With fans like these, who needs enemies?
I got this lengthy gem in my e-mail today. My reply e-mail bounced, so I thought I’d post it here (in its entirety) on the Wall of Shame. See my reply at the bottom.
Mr. Scipio:
I want to preface this by first saying I have read your stories almost since their inception. I have enjoyed your writing style and to this very day I find myself wanting to know what will happen to your characters. This is no easy task, since your writings have encompassed the better part of 6 years and are to date not finished. So I wish you to read the following comments with the knowledge that I have read your works for some time, and I have enjoyed them during that time as well. So perhaps my commentary is nothing more than an expression of angst over the upcoming conclusion to the series and characters as a whole. Furthermore, having read your Summer Camp series for some time now I am very well versed in your disdain for readers vexing their problems with your posting schedule to you. Hence, if you would not wish to read another fan talking about those issues I would simply stop reading now, I wont take any offense nor should you from the proceeding, as I said before, this is simply a representation of many years of wanting to know how the story ends.
The center of it all revolves around completion. I am probably the last one to comment on finishing things we have started, and yet here I am. Summer Camp is a wonderful piece of writing, but I think we can both accept that ground-breaking, it is not. It represents a voyeuristic wish in many people, to watch others go through their daily routines. For several years I was captivated by the tales of Susan and Paul and the rest. However at this point Mr. Scipio all I want is the end. Did my love for your writing die because of a failure of yours? Hardly, in fact far from it, despite the time involved with regards to your posting I truly believe that you have worked hard to stay true to your original characters, striving to create them into the adults that you portray them as in your flash forwards. I simply have grown, in 6 plus years I no longer identify or care for Paul and his friends, their lives and experiences are so far behind me, that to attempt to identify with their thoughts is akin to identifying with an alien. Are there similarities? Sure but on the whole I simply, no longer care about Paul’s motivation, sexual escapades, quandaries with his professor… I find myself skimming your writing to get to the basic plot advances that will point me to the stories conclusion. i.e. Paul meets tripp, they build a house, Paul learns stuff, Tripp doesn’t like his significant other, Tripp still goes to see her, Paul goes home, meets Wren, stuff happens, Wren represents what Tripp doesn’t have. Got it, next chapter. Is there anything deeper in your works? Not really. Which is fine, many authors write wonderful works, great works, without any real social motivation or great moral quandary that is explained in the end. I didn’t start searching Stories Online for Dickens. But the problem is I didn’t stay with your Summer Camp series simply because you can write an emotionally charged sexual scene. I am very understanding with regards to how long it takes to write a series, I have read many authors that take well over a decade to write their series and some who have still not finished. I am also understanding that life occurs, people have birthdays, funerals, weddings, illnesses, the things that make up life and occupy our time more and more as we grow older. So the gist of this commentary is that your posting feels drawn out, like it is almost deliberately being held. It has taken almost five months to post 2 chapters. Quite frankly I don’t care how difficult it is, by any measure that is a very deliberate process. What I’m wishing, what I’m hoping to convey is that at this current rate, and assuming that you end up somewhere near 30 chapters, which isn’t too far off the mark SC1 26, SC2 38, SC3 30, you are scheduled to finish your book somewhere around 2012. A vast timeline for any great work let alone a story involving a boy and his “adventures.”
So I wish my point was more eloquent, perhaps some critique of how Paul is akin to a great literary character, or your writings are reminiscent of some of the great authors who’ve died recently, Vonegeut or Haberstram, but its not. Instead its what I know you dislike, commentary from a reader to move faster, write quicker, finish tomorrow. I’m writing this despite my full knowledge of your dislike for these e-mails. Perhaps some good can come of this, perhaps it is cathartic for me to vent to you about my dissatisfaction with your writing schedule, hopefully you can find some meaning in this, hopefully something other than “move your ass and finish what you’ve started.”
Despite all of this commentary on something you obviously work extremely hard on, I would ask you to realize this. I care because I love. If I didn’t like what you wrote, or if I wasn’t interested in how it ended I wouldn’t write you at all. To me that’s a fascinating concept, you have to receive e-mails that at times devalue your work, from the very same people that can’t wait to read the next chapter. A more disconcerting situation would be difficult to come by. Well I hope this has not left you to angry.
Your loyal reader,
Sean
My reply:
How do you expect me to respond to this?
Seriously.
Do you think I’m going to apologize and promise to do more for you? Do you think I’m going to pat your metaphorical head and tell you what you want to hear? Do you think I’m going to tell you to write your own damned story, then, if you think it’s so easy?
So, what do you want from me?
I think what you managed to miss, in all your analysis of my story and my attitude in general, is that I have a very, very low tolerance for people selfish enough to complain about what I do for free.
You have now joined the ranks of the ungrateful and self-centered, and no matter how much you profess to love the story (all while telling me it’s no great shakes), nothing will change the fact that you have just complained about something you get for free.
How does it feel to be that selfish?
Fortunately, “fans” like this guy are very, very rare. I cannot stress this enough: 99.9% of my feedback is really nice. Sometimes it’s glowing and effusive. Sometimes its short and sweet. Sometimes it’s a typo report (I thank everyone who tells me about a typo, whether it’s a real mistake or not). Sometimes its polite and constructive criticism (which also gets a thank-you reply). Sometimes it’s just a quick note telling me “good job, thanks.”
So, “fans” like Sean tend to stand out—the people selfish enough to complain in writing—and earn a boatload of bad karma.
The silver lining here is that people like Sean also serve as a reminder, since the vast majority of my readers are nice, polite, decent, appreciative, patient people.
- Nick
P.S. - I’ll post a story update in a day or two (when I finish primary writing on Ch6). Long story short, when Ch6 is in the can, I’ll put Ch3 in the pipeline for publication. There’s a much longer update, but I’d rather give you a quick one now, and save the longer one for when Ch3 is with my editor. Till then, thanks for reading. And thanks for not being like Sean!
Comments
76 Responses to “With fans like these, who needs enemies?”
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@JoeMamma,
For you, I have a different reply: Go fuck yourself.
Cheers, dipshit.
- Nick
I hope he doesn’t watch “Lost”!
Carl
I usually don’t respond to the blogs, but there was a point that Sean missed. Great PROFESSIONAL writers are paid for their efforts with money, and do it for a living. Nick, while one of the greatest writers I have come across in a while, does all this for free. He writes for the emails that say “Great Story” or “Thanks”.
So from a fan who has been with you for over two years, THANKS NICK. Finish it whenever you get around to it. I’ll wait, even if it is 2012.
JoeMamma is a Troll, and I’ve just decided that I don’t need to put up with Trolls.
So, no more comments from Joe. (Well, no more unedited comments, at least. And they won’t stay around for long.)
Sorry, Joe. The First Amendment protection of free speech applies to the US Government, not to me and my site. I’m a pretty tolerant guy, but you just made your last Troll post.
- Nick
(For those of you who are wondering…)
JoeMamma, if any of you remember him, was back. He posted something Trollish and inappropriate. I deleted his comments. In the future, I’ll edit his comments to… “enhance”… his Trollish ways.
Sorry, Joe. I don’t play fair when I go to war.
- Nick
Oh, fer chrissakes.
I’m just sorry you have to put up with rubbish like that, Nick.
-Steve.
Nick, Thanks again for all your efforts. They are very obviously appreciated by the vast rest-of-us. 8^)
Sean,
In addition to the points already mentioned, the moral of the story is in the journey, not the ending - as it is in life (as in ‘Real Life’). And since you obviously have difficulty figuring it out, I’ll tell you how your life ends - badly. Guess what?? You die. That’s right, when all is said and done, you croak. There it is, now you know - no more suspense for you. If you haven’t found a way to enjoy the journey, you’re missing the point.
Now, go away & shut the fuck up before you piss Nick off enough to mess things up for the rest of us who do appreciate his efforts!
- Ron
Being a new reader, I am waiting on pins and needles for the next chapter also, But You have your schedule to keep. Keep us waiting. This is almost as bad as waiting for my kids to be born. The wait was hard but the results were well worth waiting for.
Ok, I know I’m in the the minority with this. I agree you have had a numer of assholes teat you like shit. They feel entitled to you resolving the story that you have created, BUT!!! This respondent has had one mesage (and in his own words):
Despite all of this commentary on something you obviously work extremely hard on, I would ask you to realize this. I care because I love. If I didn’t like what you wrote, or if I wasn’t interested in how it ended I wouldn’t write you at all. To me that’s a fascinating concept, you have to receive e-mails that at times devalue your work, from the very same people that can’t wait to read the next chapter. A more disconcerting situation would be difficult to come by. Well I hope this has not left you to angry.
If this really pisses you off stop writing!!!
I’m sorry, but I am finishing 3 years of grad school in an MFA program which costs $35,000 a year (and my parents have not been paying for it). If I let all the ctitisism I’ve heard get to me I would never finish anything. You can talk about how everything you have been doing is free, but I have been paying to do everything I have been doing for no real reward other than education for 3 years. (I know some would call me a fool, but it is a result of a love of a specific art, and a job that was just offered last week.)
This guy wrote you a letter from the heart. If this guy really made you that mad stop writing! I love your work, but the very nature of the internet invites critism. If you are so perfect then stop posting any work because this is the only way to avoid it. There are alot of asshole idiots in the world. Delete their email’s, ignore their ridiculous critisism, but always respect the educated response to your work.
I have also been following you since almost your start, so I at least respond from a point of history.
-John
@John,
“…always respect the educated response to your work…”
So, if I describe myself as sneering bombast, can I wax poetic about your shortcomings as an artist? If I say I’m a pugilist, can I hit you? Can I merely pummel you? How about a sound drubbing instead?
Education does NOT equal gratitude. Educated complaining is still complaining, about something FREE.
And Sean’s part about “I care because I love,” should let him off the hook?
Men who abuse their wives have been using that little gem for years. It doesn’t make THEM acceptable either.
- Nick
Interesting…this guy obviously put a lot of time into that bullshit email. The contradictions were highly entertaining, but I can’t help but wonder why he can’t just do what the rest of us do…read everything else on the vast internet (as well as seeing Nick Scipio’s famous POTD) while waiting for the fruits of Nick’s hobby to progressively show themselves.
Oh, and while I’m here, I’ll put in my two cents: Paul married his Mother and…ok, I’m kidding… I have absolutely no clue and really am just enjoying the story too much to guess who died and who the wife is…but reading the forum is a lot of fun.
Well done Nick.
While I understand the frustration that people feel in waiting for a new chapter, because I feel it too. Whenever I think about complaining, I remember that I am not paying for this.
I had a thought that it would be nice to have an idea of when the next posting would be ie, to expect it at the end of april, or something. Then I remembered when Nick used to do that, people would lambaste him for not posting on a given date.
One general observation: there are other series that I read on the web, and I have noticed that the posting frequency of almost ALL the writers tends to slow down over time. This is especially true of the well written, and edited ones. I have also noticed that most of these series decline in quality a bit over time, as some authors start to see writing the story as an obligation, rather than a cool project they are working on or something. This hasn’t happened with Summer Camp, so we should all stop complaining, and let Nick finish the story at his own pace.
hope this guy never reads science fiction, Robert Jordan started a series in the late eighties, and he hasn’t finished it yet.
And Nick is right, just because he used words larger than two syllables doesn’t mean he’s not being a dick.
You don’t complain when your getting something free, especially when its high quality.
I’ve been reading the stories from the start, and though the pace is slower in terms of publishing , I still appreciate each and every chapter as it comes out.
Though i have been skimming the last few chapters for the plot advancements also. But i do that alot anyways.
Man, I started writing a long reply to John about how education obviously doesn’t equate to intelligence in his case, but I dont want to further pollute this thread..
I love your stories Nick, I’m totally hooked on Summer Camp and I cant wait to read the next chapter!
Regards,
Jesper
Sweden
Nick:
After reading your (and other’s) response to @John, I almost (but not quite) wish I could see what he had posted. But it’s probably not worth the annoyance, though.
As far as original message is concerned, I would have taken the originator at his word, and stopped reading after the first paragraph (”…issues I would simply stop reading now, I wont take any offense…”) and hit the DELETE key.
While I do wish that I could download the completed Summer Camp series and read it now, I’m not such a crybaby that I’ll whine about wanting it all NOW! (Well, maybe just a little bit.)
Please take your time, and do the job that YOU want done. Once you establish that PayPal account and let us donate to the “Nick Scipio Retirement Account So He Can Stop Working And Devote His Full Time To Writing” fund, and I donate lots and lots of money, then I might feel justified in hoping for faster output. Until then, though, I’ll just keep checking the Head Camper Blog and my e-mail account, hoping for an update.
Please keep up the good work.
Sorry you have to put up with wankers like Sean, instead of the rest of us…um…wankers, I suppose
Yes, I check your website every day and eagerly await the next installment; like everyone else it can never come soon enough for me. And I pout a bit when I don’t get my fix and contemplate sending you pleading emails…then I get the big head thinking again and realise I’d rather you were writing the next installment and not answering my email!
We all love what you do, Nick, and like Roadrunner want to see the story finished - but *your* way, and in your time. We’re all eternally grateful for every chapter posted; to quote Bill & Ted “We’re not worthy”.
Oh, and set up that paypal account - I owe you!
Sean, be careful what you wish for.
“True love stories never have endings.”
If Nick posted a book a week, my life would grind to a halt trying to keep up.
I agree with Nick. As much as I would love it if he put out chapters more quickly, I can’t bring myself to complain about it for something I’m not paying for and enjoy so much. I’d rather wait and read a quality product than a hurried one. If I need to kill time, I can always find other stories to read by other such as Al Steiner, Be287M, and Frank Downey. Write on, Nick, write on.
@Roadrunner,
Actually, John wasn’t the problem. (A Troll named JoeMamma was the problem. I deleted JoeMamma’s comment, which is why you missed the reference. Sorry.)
John’s “respect the educated response” comment was both polite and relevant. I happen to disagree with him on a couple of points, but I respect his courage to post the comment in the first place. It’s not easy to face down a guy like me (or a group like us) and say, “I respectfully disagree.”
Hope that sets the record straight.
- Nick
Once again I am astounded by the idiots that feel that it is their “right” to complain about free entertainment. Keep up the good work Nick. This comic says it all: http://www.gocomics.com/bc/2007/04/18/
Nick,
Love your work!!! I want to read more, more, more. BUT, I second Jay’s comment, “I’d rather wait and read a quality product than a hurried one.”
I want to say kudos to you and your editing team. You guys produce a better product than a lot of romance/drama massmarket books I have read. And again, I Love Your Work!!!
One of Your Many Patient Devoted Readers,
Ais
hey you know what i can tell how this guy feels but dude its not like tis the end of thw world and like you said nick its free for which im thankful as any good jew would be….lol, but that guy just needs to occupy hid time… i mean i have…. it just shows he has no life… i mean if u wanna read more just go to the endless amount of erotica archives on the net for christ’s sake, damn!. i mean im a lil bumed out that it takes so long, but now that i think about it im so rapped up in other stuff that the time just goes by so its not that bad, and again ITS FREE!!!…..THX!
Hey Sean since you so desperately want to know the finish I’ll give you a little hint: He marries Gina (Gina FTW) and Paul-Gina-Wren-Trip have a swingers party every second friday night. Trust me the epilogue will be worth it just for one of these scenes!
Rob
~~~
Gina for the Wife!
Now, I’m fully aware that I’m mostly repeating things already said but, as a loyal reader, I just have to say something here. Like everyone else who has been reading the Summer Camp series, I want to know what happens. I’ve been reading this for close to five years - I’m pretty attached to Paul by now. Yes, I’ve grumbled my fair share with impatience. However, between the rest of life and editing/re-writes, the novel I started six months ago is only on chapter four. So I commend you for posting, for sharing your story with us even if it makes life harder for you. I can’t imagine what it must be like to know that people are actually waiting on the other end. And to have someone be so unappreciative of the fact that you are still working so hard on it! Besides,any true loyalist would check out the handy links section when needing some filler. That’s how I found the Reverend Cotton Mather and the Playing the Game series is perfect between Summer Camp chapters. Many times over, thank you for what you do. Talent is something one is born with but only hard work brings it forth and only courage can share it with the world. –MissK
J K Rowling has been writing Harry Potter for 17 Years.. hhmmm I’m sure she deals with people who want her to hurry up the same way you do Nick and she is being paid.
So in a nutshell, Nick, keep up the great work. If it takes until 2012, well I for one will still be reading with nothing but appreciation.
Nick,
Hang in there, and keep up the good work. The story has been fantastic to this point, and I am sure it will only get better down the road. Thanks for sharing it with us.
IA Reader
This guy’s a riot! He is actually complaining that you won’t end the story so he can get on with his own life!
Most of us are obsessed about the next chapter coming out, but this guy has taken it so far that, while by his own admission, the characters are not relevant to him, he can not stop reading it. And it’s your fault? Hilarious. Sounds like someone just finished their fist year creative writing class in college and is feeling quite high and mighty.
Looking forward to enjoying future chapters, and I mearly feel sad that an ending will inevitably be coming. Keep up the great writing in all that you do!
The literary offenses of Sean… leaving aside the chief offense - the absurdity of his griping, I am struck by several lesser offenses. Most especially, Sean uses 198 words to say what might be said in less than 20: that he is quixotically ignoring Nick’s desire to be free of complaints from disgruntled readers.
Also among his notable offenses is Sean’s choice of authors to whom he compares Nick. Leaving aside all considerations of any sensible correspondence between his examples and Nick, Sean picked two names from recent headlines. And he misspelled them.
As our dear author put it, “How do you expect me to respond to this?”
aw please Nick can you send me the last chapter so i can read already how it ends!
LOL
does anyone else see the irony in Sean’s email? He wants things published faster, yet bothers the author with internet drama.
I’m waiting until all the chapters are released, and then I’ll read it (even if I do have to wait until 2012).
Nick,
“Illegitimi non carborundum”, or words to that effect.
While I DO understand the impatience, it IS a lot to expect of you to put up with the fuckwits (I LOVE that term - hope you haven’t copyrighted it, or I’m in DEEP doo-doo) while not getting paid. But, as I have said before, it’s part of the price you pay for being so damned good at this.
Personally, I’d like you to post a chapter a week, but people in Hell also want ice water, no?
So, as that’s not likely to happen anytime soon, I’ll continue to live on your posting schedule - done me no harm so far.
Wow… I just don’t even fathom these people - the ones who complain, I mean. Nick, you were certainly nicer than I would have been in response to Sean, who comes across to me as a pseudo-intellectual a**hole trying to sound educated.
Let’s really think about his points (scary as that is):
1) He thinks you write too slow.
2) He wants you to write faster because he likes your work.
3) He likes your work for more than just sex scenes.
yet
4) He can “no longer identify” with the characters, and doesn’t care about them now.
Hm.
Now, see, it seems to me that (4) kind of negates (3), leaving just sex scenes. Aside from the fact that (4) is, on the face of it, insane.
His reason for pointing out that he could no longer identify with the characters was to emphasize that you’ve taken too long in writing (says he) the story. But what could that mean? Presumably, he could identify with the struggles Paul was going through at the start of the story, when he was about 15, and he can’t identify the struggles Paul is going through now, when he’s closing in on 20, because it’s taken you six years to write this arc so far and he has grown so much that the concerns of a 20 year old are far in the past.
Let’s do the math on that again.
If we assume he was in his late teens when he started reading, since he apparently (by his own words) needs proximity to identify, then he should be in his early twenties now. How is it again that the concerns of a man entering his twenties are “so far behind” him at THIS point?
If he was older when he started reading, and is now further away from Paul’s current age in the story, then - if distance is a factor as he suggests - how is it he “identified” with the character at the outset?
I think the only conclusion to draw here, other than that Sean is an impatient dick, is that what he can’t identify with is Paul’s process of maturing. Because that’s the arc. What separates Paul at current in the story from Paul at the outset? Experience, maturity, mistakes, and the wisdom he’s gained from them. He’s growing up. He’s struggling with what it means to be a man.
And Sean, by his own admission, can’t identify with that.
Gee, Sean - we’d have never guessed.
I a) love the characters, development, and timeline b) think you do a great job with the non-sexual scenes c) think the sex scenes are amazing and d) wish I could have more to read faster. duh. It’s great stuff, sure I wish it would all be ready whenever I want to read, that’s why I check the site almost daily (the POD helps of course). But I’m not going to go on some ignorant tirade just because I’m not getting what I want when I want it. Thanks and keep up the great work, no matter how long it takes.
Okay, I’m of two minds here.
1) I like everyone else, can’t wait to find out what happens.
2) I fear the day when I can no longer look forward to more chapters of my favorite story.
3) (Did I say two minds?) What happens if something should happen to Nick? Or, even worse, what if I should die, there is an afterlife, and I STILL don’t know how it ends?!?
They say that “You should never argue with an idiot because they will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience”.
So Sean… Touche’
But please do go find some other (free) erotica without a story line, plot, drama etc. and enjoy your time with Mrs Palmer and her 5 Daughters.
Nick,
Yet another idiot who at least recognises quality.
Take your time mate, Ill keep my end of the deal, I will read and enjoy what you write when you feel it is ready to be read.
Your part of the deal is to enjoy creating the great stuff that you write, and of course keep producing the same high quality stuff, on any schedule that you and only you detemine.
To fill the time between chapters I look at the POD, and your other links have kept me happy and prived me with new people to read. I have your Top 100 Things I’d Do If I Ever Became An Evil Overlord
printed out above my desk.
Keep up the good work, and if you ever get to come to Oz (australia) I owe you at least a beer and a meal for the entertainment that you have given me.
Nick,
I have worked it out, based on the size of the other books if you could please post one chapter a month, I will get to read the ending and I am only 63. It is a great story man, please continue to write at your pace and I will wait and enjoy each chapter.
Nick,
Like Sean (but NOT like the selfish jerk that he is), I also have been following the journey of Summer Camp for some years. I wish to say a big hearty “Thanks!” for you time, sweat, and efforts to provide for me the free enjoyment that your tales have brought. You are gifted… I am an avid reader and I place your work on par with some of the best contemporay writers of today. You are truely, “Da man!” and I am glad that sniveling self righteous “fans” like Sean and John who think they are so cleaver with their educated banter don’t have an edge with you. I say to them… try writing yourself a short story of similar caliber, not to mention quality, and then present it for free to the world on the internet… then, if you can even come close to finishing, you may feel obliged to offer complaints to those who have a consistant, quality product like Nick had given us. Until then grasshopper… shut the fuck up and leave the Master alone!
Nick, I love your work and I appreciate your willingness to provide it for free. Thanks man!
Chris
I’m ashamed to say that I was one of the few a**holes who complain about something so terrific for free. Though not so eloquent, my mail was pesky, too.
Well - after a well deserved and more or less flaming reply, I apologized. And I simply want to do it again.
You are absolutely right - complaining about something you get for free is just plain stupid. And a pain in the butt for the author.
So sorry again.
Love the work.
Moon
You know, writing a book is a lot like making love to a beautiful woman. Take your time and it’s a more enjoyable experience.
Hey Nick,
How long did it take this guy to write … read the first paragraph … gave up litterally.
How long did it take Martha Mitchell to write Gone With The Wind?
Oh some of the #$@%*& IDIOTS !
Don’t worry I enjoy your work, rather you take your time and enjoy your family along with life.
Karen
@LMoon
Nah, you got one of my polite-snippy responses.
The flaming responses include the phrase “Go fuck yourself.” I didn’t tell you that. (I even checked, just to make sure.)
No worries. You were nice about it, and you even apologized, which is more than most do.
- Nick
Hi, Nick –
Great writing! As another fan that enjoys your Summer Camp stories, I just want to say how well you have developed the characters. Every time another chapter comes out, my mind races with the possibilities!
Thank you for your stories,
Tan Barb
I want a new chapter posted as soon as I have finished reading the previous one but then I also want this weeks winning lotto numbers but in life we have to learn to make the best of what we are given.
And remember opinions are like arseholes - We all have one its just that some of them stink more than others so just keep on keeping on Nick and I will sit back and enjoy what you post when you post.
I think most of all, people should remember these stories are for entertainment… so let’s enjoy like the great stories they are. It is certaily fun to read them, but they should also be fun to write, and since none of us -other than Nick- are writing it, then we should let him his share of fun and enjoyment
Nick, yes - it wasn’t one of the screaming hot ones.
Thanks again.
Moon
Nick,
I think the potential danger in an extended posting schedule, is that some of your fans can get to the point where they no longer care about the characters; about the story.
At least that’s how they verbalize what they feel. The truth is more likely that they’ve waited, and waited, and can’t take the disappointment anymore; so they quit on you.
…and yes, it is about love. How many of us have pined for someone? Waited for their call? Eventually, you get over it; you move on. It’s an emotional defense mechanism.
Case in point — The SOPRANOS. I loved the show, but the 18-month hiatuses (sp.) got me to the point where I was no longer emotionally invested in the characters. Now I watch “24″ religiously, and I’m always comforted at the end of a season, with the knowledge that 7 months down the road (when the winter blues are kicking our asses), that another day will begin for Jack.
Don’t judge too harshly Nick. If your work wasn’t so good, you wouldn’t hear from these “aficionados” begging you for more.
According to the Thesaurus, aficionados are Fans, Addicts, Devotees, Fiends, Enthusiast, Buffs, etc. Sounds about right.
While imitation might be the sincerest form of flattery, begging for more, even in an ungrateful manner, might just be a close second.
Cheers,
Ray
There’s this movie “The Agony and the Ecstasy” about Michelangelo
painting the Sistine Chapel. He is frequently interrupted by
this guy who comes in and asks when his frescoes will be done.
Michelangelo replies basically that the work will be done when it
is done.
Don’t hurry a master at work. You might not like the results.
The guy was Pope Julius II.
Nick, you might want to urge your more impatient fans to see this
movie.
You are one of the few good, literate, readable authors in your
genre compared to most of the bilge that is available on the
web.
For awhile there, I found myself wondering why Paul is so
angry (my impression of him). I don’t think I’ve ever cared
about a character so much to react that way.
Gordon R. Dickson died in 2001. I will NEVER know how
his Childe Cycle series turns out.
Keep up the good work.
Craig
Nick -
Although I “lonnggg” for each new chapter like the rest of your fans, I have quite a different view of your efforts. You see I started a story about a May - December romance with a .com intern before Bill Clinton made interns famous. I thought I could maintain the drive necessary to complete the story in a few months and self publish. But, alas I didn’t have “the right stuff”.
So for those of us who tried and fallen short: press on at whatever pace you can muster, but beyound all else press on.
Good luck -
PS - Who knows maybe my intern needs to visit “Aunt Susan” some summer. I feel an outline in the air……..
Hey Nick….like everyone else here, I would like to thank you for the excellent stories you share with us out of the goodness and generosity of your heart. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, as a college student, I spend way too much money on books I DON’T want to complain about the publishing schedule of a serial that a) I love and b) is FREE (a great price, might I add). I noticed that someone commented about JK Rowling and how long she’s been writing Harry Potter. I LOVE Harry Potter, and I’ve been reading JK since I was about 13 years old. Seven years later, I’m counting down the days until the seventh and final book comes out, and the general sentiment among the “serious” HP fan(atics)is “what am I going to do with my life when I don’t have the next Harry Potter book to look forward to?” As much as I hated the wait for each book, now that I know I don’t have any more to look forward to, I realize that the wait that seemed so interminable was really just that feeling you get when you’re going up the first big hill on a rollercoaster. I await each new chapter of the Summer Camp books with the same fervor that I waited for each new Harry Potter books. And at $30 a pop, the HP books came a lot more dear to my belaguered budget than do your stories. And, if you keep to your current publication schedule, I’ll have something to look forward to after this July when I’ve finished the last Harry Potter book. Thanks. I mean it.
Nick, and all
I agree with Ron: Life is a 100% fatal desease. Without the journey, nothing is left.
There is a poem from Konstantin Kavafis (Greek poet from the late 1800), based in the myth of Ulysses, as described in Homerus’ Odyssey, and the trip to return to Itaka, asking for a long trip, full of adventures, and full of new knowledge to be learnt along the trip. The last part (sorry for the poor quote, my mother’s tongue is not english)
Keep Itaka always in your mind
Arriving there is what you’re destined for
But don’t hurry the journey at all
Better if it lasts for years,
so you’re old by the time you reach the island,
wealthy with all you’ve gained on the way,
not expecting Itaka to make you rich.
Itaka gave you a marvellous journey
Without her you wouldn’t have set out
She has nothing left to give you now
And if you find her poor, Itaka won’t have fooled you
Wise as you will have become, so full of experience,
you’ll have understood by then what these Itakas mean..
Maybe the fukwits don´t understand. The rest sure do.
Sorry for the long post. Just felt like sahring this.
Nick, Thank You.
Nick,
You should be glad that your work generates the time and effort that the guy has put into composing the email. Retards like JoeMamma are easy to put down and ignore. At least, even if you violently disagree with the points, appreciate the fact that the author of the email cares enough about your work to put their thoughts down and post them. I mean its not exactly a sympathtic audience on here if you dare to criticise you, as I have previously found out!
To probably horribly misquote Oscar Wilde, ‘It is better to be talked about than not talked about at all’.
i’ve never really read the blog part of this site before. i’m a more recent sort of fan, i suppose, and only just really got to exploring the site. i guess i didn’t see sean’s email as such a bad thing, really. or, rather, i don’t see why it mattered so much, that it was worth posting and complaining about.
one thing i’ve read repeatedly is that these stories are free, that this is a valuable service being provided for free, and nobody has the right to grouse about a posting schedule under those circumstances. which is true enough, i’ll certainly agree. but i just don’t see the point of being upset about it. there are obviously more than enough fans giving you (nick) nothing but positive feedback, and willing to submit to whatever schedule of publication you prefer.
also, is it entirely unexpected that people will complain? after all, people don’t have to pay anything to read what you write, and history shows time and again that people feel a sense of entitlement to something that comes free; they believe that its their right to receive whatever it may be. if we all paid for this, it would be more naturally (and sub-consciously) perceived as a privilege. a lot of your fans have made the mental leap anyway, but obviously, not all have. my point isn’t that you should start charging (though you know you could if you wanted to), but rather that human nature shouldn’t surprise or offend you this much.
of course, you could say that just becuase it is human nature to complain, that doesn’t mean you should stand for it, and that i can’t really argue with. but it does seem a bit overkill to hang the guy’s email out for a public internet flogging - especially when he tried to be nothing but esoteric and conciliatory about the entire thing. he might have failed, that’s up for debate, but the basic intent was clearly there.
finally, i don’t understand why everyone has to jump on poor sean, even if they do it obliquely, by saying “some fucking arseholes,” “the fuckwits,” “the sniveling whiners,” and so on. is he really all of those things, just because he wanted to find out how a story ends?
sean might not have been in the right, but he obviously gave it all some thought, and tried to be polite. what did he get? about 30 tons of righteousness from everyone else - and a decent share from nick, too.
i think you’re a good author, nick, and i want to see how things end up just as much as anyone else. keep up the good work, and post whenever you feel like it. but when you get another email telling you to move things along quicker, take a deep breath and just relax. they don’t need to be flamed, chastised, philosophically checkmated, exposed to the wrath of your fan base, or anything else. just hit delete.
(…sorry, i know i wrote a ton.)
@ Ray on April 27th, 2007
Ray you are ofcourse right. But the most important past for me is that the story finishes. If we get to a point where writing for Nick is more hassle than that he gets from it he will ofcourse stop doing it as is only right.
So even though i liked a weekly posting shedule that was in place when i started reading this more then the irregular one that is in place now i can understand it. In fact there are very few writers that have a posting shedule, sure a lot write so much that they can post almost each day.
Ofcourse Nick could almost do that if he would just split his chapters up to the short stuff that those writers post… But i wouldnt like it. I like a good long chapter that lets me immerse myself again in the story.
Nick,
I can’t believe how someone can start off with saying how much he loves your writing, and then goes on to insult you to the core.
Sure, I’d like more to read. I think _everyone_ here would like that. And I also care because I love, but I love so much, that I want the GoodStuff, and that takes time, and so I will wait because I love.
Keep it up, do it the way you think is right.
And I will read whenever you provide. *grin*
As I was reading these new posts since my last, some more thoughts came to me…a) as a political science major, the guy who said that people feel entitled to stuff they get for free is TOTALLY right. Totally. and b) If it’s really been so long since someone read your work last that they can’t “identify” with the characters anymore, it’s not like the previous three books PLUS Nereids isn’t still up there. I assure you, MILLIONS of people who are waiting for the next book/installment in this or that series finds great pleasure in re-reading the volumes that are already out. Speaking from personal experience (as a semi-pro NERD), there is a lot to be gained from re-reading previous installments before beginning the next one. How many subtle things can one find that they missed on their first or second read-through that will come into serious play in the next issue? How many little clues can one find through reading multiple times that when they finally get the answer, they say “I knew it” rather than “Wow, what a suprise?” IMHO, a great writer is someone whose work can be read again and again, and its meaning and impact change with each reading. It takes skill to write something with the subtle layers that allow for the reader to change and grow and yet still enjoy the same work even as they are a different person. I greatly admire you; for sharing your talent and for that talent in itself. I only wish I could write as well and as consistently as you. I lose focus after about 5 pages…I think we can all agree that you are owed much respect for the dedication you show to what is essentially a hobby, considering you have a day job and don’t get paid for this.
Also, there IS SC fanfic out there, if you are willing to look for it.
@joe
You wrote:
“…but it does seem a bit overkill to hang the guy’s email out for a public internet flogging - especially when he tried to be nothing but esoteric and conciliatory about the entire thing.”
Well, that’s the thing, you see. Sean was mostly polite, and you saw my response. I replied via private e-mail, and would’ve kept my reply private, except… my e-mail to him bounced.
So, Sean complained about what I do for free, and he wasted my time by providing a false e-mail address (or by mistyping it, I don’t know which).
I have little tolerance for people who complain about something free. And I have zero tolerance for people who waste my time. Consequently, I hung Sean out for the public flogging.
Personally, I’d like to think that he serves as an object lesson: will the next dipshit send me a backhanded “compliment” if they know they’ll be the object of public scorn?
I hope not. But then again, dipshits are dipshits for a reason…
- Nick
Nick,
WOW!
How does it feel to have a personal army of Storm Troopers ready to eviscreate any cheeky fuckwits?
When you posted the e-mail, it was like chum in shark-infested waters.
I get really uncomfortable whenever I see/hear someone trying to silence disenters with the threat of swift retaliation from the mob.
When you were shopping around for a new hosting company, how did you feel to realize that the mainstream hosters didn’t have the courage to allow your brand of free speech? Did you feel in the minority?
Why have a blog Nick, if you aren’t willing to tolerate the “few” unhappy readers? I hope that you’re not only looking for legions of sycophants who only say “nice job.”
The extreme danger of the “tyranny of the majority” scenario, is that Independent Thought is suppressed or discouraged by the threat of public humiliation. That’s a problem in a democracy where free speech is perhaps THE greatest facet.
A blog on an author’s site should be a safe haven for ALL comments. Chances are the other readers will lead the charge to chastise the ungrateful, but to have you basically say — Have at it lads — leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
Your writing speaks for itself, and you know that 99.999% of the readers love your work and are willing to wait, so like Joe said, maybe you should consider just hitting Delete.
Ray
I’ve been enjoying your stuff for years. I grew up in Greenville, SC for a time, and worked in Spartanburg, which is near the setting of the camp.
At first, I read your initial postings in ASSM. Now I just troll your site when I get a chance and read your latest. Keep up the good work. Realistic porno fiction is just as challenging, and probably just as valid to write, as any other fiction. Like fine wine, it takes time (and reflection and editing and peer review…).
But you’re writing a hell of a lot more than porn… You’re writing a coming of age story, which is a worthy task in itself. I wish this were around in the 1970’s when I was in college. It would have helped me through some shit!
I just wandered around the fringes of my 30th reunion this weekend… It took me back and then some. I could write my own story of loves’ lessons learned… and maybe I will.
@Ray
You wrote:
You see less than 5% of my fuckwit feedback. I don’t unleash the “army of Storm Troopers” very often.
More importantly, I don’t think Sean actually reads my blog. If he does, he certainly hasn’t sent a follow-up reply. So I didn’t post his message as a way to silence dissent, or to punish him. I posted it as a way to vent my frustration, and to show you and the others what kind of feedback I sometimes get.
Contrary to the “life is sunny, just get over it” philosophy some people would like to espouse—and push—I am only human, and I get discouraged by dipshits like Sean. So I vent about it and then move on. It’s therapeutic.
Later, you wrote:
Actually, it’s not. Nor should it be. I reserve the right to delete anyone’s comments, at any time, for any reason.
But the reality of that caveat is that I’ve only deleted one person’s comments… ever. JoeMamma. He’s a troll, and a particularly annoying one. When he decided to take advantage of my blog and use it to insult my wife (with the c-word, among other things) and my family, I decided that I didn’t need to put up with his shit. So I deleted him. I can’t ban him altogether—much to my annoyance—so I watch the blog and I edit or delete his comments when he posts them.
Once again, this is not a venue for any and all comments. I’m extraordinarily tolerant of dissenting views and criticism, but I do have my limits.
So far, only three people in the history of my various public forums—4+ years—have tested my limits. Two of them (on the Forum) are in my personal kill filter, but they’re free to post on the Forum or anyplace else. The other (JoeMamma) isn’t banned, exactly, but I won’t let him post any more filth.
So, before you whip out the “silence dissenters” argument, you need to take a look at the facts.
I put up with all kinds of shit. And I’m a rational guy for 99.9% of it. I hit delete and I move on. But I get 5,000 messages a year, not counting Forum messages, and you see approximately 0.1% of them. That’s a pretty good “fuckwit tolerance” record, if you ask me.
- Nick
I think I may have posted a comment once before in another thread in support of Nick, and here is yet another, so if you aren’t interested in reading it don’t. I apologize in advance for my combative tone to those who have so childishly whined to Nick, and I gladly take my place as one of the storm troopers.
When I started reading this thread I was astounded at the abject stupidity of the guy who demands that Nick produce at a rate that satisfies his needs. How stupid can you be? Here Nick is working his ass off doing something he is very good at and being nice enough to share it with the rest of us, and jerks come along moaning, whining and bitching about how he needs to write faster! Let’s think about this for a moment people. Like the rest of us Nick probably has a real world job, a real world family and a real world life that he would like to spend some time enjoying. Who knows, maybe the man actually has some work that he needs to get done at his job or around his home instead of writing! Try to be thankful for what he chooses to share with you and shut up, or send him bales of cash so he can hire someone to do his work for him. In either case, the man doesn’t owe you one damn thing, and you embarrass yourself and the rest of his fans when you show what an idiot you really are.
As to Mr. I’m paying to go to school whiner and this intellectual criticism argument I say bull. The internet invites reasonable criticism sure, but there is nothing intellectual about throwing a temper tantrum because you can’t have the toy you want when you want it. Nothing entitles anyone on the internet to make demands on Nick other than those he places on himself. If you don’t believe me, I anxiously await your finding the contract that Nick signed with you so you can forward a copy to me.
Oh and btw if you think you aren’t getting something for your $35,000 a year, you must not be learning much or you have really poor job prospects when you are done. It’s been my experience that no one pays for graduate school. I am close to finishing a Ph.D. and I get paid to go. In fact, of all the people that I’ve ever known, and there have been many, who went to grad school not a damn one of them paid for it. So I don’t really have much sympathy for your paying for something you wanted, because if you had been worth a damn at it they would be paying you, not the other way around.
Lastly let me say thank you Nick for your time, your patience and your talent that you share with us. As one of the undeserving but appreciative members of your fan club I salute you.
John
I’ve been reading SC for a few years now. When I first found it, I believe I was, at least, 5 chapters behind. When I caught up (rather quickly) I was a bit impatient about getting my next “fix”. But, “life happens”. To ALL of us. And I’ve accepted that I must wait. Especially if I want the kind of quality that Nick GIVES us. Yes, it’s a GIFT from Nick to us. If you can’t appreciate the gift, politely say “Thanks, but no thanks”, and move on.
As for not wanting “the filler”: that’s life! As someone else (a number of someones) said, without the fillers - you’re born, you live, you die. End of story.
Many people saw the film “Titanic” and simply said, “we know the ship sunk, so what?” But, it’s the journey that makes the story interesting.
So, enough of my soap-box-venting. Nick keep it up! On YOUR schedule! I, for one, accept your gifts with open arms, and gratitude!
I found myself skimming Sean’s writing to get to the basic plot advances that pointed me to the email’s conclusion and all I could figure out was that he’s a fuckwit.
Maybe if I read the entire thing I would understand the depth and nuances of his arguments, but I’ve grown in the time it took to get to the bottom and I find I no longer care what happens to Sean or his friends (assuming he has any).
Having to put up with bullshit like that sucks - a more disconcerting situation would be difficult to come by.
Well Sean, I hope this has not left you to [sic] angry, but you’re a fuckwit.
Your disloyal reader,
JC
Nick,
Stop reading and responding to this crap. That way you will have lots more time to write the story.
Me
Why can’t people just say thanks. As for the timeframe, surely like me they have a number of ongoing stories they enjoy reading. I for one have enough stories to stop me from getting impatient.
Nick I’m happy to wait for the chapters whenever they’re posted. And besides there is always my own writing to keep me occupied.
Dare I suggest that the people the criticise don’t write themselves. If they did… Well you get the idea.
Best wishes Berwick Bob
I started reading Stephen King’s “Dark Tower” series in 1984, and finished in 2004. If I can wait 20 years for one of the acknowledged greatest writers of our day (and pay $50 for the privilege) then I can wait however long YOU need to give me great stuff for free.
As my dead pappy said, “joke em if they can’t take a fuck!”
For long series, how about Jean Auel’s “Clan of the Cave Bear”? The series began in 1980, followed by books in 1982, 85, 90, and 2002 (ouch!). There is at least one more book on the way, no publication date yet, and maybe more.
In the words of Valentine Michael Smith, “Stranger in a Strange Land”, Robert A. Heinlein:
Waiting is.
Thanks Nick.
Nick, I’ve followed “Summer Camp” for the last five years… Don’t change a damned thing, up to, and including the pace of your writing.
Sean… your ridiculous and totally irrelevant comments…are duly noted. I believe Abraham Lincoln’s famous quote applies to Sean’s unwarranted bitching, so I’ll share it with Nick’s readers, (Unless Nick decides to edit this post…*laughing*) Lincoln said “Far better, to have remained silent…and merely be THOUGHT a fool…then to have opened up your mouth, and removed all doubt”. Well, Sean, you’ve removed any doubts I might have had.
Nick, I think we are all in suspense, as far as certain plot developments. Last I’d heard, that wasn’t a crime, and indeed, tends to enhance reader interest. I think we all wonder where various plot threads will read….and that’s why we come back, time after time. “Summer Camp” is well written…and I thank you for the pleasant diversion it provides me. Your time, and your extraordinary talent, have been well spent on this story. (Like you needed ME to tell you that?)*chuckling* Keep up the good work…and take your time. Good novels are rather like children, in some ways… trying to “grow one up” too quickly, tends to ruin the finished product. Excelsior! Curt
I’m surprised that no one thought to direct Sean and other impatient readers to the “Super Secret Outline”.
Even if they are sharp enough to see the author’s tongue firmly in his cheek they will enjoy reading more of Nick’s writing.
Those who expect the future chapters to follow this outline will certainly be treated to numerous surprises. Some might even be tempted to complain that the author did not follow his own “Super Secret Outline” . . . but probably not if they read this blog!
Thanks Nick.
When I read this thread, especially all the comments of the fans, I sometimes really wondered whether they have read „Sean’s e-mail“.
I appreciated the effort he made to get his message across and not to hurt Scipio, although we all know how “emotionally involved†Scipio can get. Obviously he has failed.
From my point of view Sean doesn’t complain, he critisizes some issues, actually he is very sorry that his beloved story doesn’t attract him as much as before. He doesn’t complain so much about the long time he has to wait for the next chapter, but looks for the conclusion of the story as such because the currently edited chapters doesn’t seem to matter anymore.
I believe there are many readers who enjoyed the first two books of Summer Camp but had to realize that in the third book the character of the story changed significantly. As a former frenetic fan I have to out myself saying that I stopped the intensiv reading after one third of the third volume and just scanned the rest. I have decided to give it a new chance when Scipio has finished the overall story (Volume 4) and I can read it all at once.
Never mind. Scipio is the author. He is entitled to write the story as he likes, and there is no doubt that there are countless readers who love the way he does. However, somebody should be allowed to say when he doesn’t perceive the story as well as before, especially when he cares as Sean. Maybe, he has a point …
bdgv
Am I discouraged with the rate of writing? Perhaps, but good things take time. I have my copy of the new Harry Potter on reserve and have been disapointed in MS. Rowlings rate of writing. And… My opion in either case is unimportant! At my age (65+) you might think twice about hoarding green bananas, but so what. You take the pleasures that you find in front of you and look beyond to what might be ahead. If you get that next one, wonderful! But life is too short to fuss about what isn’t and just long enough to savor what is. Authors should do a good job that they are proud of, not be someones flack. Stay the course!
Hey Nick:
As General Joseph Stillwell used to say, “Illegitimi Non Carborundum. (Don’t let the bastards grind you down.)”
I think people take for granted the kind of work you’ve put into this series, and while I can appreciate the opposing viewpoint of your readers investing themselves emotionally into your creations, I think the most important (and oft forgetten) phrase is… these are your creations. You write exceptionally well, and as many others have stated before me, I would prefer you get it right than to do a half-assed job. So what if you take until 2012? So what if you take until 2052? And if you never even finish it… I’m sure we’ll all be disappointed, but I think most everyone understands that writing the story is going to take a back seat to the more important things happening in your life.
So, let me just say thanks for all the hard work you’ve put into your writing so far, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what happens next. Please, keep up the outstanding work.
Michael G
Hi Nick,
Well unlike most of your other readers, I just ‘discovered’ Summer Camp from Ruthie’s Club and was overjoyed to find out that you had expanded Paul’s story to a fourth book!
It was almost like winning the lottery!!
I am grateful that unlike many authors, you are more than willing to stick with a well-loved character and let us grow with them.
I’ve been reading some of the posts on your forum and I wanted to make a couple of points.
First, most artists do for themselves, not their audience and that usually defines great art. When artists pander to outside influences, oftentimes the art is diluted. Keep true to your vision and your loyal readers will follow.
Second, I LOVE your female characters! I’m tickled and delighted that a male author can capture so well female POV. As a devotee of erotica I find some women writers to ’subdue’ if not eliminate the femininity of their characters in order for their writing to seem supposedly sexier. While I thoroughly enjoy a romping, hot sex scene, I would prefer it accompanied with a great plot and solid characterization. Summer Camp has all in spades, thankfully.
Looking forward to catching up with Paul et al.
Michelle
I have spent quite a lot of time reading many of the FREE writers efforts in the last few years.
Some are merely interesting and others are brilliant and sometimes overwhelming.All of them are FREE. How can someone be so demanding as to
insist they be given the ending before it is even thought out completely.
This man has more “BALLS” than sense and is infected with the “need” for instant gratification that so often runs amok in our current society. The whole idea of a serial story in the first place is to keep you on the edge of your seat awaiting a new chapter in an exciting
adventure. At times there are delays and extensions are needed ,but this serves to whet the appetite even more for what is to come.
Some of us don’t just read the story,we try to live it as an adventure through the words and the descriptions that emerge from those words. Let yourself go just enough to see what happens and not just look forward to the ending because you have no patience for the world in general.
Next time he needs to wish for the end of something it might as well be himself as we all need to move more slowly and savor the time we have and the journey as it unfolds. Don’t just read the last page to see what happens.
AFTER ALL THAT …
Nick, I love all of your works and wait patiently for the next chapter. Thanks ever so much for all your efforts.
Larry