Friends – Activity – Libby

Athelstone replied to the topic The Future of the Den in the forum Blogs 5 years ago

Well, there’s a lot to think about. And to get started on.

JaneShuff replied to the topic The Future of the Den in the forum Blogs 5 years ago

Deeply pleased to hear other people want idle chat.

Barny replied 5 years ago

Idle chat about what? Oh, … yeah. Yes please.
- JaneShuff replied 5 years ago
  
  Been lucky enough to escape Covid testing but got to have two next week before travelling. Are they really as awful as people claim?
  - Barny replied 5 years ago
    
    Ah, I can spot idle chat when it slaps me in the face. Have done one of the lateral flow type – you have to stroke your tonsils with a long cotton bud, then right up your nose. Fun. I find the tonsils one really difficult, makes me retch. OTOH I was clear 🙂 In the UK we can get free tests from pharmacies. Go for it! Hope it’s a nice holiday.
    - JaneShuff replied 5 years ago
      
      Well, I’ll let you know Barny but it sounds disgusting!
- Barny replied 5 years ago
  
  [idly] you did ask. Yeah let me know how it goes, but you can skim the details if you want.
  - JaneShuff replied 5 years ago
    
    Watch this space…
    - JaneShuff replied 5 years ago
      
      All fine! But only nasal swab for PCR test in France!!
      - Barny replied 5 years ago
        
        🙂

Athelstone replied to the topic The Future of the Den in the forum Blogs 5 years ago

I certainly agree with the point about idle chat.

JaneShuff replied to the topic The Future of the Den in the forum Blogs 5 years ago

My thoughts… I agree that the format doesn’t help and I’d love to see it changed. Maybe to something that would encourage more idle chat. Something about the format makes me feel I need to have something particularly worthwhile to say in order to post. I think idle chat is important for keeping relationships going but I may be in a minority…[Read more]

Kate replied to the topic The Future of the Den in the forum Blogs 5 years ago

The Den’s been a lifeboat for my SE group. And I love the inspiration the winter writing challenge brings. It’s also lovely to be able to see the successes of people I met on the cloud.

But I wonder if, for the main page to be active, we need writers at different stages. I think we’ve all got a fair amount of experience on here, have writing…[Read more]

Athelstone replied to the topic The Future of the Den in the forum Blogs 5 years ago

I have belonged to one or two sites that have been invaded and effectively ruined by the invaders, after which they failed. How is a site murdered?

As for contributers…well, that’s tricky. When it comes down to it, it’s people’s leisure time. If they feel compelled to contribute then I’d sort of hope it was some sort of internal compulsion…[Read more]

Athelstone started the topic The Future of the Den in the forum Blogs 5 years ago

1) It’s that time of year when our hosting providers ask for some money again. As ever, this forum is free to members, but should anybody wish to contribute please head over to the Donations group where you will find information in the forum. You will need to join the group, which doesn’t commit you to anything, to view the posts.

2) You can…[Read more]

Barny replied to the topic Monthly Competition – June 2021 in the forum Monthly Competition 5 years ago

Blimey, managed to write something and very pleased to be able to enter the comp. Was a bit concerned at managing to get to 250 words and wanting to post without having to DQ myself! Happily at 256 words including title. 🙂

This might be the day.

He hadn’t closed the curtains. The sunbeam found the bed at 6.37 and warmed his left foot at 6…[Read more]

Athelstone started the topic Monthly Competition – June 2021 in the forum Monthly Competition 5 years, 1 month ago

I shall be 65 this month. For most of my life, that was a significant date. It was the year that you became an Old Age Pensioner. Not now. It was a Labour government that did that. Hey Ho. OK, here’s a minor trope in many a thriller, in many a genre. You’re waiting for something significant, but it doesn’t happen. 250 words min, 500 words max.

Athelstone replied to the topic Monthly Competition – May 2021 in the forum Monthly Competition 5 years, 1 month ago

Ta ever so, Gail. My little story is about real people I knew a long time ago, and a real bar, so it was easy in a way. I liked your theme and I liked Sandra’s entry too. Pity about the numbers but that’s the way things are right now.

Athelstone replied to the topic Monthly Competition – May 2021 in the forum Monthly Competition 5 years, 2 months ago

*warning for language and content*

Sweep Weep

Shit! That’s Gaz over there. He mustn’t see me like this. Oh my God! I don’t even know how he got into those jeans. I can see the bulge of his iPhone. He’s looking my way. Stay busy with the cart, keep my hood up, pick the big brush. He’s never going to recognise me.

Called into the Woodpecker club…[Read more]

Athelstone replied to the topic Formatting for self-publishers in the forum Coffee Shop 5 years, 3 months ago

I saw that Debi had praised it on Facebook.

Athelstone replied to the topic Formatting for self-publishers in the forum Coffee Shop 5 years, 3 months ago

Looks useful. Hope it’s well set out.

Athelstone replied to the topic Monthly Comp – March 2021 in the forum Monthly Competition 5 years, 3 months ago

Smashing story, Sandra. Very well deserved win!

@libby