Author Topic: DF Spoilers Reference child board  (Read 12595 times)

Offline Serack

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Re: DF Spoilers Reference child board
« Reply #15 on: June 01, 2012, 07:52:14 PM »
In general, I am quite impressed with Elegast's efforts.  He hasn't been on the forums long, yet he's done a very good job of foraging through the various theories (old and new) and putting his own spin on things.  It's always interesting to read his posts.

Specifically regarding re-formatting - I very much agree. I'll go a step further and actually say that I would prefer a write-up from a different author (specifically not the originator of the theory - I personally find that I can get very defensive of my own theories, and have to work hard to remain impartial).

Personally, I find a well edited theory is much easier to follow and appreciate than a block of text.  Even better is one that includes chapter and WoJ references within the OP, but just the formatting is a big deal.

Edit:  Also, I want to see the origonal theorizer's work archived because I want to see that their ego is stoked thus encouraging them to do more great theorizing/reference work. 

That's right I actually had selfish motivations when I complimented your PG thread  8)
« Last Edit: June 01, 2012, 07:55:57 PM by Serack »
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Offline knnn

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Re: DF Spoilers Reference child board
« Reply #16 on: June 01, 2012, 08:56:38 PM »
Personally, I find a well edited theory is much easier to follow and appreciate than a block of text.  Even better is one that includes chapter and WoJ references within the OP, but just the formatting is a big deal.

Agreed.  If this thing ever become reality, I would very much want to see a "suggested methods for formatting" sticky, complete with different colors for books quotes, WoJ's, etc.

Edit:  Also, I want to see the origonal theorizer's work archived because I want to see that their ego is stoked thus encouraging them to do more great theorizing/reference work. 

That's right I actually had selfish motivations when I complimented your PG thread  8)

I will admit to my ego having been stroked by that compliment, so I will give that.  That said, I feel that prominent attribution of the theory (and proper representation of the details) would go quite a long way.  I have no problem linking (or copy-pasting) the original post at the bottom.

............
Question:

If I started a "theory of the week" thread as I suggested above, would it be reasonable to expect that the re-formated OP of the thread (only the first post) would make it into the FAQ board to a TOW thread (assuming of course that it is informative enough and faithfully attributes all contributions)?  I'm seriously considering trying this out for a couple of weeks to see how well it works, but wanted to have reasonable assurances that the final products would make it somewhere relatively permanent.  If the answer is yes, I'd take some time to write up a few of the OPs in advance to have material for a few weeks.

Current theory list:
- Duck's "Mab fixed Chicago"
- Neuro's "Outsider Scarecrow" (probably at least referencing some of Elegast's combinations).
- Neuro's "Cowl never meant to do Darkhallow"
- "Mab's plan for SmF" - this one is mine, so I would try to get someone else to do it.
- "Molly abducted by Mab" - again, mine (it's almost a year old, so it will be deleted soon).
- Your Doyalist analysis of PG and the possible time-travel implications.
- HHWB summoning -- multiple.
- Lash's story (you plus a few others).

In addition, I thought I could use the thread to do something like "Theory building-blocks for XXX" for each of the books.  Basically, it would be a chance for people to point out oddities/discrepancies/whatever that they noticed in their read-through that might help others come up with something.

Example:

Building blocks for GP would include things like (each with a short description of possible uses in a theory):

- Lea bargaining for Michael's son
- Lea burning Thomas with a kiss
- No Summer representative at Bianca's party
- What happened to Siriothrax's hoard?
- Bob knows how to find paths in the NN to Bianca's basement.
- The NN around Harry's apartment.
- The fabric of the NN is getting weaker (per Mort).
- Is Lydia's vision complete?
- Holy water burns Reds and ghouls (is this the only proof we have?)


This list in itself should generate enough weekly threads for the next few months.  We could then either take each of the OPs for the "theories" FAQ thread, or use them as a whole as a seed for the new board.
 
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Offline Serack

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Re: DF Spoilers Reference child board
« Reply #17 on: June 01, 2012, 09:27:09 PM »
This is all hypothetical right now. 

In my current concept, even if I were to be given "Curator" duties, I might just use the same nomination process for my favorite "Lash" theory as everyone else.  The idea hasn't completely crystallized, however, I am sure that there will be a decent volume of re-postings of old theories, and it is likely that a lot of them will be redundant.

So in this concept, if there were 7 other LC theories that got nominated within the first month, and they have a lot of overlap in the idea's they cover, but the differences are significant to justify more than X to be ported over, then we open a poll for LC topics giving X votes, and then letting the voters chose the X topics that should be ported over.

The Curators would be deciding the groupings, and what X is I guess.

Other Curator Duties would include nipping derailed convo's, maintaining the nomination sticky refresh process poll creation process, maintaining any resource threads they created, and end up getting ported over, and assisting in maintaining resource threads where the OP expresses willingness to let the curators play in his/her sand box.  I can understand some possessiveness over some of these, I wouldn't dream of editing Prisc's timeline thread without explicit approval from her, and I was really worried about stepping on Tiracakes' toes when I created a new interview master list (This uneasiness was alleviated when I actually met her at the 2011 DC signing and found out that she was happy with my work :))
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Offline Priscellie

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Re: DF Spoilers Reference child board
« Reply #18 on: June 01, 2012, 10:12:07 PM »
Okay, let's get this project rolling!

I'm going to poke Fred and request that the new boards be set up.  In the most basic permissions terms:

The Dresden Files Spoilers Reference collection: (alternately, The Curated Theory Board?)
-- Either a sub-board of the Spoilers section or a board in the FAQ?  I prefer putting it under FAQ.
-- Only curators (and mods) can create new topics.  Anyone can post in these topics.
-- Curators can edit others' posts, split off OT posts to keep the threads pruned, merge threads, etc, though they may only edit posts with the OP's permission.  This board will run on courtesy, respect, and constructive behavior.  Abuse of these tools will result in loss of Curator status.
-- Threads do not expire

Sekrit Curator Discussion Forum:
-- Only visible to Mods and Curators.  This is where they discuss sekrit curator schemes and plot to take over Quebec.

At the beginning, Serack and knnn will be our Curators.  More Curators will be added over time as forumites prove themselves worthy of the honor.


Does that reflect your understanding of the basic board architecture?  Can I send this on to Fred?

Offline Serack

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Re: DF Spoilers Reference child board
« Reply #19 on: June 02, 2012, 01:39:54 AM »
Okay, let's get this project rolling!

I'm going to poke Fred and request that the new boards be set up.  In the most basic permissions terms:

The Dresden Files Spoilers Reference collection: (alternately, The Curated Theory Board?)

If it isn't limited to DF, we need to dragoon M.E.  I always envisioned this being a good home for things like the timeline, which isn't exactly a "Theory" but what I would call a "Reference"

-- Either a sub-board of the Spoilers section or a board in the FAQ?  I prefer putting it under FAQ.

I'm cool with it being in the FAQ section.  Maybe it could supplant the current spoilers FAQ.

-- Only curators (and mods) can create new topics.  Anyone can post in these topics.

I suppose we could work out these kinds of details between topics on taking over Quebec, but will the Admin's be supportive of porting over topics from the Spoilers section?

-- Curators can edit others' posts, split off OT posts to keep the threads pruned, merge threads, etc, though they may only edit posts with the OP's permission.  This board will run on courtesy, respect, and constructive behavior.  Abuse of these tools will result in loss of Curator status.
-- Threads do not expire

Sekrit Curator Discussion Forum:
-- Only visible to Mods and Curators.  This is where they discuss sekrit curator schemes and plot to take over Quebec.

At the beginning, Serack and knnn will be our Curators.  More Curators will be added over time as forumites prove themselves worthy of the honor.


Does that reflect your understanding of the basic board architecture?  Can I send this on to Fred?

Architecture yah, although there are plenty of details that can probably be hashed skemed out after it gets created when it comes to managing it.  Maybe port this topic over there after that section is created.
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Offline Priscellie

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Re: DF Spoilers Reference child board
« Reply #20 on: June 02, 2012, 02:00:01 AM »
If it isn't limited to DF, we need to dragoon M.E.  I always envisioned this being a good home for things like the timeline, which isn't exactly a "Theory" but what I would call a "Reference"

When I pitched the idea to the Mods and Bartenders, he said he wouldn't have time to contribute, but who are we kidding?  M.E. totally gets Curator status, even if he never uses it.  Because he will use it.  It is his nature. :D

And yeah, probably best to indicate the series, so we can keep any Alera reference topics separate from any Steampunk reference topics, when the time comes.  "DF Spoilers Reference Collection" works!

Quote
I'm cool with it being in the FAQ section.  Maybe it could supplant the current spoilers FAQ.

Heck yeah.  The current spoilers FAQ is pretty anemic and sad.

Quote
I suppose we could work out these kinds of details between topics on taking over Quebec, but will the Admin's be supportive of porting over topics from the Spoilers section?

Yep.  That's how you're running WOJ right now, right?  Mods or Admins port topics from Spoilers, then Curators work their sexy magic.

Offline Serack

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Re: DF Spoilers Reference child board
« Reply #21 on: June 14, 2012, 01:39:19 PM »
Um.  There is more than one post (Here's an example) that was posted in the ramp up to the GS release that are due for autodelete, that I strongly want to nominate for archival in this section...

Time is becoming a factor.
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Offline Priscellie

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Re: DF Spoilers Reference child board
« Reply #22 on: June 14, 2012, 04:00:34 PM »
Um.  There is more than one post (Here's an example) that was posted in the ramp up to the GS release that are due for autodelete, that I strongly want to nominate for archival in this section...

Time is becoming a factor.

Thanks for the warning.  I've moved it to the Display Case in the Bar for the time being.  When the new board is created, I'll move it there, so the Curators can properly enshrine it.  I have a map for Myke Cole due tomorrow, and it's been eating all my brainspace. :D

What are some of the other saveworthy, at-risk-for-deletion topics?

Offline knnn

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Re: DF Spoilers Reference child board
« Reply #23 on: June 14, 2012, 04:16:58 PM »
Thanks for the warning.  I've moved it to the Display Case in the Bar for the time being.  When the new board is created, I'll move it there, so the Curators can properly enshrine it.  I have a map for Myke Cole due tomorrow, and it's been eating all my brainspace. :D

What are some of the other saveworthy, at-risk-for-deletion topics?

There are some of Serack's coming up (next month or so), though I think he has archived at least the OP himself.

http://www.jimbutcheronline.com/bb/index.php/topic,27028.0.html - A list of times Harry heard voices in his head.
http://www.jimbutcheronline.com/bb/index.php/topic,27090.0.html - Lash theory
http://www.jimbutcheronline.com/bb/index.php/topic,27267.0.html - Specualtion on Demonreach
http://www.jimbutcheronline.com/bb/index.php/topic,26613.0.html - List of powerups
« Last Edit: June 14, 2012, 04:20:00 PM by knnn »
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Offline Serack

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Re: DF Spoilers Reference child board
« Reply #24 on: June 14, 2012, 07:28:30 PM »
There are some of Serack's coming up (next month or so), though I think he has archived at least the OP himself.

http://www.jimbutcheronline.com/bb/index.php/topic,27028.0.html - A list of times Harry heard voices in his head.
http://www.jimbutcheronline.com/bb/index.php/topic,27090.0.html - Lash theory
http://www.jimbutcheronline.com/bb/index.php/topic,27267.0.html - Specualtion on Demonreach
http://www.jimbutcheronline.com/bb/index.php/topic,26613.0.html - List of powerups

Wow I had forgotten that I had written that voices topic.  I actually started a much more thorough version during my latest reread earlier this year...  if that one gets archived I might do some serious revision.

That Powerups topic was a lot of fun to write and organize.
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Re: DF Spoilers Reference child board
« Reply #25 on: June 14, 2012, 07:40:41 PM »
Wow I had forgotten that I had written that voices topic.  I actually started a much more thorough version during my latest reread earlier this year...  if that one gets archived I might do some serious revision.

That Powerups topic was a lot of fun to write and organize.

Temporarily moved to the Display Case!  Thanks!

Offline Electric MacButters

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Re: DF Spoilers Reference child board
« Reply #26 on: June 15, 2012, 02:39:46 AM »
I went looking and found a few theories that are due to expire in a month or less:

http://www.jimbutcheronline.com/bb/index.php/topic,26893.0/topicseen.html
http://www.jimbutcheronline.com/bb/index.php/topic,26905.0.html
http://www.jimbutcheronline.com/bb/index.php/topic,26888.0.html
http://www.jimbutcheronline.com/bb/index.php/topic,26976.0.html
http://www.jimbutcheronline.com/bb/index.php/topic,27034.0.html
http://www.jimbutcheronline.com/bb/index.php/topic,27096.0.html
http://www.jimbutcheronline.com/bb/index.php/topic,26872.0.html

I don't think there are any duplicates with what has already been posted.  I just went looking for any old threads I could find that the OP postulated a theory with any sort of references to the books for evidence.

I leave it to the curators to decide if any of them have merit.
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Offline Priscellie

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Re: DF Spoilers Reference child board
« Reply #27 on: June 15, 2012, 05:13:05 AM »
I went looking and found a few theories that are due to expire in a month or less:

http://www.jimbutcheronline.com/bb/index.php/topic,26893.0/topicseen.html
http://www.jimbutcheronline.com/bb/index.php/topic,26905.0.html
http://www.jimbutcheronline.com/bb/index.php/topic,26888.0.html
http://www.jimbutcheronline.com/bb/index.php/topic,26976.0.html
http://www.jimbutcheronline.com/bb/index.php/topic,27034.0.html
http://www.jimbutcheronline.com/bb/index.php/topic,27096.0.html
http://www.jimbutcheronline.com/bb/index.php/topic,26872.0.html

I don't think there are any duplicates with what has already been posted.  I just went looking for any old threads I could find that the OP postulated a theory with any sort of references to the books for evidence.

I leave it to the curators to decide if any of them have merit.

Thanks!  Serack and knnn, what say you?

Offline Serack

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Re: DF Spoilers Reference child board
« Reply #28 on: June 15, 2012, 12:51:57 PM »
I went looking and found a few theories that are due to expire in a month or less:

http://www.jimbutcheronline.com/bb/index.php/topic,26893.0/topicseen.html
http://www.jimbutcheronline.com/bb/index.php/topic,26905.0.html
http://www.jimbutcheronline.com/bb/index.php/topic,26888.0.html
http://www.jimbutcheronline.com/bb/index.php/topic,26976.0.html
http://www.jimbutcheronline.com/bb/index.php/topic,27034.0.html
http://www.jimbutcheronline.com/bb/index.php/topic,27096.0.html
http://www.jimbutcheronline.com/bb/index.php/topic,26872.0.html

I don't think there are any duplicates with what has already been posted.  I just went looking for any old threads I could find that the OP postulated a theory with any sort of references to the books for evidence.

I leave it to the curators to decide if any of them have merit.

Thanks!  Serack and knnn, what say you?

I'm looking through them.  I will comment on these as topics that should be shelved to avoid their autodeletion until we set up the official process to decide if they belong in the reference section.


I think most might be worth shelving until we can sift them through the eventual "official process."  Criteria I am giving weight to are:

  • The OP actually making interesting/supported conclusions (Theories) that invoke discussion. T
  • The OP consolidating enough info about the intended subject to make the topic a good reference for others that might want to make conclusions (R)
  • Formatting (F)
  • Discussion in follow up posts (D)
Actually, this just got me thinking.  When this reference board is born, I expect there to be an index sticky.  Incorporated into the index, there could be a brief review of each theory done by the curators (possibly with input from anyone else) along these lines:  6T, 4R, 4F, 2D Where the number is a scale from 1 to 10 and T, R, F, and D are described above.  We could even have multiple curator reviews on the same topic that are color coded based on which curator contributed them (or if they are croud sourced, which could also have an incorporated link to the source).  This might even encourage OP's to increase their Formatting score, or allow others to contribute formating edits that they incorporate.  The "D" score is intended to let a potential viewer know how important following up on the pages of discussion might be.  Curators might add links to the end of the OP to significant posts in the replies section. 

It should be mentioned that many great OP's that deserve to be in the reference section will have either a low "T score" or "R score" by their very nature.

Origins of the Three Eye drug. 3T, 1R, 1F, ?D
Harry and chaos (Spoilers plus a theory) 3T, 5R, 5F, 2?D
Who told Monica Sells? 5T, 4R, 4F, 5?D
Timeline for Changes 1T, 6R, 4F, 1D
Topics that you think are a /big deal/ (reference thread) most of these links are dead.  don't archive this, I have what I need from it already archived (It's my topic).
The Answer(hopefully) to Who Fixed Little Chicago Archive this! I'll review it later.
Discontinuity = clue? [GS sample ch spoilers] This has lost a lot of it's significance post GS release.  I will probably personally archive it tomorrow, with the intent of possibly making a seperate reference topic of all the identified apparent "discontinuities" as long as I can do it in a way that doesn't set Shecky off like a yipping lap dog (tall order).

TYVM EMcB for doing this.  I started doing this but got distracted by the urge to rewrite the Mouse Origin topic, and to write a topic encouraging actions like yours and encourage others to make new/revised theory/reference topics.
« Last Edit: June 15, 2012, 12:54:07 PM by Serack »
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Offline Priscellie

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Re: DF Spoilers Reference child board
« Reply #29 on: June 15, 2012, 03:59:26 PM »
Serack, you are amazing.

Temporarily shelving all indicated threads in the Display Case.