Where Did Things Go So Wrong?!?

[ApK]

Originally Posted by Steven Lyle Jordan

Sorry: I don't write for Paramount. Call J.J. Abrams, maybe you can work something out.

That line was aimed at pdurrant.

I haven't made any decisions yet, and it'll be awhile before I can enact any changes I decide upon.

My finger is poised over the buy button.

ApK

[ApK]

Originally Posted by pdurrant

a strange word in their title
[...]
Bolo - a kind of machine

Bolo isn't a strange word. It's a spiffy tie, a cool weapon, and an awesome 1980s computer game.

[pdurrant]

Originally Posted by ApK

That should be the world in your next novel!

I'm pretty sure that I shall never write a first novel, let alone a next one. I don't think I have enough empathy to create believable characters, nor enough imagination/creativity to come up with a good plot or setting.

(Or, for that matter, sufficient dedication to finish such a project even if I started it. Self knowledge is a two-edged sword.)

On the other hand, I'm a damn good problem solver with good attention to detail, and good mathematical abilities. So I write software rather than stories.

[ApK]

Originally Posted by pdurrant

So I write software rather than stories.

I know. I've noticed your knack in that area, and appreciate it.

[Steven Lyle Jordan]

Okay, feel free to criticize "Onuissance." But for the record, quite a number of the names you listed above are incredibly horrid to me. They don't exactly sell your point that my word isn't as good as those, and any of them on a book cover would keep my money in my pocket. Just sayin'.

[pdurrant]

Originally Posted by Steven Lyle Jordan

Okay, feel free to criticize "Onuissance." But for the record, quite a number of the names you listed above are incredibly horrid to me. They don't exactly sell your point that my word isn't as good as those, and any of them on a book cover would keep my money at bay. Just sayin'.

I wasn't listing the words as examples of good practice in book naming, but as examples of the strange words used in the 10% of books that used strange words.

I wouldn't use any odd words in a book title, except possibly a name if it was obvious that it was a name.

[ardeegee]

Originally Posted by pdurrant

And in fact, very early replicators already exist. 3D printers. Extrapolate 3D printers a few decades down the line, and you get something very close to a replicator.

Plenty of coverage of 3D printing on boingboing:

http://www.google.com/cse?cx=partner...ngboing.net%2F

[rhadin]

Originally Posted by ApK

"It looks like 'o-needers'."
"No, it's ONE-ders! O-N-E....One!
"Got it. It looks like 'o-needers'."

--That Thing You Do.

Although not an award-winning movie, I like it, especially Liv Tyler. My wife and I watch it a couple of times a year. Even the song was catchy once Guy Patterson (Tom Everett Scott), the drummer, sped it up.

[rhadin]

Originally Posted by Steven Lyle Jordan

Okay, feel free to criticize "Onuissance." But for the record, quite a number of the names you listed above are incredibly horrid to me. They don't exactly sell your point that my word isn't as good as those, and any of them on a book cover would keep my money in my pocket. Just sayin'.

I agree but I also agree with the sentiment that Onuissance is not a title to draw me in. A fundamental of any marketing scheme is that what a product is called must be appealing and must capture/pique interest nearly instantaneously, which means it must be understandable or at least recognizable.

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by ardeegee

See, I was right-- you just described the exact future that I wish to live in-- as if it were a bad thing. My black is your white, my white is your black. "The end of need, want, commerce, value, finance, etc" is a good thing!

You should talk to the gigglyguy...

[ApK]

Originally Posted by rhadin

I agree but I also agree with the sentiment that Onuissance is not a title to draw me in. A fundamental of any marketing scheme is that what a product is called must be appealing and must capture/pique interest nearly instantaneously, which means it must be understandable or at least recognizable.

...or it needs some quality that makes you want to pick up the book to find out what the heck that weird cool title means.

I first though 'Onuissance' would be pronounced 'Ennui-sance', and I thought 'I guess my French isn't good enough to look at this.'

Steve's explanation of it actually makes me want to check it out, so, yes, I guess I agree the title was a miss for me, too.

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by ApK

I know. I've noticed your knack in that area, and appreciate it.

Inquiring minds want to know?

[ApK]

Originally Posted by ardeegee

See, I was right-- you just described the exact future that I wish to live in-- as if it were a bad thing. My black is your white, my white is your black. "The end of need, want, commerce, value, finance, etc" is a good thing!

He didn't say it was a bad thing, he just said the story he wanted to tell wouldn't make sense in that world.
You don't think people who write post-apocalyptic fiction all think a world that didn't have an apocalypse is a bad thing, do you?
Try to keep an open mind.....

[mr ploppy]

Originally Posted by ApK

Bolo isn't a strange word. It's spiffy tie, a cool weapon, and an awesome 1980s computer game.

And the gorilla from The Mighty Boosh.

[Fbone]

I did think the suggestion to create or finish your Goodreads profile was a good one. And make sure all your books are listed and accurate.