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Message no. 1
From: Sean Marshall <methos@****.NET>
Subject: New Story Line
Date: Wed, 24 Jun 1998 21:38:35 -0500
I have a few questions.

I first of all apologize for being a relative newbie and
asking possibly dumb questions

First, can I run several characters (the better for
developing a storyline?)???

Second, do I have to tacitly get permission here before
stating a storyline(if it is not world altering?)???

thanks for prompt responses
Message no. 2
From: Jeffrey Mach <mach@****.CALTECH.EDU>
Subject: Re: New Story Line
Date: Wed, 24 Jun 1998 20:39:50 -0700
On Wed, 24 Jun 1998, Sean Marshall wrote:

> I have a few questions.
>
> I first of all apologize for being a relative newbie and
> asking possibly dumb questions

"There are no such thing as dumb questions. Just dumb people asking the
questions."
--Anon.

Really though, it is better to ask what you fear might be a "dumb
question" (they weren't) than make "dumb mistake" and tick people off.

> First, can I run several characters (the better for
> developing a storyline?)???

Yes...but it increases your difficulty some and cuts down on the
writer/character interaction. This is _interactive_ fiction after all.
Most people do have multiple characters, but they also try to include
other characters in on their storylines.

> Second, do I have to tacitly get permission here before
> stating a storyline(if it is not world altering?)???

Tacit permission, as in, nobody has an major objections, well I'll say its
a good idea, if not absolutely necessary. No use rehashing well-tread
territory, or accidently planning your way into conflict with someone else
accidently.

"You're breaking into the Fuchi Biolab? Damn...me too!"

Which is not to say that you should spill the beans about every last
detail in your plot, but perhaps a "I'm thinking of doing a story that
involves/is about/deals with _______. I'm thinking ______. Any thoughts?
Anybody interested?" If there is anything time-critical (suchandsuch has
to be blown up X days after the runners are hired) it helps to get writers
on board before you get the ball rolling to get the introductions and
pre-planning over with early.

World-altering stuff, though, needs _more_ than tacit permission. As in,
you have to convince nearly _everybody_ that your idea has merit.

> thanks for prompt responses

You're welcome.

--My two yen

Jeff

Further Reading

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Thwap!