Yahoo Forum Archive

>
> Oh, Dawn you're probably right. I just continually feel like like
> the effort of novellas and novels is so wearing and day-in-and-day-
> out labor intensive and sniff! sniff! nobody cares! I am not one of
> those people who churn them out either. I have such prolific
> friends.
> While I spend forever working on them. Nevermind me. I always
> panic at any change!

>
> Hmm, examples... pandemonium_213 actually jumps to mind. His "The
> Apprentice" and many of his Eregion fics. Because while there are
> undoubtedly drama and humor and action elements, the feature I really
> come away from those stories with is world-building, or
> character-building.

--- On Fri, 5/1/09, pandemonium_213 <docbushwell@gmail.com> wrote:

From: pandemonium_213 <docbushwell@gmail.com>
Subject: [MEFAwards] Re: IMPORTANT: Changes for 2009 Awards
To: MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com
Date: Friday, May 1, 2009, 7:42 AM









>
> Hmm, examples... pandemonium_ 213 actually jumps to mind. His "The
> Apprentice" and many of his Eregion fics. Because while there are
> undoubtedly drama and humor and action elements, the feature I really
> come away from those stories with is world-building, or
> character-building.

What a minute! Since when did I become a guy? ;^)

Thanks, Marta. I'm glad that the character-driven and world-building elements of my efforts come through so strongly for you. However, I have to say that I would find it difficult to parse characterization from other features of a story. As a reader, my favorite fics combine this as part of a whole.



















[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

>
> Hi Dwim,
> I am in the process of updating the Archive at this very moment, so probably
> within a half hour or so everything should be up and running with 2008 data
> added (though it hasn't been 'error-checked' yet, so if you see anything
> that looks off, let me know!).

> And there is no problem going to the MEFA website. The previous problem was
> when we had two different years' sites running at the same time and the
> cookies were getting confused if you went back and forth.

> I probably have missed it (and I haven't read all messages, sorry Marta and crew), but when are the MEFA 2009 going to kick off?
>
> Rhapsody
>

> I probably have missed it (and I haven't read all messages, sorry Marta
> and crew), but when are the MEFA 2009 going to kick off?
>

>
>
>
>
> >
> > Hmm, examples... pandemonium_ 213 actually jumps to mind. His "The
> > Apprentice" and many of his Eregion fics. Because while there are
> > undoubtedly drama and humor and action elements, the feature I really
> > come away from those stories with is world-building, or
> > character-building.
>
> What a minute! Since when did I become a guy? ;^)
>

On Fri, May 1, 2009 at 5:10 PM, aure_enteluva <marta.fandom@gmail.com>wrote:

> Hey guys,
>
> As promised, here are some important dates for the 2009 MEFAs.
>
> *******************************
> * MAY 22: Nominations will begin at 12:01 AM on May 22.
> *
> * JUNE 30: Nominations will not be accepted after 11:59 PM on June 30.
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

>
>
>
> remind me how many stories we can nominate?
>

On Fri, May 1, 2009 at 5:54 PM, Marta <marta.fandom@gmail.com> wrote:

> Súlriel of Menegroth wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> > remind me how many stories we can nominate?
> >
>
> Twenty. That includes both self-nominations and nominations for other
> authors.
>
> Marta
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

--- In MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com, Nancy Keating <nancylea57@...> wrote:
>
> marta, realize this will probably be a pass on to someone else, but this is the email address easiest to access right now. Sorry! when i signed on someone corrected my name and now i have forgotten my assigned sign on and pass word could you get me a reminder sent cause i like playing on the site. thanks!!!!!  nancylea57@...

On Fri, May 1, 2009 at 6:10 PM, aure_enteluva <marta.fandom@gmail.com>wrote:

>
>
> Hey guys,
>
> As promised, here are some important dates for the 2009 MEFAs.
>
> *******************************
> * MAY 22: Nominations will begin at 12:01 AM on May 22.
> *
> * JUNE 30: Nominations will not be accepted after 11:59 PM on June 30.
> *
> * JULY 7: Authors must complete the nomination forms and email their
> liaison by 11:59 PM on this date, in order to compete.
> *
> * [[ After July 7, you can review any story on our website, confident that
> the piece will be competing. ]]
> *
> * JULY 31: Categorization is finalized. (Check ballots will be posted
> beginning July 24.)
> *
> * AUGUST 31: Reviewers should set their reviewing goal by 11:59 PM on this
> date.
> *
> * [[ After August 31, reviews with the "final" status will begin displaying
> on the website. You will not be able to edit your final reviews after this
> point. ]]
> *
> * DECEMBER 31: Voting ends at 11:59 PM on this date.
> *
> * [[ Remember, all dates end based on GMT. Find the current "official" time
> by going to http://www.mefawards.net/MEFA2008/ and looking for the "Page
> served at: " line in the bottom-left corner. ]]
> *
> *******************************
>
> One thing you may notice is that the nomination period is five weeks unlike
> the full six weeks it was in previous years. We did this to allow for some
> extra time to test the website, so we can make sure all the t's are crossed
> and the i's dotted before we started accepting nominations.
>
> In light of this, you may want to start thinking about what you want to
> nominate *now*. You can even go ahead and contact the author and make sure
> they'd like to be nominated, so they can be expecting the email. You can
> find previously nominated stories at
> http://www.mefawards.net/mefa-archive/
>
> We've also *extended* the voting period after categories are announced by
> two weeks.
>
> Marta
>
>
>



--
Life's been good to me so far!!! Praise God!


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

>
>
>
> Thanks Marta - I just put all the dates on my calendar and am ready to go.
> Very excited for this upcoming season. I pray I'll be able to review more
> this year!
>

----- Original Message -----
From: "Marta" <marta.fandom@gmail.com>
To: MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, May 3, 2009 3:29:13 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
Subject: [MEFAwards] Volunteering for 2009 Awards








Hey guys,

Over the last few days I've been talking with some of you that
volunteered for the 2008 awards, to see if you still wanted to help out
in 2009 (and if so, how). It's great to see how many people are looking
forward to the 2009 awards, and I'm looking forward to working with
these old friends again.

But I don't want to box out people who might want to volunteer but
didn't in 2008. So I thought I'd run through the kinds of roles where
I'm still looking for volunteers. If any of these jobs look like fun to
you, let me know so I can get you involved with the MEFAs.

******************************

The most obvious way to volunteer is as a NOMINATOR or a REVIEWER. You
can do either of these things if you become a member at MEFAwards.
(Nominated authors can also review.) You don't need to tell anyone that
you plan on doing this; just nominate and vote for whatever stories you
want to.

TIME COMMITMENT: Nominations must be made between May 22 and June 30.
Voting will begin on May 22 and end December 30. Obviously you do not
have to nominate or vote throughout the entire period.

******************************

PROMOTERS make announcements for the awards. I will occasionally email
you an announcement specifically for groups that aren't specifically
devoted to the MEFAs, and you can always forward on an email or post I
make here. For 2009 I already have promoters for quite a few groups,
listed at

http://mefawards.net/MEFA2008/index.php?page=FAQvolunteers

as well as the LOTR_Community_GFIC challenge LJ.

TIME COMMITMENT: There will be announcements to be made mid-May through
January. How many of these a promoter chooses to make is at their
discretion.

SPECIAL NOTE: I noticed that we don't have a promoter for
http://www.ofelvesandmen.com/ or any of the associated Yahoo groups. Is
there any one who would like to promote the MEFAs there?

******************************

LIAISONS work with authors to get their stories ready to compete in the
MEFAs. This involves some up-front checking to make sure nominated
stories are eligible; notifying authors that they've been nominated;
working with authors to help them understand MEFA rules; and checking
afterwards that the form was filled out correctly.

TIME COMMITMENT: Liaisons need to be available regularly from May 22
through July 7. It would probably be good to be around a few days before
May 22, so you can ask questions about what you'll be doing.

**********************************

Volunteers are also needed to make BANNERS and buttons for members. We
will need banners for nominated authors, the eventual winners of the
competition, and members who meet their reviewing goal. For the first
part of the awards I'm asking our banner artists to focus on making
nominee banners and buttons.

This year banners will be shared through a group album on photobucket.
You will need a photobucket account if you don't already have one. You
will also need a URL and password to upload banners; email me if you
would like this information.

**********************************

Also - I am still looking for a banner COORDINATOR. This person would
keep an eye on the banners being made and suggest characters or other
themes that are currently under-represented. This volunteer would also
tag the various banners so that authors and reviewers can find them more
easily.

Ideally, this person would also take charge of the customizing of
banners for winning authors. (Not in the sense of customizing them all;
in the sense of making sure that all the requests are handled.) We can
possibly split this role into two parts if someone wants to do one job
but not the other.

********************************

For any of the above jobs: you can volunteer by emailing me at
mefasupport-at-mefawards-dot-net.

Also: In a few weeks we will be looking for SITE TESTERS to try to use
the site and make sure everything works smoothly. This will happen the
week before nominations open. If you'd like to help with this, please
join the Yahoo group

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mefa-discussions/

When we're ready to start testing we'll make a post there.

Finally: I have only mentioned here the kinds of volunteer jobs that we
are currently looking for help with. There are many volunteer jobs that
I haven't mentioned, simply because someone is already doing them. There
are other jobs that I haven't mentioned, simply because someone is
already expertly doing them. (Elliska and Tanaqui head that list for
2009, though they are far from being alone.) A full list of volunteers
will be posted in the 2009 site's FAQs when that site becomes available.

I appreciate all the help from our many "insufficiently reluctant"
people. That goes for both our old hands and those joining the mad house
for the first time in 2009. *blows kisses to all*

Marta



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

>
>
>
> And I'll be promoting to Blind-SF as well, Marta--forgot to put them on
> my list.
>

>
>
>
> Hi Marta,
>
> I can do some banners this year also... not sure how many, but I can do
> some ;p
>
> Cactuskim
>

>From: Alassante7 <alassante7@yahoo.com>
>Sent: May 12, 2009 12:40 PM
>To: MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [MEFAwards] Question about series
>
>Some archives like Silmarillion Writer's Guild have the option to include separate stories posted to be in a series. You can provide a link to both the series and the individual stories. Can you nominate the whole series and provide the link to the series or do you have to nominate the individual stories?
>
>
>
>
>
>
>~~**~~
>I warn you, if you bore me, I shall take my revenge.
>JRR Tolkien
>
>
>
>
>
> ..·*´¨¨)) -:¦:-
> ¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) -:|:-
>°º.. Alassante .. º°
> -:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* -:|:-
>
>
>
>
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

>
>
>
> Some archives like Silmarillion Writer's Guild have the option to
> include separate stories posted to be in a series. You can provide a
> link to both the series and the individual stories. Can you nominate the
> whole series and provide the link to the series or do you have to
> nominate the individual stories?
>
>
>
> ~~**~~
> I warn you, if you bore me, I shall take my revenge.
> JRR Tolkien
>
>
> ..·*´¨¨)) -:¦:-
> ¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) -:|:-
> °º.. Alassante .. º°
> -:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* -:|:-
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 8.5.325 / Virus Database: 270.12.26/2110 - Release Date: 05/12/09 06:22:00
>

On Tue, May 12, 2009 at 12:40 PM, Alassante7 <alassante7@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
> Some archives like Silmarillion Writer's Guild have the option to include
> separate stories posted to be in a series. You can provide a link to both
> the series and the individual stories. Can you nominate the whole series and
> provide the link to the series or do you have to nominate the individual
> stories?
>
>
>
> ~~**~~
> I warn you, if you bore me, I shall take my revenge.
> JRR Tolkien
>
>
>  ..·*´¨¨))   -:¦:-
>         ¸.·´  .·´¨¨))  -:|:-
> °º.. Alassante .. º°
>     -:¦:-    ((¸¸.·´*  -:|:-
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>

--- On Tue, 5/12/09, Marta <marta.fandom@gmail.com> wrote:

From: Marta <marta.fandom@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [MEFAwards] Question about series
To: MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2009, 3:48 PM








Hi Alassante,

Tanaqui gave you a good link to an FAQ that deals with this issue.

http://www.mefaward s.net/MEFA2008/ index.php? page=FAQeligibil ity#eli_5

But I'll answer your question with regard to the specific issue you
raise too, since this is a question that is important to get right.

Short answer: you may nominate either the whole series or any
individual part of the series. Long answer: but either choice will
effect whether other parts of the series are eligible in the future.

Essentially, the situation is this. Say someone nominated your series
"Dances with Tilion"
(http://www.silmaril lionwritersguild .org/archive/ home/viewuser. php?uid=15)
back in 2008. I know that they didn't, I don't even know if that
series was posted in 2008, but let's just suppose it was nominated
last year. Since you let that series compete (in this hypothetical
situation), the pieces that are part of that series aren't eligible
anymore. So someone couldn't come along and nominate "Cursed
Commitment" or "Starlit Nights" in 2009, because those pieces already
competed when "Dances with Tilion" competed.

On the other hand, let's say someone nominated "Cursed Commitment"
back in 2008. In this case "Dances with Tillion" wouldn't be eligible
because if it competed, then "Cursed Commitment" would have to compete
twice - once as a single piece in 2008, and again as part of a series
in 2009. However, in this scenario the other part of the series
("Starlit Nights" could still be nominated as a stand-alone piece
since it never competed.

Because of the way parts of series can affect eligibility of other
pieces (or the series as a whole), we give authors a choice. If
someone nominates one of your series, you as the author have the right
to either accept the nomination of the series, or change the
nomination to one single part of the series. So if you didn't want the
whole series to be nominated together, and someone put forward "Dances
with Tilion," you could change the nomination to just be for "Cursed
Commitment." That way the other parts (in this example "Starlit
Nights") would still be eligible in the future.

This all feels a little complicated, the way I've explained it. I hope
giving an example helps. The chart in the FAQ also is helpful IMO. And
if you (or anyone else) has any questions, please do ask. :-)

Marta

On Tue, May 12, 2009 at 12:40 PM, Alassante7 <alassante7@yahoo. com> wrote:
>
>
> Some archives like Silmarillion Writer's Guild have the option to include
> separate stories posted to be in a series. You can provide a link to both
> the series and the individual stories. Can you nominate the whole series and
> provide the link to the series or do you have to nominate the individual
> stories?
>
>
>
> ~~**~~
> I warn you, if you bore me, I shall take my revenge.
> JRR Tolkien
>
>
>  ..·*´¨¨))   -:¦:-
>         ¸.·´  .·´¨¨))  -:|:-
> °º.. Alassante .. º°
>     -:¦:-    ((¸¸.·´*  -:|:-
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>


















[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

>
>
>
> I think I got what you're saying =0) I have a few drabble/short
> stories series posted in various places. Most of them are related to the
> other drabbles in the series so I would want the series all nominated but
> others (like Dances with Tilion) are just a bunch of drabbles collected
> because SoA didn't want drabbles posted separately. If I had one piece
> nominated on that one, I'd prefer it to be competing on its own. But my
> other series, I would want to compete as a whole.
>
> So basically I would do the same for another writer. If I felt like their
> series was a collection of stories with the same theme, I'll nominate the
> whole series but if they are different various themes, I will nominate by
> the story. Ultimately though the writer would be the one to have the final
> say in what was nominated.
>
>

On Sun, May 17, 2009 at 4:10 AM, Eleanor (Elea) <eleabella@googlemail.com>wrote:

> Hi guys,
>
>
> I've just had a poke around and self-nominated one of my stories.
> Everything on the form was fine and the email conformation popped in my
> Inbox promptly and in my liaison area.
>
> I nominated the same story twice so that I could withdraw on of them --
> that all worked out fine.
>
> However, one glitch came up. When I went back to my form to select
> 'Nomination approved by Liaison' I then went to the 'Check for errors on
> this form button' but all that happened was that I went to the 'The changes
> you have made have been saved successfully' screen
>
> Screenshot here:
> http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/2314/mefascreenshot.png
>
> Elea :)
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Visit our website: http://www.mefawards.net/MEFA2008/Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

On Sun, May 17, 2009 at 5:57 AM, Eleanor (Elea) <eleabella@googlemail.com>wrote:

> I had missed out the description at the time, so I was expecting it to pick
> that up but it ddn't. I had to go back and re-do it. It did do it the first
> time around though (as I did the same nmination twice and then withrew one).
> Maybe I was doing it while you were working with the code :)
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Visit our website: http://www.mefawards.net/MEFA2008/Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

> Do you mean the description for WIP/Drabbles?

On Sun, May 17, 2009 at 6:42 AM, Eleanor (Elea) <eleabella@googlemail.com>wrote:

>
> > Do you mean the description for WIP/Drabbles?
>
>
> No, sorry, I meant the 'Story Summary' I missed it off both times and the
> first time it picked it up and told me to fill it in, but the second time it
> didn't.
>
> :)
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Visit our website: http://www.mefawards.net/MEFA2008/Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

On Sun, May 17, 2009 at 7:07 AM, Eleanor (Elea) <eleabella@googlemail.com>wrote:

> Yes, I went and filled it in again (after it told me it had saved but
> didn't pick up the error) and saved the form. Then there were no problems.
>
> Shall I have another go -- deliberately leaving something off the form?
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Visit our website: http://www.mefawards.net/MEFA2008/Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

On Sun, May 17, 2009 at 7:52 AM, Eleanor (Elea) <eleabella@googlemail.com>wrote:

> OK, I did the same thing again -- self-nominated one of my stories but
> missed off the 'Story Summary'. I went to the end of the form and selected
> 'Submit completed form' and it went straight back to the menu and told me
> that it had saved (it did not alert me to the fact that the summary is
> missing).
>
> I then when back to the form via the Liaison panel and clicked the 'check
> for errors on this form' button. This time it did highlight that the summary
> was missing and that I should correct it. I have left it as it is. I haven't
> put in a summary yet :)
>
> Elea
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Visit our website: http://www.mefawards.net/MEFA2008/Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

On Sun, May 17, 2009 at 8:14 AM, Aranel Took <araneltook@gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi Elea,
> Hmm, that is very strange. I'm not seeing anything off in the story data
> and I still can't replicate it. I'm going to try logging in as you on the
> test server and see if I can replicate it that way. So don't be surprised if
> you have a bunch of self-nominations showing up. ;-)
>
> Aranel
>
>
> On Sun, May 17, 2009 at 7:52 AM, Eleanor (Elea) <eleabella@googlemail.com>wrote:
>
>> OK, I did the same thing again -- self-nominated one of my stories but
>> missed off the 'Story Summary'. I went to the end of the form and selected
>> 'Submit completed form' and it went straight back to the menu and told me
>> that it had saved (it did not alert me to the fact that the summary is
>> missing).
>>
>> I then when back to the form via the Liaison panel and clicked the 'check
>> for errors on this form' button. This time it did highlight that the summary
>> was missing and that I should correct it. I have left it as it is. I haven't
>> put in a summary yet :)
>>
>> Elea
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------------
>>
>> Visit our website: http://www.mefawards.net/MEFA2008/Yahoo! Groups Links
>>
>>
>>
>>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

> Hi Aranel,
>
>
> I just tried it again -- deliberately leaving the Story Summary blank and
> then selecting 'submit completed form' and it did indeed highlight that it
> wasn't checked. So it's all working fine :D
>
> Elea
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Visit our website: http://www.mefawards.net/MEFA2008/Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

On Thu, May 21, 2009 at 8:26 PM, Marta <marta.fandom@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hey guys,
>
> I've received a question from two different people in the first hour
> we've been accepting nominations. That means to me, some of the rest of
> you may have it too. Both members noticed that they had to add authors
> that were nominated in 2008, and wondered whether this was a site glitch.
>
> This is in fact not a glitch - but it may surprise some people. Every
> year we clear out some of the user accounts, mainly those authors who
> aren't also members of MEFAwards. We do this for two reasons. Most
> importantly, we need the most up-to-date contact information we can get,
> and one way to do this is to have someone enter the email address each
> year. (We assume MEFAwards members keep their Yahoo information up to
> date.) Doing this also helps the site carry out our policy about author
> voting. MEFA policy is, in order to vote you either need to be nominated
> that year or you need to join the MEFAwards group.
>
> The bottom line is: if this is the first time an author is nominated in
> 2009 you may have to add them to the website. Even if they were
> nominated in 2008. It's a bit of extra work for you the nominator, but
> it really does help us make sure the awards run smoothly.
>
> Marta
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Visit our website: http://www.mefawards.net/MEFA2008/Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

>Hey guys,
>
>As at least one of you has already realized, nominations for the
>2009 awards started about thirteen minutes ago. The nominations are
>already pouring in, and I look forward to seeing what *everyone*
>wants to put forward - so have at it! You can nominate a story at
>
>http://www.mefawards.net/MEFA2009/
>
>REMEMBER: Nominations close at the end of June. You must nominate a
>piece before June 30, at 11:59 PM GMT, if you want to nominate it
>for this year's awards.
>
>If you have trouble logging in or otherwise need help, let me know.
>Best way to reach me is mefasupportATmefawardsDOTnet, though you can
>also post here.
>
>Marta
>
>
>
>------------------------------------
>
>Visit our website: http://www.mefawards.net/MEFA2008/Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

--- On Fri, 5/22/09, Marta <marta.fandom@gmail.com> wrote:

From: Marta <marta.fandom@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [MEFAwards] 2009 Nominations Open
To: MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com
Date: Friday, May 22, 2009, 1:15 AM

















Hi Dreamdeer,



Wow, way to come up with a complicated situation! There are several

rules that come into play here, and any one of them are pretty

complicated on their own. I won't go into those rules in depth, because

as I said, they're complicated and it's late. :-)



And in fact I don't need to. You said this piece was nominated last

year, but it was actually put forward in 2007. That is before the new

rules came into play about series, and you couldn't have known about

them. We agreed to grandfather in other things that competed before this

rule (poems published within stories), so I think we can make a similar

"grandfather" exception here.



But can I get you to refer to "The Adventures of Frodo Gardner" as a

serial rather than a series, if you want to describe the whole piece?

For the MEFAs "series" has a rather specific meaning and I don't think

your piece meets it. But since these rules can be kind of complicated, I

don't want to confuse people who have things that are properly series,

and were nominated in 2008 or later.



To be absolutely clear: each volume is eligible when it is completed.

But just once more; the piece was already nominated as a WIP and it

can't compete again as a WIP, nor can any part of it. So for instance

"The Adventures of Frodo Gardner Volume IV" could not compete as a WIP;

you'd have to wait until you were finished with it and have it nominated

as a finished piece.



Make sense?



Marta





























[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

>
>
>
> I probably should know this because I think I remember seeing it last
> year. How can we tell who nominated our stories so we can thank them?`
>

--- In MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com, Alassante7 <alassante7@...> wrote:
>
> I probably should know this because I think I remember seeing it last year. How can we tell who nominated our stories so we can thank them?`
>
> ~~**~~ I warn you, if you bore me, I shall take my revenge.  JRR Tolkien    ..·*´¨¨))   -:¦:-
>         ¸.·´  .·´¨¨))  -:|:- 
> °º.. Alassante .. º°
>     -:¦:-    ((¸¸.·´*  -:|:-
>
> --- On Fri, 5/22/09, Marta <marta.fandom@...> wrote:
>
> From: Marta <marta.fandom@...>
> Subject: Re: [MEFAwards] 2009 Nominations Open
> To: MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Friday, May 22, 2009, 1:15 AM
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Hi Dreamdeer,
>
>
>
> Wow, way to come up with a complicated situation! There are several
>
> rules that come into play here, and any one of them are pretty
>
> complicated on their own. I won't go into those rules in depth, because
>
> as I said, they're complicated and it's late. :-)
>
>
>
> And in fact I don't need to. You said this piece was nominated last
>
> year, but it was actually put forward in 2007. That is before the new
>
> rules came into play about series, and you couldn't have known about
>
> them. We agreed to grandfather in other things that competed before this
>
> rule (poems published within stories), so I think we can make a similar
>
> "grandfather" exception here.
>
>
>
> But can I get you to refer to "The Adventures of Frodo Gardner" as a
>
> serial rather than a series, if you want to describe the whole piece?
>
> For the MEFAs "series" has a rather specific meaning and I don't think
>
> your piece meets it. But since these rules can be kind of complicated, I
>
> don't want to confuse people who have things that are properly series,
>
> and were nominated in 2008 or later.
>
>
>
> To be absolutely clear: each volume is eligible when it is completed.
>
> But just once more; the piece was already nominated as a WIP and it
>
> can't compete again as a WIP, nor can any part of it. So for instance
>
> "The Adventures of Frodo Gardner Volume IV" could not compete as a WIP;
>
> you'd have to wait until you were finished with it and have it nominated
>
> as a finished piece.
>
>
>
> Make sense?
>
>
>
> Marta
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

--- On Fri, 5/22/09, Marta <marta.fandom@gmail.com> wrote:

From: Marta <marta.fandom@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [MEFAwards] 2009 Nominations Open
To: MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com
Date: Friday, May 22, 2009, 1:49 AM

















Alassante7 wrote:

>

>

>

> I probably should know this because I think I remember seeing it last

> year. How can we tell who nominated our stories so we can thank them?`

>



Hi Alassante,



It should be mentioned in the email you receive from your liaison (or

will receive, if it hasn't come already).



You can also find it by clicking the "Story Details" link beside your

story on the list of nominated pieces.



Marta





























[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

On Fri, May 22, 2009 at 2:18 AM, Bonnie L. Sherrell <blslarner@olypen.com>wrote:

> Under locations, Minas Tirith is listed also as Minas Arnor rather than
> Minas
> Anor.
> Bonnie L. Sherrell
> Teacher at Large
>
> "Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very
> wise cannot see all ends." LOTR
>
> "Don't go where I can't follow."
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Visit our website: http://www.mefawards.net/MEFA2009/
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

On Fri, May 22, 2009 at 3:12 PM, Alassante7 <alassante7@yahoo.com> wrote:

>
>
> Sorry - another question. If one of your stories was nominated twice, will
> the 2nd nominator be notified so that they can nominate something else or
> still lose 1 for nominating that story (since we can only nominate so many
> stories) .
>
> ~~**~~
> I warn you, if you bore me, I shall take my revenge.
> JRR Tolkien
>
>
> ..ý*ýýý)) -:ý:-
> ý.ýý .ýýýý)) -:|:-
> ýý.. Alassante .. ýý
> -:ý:- ((ýý.ýý* -:|:-
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>



--
"What part of 'You're dead' don't you understand?" -- Nýmo to an
Unidentified Elven Fýa giving the Lord of Mandos grief

****
Auta i lýmý! Utýlie'n aurý! ý Battle Cry of the Noldor at the Dagor
Nirnaeth Arnediad

Aurý entuluva! ý Battle Cry of Hýrin at the Dagor Nirnath Arnediad

Utýlie'n Estel ý Hope hath come


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

--- On Fri, 5/22/09, Arthur Boccaccio <namondil@gmail.com> wrote:


From: Arthur Boccaccio <namondil@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [MEFAwards] Another question
To: MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com
Date: Friday, May 22, 2009, 9:20 AM


That happened to me last year and I think that in that case because the two
nominations happened very soon one right after the other that the second
nominator didn't lose the nomination but was asked to nominate something
else. Naturally, someone who attempts to nominate the same story without
checking to see if hasn't already been nominated will lose the nomination,
but in the case last year I think the two nominations came in very nearly at
the same time and there was nothing posted.

Fiondil

On Fri, May 22, 2009 at 3:12 PM, Alassante7 <alassante7@yahoo.com> wrote:

>
>
> Sorry - another question. If one of your stories was nominated twice, will
> the 2nd nominator be notified so that they can nominate something else or
> still lose 1 for nominating that story  (since we can only nominate so many
> stories) .
>
> ~~**~~
> I warn you, if you bore me, I shall take my revenge.
> JRR Tolkien
>
>
>  ..·*´¨¨))   -:¦:-
>         ¸.·´  .·´¨¨))  -:|:-
> °º.. Alassante .. º°
>     -:¦:-    ((¸¸.·´*  -:|:-
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>



--
"What part of 'You're dead' don't you understand?" -- Námo to an
Unidentified Elven Fëa giving the Lord of Mandos grief

****
Auta i lómë! Utúlie'n aurë!   Battle Cry of the Noldor at the Dagor
Nirnaeth Arnediad

Aurë entuluva!  Battle Cry of Húrin at the Dagor Nirnath Arnediad

Utúlie'n Estel  Hope hath come


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



------------------------------------

Visit our website: http://www.mefawards.net/MEFA2009/
Yahoo! Groups Links








[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

> Any suggestions for how to cut down on the number of MEFA emails one is
> receiving with people's questions without missing really important updates

> announcements?

>
> I don't think it
> sounds controversial or complicated to understand. Who want would
> want to rate a love affair outside of marriage as a "G" (i.e., as a
> story necessarily suitable to--or even comprehensible for--very young
> children)?

On Fri, May 22, 2009 at 10:49 AM, Una <umm10@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:

>
>
> From the rating guidelines:
>
> "Romance outside of Marriage: If characters are romantically involved and
> not married, and if this fact is known by a character not in the
> relationship, then the story should probably be rated at least teen.
> Marriage provides a social recognition of a relationship, so a person can
> know two characters are married without suggesting the erotic content that
> is inappropriate in a General-related story. If a character knows two other
> characters are having an affair, it implies this erotic content much more
> strongly. (If your story violates this rule but you feel it is truly
> General-rated, discuss it with your liaison.)"
>
> Is this a new rule for 2009? Can I ask its meaning and intent?
>
> Una
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

On Fri, May 22, 2009 at 4:04 PM, Elena Tiriel <ElenaTiriel@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi Una,
>
> Oh, my! I had never noticed that rule before, and I believe that it is, at
> best, misguided.
>
> I can't imagine, for example, a tale of Éowyn's romantic aspirations for
> Aragorn requiring a Teen rating, regardless of lack of sexual content, just
> because they never married.
>
> I suspect that this rule is the product of hashing (literally) out by a
> committee, rather than a deliberate attempt to be offend those whose loving
> relationships are not (or, in some cases, cannot be) within a marriage.
> Having myself never married, I, too, find the rule offensive.
>
> Whatever the origin, I am sure that it will be addressed appropriately by
> the admins, now that you have raised the issue.
>
> {{{hugs}}}
> - Barbara
>
>
> On Fri, May 22, 2009 at 10:49 AM, Una <umm10@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> From the rating guidelines:
>>
>> "Romance outside of Marriage: If characters are romantically involved and
>> not married, and if this fact is known by a character not in the
>> relationship, then the story should probably be rated at least teen.
>> Marriage provides a social recognition of a relationship, so a person can
>> know two characters are married without suggesting the erotic content that
>> is inappropriate in a General-related story. If a character knows two other
>> characters are having an affair, it implies this erotic content much more
>> strongly. (If your story violates this rule but you feel it is truly
>> General-rated, discuss it with your liaison.)"
>>
>> Is this a new rule for 2009? Can I ask its meaning and intent?
>>
>> Una
>>
>>
>>

>
>
>
> From the rating guidelines:
>
> "Romance outside of Marriage: If characters are romantically involved
> and not married, and if this fact is known by a character not in the
> relationship, then the story should probably be rated at least teen.
> Marriage provides a social recognition of a relationship, so a person
> can know two characters are married without suggesting the erotic
> content that is inappropriate in a General-related story. If a character
> knows two other characters are having an affair, it implies this erotic
> content much more strongly. (If your story violates this rule but you
> feel it is truly General-rated, discuss it with your liaison.)"
>
> Is this a new rule for 2009? Can I ask its meaning and intent?
>
> Una
>

On Fri, May 22, 2009 at 6:00 PM, dwimmer_laik <dwimmer_laik@yahoo.com>wrote:

>
>
> Well, looking at the rule and the context of the rule, it seems that the
> basic intent is
>
> (a) to find a way of dealing with stories that feature what might be called
> "transgressive" relationships, but whose transgressiveness doesn't come from
> graphic depictions of erotic activity but from the interaction of
> individuals and social norms; more on figuring out what kind of
> transgression we're dealing with below;
>
> (b) to do so with enough specificity that the rule is actually useful
> because enforceable, despite the caveat at the end (talk to the liaison if
> you think your story really doesn't deserve a Teen rating).
>
> To me, it looks as though we're dealing with stories where everyone knows
> exactly what's going on between two characters who can take any kind of
> hint, but nothing is explicitly shown.
>
> If this is, in fact, the case, then two things:
>
> 1) We already have a set of rules that can handle this situation. Teen
> ratings regarding depictions of sex, whether between married, unmarried,
> heterosexual or homosexual couples, say: "Romantic kissing allowed. Actual
> sex scenes **can be implied but not depicted.** Stories can deal with the
> emotional after-effects of rape but not describe an actual rape."
>
> Coupled with the rule for "General" ratings ("No erotic content. General
> stories may include platonic/friendly affection, e.g. hugging, non-sexual
> kissing (as between parents and children), hand-holding, etc."), I think
> that suffices to kick implied but not depicted sexual activity up to teen,
> regardless of whether that activity is between married or unmarried couples,
> regardless of whether a third party knows about it or not.
>
> So I don't think there needs to be a *special* rule singling out implied
> sexual activity between unmarried people.
>
> 2) This part "If characters are romantically involved and not married,**and
> if this fact is known by a character not in the relationship**, then the
> story should probably be rated at least teen" strangely seems to say that if
> an author showed the relationship through the eyes of the parties directly
> involved, the rule wouldn't apply and one could rate the story "General."
> This seems rather counterintuitive.
>
> Which is why I read this - "If a character knows two other characters *are
> having an affair*" - as the decisive line.
>
> It suggests to me that the rule concerns rating stories that show sexual
> relationships that transgress/*violate* a commitment already made - somebody
> having an affair is what's really at stake here, not simply implied sexual
> relationships between unmarried people (already taken care of, regardless of
> marital status).
>
> If that's true, then the detour into married/unmarried is a confusion of
> the issue. The rule should be recast to reflect the idea that what may kick
> these relationships out of a General rating is the generally accepted idea
> that whatever kind of romantic relationship you're in, *cheating* is a
> serious issue that probably deserves a warning so parents can read the story
> first.
>
> $.02,
>
> Dwim
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

>
>
>
> You have Dior listedas an Elf, should he be with the half-elven?
>

On Fri, May 22, 2009 at 5:33 PM, Barbara Rich <aelfwina@gmail.com> wrote:

>
>
> I have to say, I agree with Dwimmerlaik. To me the term "outside of
> marriage" also contains the implications of "cheating". In other words,
> activity is taking place "outside" the couple who are married or otherwise
> committed. However, looking it over, I can also see how it could also be
> interpreted as any sexual relationship between non-married couples. It *IS*
> confusing!
>
> Also I really don't understand the whole third party bit. Cheating is
> cheating. If, for the sake of argument, someone wrote a story in which
> Arwen had a one-night stand with Legolas after her marriage to Aragorn, and
> no one except the two of them ever knew about it, would that make it okay?
> But if Beregond spied on them, and caught them at it, then it breaks the
> rule? *scratches head*
>
> I honestly had never paid attention to the ratings rules before, because
> most of my stories are General, and those which are Teen are usually that
> way because of violence or thematic content. But this rule is really very
> confusing and does not make much sense.
> It does look like perhaps the ratings rules are overdue for being looked
> at,
> updated, and clarified-- it's a shame no one noticed this before the season
> opened.
>
> Dreamflower
> On Fri, May 22, 2009 at 6:00 PM, dwimmer_laik <dwimmer_laik@yahoo.com<dwimmer_laik%40yahoo.com>
> >wrote:
>
>
> >
> >
> > Well, looking at the rule and the context of the rule, it seems that the
> > basic intent is
> >
> > (a) to find a way of dealing with stories that feature what might be
> called
> > "transgressive" relationships, but whose transgressiveness doesn't come
> from
> > graphic depictions of erotic activity but from the interaction of
> > individuals and social norms; more on figuring out what kind of
> > transgression we're dealing with below;
> >
> > (b) to do so with enough specificity that the rule is actually useful
> > because enforceable, despite the caveat at the end (talk to the liaison
> if
> > you think your story really doesn't deserve a Teen rating).
> >
> > To me, it looks as though we're dealing with stories where everyone knows
> > exactly what's going on between two characters who can take any kind of
> > hint, but nothing is explicitly shown.
> >
> > If this is, in fact, the case, then two things:
> >
> > 1) We already have a set of rules that can handle this situation. Teen
> > ratings regarding depictions of sex, whether between married, unmarried,
> > heterosexual or homosexual couples, say: "Romantic kissing allowed.
> Actual
> > sex scenes **can be implied but not depicted.** Stories can deal with the
> > emotional after-effects of rape but not describe an actual rape."
> >
> > Coupled with the rule for "General" ratings ("No erotic content. General
> > stories may include platonic/friendly affection, e.g. hugging, non-sexual
> > kissing (as between parents and children), hand-holding, etc."), I think
> > that suffices to kick implied but not depicted sexual activity up to
> teen,
> > regardless of whether that activity is between married or unmarried
> couples,
> > regardless of whether a third party knows about it or not.
> >
> > So I don't think there needs to be a *special* rule singling out implied
> > sexual activity between unmarried people.
> >
> > 2) This part "If characters are romantically involved and not
> married,**and
> > if this fact is known by a character not in the relationship**, then the
> > story should probably be rated at least teen" strangely seems to say that
> if
> > an author showed the relationship through the eyes of the parties
> directly
> > involved, the rule wouldn't apply and one could rate the story "General."
> > This seems rather counterintuitive.
> >
> > Which is why I read this - "If a character knows two other characters
> *are
> > having an affair*" - as the decisive line.
> >
> > It suggests to me that the rule concerns rating stories that show sexual
> > relationships that transgress/*violate* a commitment already made -
> somebody
> > having an affair is what's really at stake here, not simply implied
> sexual
> > relationships between unmarried people (already taken care of, regardless
> of
> > marital status).
> >
> > If that's true, then the detour into married/unmarried is a confusion of
> > the issue. The rule should be recast to reflect the idea that what may
> kick
> > these relationships out of a General rating is the generally accepted
> idea
> > that whatever kind of romantic relationship you're in, *cheating* is a
> > serious issue that probably deserves a warning so parents can read the
> story
> > first.
> >
> > $.02,
> >
> > Dwim
> >
> >
> >
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

On Fri, May 22, 2009 at 8:03 PM, Marta <marta.fandom@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hiya Sulriel,
>
> Súlriel of Menegroth wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>> You have Dior listedas an Elf, should he be with the half-elven?
>>
>
> Perhaps technically. But I suspect if we moved him people would be
> confused. My thinking is that while Elrond et al are regularly spoken of
> as the half-elven, this isn't the case for Dior or other first age elves
> of mixed parentage.
>
> These lists aren't designed to be technically correct in every detail;
> it's more important that they be useable. However, if most people would
> look for him under Half-elves, I'd be willing to consider moving him.
>
> Marta
>

--- On Fri, 5/22/09, Súlriel of Menegroth <sulriel@gmail.com> wrote:

From: Súlriel of Menegroth <sulriel@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [MEFAwards] oops - characters list
To: MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com
Date: Friday, May 22, 2009, 9:24 PM

















It's not a huge deal to me, but it seems easier to be correct than not

in most cases. Since he was half human, 1/4 Maia and only 1/4 Elf, it

seems odd to me to have him listed an Elf.



It only came up because I was looking for Elrond under "P" for

Peredhil .... *sigh* ;)



Sulriel



On Fri, May 22, 2009 at 8:03 PM, Marta <marta.fandom@ gmail.com> wrote:

> Hiya Sulriel,

>

> Súlriel of Menegroth wrote:

>>

>>

>>

>> You have Dior listedas an Elf, should he be with the half-elven?

>>

>

> Perhaps technically. But I suspect if we moved him people would be

> confused. My thinking is that while Elrond et al are regularly spoken of

> as the half-elven, this isn't the case for Dior or other first age elves

> of mixed parentage.

>

> These lists aren't designed to be technically correct in every detail;

> it's more important that they be useable. However, if most people would

> look for him under Half-elves, I'd be willing to consider moving him.

>

> Marta

>





























[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

----- Original Message -----
From: heartofoshun@aol.com
To: MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, May 22, 2009 6:45 PM
Subject: Re: [MEFAwards] oops - characters list







I got confused looking for the men in Rohan LOL I'll kinda clueless like
that.
---

Ha! Me too! Kind of clueless is an understatement for me--see the flow
charts in my bio of Elwing on the SWG, for example. Me flailing to sort out
the percentages of elf/maia/man among her various descendants and put it
somewhere I can easily access it whenever I want!

**************Stay connected and tighten your budget with a great mobile
device for under $50. Take a Peek!
(http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100122638x1221845911x1201401556/aol?redir=http://www.getpeek.com/aol)

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

>
>
>
>
>
> I got confused looking for the men in Rohan LOL I'll kinda clueless like
> that.

>
>
>
> Hi, Kaylee here, I'm new to MEFA's...I like Rohan and Elves! *grin*
>
> I may sound stupid asking this, but what's the SWG, as I am now
> interested in said flowchart...
>
> ~Kaylee Arafinwiel!
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: heartofoshun@aol.com <mailto:heartofoshun%40aol.com>
> To: MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com <mailto:MEFAwards%40yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Friday, May 22, 2009 6:45 PM
> Subject: Re: [MEFAwards] oops - characters list
>
> I got confused looking for the men in Rohan LOL I'll kinda clueless like
> that.
> ---
>
> Ha! Me too! Kind of clueless is an understatement for me--see the flow
> charts in my bio of Elwing on the SWG, for example. Me flailing to sort out
> the percentages of elf/maia/man among her various descendants and put it
> somewhere I can easily access it whenever I want!
>

>
>
>
> Hi, folks,
>
> I realized that last month I changed the name on a tale that was nominated
> in 2007 - Field of Dreams.
>
> The new name is 'Harvest Song' - I think it should be noted in the archives
> that the tale has two names so it is not nominated again this year under the
> 'Harvest Song' title.
>
> Blessings,
> Agape
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>

>
> Hey guys,
>
> This rule has actually been in place since we wrote the ratings guide. I
> can't remember whether that's from 2005 or 2006, but it's definitely not
> something we wrote in for 2009.

> As for its meaning and its intent, its talking about knowledge of a
> romantic pairing. Any character could know that Eowyn and Faramir were a
> couple without necessarily thinking about them in a sexual way. Small
> children would. So it's a bit ridiculous to think that a story that just
> mentioned a married couple would rate higher than a General rating.
>
> On the other hand, if Eowyn and Aragorn (or Eowyn and Arwen for that
> matter)

--- In MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com, Marta <marta.fandom@...> wrote:

D'oh! Would you believe I didn't get this e-mail 'til after I finished my post?

Oh well - consider it food for thought if the issue gets revisited at a later date.

Dwim


> Hey guys,
>
> Over the last day several of you have expressed concern with part of our
> ratings guidelines, specifically the paragraph "Romance Outside of
> Marriage:" . After discussing it with the other awards organizers, I
> agree that that passage is misleading at best. It also seems that some
> people are bothered by this rule, and while I never intended the rule to
> be offensive, I can see why some of you don't agree with it.
>
> So: we're removing the paragraph. It will be gone on the next site update.
>
> Thanks to everyone who weighed in on this. I apologize for any confusion
> or offense the paragraph might have caused.
>
> Marta
> (MEFA Admin.)
>

>
>
>
> I have a question about whether the reuse of a poem or song in one tale
> makes another ineligible to compete.
>
> If a small portion of a poem or song is present in a previously
> nominated work, does the presence of a longer version of that same poem
> or song in another story make the new work ineligible to compete?
>
> The specific case I am thinking of involves a WIP that was nominated in
> 2007, and contains a short version of a poem/song; a longer version of
> this poem/song was later worked into a different tale written at a later
> date, which has not yet competed. The poem itself has never been
> nominated separately at any time.
>
> Can the new tale with the longer version of the song compete?
>
> And if it does compete, will it in any way affect the future competition
> of the WIP when it is completed?
>
> Thanks for your help! I couldn't quite puzzle this one out myself.
>
> Linawen
>

On Fri, May 22, 2009 at 8:31 PM, Marta <marta.fandom@gmail.com> wrote:

>
>
> Hey guys,
>
> Over the last day several of you have expressed concern with part of our
> ratings guidelines, specifically the paragraph "Romance Outside of
> Marriage:" . After discussing it with the other awards organizers, I
> agree that that passage is misleading at best. It also seems that some
> people are bothered by this rule, and while I never intended the rule to
> be offensive, I can see why some of you don't agree with it.
>
> So: we're removing the paragraph. It will be gone on the next site update.
>
> Thanks to everyone who weighed in on this. I apologize for any confusion
> or offense the paragraph might have caused.
>
> Marta
> (MEFA Admin.)
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

--- In MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com, Marta <marta.fandom@...> wrote:
>
> Hey guys,
>
> Over the last day several of you have expressed concern with part of our
> ratings guidelines, specifically the paragraph "Romance Outside of
> Marriage:" . After discussing it with the other awards organizers, I
> agree that that passage is misleading at best. It also seems that some
> people are bothered by this rule, and while I never intended the rule to
> be offensive, I can see why some of you don't agree with it.
>
> So: we're removing the paragraph. It will be gone on the next site update.
>
> Thanks to everyone who weighed in on this. I apologize for any confusion
> or offense the paragraph might have caused.
>
> Marta
> (MEFA Admin.)
>

> Now as things stand, the second and third rules don't apply. This is
> because the story A was nominated in 2007 before the new rules came into
> effect. So the two poems and story B are both still eligible, and story
> A is eligible again when it's completed. (B/c by the first rule, WIPs
> are eligible again when completed.) But if anything is nominated *now*,
> the new rules about poems and the stories they're published in will come
> into play, and I think you may need a scorecard to keep count. I'll try
> to make all this as simple as I can. :-)

--- In MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com, Marta <marta.fandom@...> wrote:
>
> Hiya Lin,
>
> I have to say this made me smile - it amazes me the sheer variety of
> cases there are in fandoms when it comes to issues like this. Though I
> don't suppose this is that different from Tolkien himself writing a poem
> for the TCBS and it then appearing in the context of two or three later
> tales over the course of his life! I understand why it happens, but it
> still amazes me at times.
>
> There are three rules that really come into play:
>
> 1. If a story is nominated as a WIP, then that story is only eligible
> again when the WIP is finished.
> ----- This rule goes way back, I think to the start of the awards.
>
> 2. Assuming the poem and story are by the same author: If a story is
> nominated and it contains a poem, then the poem isn't eligible in the
> future. And if the poem is nominated then a story containing it isn't
> eligible.
> ----- This rule affects stories nominated in 2008 or later, since it was
> enacted in the 2007 post-mortem.
>
> 3. If a series is nominated as a finished piece, then its parts are no
> longer eligible; and if a part of a finished series is nominated, then
> the whole series is no longer eligible.
> ----- Again, this affects stories nominated in 2008 or later.
>
> So: what we have here is a story A containing poem 1, and a different
> story B containing poem 2. But as it happens poem 2 is a longer version
> of poem 1. It's not quite the same as a series, but I'd say it's more or
> less analogous, because there's a part of poem 2 that can obviously
> function on its own (namely, poem 1). So I'm going to think of those two
> things along the same lines as I'd think of a series.
>
> (Here A is the 2007 WIP, B is the other story, 1 is the poem within the
> 2007 WIP, and 2 is the longer poem published within story B.)
>
> Now as things stand, the second and third rules don't apply. This is
> because the story A was nominated in 2007 before the new rules came into
> effect. So the two poems and story B are both still eligible, and story
> A is eligible again when it's completed. (B/c by the first rule, WIPs
> are eligible again when completed.) But if anything is nominated *now*,
> the new rules about poems and the stories they're published in will come
> into play, and I think you may need a scorecard to keep count. I'll try
> to make all this as simple as I can. :-)
>
> *IF* story A competes again, once it's complete, that means poem 1 won't
> be eligible again. This is a pretty clear application of the second rule
> above.
> --- Moreover, since poem 2 couldn't compete again without dragging poem
> 1 along for the ride, poem 2 would not be eligible.
> --- Moreover, since story B contains poem 2 (which is ineligible to
> compete), story B couldn't compete -- *UNLESS* it could be posted
> somewhere without the poem. (In some stories the poems aren't that
> closely tied in to what the author is doing, and if they can be
> extricated, then story B would be eligible again, published without the
> poem.)
>
> *IF* poem 1 competed on its own, then story A would not be eligible once
> competed. Again, this is a pretty clear application of the second rule
> above.
> --- Moreover, since poem 2 couldn't compete without poem 1 also
> competing, poem 2 wouldn't be eligible.
> --- And again, story B faces the same situation as above: it is
> ineligible if it includes poem 2, but eligible if it can be posted
> somewhere without the poem.
>
> *IF* poem 2 competed on its own, then story B would not be eligible.
> This is because of the second rule above: if a poem competes, a story
> containing it is no longer eligible.
> --- Moreover, poem 1 would be ineligible because it was part of poem 2
> and so competed when poem 2 competed.
> --- Also, story A faces the same situation as story B above. It would be
> eligible again (when completed) only if it could be posted somewhere
> without the poem.
>
> Finally: *IF* story B competed on its own, then poem 2 would be
> ineligible by the second rule. (Story competing ==> poem included in
> story isn't eligible.)
> --- Since poem 1 is included in poem 2, and poem 2 is ineligible, poem 1
> is also ineligible.
> --- Moreover, story A faces the same situation as in the last case: only
> eligible if the poem can be extricated, and only then when completed.
>
>
>
>
> Clear as mud? :-S Complicated, I know - but I hope this gives you a feel
> for how the rules would be applied.
>
> Marta
>
> linaewen0 wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> > I have a question about whether the reuse of a poem or song in one tale
> > makes another ineligible to compete.
> >
> > If a small portion of a poem or song is present in a previously
> > nominated work, does the presence of a longer version of that same poem
> > or song in another story make the new work ineligible to compete?
> >
> > The specific case I am thinking of involves a WIP that was nominated in
> > 2007, and contains a short version of a poem/song; a longer version of
> > this poem/song was later worked into a different tale written at a later
> > date, which has not yet competed. The poem itself has never been
> > nominated separately at any time.
> >
> > Can the new tale with the longer version of the song compete?
> >
> > And if it does compete, will it in any way affect the future competition
> > of the WIP when it is completed?
> >
> > Thanks for your help! I couldn't quite puzzle this one out myself.
> >
> > Linawen
> >
>

> You're amazing, Marta!

> You said:
>
> > Now as things stand, the second and third rules don't apply. This is
> > because the story A was nominated in 2007 before the new rules came into
> > effect. So the two poems and story B are both still eligible, and story
> > A is eligible again when it's completed. (B/c by the first rule, WIPs
> > are eligible again when completed.) But if anything is nominated *now*,
> > the new rules about poems and the stories they're published in will come
> > into play, and I think you may need a scorecard to keep count. I'll try
> > to make all this as simple as I can. :-)
>
> By this do you mean that if Story B is currently not nominated, it can
> be nominated now, because Story A and its poem came before the new rules
> took effect --

> but if it is nominated during this (or any subsequent)
> season of the MEFAs it will mean that Story A (the WIP) will no longer
> be eligible when it is completed, because of the poem?
>

> In order for Story B to compete without compromising Story A, does it
> need to have its poem removed?
>

> It's my own stuff I'm talking about, and if Story B is nominated and I
> become the liaison for myself (which has already happened on another
> tale) I want to be sure I don't mess up and allow it to proceed if it is
> in fact ineligible -- or will make something else ineligible later. I
> don't want to compromise Story A for future competing when completed!
>

> Thanks for your wisdom and being able to sort stuff like this out!
>

>
>
>
> Hello!
> I was looking at the FAQ to pass some info on to a friend on FFN who was
> having problems finding it, and while there are all sorts of good info on
> the various deadlines, I couldn't easily find a statement of when
> voting/reviewing will actually start for this year. Could someone please
> clarify that for us?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Vorondavë ar linalmië,
> Rhyselle
>

--- In MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com, Marta <marta.fandom@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Lin,
>
> > You're amazing, Marta!
>
> Thanks! :-)
>
> > You said:
> >
> > > Now as things stand, the second and third rules don't apply. This is
> > > because the story A was nominated in 2007 before the new rules came into
> > > effect. So the two poems and story B are both still eligible, and story
> > > A is eligible again when it's completed. (B/c by the first rule, WIPs
> > > are eligible again when completed.) But if anything is nominated *now*,
> > > the new rules about poems and the stories they're published in will come
> > > into play, and I think you may need a scorecard to keep count. I'll try
> > > to make all this as simple as I can. :-)
> >
> > By this do you mean that if Story B is currently not nominated, it can
> > be nominated now, because Story A and its poem came before the new rules
> > took effect --
>
> Correct.
>
> Well, to be pedantic about it - it may be ineligible for some completely
> unrelated reason like too high a rating or bad URL. But you won't run
> into any trouble on *this* count.
>
> > but if it is nominated during this (or any subsequent)
> > season of the MEFAs it will mean that Story A (the WIP) will no longer
> > be eligible when it is completed, because of the poem?
> >
>
> Right. Because Story B *will* fall under the story/poem rule.
>
> > In order for Story B to compete without compromising Story A, does it
> > need to have its poem removed?
> >
>
> Correct again.
>
> > It's my own stuff I'm talking about, and if Story B is nominated and I
> > become the liaison for myself (which has already happened on another
> > tale) I want to be sure I don't mess up and allow it to proceed if it is
> > in fact ineligible -- or will make something else ineligible later. I
> > don't want to compromise Story A for future competing when completed!
> >
>
> I understand that concern! Do remember that I'll be checking over your
> form for you (I give the final approval on all forms), so you'll have at
> least one other pair of eyes dissecting it inch by inch. And if you
> can't tell already, I like details. :-)
>
> > Thanks for your wisdom and being able to sort stuff like this out!
> >
>
> N/p. It's really more obsessiveness and a firsthand familiarity with the
> awards than any great skill. But I'm glad I could help.
>
> Marta
>

> In order to allow Story B to compete without compromising Story A's
> future eligibility as a completed WIP, can the poem be edited out of
> Story A (rather than Story B), even though its already been through a
> nominating season (but is not yet a completed WIP)?
>

--- In MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com, "NiRi" <equineinclined@...> wrote:
>
> Greetings! A quick word about Nomination Banners, if I may.
>
> As you may have noticed, if you have already been nominated and have visited the banner page, we have uploaded a varied selection of banners, but new banners are being added as they are made. So if you don't see something you're looking for, check back every few days.
>
> You may also send suggestions to me if you see a character/place/race/etc is missing and I'll forward the request on to the banner makers. While we are not taking custom requests, I will gladly receive requests for specific characters, places, and what not.
>
> Something NEW this year: Vertical Banners!
> We will be making a few vertical banners for those who would like a little bit different version. They will conform to the same size requirements as previous years, only flipped to vertical.
>
> If you would like to join our banner making team, please contact me at the email address listed below. We appreciate all the help!
>
> Congratulations to all the nominees so far! Keep those Nominations coming, and we, your banner making team shall keep the banners posted!
>
> Nieriel Raina
> MEFA Banner Coordinator
>
> You may contact me at: equineinclined at yahoo dot com.
>
> For banner requests: Please put MEFA Banner Request in the subject line. We will do our best to see everyone has an appropriate banner with their main character/place/race presented.
>
> To join our banner team, please put Banner Making in the subject line. I will forward your into to Marta so you may be added to the volunteer list.
>

On Sat, May 23, 2009 at 4:31 PM, NiRi <equineinclined@yahoo.com> wrote:

> Greetings! A quick word about Nomination Banners, if I may.
>
> As you may have noticed, if you have already been nominated and have
> visited the banner page, we have uploaded a varied selection of banners, but
> new banners are being added as they are made. So if you don't see something
> you're looking for, check back every few days.
>
> You may also send suggestions to me if you see a character/place/race/etc
> is missing and I'll forward the request on to the banner makers. While we
> are not taking custom requests, I will gladly receive requests for specific
> characters, places, and what not.
>
> Something NEW this year: Vertical Banners!
> We will be making a few vertical banners for those who would like a little
> bit different version. They will conform to the same size requirements as
> previous years, only flipped to vertical.
>
> If you would like to join our banner making team, please contact me at the
> email address listed below. We appreciate all the help!
>
> Congratulations to all the nominees so far! Keep those Nominations coming,
> and we, your banner making team shall keep the banners posted!
>
> Nieriel Raina
> MEFA Banner Coordinator
>
> You may contact me at: equineinclined at yahoo dot com.
>
> For banner requests: Please put MEFA Banner Request in the subject line. We
> will do our best to see everyone has an appropriate banner with their main
> character/place/race presented.
>
> To join our banner team, please put Banner Making in the subject line. I
> will forward your into to Marta so you may be added to the volunteer list.
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Visit our website: http://www.mefawards.net/MEFA2009/
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

> I'll have to see if anyone knows how to make html on LJ put the
> text up next to them in a document and not underneath.

On Sat, May 23, 2009 at 5:33 PM, <heartofoshun@aol.com> wrote:

>
>
>
> We will be making a few vertical banners for those who would like a little
> bit different version. They will conform to the same size requirements as
> previous years, only flipped to vertical.
>
>
>
> ---------------
> Very cool! I'll have to see if anyone knows how to make html on LJ put the
> text up next to them in a document and not underneath. Sorry. OOT! I'll ask
> on my LJ.
>
> Silmarillion banners are usually a minor problem at least. Suggestion: have
> people make some general ones based on scenery or abstraction. People
> don't always like death scenes and torture (Silm filled with that, of
> course!).
> Or big scary monsters looming over tiny indistinguishable elves if one
> writes romance or general fics.
> **************A strong credit score is 700 or above. See Yours in Just 2
> Easy Steps!
> (
> http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222585033x1201462753/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgID=115&b
> cd=Maystrongfooter52309NO115)
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Visit our website: http://www.mefawards.net/MEFA2009/
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

> And could we please get a good link to the 2009 banner pages?
> Thanks!

> And could we please get a good link to the 2009 banner pages? Thanks!
>

--- In MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com, "Eleanor (Elea)" <eleabella@...> wrote:
>
>
> > And could we please get a good link to the 2009 banner pages? Thanks!
> >
>
> You can find the links to the banner sites here:
> http://www.mefawards.net/MEFA2009/index.php?page=FAQbanners#ban_8
>
> HTH :)
> Elea (elea24)
>

> I chose the one-a-day email choice for this group on Yahoo three times
> yesterday. And it did not work for me! It claimed it saved the change, but

> not. So here I am again, reading every email, because I have no impulse
> control.

--- In MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com, heartofoshun@... wrote:
>
>
> Thanks, Dawn.
>
> I was wondering why you were replying so quickly to list mails! :D
>
>
>
> I am so bad. I am actually copychecking someone's novel. I should work
> offline--but then I might miss something exciting!
> **************A strong credit score is 700 or above. See Yours in Just
2
> Easy Steps!
>
(http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222585033x1201462753/aol?redir\
=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgID=115&b
> cd=Maystrongfooter52309NO115)
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

On Sat, May 23, 2009 at 2:33 PM, <heartofoshun@aol.com> wrote:

>
>
>
>
> We will be making a few vertical banners for those who would like a little
> bit different version. They will conform to the same size requirements as
> previous years, only flipped to vertical.
>
> ---------------
> Very cool! I'll have to see if anyone knows how to make html on LJ put the
> text up next to them in a document and not underneath. Sorry. OOT! I'll ask
>
> on my LJ.
>
> Silmarillion banners are usually a minor problem at least. Suggestion: have
>
> people make some general ones based on scenery or abstraction. People
> don't always like death scenes and torture (Silm filled with that, of
> course!).
> Or big scary monsters looming over tiny indistinguishable elves if one
> writes romance or general fics.
> **************A strong credit score is 700 or above. See Yours in Just 2
> Easy Steps!
> (
> http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222585033x1201462753/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgID=115&b
> cd=Maystrongfooter52309NO115)
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

On Sat, May 23, 2009 at 3:38 PM, kimberli leal <kim@flash.net> wrote:

>
>
> Here is the link and password that I was sent to get in and has been
> working for me.
>
> The link to the account it:
> http://www.photobucket.com/mefa09n
>
> Password is: celebrimbor (all lowercase)
>
> Here is the whole URL/link that shows in my browser when I use that link
> incase the above one link gets funny with you.
>
> http://gs98.photobucket.com/groups/l253/H4V8QY36O4/
>
> BTW, Yahoo frequently likes to break links in e-mails to Yahoo groups ...
> it does it by adding spaces, so if these don't work, all you have to do is
> cut and Paste the last one I gave you into the top of your browser, and
> carefully look for and remove any spaces, and then hit enter, and then it
> will work for you.
>
> Cactuskim
>
> ________________________________
> From: "heartofoshun@aol.com <heartofoshun%40aol.com>" <
> heartofoshun@aol.com <heartofoshun%40aol.com>>
> To: MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com <MEFAwards%40yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Saturday, May 23, 2009 3:28:39 PM
> Subject: Re: [MEFAwards] Re: Nomination Banners
>
> Where can I see the banners that are available?
>
> Banners are available at photobucket:
>
> They didnt work for me. Each link took me to Photobucket and said "page
> not found" and invited me to browse "billions" of pictures. Photobucket and
> I
> are not friends in any case, sort of like Yahoo and me.
>
> (I chose the one-a-day email choice for this group on Yahoo three times
> yesterday. And it did not work for me! It claimed it saved the change, but
> did
> not. So here I am again, reading every email, because I have no impulse
> control.)
> ************ **A strong credit score is 700 or above. See Yours in Just 2
> Easy Steps!
> (http://pr.atwola. com/promoclk/ 100126575x122258 5033x1201462753/
> aol?redir= http://www. freecreditreport .com/pm/default. aspx?sc=668072&
> hmpgID=115& b
> cd=Maystrongfooter5 2309NO115)
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

On Sat, May 23, 2009 at 7:26 PM, NiRi <equineinclined@yahoo.com> wrote:

>
>
> Barbara said: Sometimes you can keep email programs from breaking links if
> you surround the link with < and >, so the email programs gets fooled into
> thinking it's an HTML tag.
>
> *glomps Barbara* THANK YOU!!! I have this problem on ALL my yahoo groups
> and you just solved it for me! *glomps you again*
>
> NiRi
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

>
>
>
> I went to the banner page but I'm only seeing up to 2008's banners...
> where's the link to 2009?
> Vorondavë ar linalmië,
> Rhyselle
>

>
> Hi, Roisin,
>
> If I'm understanding your dilemma correctly, you're wondering about

> you need to fill out after accepting the nomination? If this is the

> then the form is found on the MEFA website. First, go to the MEFA 2009

>
> <http://mefawards.net/MEFA2009/>
>
> Log in and, midway down the page, there is a link to "View your

> have been nominated." Or, here is a quick link:
>
> <http://mefawards.net/MEFA2009/index.php?page=mystories>
>
> This will bring up a list of your nominated stories. Beneath each is a
> series of three links. Click "Story Details," and it will take you to

> form your need to complete for each nomination.
>
> Does that help? :)
>
> Dawn
>
>
> --
> ~oOo~
> Dawn Felagund
> http://themidhavens.net/heretic_loremaster/
> http://www.silmarillionwritersguild.org
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

>
>
>
> On Sat, May 23, 2009 at 6:28 PM, <heartofoshun@aol.com
> <mailto:heartofoshun%40aol.com>> wrote:
> > I chose the one-a-day email choice for this group on Yahoo three times
> > yesterday. And it did not work for me! It claimed it saved the
> change, but
> did
> > not. So here I am again, reading every email, because I have no impulse
> > control.
>

>
>
>
> Possibly one for Aranel...
>
> I expected this list to look almost exactly like the 'Characters' list,
> but it is much, much shorter. In fact, I think it's only listing Third
> Age characters. Is it (mis)linked to another selection or something?
>
> Cheers,
>
> Moreth
>

--- In MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com, Marta <marta.fandom@...> wrote:
>
> Hiya Moreth,
>
> This isn't a technical error. As you see there are two lists - one long
> "Characters" and one shorter "Characters for Categorization." The first
> list is shown to readers, the second list is used to set up subcategories.
>
> The reason the second list is so short is that we want authors to focus
> on those characters that have a realistic chance at giving us a good
> subcategory. It helps the categorizers a lot to have this list be pretty
> short, and since this list is *only* used by categorizers and not
> readers we design it with their needs in mind.
>
> The trouble is that, while there may easily be 8-9 Faramir stories in
> even a medium-sized category, the same can't often be said about
> Fingolfin. And when there are, they are usually by much fewer authors
> than there would be for Faramir. This isn't a comment on First Age fic,
> just a comment about the demographics of the stories that have been
> nominated in the past. As we get more stories nominated involving First
> Age characters, we will begin to see characters that might make good
> additions to the "characters for categorization" list.
>
> There are *some* Silmarillion-based characters. For instance, House of
> Finwe. Sindarin Elves is probably used more for Thingol than for Legolas
> :-), and even Elrond and Family is used sometimes for Elrond and Elros
> growing up (not just Elrond's wife and kids in the Third Age). But as it
> turns out, in the past we often find better subcategories on the basis
> of settings, like a "Doriath" or "Gondolin" or "Undying Lands". There
> are simply so many characters in the Silmarillion, and not enough
> Silm-based stories nominated, those stories don't often split up well on
> character lines.
>
> That said: if you do see characters you think would make good additions
> to the list, I'm certainly willing to include them. We don't edit these
> lists mid-awards (not fair to people who have already filled out their
> forms), but we could look at whether they should be added for next year.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Marta
> (MEFA Admin.)
>
> subcategory.
> moreth00 wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> > Possibly one for Aranel...
> >
> > I expected this list to look almost exactly like the 'Characters' list,
> > but it is much, much shorter. In fact, I think it's only listing Third
> > Age characters. Is it (mis)linked to another selection or something?
> >
> > Cheers,
> >
> > Moreth
> >
>

>
>
>
> Thanks, Marta! That makes sense :D
>
> I think, considering your response, I'll leave that one N/A and go with
> the locations category.
>
> Thanks for the quick response!
>
> Moreth
>

On Sun, May 24, 2009 at 12:30 AM, roisin_elendiel <shivna1980@hotmail.com>wrote:

>
>
>
> You rock, Dawn! Yes, that helps.. Thanks so much! :-) I hope my liason
> is ready for me, I'm going to probably be asking a bunch of questions
> while filling out this form. I feel like I'm applying for citizenship in
> MEFA-Land, LOL!
>
> I love how you set those instructions up, very helpful! You get to be my
> hero for today. :-D
>
> Roisin
>















--
~oOo~
Dawn Felagund
http://themidhavens.net/heretic_loremaster/
http://www.silmarillionwritersguild.org


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

>
>
>
> I know there's a fine line in there somewhere, but as a general premise,
> I thought we had to remain non-graphic? Especially where someone may
> object to slash content? If such *is* allowed, then there are some
> worthies I'd like to nominate...thanks!
>

--- In MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com, Marta <marta.fandom@...> wrote:
>
> beruthiels_catz wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> > I know there's a fine line in there somewhere, but as a general premise,
> > I thought we had to remain non-graphic? Especially where someone may
> > object to slash content? If such *is* allowed, then there are some
> > worthies I'd like to nominate...thanks!
> >
>
> Hi Beruthiels Catz,
>
> Well, we do have ratings requirements but they don't quite line up with
> what is NC17 at every archive. This is because what is NC17 at one
> archive might be R-rated at another, and we don't control those
> descriptions. What we *do* require is that every nominated story fit the
> General, Teen, or Mature ratings laid out
>
> http://www.mefawards.net/MEFA2009/index.php?page=FAQratingsguide
>
> Here's what the guidelines say on the subject of sex (which I assume is
> what you mean by graphic, as you refer to slash):
>
> "Full sex scenes can be depicted. The depiction should focus on the
> characters' emotions and thoughts rather than a clinical description of
> the events. R-rated stories do not need to "fade to black" before actual
> sex occurs, but the sexual content should focus on thoughts and emotions
> rather than what is physically being done. Any explicit sex scenes
> should be integrated into the larger story or serve some purpose beyond
> titillation."
>
> How we usually handle ratings is this. Authors are kind of on their
> "honor system" - if they think a rating is appropriate, they can select
> it. BUT! We also allow listen to members' complaints if they say that
> they think a story is too mature for a certain rating. Say a story is
> nominated, the author rates it Mature but a member later looks at it and
> says that they think it should be Adult. What I would do is email our
> ratings panel - a group of three volunteers and one alternate who will
> read over the questionable passage. (The author can also contextualize
> it for them, explain what goes on in previous chapters and where this is
> all leading.) Whatever the majority think the story should be rated
> based on that scene, that's the rating it's given.
>
> This can cause a problem for the author because if pieces are withdrawn
> after July 7 for any reason, they're just as ineligible as if they
> competed the whole year. (That's the deadline authors have to get their
> stories ready to compete - exact date will vary from year to year, but
> it's always one week after nominations close.) So let's say you nominate
> a story. Author thinks it's Mature. In August a reader questions that,
> and we send it to the Rating Panel, who think it's Adult. MEFA policy is
> I withdraw the story because adult isn't eligible, and since it's past
> that July 7 deadline, the story can't compete again.
>
> To help with this situation, authors can voluntarily put their story to
> the ratings panel, during nominations. If the rating panel says the
> story is adult, the story still has to be withdrawn. But the story
> hasn't competed, so it is still eligible in the future - for instance,
> if the author comes up with a less graphic version, or if our rating
> guidelines themselves every change.
>
> One last thing: slash or het doesn't even enter into things when
> deciding what a story is rated. Authors will need to list "romance
> partners," so readers will know that it's slash, e.g. if they list
> Faramir/Eomer rather than Faramir/Eowyn. But that doesn't earn a higher
> rating. The slash/het issue is totally different from the rating issue,
> which depends on what kind of erotic acts you're describing, and in what
> detail.
>
> I know that's a lot of info! Hope I answered your question.
>
> Marta
>

On Sun, May 24, 2009 at 2:45 PM, NiRi <equineinclined@yahoo.com> wrote:

>
>
> I need to clarify something as there is a chance one of my romance novels
> will be nominated. (or so I've heard :P )
>
> If the story has two different versions, for instance, I am planning one R
> rated version for FFN but there will also be a more graphic version posted
> at LOTRFF, my story can still compete provided the link is to the R rated
> version? Yes?
>
> Much thanks
>
> NiRi
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

On Sun, May 24, 2009 at 10:52 AM, Marta <marta.fandom@gmail.com> wrote:

>
>
> beruthiels_catz wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> > I know there's a fine line in there somewhere, but as a general premise,
> > I thought we had to remain non-graphic? Especially where someone may
> > object to slash content? If such *is* allowed, then there are some
> > worthies I'd like to nominate...thanks!
> >
>
> Hi Beruthiels Catz,
>
> Well, we do have ratings requirements but they don't quite line up with
> what is NC17 at every archive. This is because what is NC17 at one
> archive might be R-rated at another, and we don't control those
> descriptions. What we *do* require is that every nominated story fit the
> General, Teen, or Mature ratings laid out
>
> http://www.mefawards.net/MEFA2009/index.php?page=FAQratingsguide
>
> Here's what the guidelines say on the subject of sex (which I assume is
> what you mean by graphic, as you refer to slash):
>
> "Full sex scenes can be depicted. The depiction should focus on the
> characters' emotions and thoughts rather than a clinical description of
> the events. R-rated stories do not need to "fade to black" before actual
> sex occurs, but the sexual content should focus on thoughts and emotions
> rather than what is physically being done. Any explicit sex scenes
> should be integrated into the larger story or serve some purpose beyond
> titillation."
>
> How we usually handle ratings is this. Authors are kind of on their
> "honor system" - if they think a rating is appropriate, they can select
> it. BUT! We also allow listen to members' complaints if they say that
> they think a story is too mature for a certain rating. Say a story is
> nominated, the author rates it Mature but a member later looks at it and
> says that they think it should be Adult. What I would do is email our
> ratings panel - a group of three volunteers and one alternate who will
> read over the questionable passage. (The author can also contextualize
> it for them, explain what goes on in previous chapters and where this is
> all leading.) Whatever the majority think the story should be rated
> based on that scene, that's the rating it's given.
>
> This can cause a problem for the author because if pieces are withdrawn
> after July 7 for any reason, they're just as ineligible as if they
> competed the whole year. (That's the deadline authors have to get their
> stories ready to compete - exact date will vary from year to year, but
> it's always one week after nominations close.) So let's say you nominate
> a story. Author thinks it's Mature. In August a reader questions that,
> and we send it to the Rating Panel, who think it's Adult. MEFA policy is
> I withdraw the story because adult isn't eligible, and since it's past
> that July 7 deadline, the story can't compete again.
>
> To help with this situation, authors can voluntarily put their story to
> the ratings panel, during nominations. If the rating panel says the
> story is adult, the story still has to be withdrawn. But the story
> hasn't competed, so it is still eligible in the future - for instance,
> if the author comes up with a less graphic version, or if our rating
> guidelines themselves every change.
>
> One last thing: slash or het doesn't even enter into things when
> deciding what a story is rated. Authors will need to list "romance
> partners," so readers will know that it's slash, e.g. if they list
> Faramir/Eomer rather than Faramir/Eowyn. But that doesn't earn a higher
> rating. The slash/het issue is totally different from the rating issue,
> which depends on what kind of erotic acts you're describing, and in what
> detail.
>
> I know that's a lot of info! Hope I answered your question.
>
> Marta
>
>
>



--
Life's been good to me so far!!! Praise God!


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

--- In MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com, Marta <marta.fandom@...> wrote:
>
> Dawn Felagund wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> > On Sat, May 23, 2009 at 6:28 PM, <heartofoshun@...
> > <mailto:heartofoshun%40aol.com>> wrote:
> > > I chose the one-a-day email choice for this group on Yahoo three times
> > > yesterday. And it did not work for me! It claimed it saved the
> > change, but
> > did
> > > not. So here I am again, reading every email, because I have no impulse
> > > control.
> >
>
> Hi Oshun,
>
> I checked - at the group webpage you are listed as receiving the digest.
> So as far as I know, you *should* be receiving "digest" emails, about
> one a day. (Sometimes 2-3 if the list is very busy. I think it puts up
> to twenty emails in a digest.) I'm not sure what's wrong.
>
> My best guess is Yahoo is being slow. I know when I go no mail sometimes
> it takes them a day or two. Sorry I can't help more.
>
> Marta
>

>
>
>
> Hello I am new here. My name is Brandy. I am known as Lady of Deelights
> on some of my other groups. I am a writer and my penname is Haldirsbaby.
> Wanted to stop in and introduce myself and say hello.
>
> Brandy
>

>
>
>
> How does one send a story to the ratings panel, Precious?
>
> Agape
>

>
>
>
> I need to clarify something as there is a chance one of my romance
> novels will be nominated. (or so I've heard :P )
>
> If the story has two different versions, for instance, I am planning one
> R rated version for FFN but there will also be a more graphic version
> posted at LOTRFF, my story can still compete provided the link is to the
> R rated version? Yes?
>
> Much thanks
>
> NiRi
>

On Mon, May 25, 2009 at 2:06 AM, Marta <marta.fandom@gmail.com> wrote:

>
>
> Agape 4Rivendell wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> > How does one send a story to the ratings panel, Precious?
> >
> > Agape
> >
>
> Hi Agape,
>
> The author should send me an email at mefasupportATmefawardsDOTnet.
> Please include a link to the story and the chapter (or part of chapter)
> you want looked at. They can also include the concern you have, like why
> they're doubting the rating. And they can tell me whatever else they
> want, like what was going on in the story leading up to this chapter or
> what will happen after it.
>
> I will forward this information to our ratings panel. When they get back
> to me, I will reply to the author with what the majority decided.
>
> Thanks,
>
> marta
>
>
>



--
Life's been good to me so far!!! Praise God!


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

--- In MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com, Agape 4Rivendell <agape4rivendell@...> wrote:
>
> Please forgive me for my confusion.
>
> Are we allowed to tell people that a story of ours has been nominated??? I
> didn't see anything in the FAQs.
>
> I could be confusing MEFAs with other websites.
>
> Again, very sorry for my obvious comfustication.
>
> Blessings,
> Agape
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

>
>
>
> Please forgive me for my confusion.
>
> Are we allowed to tell people that a story of ours has been nominated??? I
> didn't see anything in the FAQs.
>
> I could be confusing MEFAs with other websites.
>
> Again, very sorry for my obvious comfustication.
>
> Blessings,
> Agape
>

>
>
>
> Please forgive me for my confusion.
>
> Are we allowed to tell people that a story of ours has been nominated??? I
> didn't see anything in the FAQs.
>
> I could be confusing MEFAs with other websites.
>
> Again, very sorry for my obvious comfustication.
>
> Blessings,
> Agape
>