Robbie break out the pointer and chalk As I said, I really think we've had 13 year olds before *shrug*

Good luck on the interview, Celia! Be sure to let us know how it goes. Hmm, I don't think I have any interview stories...nope can't think of any. But yeah, good luck!

Woo hoo! Welcome back Celia! Can't wait to see the pics and I'm glad you had such a good time! Oh yeah, Amsterdam is definitely on my list too!

**checks over the proof carefully** Why yes, I do think Mr. Knapp has successfully demonstrated that Bry is younger than Jonathan. Of course we'd have to see birth certificates and get at least 3 people who knows each of them to state under oath that they are in fact born on the day they claim...but for now I think it's a reasonable supposition Actually, as I recall we've had a couple of 13 year olds before too.

Well, I'm definitely more like one of the people who feels that being flirted with is flattering. However, I'm very glad that Vic and Kit were honest with me, and I think it's definitely the case that not everyone is the same and what is good for one person may not be good for another. I think that's one of the things that makes life so complicated. If I randomly walked into a room and started flirting with someone who enjoyed it, then we can both walk away happier and without any hurt feelings. If I randomly walked into a room and flirted with someone who took it as dishonest then that person may end up feeling disappointed or hurt and I'll end up feeling guilty. So in one scenario everyone wins, in the other no one does. I really have no idea which scenario I lived through last night. I'm sure he is over it, and even if he didn't enjoy it I doubt it was a major disappointment. I would also assume that rather than thinking I was playing mind games with him he would have concluded that I was too shy to initiate the asking out or that he had misread my signals, or that I hadn't picked up on his. Those would be the sorts of things I would assume in his place....but then as we've established everyone's different so I guess it's hard to say. I do know that I'm perhaps a bit too flirtatious because while the majority of the time nothing bad comes of it and everyone ends happy, I have occasionally gotten myself into situations in which the person became more serious and seemed to have inferred a stronger meaning than was meant. This has been the minority of my experiences with flirting, but it does trouble me when it occurs, so I probably need to learn to pick up on those cues and back it off sooner before it gets to that level...or indeed not partake at all if there's a chance of a major miscommunication. Anyway, thanks for the feedback guys -Kevin

Hi all! I thought it might be helpful to create a directory of links to the stories and discussion threads, etc., so that everything would be easy to find. My Info: eFiction page Blog Profile PM Email Story Archive page SERIALS: Buy Me A Drink (Completed!) Aaron doesn't get involved in drama. Instead he prefers to sit back night after night in the local club and watch OTHER guys become ensnared by life, and the A-gay's, little games. All that unexpectedly changes one night with four simple words, "Buy me a drink?" Now all Aaron can do is hang on and see where this ride takes him. Discussion Thread Chapter 1: Hot Mess Chapter 2: One For Later Chapter 3: Make Over Madness Chapter 4: The Eyes Have It Chapter 5: The Name Game Chapter 6: The Truth Hurts Reflections Over Coffee: Part 1 Chapter 7: The Greatest Story Ever Told Chapter 8: Turning Japanese Chapter 9: I Can't Even Think Straight Chapter 10: Breaking Up With My Boyfriend Miscellaneous Threads: BMAD Libs - A word game involving the story! Aaron possess my ghost story Blogs about BMAD: Info about BMAD and other stories Damn Sex in the City! Buy Me A Drink Worth A Shot (In Progress) The sequel to Buy Me A Drink. Aaron doesn't get involved in drama...At least he didn't until Ben and his friends suddenly got involved in his life. Now Aaron has to adapt to completely new situations and make changes and compromises for the sake of his relationship. But where will he draw the line? Where should he draw the line? This is the second story in a two book tale about love, hate, dependency, loyalty, romance, friendship, alcohol, drugs and much more. Reflections Over Coffee Part II: Prologue Discussion Thread Chapter 1: Something to do on a Quiet Saturday Discussion Thread Indefensible (On Hold) This story follows a handful of characters as they try to walk the line between hurting one another and protecting each other. It examines the nature of love and friendship, lies and trust, hope and despair. Follow Jeff and Michael as their lives together play out. Watch Donny and Beth as they care for each other and attempt to support the others. See if Nicky can begin to put together the pieces of his shattered life. Watch as Brad just tries to survive. Can a father change his ways? Can a mother heal the pain? Can any of them hope for their lives to be same ever again? Chapter 1: Hungry Souls Discussion Thread Chapter 2: Best Friends Pt 1: Donny and Brad Discussion Thread Chapter 3: Lying, Crying, and Flying Discussion Thread Blogs about Indefensible: My GA Literary Debut SHORT STORIES: If No One Notices James is tired of always being ignored and he decides it's time to do something about it. Link Discussion Thread Blog Giving Up Greg and Trevor reflect on the nature of their relationship and come to a somewhat surprising decision. Link Discussion Thread The Long Goodnight Joel and Bobby grew up together and they have been extremely close their entire lives. The two guys are now in college and sharing an apartment. When Joel

Welcome to the dom-a-party, B! If you see the guest of honour please let us know

Oops! Looks like I was pretty off on the time frame Cool about the motorcycle graphic! I hadn't noticed that at all!

Yeah, hypothetically me, and literally my mom. She'd have thrown a much bigger fit if I'd told her I was joining the army than when I told her I was gay.

Well I definitely didn't mean to do that It seemed like he was having fun too. I do take your point though

Yeah Steve! I recommend you go listen to Gwen Stafani's "What are you waiting for" and go get out there! Hope you feel better

Thanks guys As it happens I have asked guys out simply because I felt like it would have been rude not to. It's always ultimately gotten me into more trouble, so I think you're right.

My first impression of the piece was how well the style and structure went with the subject matter. It's a very busy, flitting sort of structure. Just when you focus on one thing you're distracted by something else. I think this fits well with the nature of a busy park. So hats off to you for using an appropriate style Well done, dude Kevin

Hi all, Just thought I'd get your opinions on something. I just got home from Starbucks. While there I had a lovely time flirting with the guy behind the counter. Anyway, after I got my drink I took a seat and began reading. A little while later the guy came to clean up my section of the store and started chatting with me again. We continued flirting. Next, he asks what I had planned for this weekend. I'm actually just getting over being sick, so apart from church tomorrow and my regular Sunday socializing with my gay church friends (which I do every week) I don't have plans (which also happens to be the way I wanted it), so I simply answered that I planned to have a nice quiet, relaxing weekend. So then he says, "oh yeah, me too. I'm off the next couple of days and I don't have plans. Just thought I'd relax or something." At that point, based on the way he was saying it, I could tell that he wanted me to ask him out. I mean it was a logical progression from the flirting and we'd just established that we were both free. However, I did not ask him out. I was really only interested in a little casual flirting. Also, while I was having a nice time chatting with him, I wasn't really that interested to begin with. Primarily though, I'm just not interested in seeing anyone right now. So I just casually changed the subject and quit flirting. Anyway my question is: Was what I did wrong? Was I obligated to ask him out at that point? Should I have avoided flirting in the first place knowing that I didn't intend for anything to come of it? thoughts and opinions? -Kevin

That was a moving piece. I'm reminded of the expression, "The greatest pain is to feel nothing at all" which seems to be what the poem concludes as it says that the hurt has left him but the unhappiness has not. Perhaps without the hurt one cannot hope for the happiness? Good job, Corvus! -Kevin

Dude, this is really good! I love the metaphysical pondering. It seems to specifically be about you questioning whether or not your life is 'real' given that you're forced to remain in the closet and ultimately concluding that it is real, that you are yourself, and that one day you will not be living a lie. That works great and makes the piece all the more moving; however, it also works on many other levels. We all things we hide from the world, whether it's our sexuality or not. Do these things invalidate the truth of our existence? Do we all live a lie? I think ultimately, as you concluded, all we can do is resolve to do better in the future and be happy with what we have now. Brilliant piece! Well done, Beasty -Kevin