David McLeod

The King James Version of the Bible. In a good way: it's lyric and some of the writing is beautiful. In a bad way: it filled my childhood with guilt that has taken decades to shake off (and even now, not completely).

Sorry, James. You, of all people, should know that one doesn't seek elective office for the salary, but for the opportunity to serve. That is right, isn't it? Yeah, McKellan was a surprise, especially since I knew him best from his portrayal of Richard III. And NPH? TalonRider's spot on: you weren't the only one.

May we have a show of hands: which was worse, Spongebob or Barney?

First, let me echo Kevin (and others') welcome. Second, thank you for raising this question, and to Kevin for offering a clear definition. I recently posted a story with characters of my own creation in a loving and sexual relationship, and was told that it was "slash fiction." I didn't agree, but--like Xephia--couldn't find a clear definition. I propose that we (this community) adopt Kevin's definition. All in favor? (Anyone want to start a forum post on this subject?) David

I wonder if there's anything left uncovered. The topic, I mean. In high school gym class and at church camp we were required to shower, and we were required to parade naked from the changing area (gym) or our bunks (camp) to and from the showers. The showers were large rooms with shower heads coming from the walls; no cubicles, no privacy. No choice, no complaints accepted. Didn't seem to be a problem for anyone, perhaps because it was required of everyone. In the gym which I now use, signs are posted warning the patrons that their nudity [sic] may offend [sic] others, and asking that people not parade around naked. Most of the adults undress at the lockers, wrap a towel around themselves, walk to the shower...etc. Swimmers often step into the shower in swimsuits (as do I) but primarly to wash the chlorine/salt out of the suit; I then take it off in the shower. Of course, I'm in a Bible-belt town. Younger men and teens seem to be the ones who undress and dress under a towel, facing the wall. It's not modesty; it's the inculturated fear of being thought gay. "Don't look; don't show; don't notice; don't comment." I made a similar observation in the "Speedo" forum suggesting the same reason for the brief swim suits' loss of popularity in the USA.

Johnathan, You've gotten good advice, and advice from the best. The only thing I can add is, first, write what you can and all you can before the idea leaves your mind, or before the Muse moves on. Second, once you have captured the idea, no matter how inchoate or "crude" it may seem, start picking it apart: what does each component mean? how do the components relate to one another? what if...? (The "what if" is a prelude to all sorts of questions: what if this wasn't here? what if that were more important? what if this had not happened? what if it happened in a different order? The possibilities are endless.) Third, if you're stumped, put it away for a while, work on something else, come back to it. Pick a piece of it and write about that piece. It may be that the original idea was not meant to become story, but was meant to point you to something entirely different. Hope this helps. David

Oh, yeah. Brain training on the DS...a fine way to spend an hour or so while (1) waiting for a doctor's appointment, (2) waiting to be escorted into the courtroom, (3) waiting for anything. But, my brain is a lot younger than I am...so, if I have an erotic dream, am I in legal trouble?

Sure understand dyslexia...had it, still have it, but have finally figured out that "garbage" isn't "derbis" but "debris." Not being a ployglot, I can't say anything about dealing with more than one language, except "good luck."

Fun test. Thanks. It took one try to figure out what I was supposed to do, and a second try to 100%. (Hey, I could have lied.)

Let's hear it for Anshelm (or St. Anshelm)! Questioning leads to answers! Question everything.

Didn't know "Stranger..." was banned, but not surprised. A good addition to the list.

Stranger in a Strange Land, excellent. Most of Heinlein, also excellent. Life changing? No. Atlas Shrugged or The Fountainhead, perhaps. No, not they, either. It takes more courage than I have for them to change me.

Ewww.

It seems that the more repressed people are, them more they seek an outlet, any outlet. It would be interestinjg to see statistics on the per capita number of liquor stores (and their sales volume) in, say, Tupelo, Mississippi compared to, say, Washington, DC. Okay, maybe not Washington...they're got other reasons to drink. How about anywhere in California?

Welcome. Like your font. Look forward to hearing more from you.

Welcome (back) Miker33, and many thanks to Lugh for decoding your initial post.

Your topic title was too irresistible to ignore. At first, I thought that the answer was a clear, "no." That is, after having driven across the state several times, I assumed that no one lived there but the fellow who ran the only gas station on the interstate, and that he actually lived in Texas and commuted to work. (Just kidding.) Oklahoma is certainly a poster child for extremely conservative thinking. I believe they rival Kansas in that regard. (With all due respects to James, Mississippi isn't conservative: it's Neanderthal.) On the other hand, we know that there are fine people (meaning "open minded people") in every state; the problem is finding them. Good luck with that (and be careful). In the meanwhile, keep in touch on this site.

You've gotten advice from the best, leaving me little to say except welcome to the site. I hope you will find a home, here, and friends, however remote, and that what you find here will be translated into the reality in which you live. (If you figure that sentence out, let me know what I meant, please?)

Best advice I've seen on this site. It's true for any relationship between any two people of any gender/orientation/libido.

Ah. Well, if you are correct, and Matt can confirm that a story was taken from here and put on another site, definately contact an administrator and let them know. Also...contact the membership...with a forum title like "Stolen Story" and provide the details. I would be willing to message the offending site. If enough of us did so, it might make a difference. On the other hand, give the administrators a chance, first.

Let's see: I used to watch Daily and Colbert while on the treadmill. Then I got an iPod Touch and started downloading audio books. Now I watch the other people in the gym. How dedicated a fan I am will show in this next: I used to watch the show about the girl who, under the direction of Mandy Patinkin, gathered souls. Now that was embarrassingly maudlin. And maudlinly embarrassing.

Mixed emotions about this one. I like the stand-in uncle for the kids being reared by a single mother, but the opening scene (wedding celebration) really struck me as futile. How long does the couple think they'll be able to continue the facade? "What happened to your best man?" "Oh, he fell into quicksand and died." "I didn't hear about that, was it on the news?" "Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive."

Matt, First, welcome (back). I've not been a member long enough to have known you, I guess. Second: if you posted a story on eFiction and want to delete it, log in and go to "Manage...Stories." Click on the story and scroll around...you should find a delete "button." Third: If I understand correctly, you have a question about whether or not eFiction is only for gay stories? It is my clear understanding that although the site is "Gay Authors," not all the authors are gay (LGBT inferred), and neither are all the stories. Finally: deleting posts. I had the same problem. Go to the forum page, look under the "administrative communications" forum. You'll find a list of moderators. Send any one of them a message. They're all good people, and will help. Hmm. I said "finally" so I guess, that's all folks.

Broad satire, but very well done.

Have you seen the movie, "Chasing Holden"? It's absolutely wonderful: a significant story line and a really hot, in a different way, guy.