SHORT STORY WRITERS CONTEST -- Dec 2023 -- HOME SPUN -- HS2023 --winners announced

a reply to: FullHeathen

Not sure if I've done justice to your theme, but here's what I cooked up this time around:

www.abovetopsecret.com...

Thanks!

a reply to: QRST4D

Justice and more

a reply to: FullHeathen

Thank you, sir! Had a good time with this one.

Added an entry recently: Gone ... a very short poem from personal experience back when I was a teenager.

www.abovetopsecret.com...

I hope it resonates with some

Meant as a "We were so poor ..." joke.
Halloween 12 hour Shift - HS2023 (non-writer)

I know it is difficult when various members are vanquished, particularly now within the context of a Short Story Contest. I am not writing this with any special instruction from staff, just from my own heart.

The members aren't shown why people are actioned or banned. I am asking you to take it on faith -- with me -- that staff talks about things, measures them against the Terms and Conditions of Use, and acts. Our most unfavorite thing is to ban someone. Our favorite thing is to give applause.

Why am I saying this? Because a member of the writing crew is gone, and that seems to have caused a souring of this thread. I have to also tell you that I am in process of transitioning to another site, and this might well be the last Short Story Contest in which I participate. I LOVE ATS. It has been my heartsong for 15 years. The Amigos who once furthered this site are gone. The new owners who took up the mantle are absent -- not just to you, but also to staff.

I am in process of transitioning to another site, but in the meantime, I want to do proper honor to this thread, if even for the last time.

Much respect to all. You ALL have taught me so much. I cannot begin to thank you for your lessons. ;o) Best in the New Year. May we all survive, and create, and share our creativity.

a reply to: argentus

You have always been so supportive in EVERYTHING! Thank you!

a reply to: JJproductions

Thank you Sir. Much respect. ;o)

a reply to: argentus

Wishing you the best.

I remember when I first met you I read up on your previous stories.

You contributed a lot to the success of this forum.

a reply to: argentus

Thank you for all your warm words, you are great.

a reply to: argentus

There is positive, and there is negative ....

YOU have generally been on the positive side.

Best wishes to you in your future endeavors.

a reply to: argentus

Argentus, I’m saddened by your announcement. I could write reams to honour your artistry, civility and stead-worthiness, but in the end, I went outside my comfort zone with a humble ode that I hope does you justice.

Argentus, call his name,
Writing and succour is his fame.
Classic or modern is his prose,
Meticulously spot-on and on the nose.

A scholar and gentleman, always,
Bestowing honest and exact appraise.
A master of the quill and pen,
His tales impeccable and well-written.

Argentus, we will miss you,
As you are the glue.
Farewell to one of ATS's pillars,
As our beloved forum withers.

a reply to: Encia22

Quill and pen, saaaaay, is that an age crack? kidding. That was lovely, Encia, thank you so much my friend. That made me a tad emotional. I didn't really mean this as a "goodbye", since as we all know, goodbye threads aren't allowed on ATS, but more of a heads up. I don't have faith that ATS is going to survive. I will be here, and the other place, and will endeavor to do justice to both. I think ATS has seen its best days, and we should all be looking for plan B. I know you know what I'm talking about.

Things change, and those that are able to adapt, survive. It's one of the basic precepts of life. We all love and have loved this site and been through its changes. Every time in the past few years that it died and was subsequently resurrected, I was both gladdened and injured. I don't think I can take it anymore, the on and off of it.

I am preparing for the eventual lights out. Until then, I will be with you all, my friends, to the end. Thus, I am making a transition to a place that is warm and comforting and reminiscent of ATS of old, sans the politics and heavy on the woo and genuine CT; the ideals which brought me to ATS in the first place so long ago.

I remember a place where people plunged into research and had "respected foes" and dear friends. I want that again.

All best in the New Year to everyone! The world is a frightening, stange and wonderful place!!! In the immortal words of John Lyndon AKA Johnny Rotten, "Rock and roll, ya pukes!!!!"

a reply to: argentus

My pleasure, Argentus. I now see how you interpreted the quill verse... Umm; subconsciously I must have linked it to the first stanza. So Classic = Quill, Modern = Pen..., that's my excuse, LOL.

Yes, it's sad how precarious ATS has become and I, too, have one foot out of this grave. But it's good to know you'll stick around until the ship goes down.

Final hours to submit a story!!!!!!!!

Countdown to the final minutes of the contest and 2023!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What an aMAZing collection of stories and prose. I am honestly in awe.

Voting goes for the rest of the week.
Please read and vote for your favs.