Words from the Streetz: The Writers Guild of MDV is on Strike!? - by Streetz

[Streetz]

This thread is reserved for the dicussion of the following article:

http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0309.htm

Please read it, enjoy it and discuss it here.

What did you like about the article? Was it inspiring, informational, ingenius? Was it inappropriate? Was there anything you really liked or didn't like about it?

Let the author know here!

Thanks!

**NOTE: This thread is posted before the article goes live. If the article isn't up yet, please check back later.

[Oblivion]

Uh, John, isn't it a bit early for April Fools?

I found the article ingenious but somewhat inappropriate. Because I don't get what on earth is going on.

[Streetz]

Oblivion - if only that was the case.

[Barachem]

This sucks big time.
Do you know why they are on strike?
And could you please ask them to post some explanations here, as they not only have responsibility to bear to you, but also to us, the visitors of MDV.
Thanks in advance.

Edit: Aha, now i know.
That's really nice of you writers to go on strike.
Honestly, begging/demanding for feedback from the readers will not work out.
Asking is another thing, but striking because of little to no feedback is daft.
It's like me stopping to post because i get too little feedback on my posts.
Stop being so selfish and start writing again, because you committed to Streetz and are in fact punishing him the most.
As for me, the reason i give next to no feedback on articles is because i either don't care much for the subject or cannot find much to comment to warrant a post [a.k.a. avoiding spam].

I understand the need for feedback, but forcing people will only make you stand in a bad light.
And either MDV will cease to exist as it is because people will just keep away or new writers will come and fill your places, but either way your demand won't be met.

[Tresserhorn]

I've read the article as I do most of them. not sure why I don't post more often and for that writters of MDV, I am sorry.

I understand how it feels to put alot of work into something and not know how it was taken, if taken at all.

[Kamahl's Disciple]

Honestly, if money isn't their real concern, then all I see coming from them is a blatant show of disrespect and wrongful attention seeking. I mean, as far as I know, they were doing this because they wanted to, because its fun and maybe they can open a few eyes or two. Even if they get little feedback, its still feedback and it still proves that hundreds upon hundreds of people still read their articles.

I suppose I will just put in my two cents here and there for now on just so they can get their little robbed sense of satisfaction. I had a lot of respect for these guys, and if they can't seem to try and seek attention from some major people in other ways (There are other options then just the MDV, I am very sure you could do a lot your own advertising yourself, or at least hire a person, or even ask a friend for help.) then that's tough luck for them and not being so resourceful.

I feel your pain Streetz, I really hope this little squabble resolves in your benefit, and if it doesn't I will still come visit this site for all the valuable information it holds. If it was me, I'd just tell them to go climb a wall of dicks.

Anyways, good luck.

[Ryuzaki]

@:barachem and disciple, both your points aren't valid at all.

As Tynion said, "Why write if no one will give us feedback?" They already asked for more comments. Have you not noticed when Streetz posts an article his posts are different? He asks for people to comment on the article, what you liked, disliked. It used to be just "here's an article, talk or whatever." Now it's, Discuss interesting points, what could be used to improve, let the author know here! I've read enough articles to see his change in posting them, and how they have already asked for change.

Asking didn't work though, so now they are trying a strike . This sentence strikes me odd, "Stop being so selfish and start writing again." as hypocritical. Stop being selfish and do what I want, write again! I take it you haven't heard of how effective strikes are, also if you want them to write again, why not try to post a comment? Avoiding spam is one thing, but saying you enjoyed it for this reason is not, it's not hard to post a comment that's on topic.

You two aren't understanding what feedback is, and confuse it with attention-seeking. Did you read the article? I think you did, maybe try reading it again. If you ask nicely, which they have already done and it's not working, what do they do? How do they improve writing if no one comments on feedback? You two say you had respect and liked the articles, yet I do not see either of you saying this before the strike, and not making comments.

I do say "Look whose calling the kettle black." might work on you two. You haven't commented on articles really that I've seen, I've commented on most of them so far. Why you insult them, instead of seeing why the writer's are upset is beyond me, but hopefully you learn something from this post. I'm sure if you were in their position, you wouldn't like someone saying what you two are, it's very upsetting.

[Oblivion]

Get it now. And am seriously pissed.

I mean, what the hell? You guys wanna blow your tops off just because people stopped saying "Dude great article" everytime? It doesn't have to be that way. People can appreciate a well written article regardless of whether they actually post a positive comment. The number of decks I have built thanks to people like Tynion and Cashew are too many to count. But do go "OMG dat wuz !337!" evertime? Writers write because they want to. Because it gives them pleasure. Because they want to spread they're knowledge to all those around them. Not for the fame.

You were not obligated to Streetz to become a writer initially, but when you did, you took on a responsibility. To him and the forum. That means, to us. If you feel that you do not have time to write articles regularly, do it like Amadeus, where he posts his thoughts on the forum when he can and people discuss, but they aren't full-out articles. I have many things to write about, but little time, so I simply post. Its better not to take a responsibility, then to take up one and the fail.

I am truly disappointed with you lot. I really am. No amount of justification will EVER put this right. Why? Because you aren't being paid for it. There is no violation of human rights. Its just about you wanting to contribute to a community you love.

Edit: I fully expect to get owned for this, but whatever, I stand by my grounds

[Maleficent]

Isn't it ironic how this article is getting a lot of feedback? Now then, was it really that hard?

Firstly, I strongly suggest that you actually read what Tynion has to say, and understand it, before making your comments.

As a Guild member, I know how hard it is on these guys when they have to deal with life, family, work, etc., and they still put forth great effort in giving you guys quality articles... and for what? Getting no decent feedback is basically equivalent to people not reading at all (as far as they know - feedback is all they can go off of), and if the articles aren't being read, what's the point in writing them? Especially with how much work they put into them - writing and reviewing and rough editing and final editing and re-writing when necessary (it's not a quick and easy process).

If you read what Tynion wrote (heh... irony FTW again) you will understand this. They feel under appreciated for their consistant hard work and dedication, and for how long? Years?

If it was me, I'd just tell them to go climb a wall of dicks.

And [censored] *comments like this help how? Learn some respect, kid. These guys have been working their hind-ends off for this site, with no added benefits, and for ungrateful [censored] *people like you to boot. What exactly have you done? I'm sure you must have done something grand, speaking words like that, but I'm afraid I don't know what it is. Care to enlighten us?

Originally Posted by Tresserhorn

I've read the article as I do most of them. not sure why I don't post more often and for that writters of MDV, I am sorry.

I understand how it feels to put alot of work into something and not know how it was taken, if taken at all.

At least someone understands -_- thanks, Tress. Order members FTW? *looks at Oblivion* then again, your rank, and Ryu's, are higher than Oblivion's

[Oblivion]

Eh, rank has nothing to do with this. My take on this is somewhat different. Ask Ryu/CJS. We're negotiating it now. Order still wins.

[Maleficent]

You're right, it's just a funny fact for the kids

[Barachem]

Originally Posted by Ryuzaki

@:barachem and disciple, both your points aren't valid at all.

As Tynion said, "Why write if no one will give us feedback?" They already asked for more comments. Have you not noticed when Streetz posts an article his posts are different? He asks for people to comment on the article, what you liked, disliked. It used to be just "here's an article, talk or whatever." Now it's, Discuss interesting points, what could be used to improve, let the author know here! I've read enough articles to see his change in posting them, and how they have already asked for change.

Have you really read what i wrote about why i nearly seldom react to articles?

And why write if no one will give feedback?
Because even if there is no feedback, the articles will impact someone.
And you declare that you do give feedback on most articles, so while there is little feedback, there is feedback.
I would be disappointed as a writer, but still would do what i do or if too discouraged, just take my leave.
Striking isn't an option for me, as it will only produce strife between writers and members and between members and members, like currently is the case.

Originally Posted by Ryuzaki

Asking didn't work though, so now they are trying a strike . This sentence strikes me odd, "Stop being so selfish and start writing again." as hypocritical. Stop being selfish and do what I want, write again! I take it you haven't heard of how effective strikes are, also if you want them to write again, why not try to post a comment? Avoiding spam is one thing, but saying you enjoyed it for this reason is not, it's not hard to post a comment that's on topic.

Am i asking for myself or the other readers?
NO!
I am demanding for Streetz and the whole of MDV, because personally i don't really care as i normally read more interesting articles on other sites.
The other writers posing a strike and making the audience out as bad guys not giving what they out to give is selfish, daft and will alienate their audience.
They originally wanted to write articles and now they're disappointed that few people react/give feedback to to their articles and thus go on a strike.
Maybe it's a sign to change the style or maybe it's a sign that everything is alright, i don't know.

Originally Posted by Ryuzaki

You two aren't understanding what feedback is, and confuse it with attention-seeking. Did you read the article? I think you did, maybe try reading it again. If you ask nicely, which they have already done and it's not working, what do they do? How do they improve writing if no one comments on feedback? You two say you had respect and liked the articles, yet I do not see either of you saying this before the strike, and not making comments.

I never wrote that i had respect or that i liked the articles.
Honestly, i respect the work going in to the articles and i do like some of them, but just like with articles on other sites, i'd rather give feedback on the content [which i seldomly do] or just shut up if i don't know what to write.

Originally Posted by Ryuzaki

I do say "Look whose calling the kettle black." might work on you two. You haven't commented on articles really that I've seen, I've commented on most of them so far. Why you insult them, instead of seeing why the writer's are upset is beyond me, but hopefully you learn something from this post. I'm sure if you were in their position, you wouldn't like someone saying what you two are, it's very upsetting.

Won't work on me.
They offered to write articles and they decided to strike because of lack of feedback, that's their decision, .
While i do see that the community, me and disciple, don't give much feedback, it is not our self-appointed duty to do so.
On the other hand the writers did self-appoint writing articles, as far as i know they weren't forced to that.
Thus striking is stupid and destructive for their cause.

Anyway, i don't really care, i only feel sorry for Streetz.

[Ryuzaki]

Insulting MDV by saying you go to "more interesting" places just makes you look like a jerk. Saying how you don't care, yet keep posting makes you look stupid. If you don't care, then leave and never come back.

If no one gives feedback, how do they know it impacted someone?

Your not even worth the insults or the infractions I would receive for displaying the truth of your character.

Enough said, someone who thinks please give some feedback to the strike.

[Maleficent]

EDIT: Ninja'd, arrgh

And why write if no one will give feedback?
Because even if there is no feedback, the articles will impact someone.

How do you know this?

I would be disappointed as a writer, but still would do what i do or if too discouraged, just take my leave.

That's exactly what's going on.... They are discouraged as a whole, but they aren't all going to just leave. So really, striking is better than ditching. If the problems can be mended, they will return. Simple, no?

I am demanding for Streetz and the whole of MDV, because personally i don't really care as i normally read more interesting articles on other sites.

More insults... why are you here? Posting in this thread, I mean.

The other writers posing a strike and making the audience out as bad guys not giving what they out to give is selfish, daft and will alienate their audience.

That's not what's going on at all. Read, please.

Overall, I declare Krap Logick, in the name of Korlash!

Enough said, someone who thinks please give some feedback to the strike.

It is not a pleasant thing, but I support my fellow writers. I've had similar problems within the Guild since I started (conflict of interest), and nearly quit writing because of it. But the Order was there for me, and I persevered

Anyway, perhaps the lack of feedback means the writers need to be more interesting? Like, more flair and on-the-edge stuff? I don't know.

[Barachem]

Originally Posted by Ryuzaki

Insulting MDV by saying you go to "more interesting" places just makes you look like a jerk.

So, shall i lie then?
Shall i say that i love all articles and can't post anything because i'm stupified by their sheer magnificiency then when clearly i see reasonable to good articles that don't interest me because they are don't lie in the subjects of my interest?
I do have that much respect for the writers that i don't fake things and am honest and if you think that makes me a jerk, then so be it.
I am one who likes to read more "theoretical" articles, yet seldomly comment on those either, do you see the trend?

Originally Posted by Ryuzaki

Saying how you don't care, yet keep posting makes you look stupid. If you don't care, then leave and never come back.

I care enough to want to help Streetz get back the Writer's Guild so MDV is benefited by getting articles.
But no, you just keep NOT reading that which i wrote two times in my previous post.

Originally Posted by Ryuzaki

If no one gives feedback, how do they know it impacted someone?

True, but you and others do give feedback.
So the goal is in principle met.

Originally Posted by Ryuzaki

Your not even worth the insults or the infractions I would receive for displaying the truth of your character.

You should refrain from even writing about possible insults when there is no reason to insult me.
As a matter of fact, you already are insulting and demeaning me by writing this.
If you really want to control yourself, i give you your advice: THEN DON'T WRITE IT!

And clearly, i have to quote myself in what this strike is leading to:

Originally Posted by Barachem

Striking isn't an option for me, as it will only produce strife between writers and members and between members and members, like currently is the case.

Originally Posted by Ryuzaki

Enough said, someone who thinks please give some feedback to the strike.

Thank you very much for insulting me and thus proving my point.

Originally Posted by Maleficent

How do you know this?

Logical deduction, my dear Watson.
Someone might read something interesting in an article and get inspiration from it.
That does not necessarily mean he/she will give feedback.
That's the point there is.

Originally Posted by Maleficent

That's exactly what's going on.... They are discouraged as a whole, but they aren't all going to just leave. So really, striking is better than ditching. If the problems can be mended, they will return. Simple, no?

The way i see it is that this can't be mended.
Not if more and better feedback is demanded.

Originally Posted by Maleficent

More insults... why are you here? Posting in this thread, I mean.

Not insults, but how i view things, please learn to discern both better.

Originally Posted by Maleficent

That's not what's going on at all. Read, please.

That's what i read.
They just demand more and better feedback.
Even i wouldn't demand such a thing, because one cannot force a reader to response.

Originally Posted by Maleficent

Overall, I declare Krap Logick, in the name of Korlash!

Just because you view things differently than i do and our patterns of thoughts differ, does not mean that my logic is inferior to yours or that you can declare mine to be inferior.

Originally Posted by Maleficent

Anyway, perhaps the lack of feedback means the writers need to be more interesting? Like, more flair and on-the-edge stuff? I don't know.

Well, i would like some more in depth articles, like the "The Apprentice Magician", but a bit more hardcore, but i know that's too much to ask for on a site like MDV, that's where other MTG sites with articles come in.
MDV is fine as it is getting regular article updates, furthermore i like posting decklists, giving some advice myself and mostly lurking.

On another note, i do appreciate "The Apprentice Magician", but dare not comment on it, because i'm too lazy and have not enough words to post a big response and if i would comment, i'd just say "I'm with ******* on this, i like this article." and i find that superfluous spam.
Only sometimes do i find my thoughts worthy enough to post as a reaction.

I do understand you're both emotionally involved in this issue and that i come over as very harsh and judgmental.
But that's how i see things, i see this strike as not necessary and detrimental to MDV.

In real life, people who do charity work, might see little back and do unrewarding work, but they do it because they believe it to be right and find the work itself rewarding.
Writing articles is also demanding and the writers do have their own lives.
But it is they who volunteered for this, no one is demanding they keep writing, certainly not me.
But they do want some sort of recognition with their demand for feedback and while they get a little bit of that by some members posting, it seems to not be enough for them.
As i wrote earlier and i'll repeat myself: Either they just keep on writing or they quit, it's as simple as that.
If they feel the feedback is too low, they can ask for more feedback and indeed, they have.
But going on strike changes nothing except making things more problematic, like we read in this thread.
If they would just say goodbye and leave, a solution can be found to get new writers or reform MDV.

The core thing is that one cannot change the hearts of men by force.