Batslash Explosion

Hi, I might be addicted to Batslash.

I saw this movie on Netflix Streaming... Batman: Under the Red Hood (warning: not for the kids). It really sparked my interest! It depicts the very challenging relationship of Bruce Wayne and Jason Todd (Robin #2). I could tell that the movie was just skimming the surface of a really complicated dynamic. So I dove into Batfic to fill in some blanks.

I became fascinated with the relationship between Batman & Robin, which is actually quite nuanced and filled with tension. Even in canon. But of course, I was completely drawn to the slash. I mean, come on. It's so obvious.

 

The best slash is between Bruce and Dick Grayson (Robin #1).

Here's the problem - When Dick Grayson first came to live with Bruce as his ward, he was a boy. I have NO interest in this time in their lives and it frankly squicks me the fuck out. I like to read about their dynamic as Batman and Robin, after Dick has grown up.

There is some crazy interesting drama as Dick tries to assert himself as independent from Bruce, while still caring deeply about him. He feels torn.

In some great slash, he struggles between wanting to live with Bruce and have his back, and wanting to break away and be his own man.

Having fought alongside him for years, this tension has developed where Dick is longing to have some kind of relationship with Bruce beyond partners in crime-fighting.

But here's the thing: Bruce is a stoic man. Despite having a heart of gold, he is incapable of expressing the compassion he feels. Instead he uses his fists (and batarangs) on the streets of Gotham, to perpetuate good and squash the bad.

Can Dick ever get the approval and affection he so desperately needs? Will he ever get Bruce to reveal the deep feelings that he has for Dick, either to Dick or himself?

Dick eventually loses the Robin suit and takes on a new persona: Nightwing.

Breaking out on his own, tensions persevere as Bruce itches to come to Dick's rescue, but Dick is determined to fight his own battles. Aaaand, being slash, hotness ensues.

And don't even get me started on the feelings of resentment and jealousy that get kicked up when Batman takes in a replacement Robin.

Gah! There is so much that Batslash fanfic can explore. I just touched the surface, as this fandom has been around forever and a ton of fic has been written. But I'm feeling a bit inspired, so I just might make my own contribution to the Batslash fandom :)

And for those concerned about my allegiance...
My true love is still Edward, I mean Twific. I just like to switch things up once in awhile.

EDIT: here's somewhere to start if you are looking for Batslash

• Memorable Bruce/Dick Entries
• there are well known ones like Iconic by Jack and Te
• and someone named thehoyden wrote some interesting Bruce/Dick relationship oneshots, like Contingency and The Right Deductions 

I'm just getting started - the community isn't as easy to navigate as Twific is, where you can go any number of places to find recs of guaranteed great fic.

Why You Gotta Be Pullin' That Fic?

This is totally the author's prerogative. They have every right to take down their stories from the internet. 

It's saddens me initially, if it's someone whose stories I've enjoyed. And the reason I find it sad is that other people in the fandom won't be able to enjoy them. 

But I get over it by the next day. Other great stories come along that fill that void.

So this is not to criticize the decision to take down stories. And it's definitely not even touching the issue of pulling to publish. I'm writing this because I don't understand why pulling stories is becoming so common. 

Here's why:

1. Copies of the stories are already out there. That's part of what happens when you post something online. Especially now, as people are needing to download stories to read on eReaders. Once you post a story, you no longer have control over where it goes.

Not to mention the Twific Databases that have sprung up in response to the rise of fic pulling. They are a warehouse of PDFs of stories that have been pulled for one reason or another. Anyone can get in there and download. Known authors will forever be attached to the work they wrote. But this should be seen as a positive thing because...

2. When an author pulls her fic, the possibility of plagiarism shoots through the roof. There's no original text to compare it to and no proof that she wrote it first (EDIT: a la FFnet date stamp of when initially published and when updated last -- a crucial way to prove that your fic was put out before someone else's copycat work). Also, new groups of people crop up as old ones leave the fandom so an author's fanbase will not always be around to police for plagiarism of her work.

3. You lose all cultural relativity in the fandom. This might be one of the main reasons for taking down stories - wanting to divorce oneself and move on. 

My point is this: the author becomes a blip. Their stories could have been left up for people to enjoy and love on, even as the authors & their circles of friends filter out of the fandom. They would remain talked about, read and enjoyed. 

Instead, the authors are sitting at home, hoarding these stories they put their blood and guts into, and for what? So it can sit on their harddrive? So they can show their friends and family this story they wrote once? Why not share it with the people who will actually appreciate it for what it is? The Twific fandom.

Just my thoughts. Not being critical of authors who pull stories, just voicing my opinion regarding a phenomenon that baffles me.


Let me know what you think!

My Contribution to Pop Culture

I didn't solve world hunger. Or invent a viable solution for the climate crisis. But I did get an Althea-ism accepted into urbandictionary.com YAAAAAY!

I am WAY too excited about this!! Especially considering that the editorial "review" process for submissions seems a tad gracious. As in, it's possible that if you submit something, they will most likely add it to their pop cultural tome.

Granted, I sent this term in and never heard back from them. It was only when I sent it in again with a different definition and sentence that they accepted my initial offering.

And I know what you're saying to yourself -- enough with the background, what's the frickin term already??

peen jockey

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=peen+jockey

another term for whore; will ride for pay

My friend was slutting it up so I said, "Dude, stop being such a peen jockey."

To put it in Twific terms, one might say...

I liked that story's well-rounded portrayal of Tanya. Usually she is written as such a peen jockey.

or

Given the graphic language and shameless flirtation exhibited by the Twific community on Twitter, the outside world might suspect we are all a bunch of peen jockeys. But what they don't understand is that *bewbgropes*, raunchy propositioning, and picspams of porn are our expressions of friendly camaraderie.

or

Acting out against Edward's repressed Victorian ways, this OOC New Moon fic Bella has been with 3 guys in one week. If she doesn't stop being such a peen jockey, her reputation will be permanently defiled.

If you leave a comment that uses "peen jockey" in a sentence, I will love you forever. Or as we say on Twitter, there will be *bewbgropes* and *assgrabs* all round!

High Times Contest results

I was recently a judge on the High Times contest.

There's nothing hotter than a fuckhot stoner Edward. Oh, and if he is an artist or musician -- forget about it. (my first and most favoritest in all of ficland? Unexpected by ooohlalaaa)

So when YogaGal invited me to be a judge for a contest that requires entries to relate in some way to the good green, I was in! I had no idea that the quality of some of the fics would be so stellar.

I really did enjoy almost all of the entries, but there are several that stood out to me as amazing.

Weekend At Longmeadow by winterstale and Viola Cornuta

(2nd Place - Judge Score)

Official Description: Garrett & Jasper met as kids, left Texas as founders of Hill Country Outlaws. Edward, Emmett and Peter ramble along to a lakehouse party for grass and girls. Tune in, get turned on and smoke up. M/F/M. Entry for the High Times Contest

Review I wrote for contest site:

This story was like a time machine back to the summer of '70. The author created this colorful world, rich with the history of that time and filled with music. Sweet sweet music. I fell in love with these characters who seemed so authentic to the time period yet so unpredictable. The scene at Longmeadow was happening and I felt privileged to be a fly on the wall. As an Edward lover, I didn't know what to expect when I saw Garrett as a main character. I'm so glad that I took the time to dive into this world and give Garrett a chance. It was a lot of fun getting to know him, Jasper, Katie, and the rest of the gang. The story really does have an epic quality to it, having the length of a fully told story and the depth of a fantastically developed story world. Loved it!

La Beep Beep by yellowglue

(1st Place, Judge Score)

Official Description: Meaning. A sunny day. Life. Truth... A safe place... And bottomless supply of Swedish Fish. "Yesterday and Today" on vinyl. And pink pot. Because we're all searching for things. E/B entry for the High Times Contest.

Review by YogaGal:

One thing that stands out about Beep Beep is how authentic it really is. I think we've all had similar feelings (whether pot was involved or not) about boys and other such things. There is an innocence about this story, a tentativeness that seems to permeate the entire piece. I also loved that you could totally visualize the pink hairs in the weed (!!!NSFW image!!!) that made it so damn amazing, and that it wasn't just used to get to the lemon--because there really wasn't one, it was just snippets, lots of UST and nothing overt which was refreshing and sweet.

The flow of the story almost mimicked the feeling of being high, and there was also something very alluring about the way the characters were written. You were pulled to them, wanting to follow their story right up until the end. I loved the use of weed, the developement of the relationship and finally, the way they came together and just decided to be, despite the fact that Edward was Bella's brother's friend. It's such an awesome one shot and really, the way it's written it stands alone really well and I didn't feel like I needed more, even though more would be nice ;)
-Yogagal

My initial reaction:

I want some fluffy pink indica, stat! So tender, the timeline and how slow he takes it w her, wanting to earn her trust. Fuckhot stoner artist... yes please. I'm curious to find out who wrote this bc it definitely had a distinctive style/voice. And music references are win - when they see each other they hear Bob Marley!!

Candy From Strangers by Chicklette

(2nd Place, Public Vote)

Official Description: "This weekend, I will kiss a boy. I will drink alcohol…I will do everything that Bella Swan never does. I might even take candy from a stranger." Entry for the High Times Contest

My initial reaction from reading it:

I love it when it feels like a fic was made just for me! Going to her first show, Bella is a fantastic narrator because we get to experience this thru her awe-filled eyes. "Is it just me, or does everything seem amazing today?"

Plus, the author totally taps into those teenage girl feelings of wanting to feel wanted, and wanting to experience the romantic ideals, wanting to be someone else for a day. The description of the pretty people sitting behind her: "I want to be these people, be inside of them, and laugh with them at jokes made at my expense. They all look so...easy."

Bella's inner monologue as she's high is delicious. The description of experiencing the music + dancing = living... the author clearly goes to shows and knows what it's like.

Review by Rochelle Allison:

Bella attends an outdoor concert with friends, meets Edward, and smokes for the first time. She also has her first kiss (and then some) that night, and although she has to return to “reality" the next afternoon, she’s a different person now that she’s experienced Edward.

I loved this. It had a sweet, dreamy cadence that completely fit the scene described.

There was a certain sense if serendipity, like when you have a feeling something amazing is going to happen and then it totally does. The chemistry between Edward and Bella, as well as the way they reconnected much later on, left me wishing there was more to the story; the overall bittersweet yearning sort of transferred over to me as the reader. But, while I wanted more, it was excellent as a one shot.

Rochelle Allison

Racerback by Zigster

(3rd Place, Public Vote)

Official Description: "As I watch him do the breast stroke through the choppy morning waters, I almost want to be in his place. What would it be like to be so alone?" AH/AU Ed, Jas and pot cookies. Entry for the High Times Contest

My initial thoughts:

SO WELL WRITTEN - I can't wait to find out who wrote this fucking great story!!!

Review by AG:

Racerback is an awesome 3-shot novella about Edward, popular athlete, and Jasper, the social pariah of school. Zigster really sets this story well, on the coast of the pacific, where both Edward and Jasper commonly swim and surf. When Jasper needs saving during a swim, Edward swoops in and bring him to shore, thus beginning their friendship.

Edward comes off as an overachiever of sorts, and feels a lot of pressure to please his father and live up to his peers. Laid back Jasper is totally opposite, having been shunned by the student body long ago, and watching their polarity was interesting and fun.

The marijuana-related aspect to this would be Jasper's trademark pot-cookies. He carries them around and sells them to classmates and faculty alike. Since Edward's got a bit of a stick up his ass, he's never tried pot, but reluctantly gives in when Jasper offers. This is when Edward begins to loosen up a bit. The sexual tension here kind of sneaks up on you. You realize it's there for Edward, but you don’t feel it yourself until it explodes, and Zigster... good lord. She writes good kisses, I'm just saying._

All authors and their titles:

Until I Got High by Samie James Bait
Only 98 Percent Effective by Lexiecullen17
A Higher Power by SoapyMayhem
Gateway by eyesopenwide
The Treehouse by Wordslinger
Candy From Strangers by Chicklette
Racerback by Zigster
Black Rose by alotmoreofmagic
Let’s Get Heavy by Givemehotknives
Beautiful by duhitsangie
Weekend At Longmeadow by winterstale & viola cornuta
In Case of Emergency by araeo
La Beep Beep by Yellowglue

Fanfic My Fanfic, read, vote and enjoy!

The entries for the Fanfic My Fanfic contest are up on FFnet!

http://www.fanfiction.net/~FanficMyFanfic

The poll we are using for the public vote is also there, on our FFnet profile page. You'll be asked for your top 3 picks from the contest entries, so read them all and then go vote!!

Voting will be open until March 20th.

How can you not say something?

How can you look outside at what's happening in the world and *not* say something? 

I posted a twitlonger. There was drama. I deleted it bc creating fandom drama was not my intention. 

Though I use my @AltheaJams twitter for pretty much only Twific-related tweets, I still follow a variety of other kinds of people. Including some Democrats.

Someone in my feed was blaming the "Sarah Palin 2012" Party for our (the Dems) woes and I felt the need to point out that we (the Dems) need to take responsibility for not being able to get our own message out. 

My team's getting our ass kicked, not because we're wrong, but bc the other team is more effective at carrying their message to the people. That's all I was saying.

I know there are Twilight people in my feed that want no part of politics entering into their fandom world so the tweet clearly said "This is a political rant. Don't want, don't read." so they could skip right over it and continue on w their day.

I don't want to keep what I wrote on my twitter feed where it might perpetuate drama, so I'm pasting it here and you can judge for yourself. So that's the story. Read it, don't read it - you're the best person to determine what kind of information you want to encounter. This is a Democrat's political rant, speaking to other Democrats. If this is going to cast a negative shadow on your day, don't read it.

~o~

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On Wednesday 9th March 2011, @AltheaJams said:

Once again, This is going to be a political rant. Don't want? Don't read. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I don't even blame the people who've been suckered in by the Tea Bagging Party bullshit. The American people are generally good, and are just trying to do the right thing.

I blame my Democratic Party for being completely incapable of articulating their message.

When you're doing the right thing, you don't have to hide behind your vote. The onus is on you to get out front and explain to the people *why* this is the right thing. And here's the thing: you need to explain it well enough so that the people agree, and then take on your rally cry as their own.

Democrats, you don't have to apologize for having opposing views. You have to find a way to explain why your views are the right views. WE protect the working man, WE are trying to help the people who are struggling due to lost jobs and lack of healthcare. Yet these are the people who are conned by the Republicans EVERY DAY. They are sneaky, I mean savvy enough to convince these people that the Republican party is working in their interests, and not completely in the pockets of industries like oil and fighting daily for the rights of billionaires.

Stop worrying about being re-elected and STAND UP FOR MY RIGHTS. That's what we pay you for in the first place.

And as for as the attempted repeal of the health care bill -- they're trying to steamroll over you because they know they can. Hell, I know they can. Are you going to let them? Or are you going to stand up and shout about why repealing this bill is a political play that will ultimately hurt the millions of people who desperately need this bill to exist.

If you can't hold this ground, Democratic congress people, don't even worry about re-election because you will have proven that you are impotent and therefore NOT GOOD FOR THE JOB.

- written by a proud Democrat who wants to see the Democratic Party grow some balls and hire a new PR/marketing strategist

...

. . . Looking back on January & February

Hai there, bloggerinos!
It's been awhile.

I decided to combine my retrospect of January and February because I read shamefully few fics in January. And why have I been unable to read (you know, that thing I love to do that makes me happy, but I've been too busy to do, not that I'm at all bitter)...

Been bustin my tush working on this contest:

But here are the fics that I've read and enjoyed over the past couple months.

I Wept Not by ArcadianMaggie

COMPLETE VampSlash, y'all!

Official Description: Jasper is a war weary soldier burdened by the weight of eternity. Edward is an uncomplicated high school student content to hide his sexuality. Together can Jasper find something to live for and Edward discover some things are worth dying for? J/E Slash

This is an interesting back and forth storytelling of Jasper's vampire life with Maria and Peter (expanding her territory, killing newborns that are past their due, and celebrating post-fights with sexy vamp threesomes), and Edward's life in Forks as a human closeted gay teen who's in love with his best friend Mike and using new girl Bella as his beard (her idea).


They find their way to each other and face challenges that pull from canon. An epic story that is creative and unexpected at every turn. It's a straight up must read for us VampSlash freaks.

Of Kith and Kin by Chicklette

COMPLETE

Official Description: "The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love, and be loved in return." -Nat King Cole. This story is about that. AH, Canon pairings.


LOVED THIS! great story of a surrogate Bella who grew up with the Cullens as Alice's best friend. Been in love w Edward forever. Perfectly woven with flashbacks that fill in mystery of what the hell happened that caused them to no longer be together. The best part - it's not some gratuitous tragedy, just humans being their flawed selves.

The Sharpest Lives by lvtwilight09

WIP

Official Description: 5 yrs after Edward left, the Cullens find Bella. She is no longer who they knew her to be and has managed to destroy her life with the choices she's made. Can Edward manage to save Bella from herself before its too late?


I was looking for a "look at Bella's self destruction following her abandonment by the Cullens" kind of fic, and this totally fit the bill. I've been drawn into this story by the author who is so much fun to interact with - she updates twice a week and always responds to reviews and includes teasers of the next chapter. I'm really enjoying following this tale, especially after recently watching Kristen in Meet the Rileys, which gave me the perfect visual for this Bella.

I highly rec the following HEART HAPPY fics

Suspicions: The Tale of the Maybe Vampire by IrishLoveForever

WIP

Official Description: Geeky Bella has a theory. She suspects that popular Edward Cullen is not who he claims to be. Are her crazy speculations true or will she be left feeling foolish? Most importantly, how far is she willing to go to prove herself accurate? OOC


One of the things I love the most... 14 chaps in and I still don't know if it's Vamp or AH!


This Bella is so like Edward from Love in My Box -- in the best way possible -- taking everything around her so ridiculously literally. I liked Edward's mention of Don Quixote and his flawed thinking that turned windmills into monsters in his mind. And Jacob is so adorably wrapped around Bella's finger. Every chapter just makes my heart happy.

Blame it On Rio by DoUTrustMe

WIP

Official Description: Bella wakes up to find a penis inside her vagina. Imagine her surprise when she finds out to whom it's attached. AU.AH.


I've been meaning to read since forever, and it totally lived up to the hype! Alice "accidentally" schedules Bella to stay at Isle Esme at the same time as Edward. I love this CEO Edward and journalist-turned-coffee-jockey Bella. She humiliates herself at every turn and he gives her shit left and right. I love her idea for a scatter plot app for Edward's PLUM, that rates the humiliation factor of her shenanigans.

He is technically still engaged to movie star Tanya, which is what sparks her plan...
Operation Gigantor: Phase I.

Straight up brilliant.

Just One of the Boys by TKegl

WIP

Official Description: Bella's dying to break into the music biz, but is thwarted at every turn. When boy band 5Point holds open auditions, it could be her big chance. Of course, first she has to convince them she's a boy… AND hide her huge crush on the dreamy lead singer.


Only 6 chaps in and I'm not sure how often she updates it, but it was definitely cute! The dynamic between the band members is fantastic and the tension of her deception creates a sense of suspense. I want more of my boys!


EDIT: It does update! And this last one was chock full of interesting turns. Have I mentioned that I love these boys?




<3