The Doctrine of Sparrabeth

Some birthdays just suck...

2007-12-24T06:58:18Z

Usually, mine never do. This one, however, is the exception. *headdesk*

Derisory Melodrama. eyeroll

2007-12-20T19:34:15Z

The timing for such absurdity leaves much to be desired. I am neither in the mood nor do I possess the patience for it; however, blessedly, that very fact is a journal's purpose: to rant freely about such absurdity.

Hypocrite: (noun) A person who professes beliefs and opinions that he or she does not hold in order to conceal his or her real feelings or motives.

My, how they run rampant. In some ways, I do revel in the ill-timed hypocrisy as, under normal circumstances, I would remain neutral, but considering my level of patience as of late, I would have enjoyed throwing my hat into the ring. Since that is no longer an option, I will, still holding to the level of anonymity and civility I feel is proper, take up said issue here instead.

When there is a divergence among persons of the same interests, there are different ways of handling such controversy. The most  apposite way of doing so is to express one's feelings while maintaining the degree of maturity one deems suitable. Is that the typical way these things are handled? Unfortunately...no. The typical response is whining and sniveling, inciting tension, overly-dramatic threats of departure and/or otherwise spectacular displays of puerility. Is that the best way to handle these things? Unfortunately...no.

Situations often do not play out the way we would like simply because of our preferences, and that is something learned in the transition to adulthood: you cannot always have it your way. A rather crude but pertinent phrase leaps to mind: Want in one hand, shit in the other, and see which one fills up first. It might be a bit crass, but that does not lessen its value. I want many things; I can only do what is in my own power to make those things happen, but much of that is out of my control. This point, regrettably, is lost on many, as is the importance of the follow-through.

Following through on what you say you will do is a trait of integrity. Alas, that word is not used as often as it should be used in today's time. When one states their intentions, makes clear what their actions will be, they should adhere to their word without ulterior motivations. Attention-seeking behavior is quite the undesirable attribute. In actuality, it is a disgrace. Is that a governing factor in the way people behave normally? Unfortunately....no.

To borrow a phrase from a dear friend, here's the thing: If you do not like something and it is not in your power to fix the problem, you have the choice of ignoring said problem or going through the appropriate channels to ensure that it is handled in the best way possible. If you do not utilize those channels, then you have no reason or right to complain. That is why those channels exist; to solve problems. If, instead, you choose to deal with the issue poorly, that is your choice but it will not resolve a thing. Knowing that, if you choose to go forward in this immature and hypocritical manner, then you open yourself up to criticism. You open yourself up to ridicule. You open yourself up to scorn. Worse than that, you exacerbate the issue for others by not attempting to find an agreeable resolution to the problem.

Your words, your actions have consequences. Let us turn to Newton's Third Law in this regard:  For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.  Expanding on that, the same holds true for your words. Exercise caution when it comes to both, else whatever you receive, you will only have yourself to blame. You will have brought it on yourself and brought it on others without their consent. Is that any way to conduct oneself? Unfortunately...no.

Countdown.

2007-11-19T16:47:16Z

21 hours, 30 minutes. Is it masochistic that I'm counting down? Maybe.  I am never nervous before a surgery, and I doubt I will be this time, but the anticipation is driving me bananas.

Thanksgiving is going to be...interesting. I keep telling everyone to put it all in a blender and I'll suck it through a straw. Ugh. But that's okay. No more pain after this, except for the recover pain... then the second procedure, which will be uncomfortable and the one I'm looking forward to the least. Ugh seconded.

So I'm having a pre-op fun night tonight. Something to pass the time. I figure I'll continue with the massive WTF list from AWE.  That's always fun and productive, actually. By the time we're done with the list, I'm sure it will number over 100. Entertaining if nothing else.  I have other movies to watch, too, but nothing sad tonight. That would be completely counterproductive, I think.

I'm babbling. No surprise there. I hate waiting.

So I'll be offline for several days, definitely a downer. I'll have a lot to catch up on, which means I'll be entertained, but still...I am Not Amused about that. I could miss some serious Sweeney Todd news! :( *sigh*

Here's to the good Dr. Fruit and Dr. I-Can't-Think-of-a-Pseudonym-For. May your poker game have gone well! *crosses fingers*

Argh.

2007-11-19T00:57:10Z

Oh, go drown in your self-importance and stop wasting space, you mediocre git!

The Domino Effect...

2007-11-18T21:48:50Z

...and the problems it can cause.

There are many different elements of a fandom, so naturally, they will break off into groups, segregate if you will, according to what they prefer. It's natural, as are the wars that can pop up and spread from board to board when it comes to romantic pairings. But the question that nags my mind is why, on a couple-specific board, would there be threads created for one part of that specific couple being paired with another character? Doesn't matter to me if you like the other character. Frankly, as far as Pirates are concerned, I like a great deal of the characters. I feel sorry for some of them that got the shaft in the series. I can even understand supporting a pairing in theory had the movies gone another way, but none of those things explain to me why a shipping thread would exist that pairs one part of the board couple-of-choice with someone else.

When a Willabeth thread was created, chaos ensued and it was subsequently shut down as people pointed out that the board was, in fact, Sparrabeth only. Does that only hold true for Willabeth threads though and not others? If a place exists to support the pairing of Jack and Elizabeth, then what purpose is served by pairing her with someone else?

I've heard the reasons like, if the movies had been different and so-and-so would have been the main couple then...etc, etc, etc. Makes no never mind to me though. Sparrabeth board = Sparrabeth shipping only. Anything else is conflicting and annoying. I don't give a damn about Beckabeth, Norribeth, Davibeth (shudder) or any other -abeth pairing except Sparrabeth, so I don't want to hear about it, see it, even consider its existance. If it's a general fansite, I can understand the distinctions...but if it isn't, then it makes no sense. If you allow a pairing thread outside of your main pairing for the board, then what stops others from popping up? That's what happened with the short-lived Willabeth thread. One turns into two, into three, and so on and so forth. Ridiculous.

And I don't want to hear it defended either. My journal. I can bitch about anything I choose, and today, this is what irked me.

Random Irkage

2007-11-08T19:02:31Z

Today, I am irked by:

self-righteous people who make it their business to critique how you live your life. I don't mean in a helpful, "I think it would be a good idea if you..." way. No, no. That's fine. I'm speaking more on a, "I believe that is a sin" way or a, "I don't approve of you doing that" kind of way.

I fully believe that everyone is entitled to their own opinion; however, I am equally entitled to a.) not ask for your opinion, b.) not listen to it when it is given against my will, c.) completely disagree and then disregard it whether it was solicited or not, and d.) get pissed off when you rape my ears with your unwanted fucking point of view!

Furthermore, I fully believe that everyone is entitled to live their life as they see fit, providing that it is not endangering the life of another. This, of course, excludes the deviants among us, e.g., child molesters, rapists, murderers, etc. I'm speaking in general terms. My life, my choice, my problem.

When making a decision to act in a way that fulfills me personally, entertains me, makes me happy, and/or otherwise rocks my proverbial boat, I feel it should be understood that, as an adult, it is up to me and, therefore, not up to you. I do not require your approval, nor do I seek it in any way, shape or form. I do not care if you don't like it, if it makes you uncomfortable, or if your mileage varies from my own. This is why you have your own life to control; I give absolutely no consent for you to attempt to control mine. Period. End of sentence.

Now...I understand that when we engage in certain activities, such as dealing with the public in a public forum, certain people feel the need to chime in on what was said. I get that, I really do. In fact, I often do it myself. But when I do, I refrain from such condescending statements as, "I do not approve" or any varient thereof. Your life, being that it is not mine, is none of my business. I expect the same level of understanding and courtesy in return. Honestly, is it that much of a fucking challenge? No, it really isn't.

When it comes to the personal aspects of a person's life (and for the example, I will use sex), it is their body. They are to use it as they see fit...seeming as how there's a personal possessive pronoun in use, thereby signifying ownership. When you have ownership over something, what you do with that particular thing is your call. I'm sure there are examples that could be cited where this wouldn't be the case, but inasfar as it relates to your own body, ownership is kind of implied. So where do some people get off on casting personal judgments about someone else's sex life, who they fuck, how many times they fuck, and the number of people they fuck in any given time? Beats the hell out of me.

I'm not suggesting that I approve of being a slut, but by God, if that's what someone wants to do, then let them fuck the masses. Their body, their choice. I'm sensing a reoccurring theme here.

The point is, should it really matter to someone else who you choose to shtoop; whether or not you choose to shtoop them on your first, second, third, fourth or twentieth date; whether or not you pick someone up at a club, go back to their house and shtoop their everloving brains out; whether or not you shtoop once a month or five times a day? The answer to that question is no, unless of course the person in question happens to be your partner. Other than that, NO!

And when relaying this information, be it to a friend, a mass of friends, publically, privately, or in your own journal, it should be understood that you are not asking for the opinions of others! Perhaps you just want to brag. Perhaps you are excited that you had a good time. Perhaps it was the best boink of your life and you'd like to celebrate. Perhaps you're just one of those people that gives too much information. Whatever the reason behind it, I still have to go back to the initial point....your body, your choice, and no one should rape your ears with their opinions without your damn consent.

Long rant, I know. Funny thing is...it didn't even happen to me. I was just a witness.

Oy.

2007-11-07T06:33:37Z

My eyes, my eyes, my eyes!!!!!!!!!!!! *repeated headdesking* Omg, please, shoot me now. Holy bloody hell.

Roleplaying is great, but honestly.... no. Just... no.

I need a drink.  And something sharp.
*ambles off to find something to gouge out my eyes with*

Why?!?!??!?!??!??!

Fanfiction

2007-10-19T21:17:14Z

Okay, seriously... You can string together a sentence; congratulations. Does that automatically give you incentive to attempt writing a story? It shouldn't. I'm all for attempting creativity or giving something a decent shot, but for crying out loud! If you read fic, really good fic, and then you attempt your own and it's nowhere near the quality of the authors you feel have talent...that should be a clue. Don't get me wrong - nothing ventured, nothing gained, but some things should never be ventured at all. For example, I can't draw. I am not an artist, therefore, I don't attempt to pass off my horrific stick-figures and one-dimensional sunflowers as art. Makes sense to me. *shrug*

Sex scenes. Ah, fucking.... It's wonderful, great, can add volumes to a story, and sometimes, they're just great get-off tools. However, there are plenty of talented authors that just don't have a knack for writing sex. It isn't for everyone. But for Heaven's sakes, if you must write sex, why oh why must you make it so that the shudder your reader experiences is one of horror and disgust and not one of pleasure? Why? *headdesk* I know to each their own; I'm not disputing that. One person's disdain for a fic may be another person's thrill. I get it. I just don't get the idea behind some of it. In my book, the kinkier the better; more descriptions, more chances for that good shudder I mentioned earlier; the more passion, the hotter. But some things don't qualify and some just cross the line of ickiness.

As far as plot goes, I'm actually not that picky really. We all interpret these characters differently and what we feel they are capable of. What's in-character for one may not ring true for another. I'm not complaining at all about that. I know my views of Jack differ from other people, and that's great - that's what makes things interesting. It's the quality of writing that I bitch about. If your style is casual, then have incomplete sentences; that's fine. If you're style is formal, then make it consistent. If you don't know the difference between your and you're, don't bother unless you've got a beta with strong English skills. If you use modern language in a period piece, don't bother unless you've got a beta that will snap you back into the appropriate time period. If you don't understand the workings of a ship, that's fine, not many do...but find a beta who does. If you insist on cribbing lines from the films, at least take the time to rework them into something realistic - a clever callback or something. This list could go on, but honestly, it's not complex stuff here. *headdesk again*

I sound judgmental; I realize that. It's not really my intention, though you do tend to judge harsher when it comes to things about which you are truly passionate. Still, I think if writing is something you want to try, by all means, do. But if your finished product doesn't sound right -- and by God, you should know -- that is what betas are for. Good ones. Honest ones. Let them edit the shit out of it until it is right. That's what they're there for. A beta should compliment you on the good things and critique you on the things that need improvement while still being encouraging. Would I ever come out and say, this sucks in my opinion? No. But I promise I'd find a way to change what didn't work and not blow smoke up the person's ass.

Oy. I have a headache.

New Sparrabeth Forum

2007-05-28T00:07:47Z

Really Bad Eggs

It's not a PG-13 forum, and it is for Sparrabethers only.
Willabethers and those who lurk simply to cause trouble will be terminated immediately.

RANT!

2007-04-04T00:23:02Z

See the Subject Title? There. You have been warned. Only one you're going to get.

*deep breath*

News Flash, you fucking idgits!

Not every rumor, spoiler, speculation, half-brained plot concoction, personal hypothesis, well or poorly-written supposition, well or ill-educated character analysis, or individualized opinion is fact! There will always be positive (pick your favorite description from the above list) for your ship and there will always be negative (pick your favorite description from the above list), okay? Unless it comes straight from Jerry, Gore, Ted, Terry, or Johnny's mouth, it is NOT FACT! And even if it does come directly from Jerry, Gore, Ted, Terry or Johnny's mouth, it still isn't entirely bankable, as none are willing to give up major spoilers for the epic third installation. That's not even factoring in the reality that is the twisted and sadistic minds of Ted and Terry.

So are you with me so far, class? Good.

Second News Flash!

Unless your name is one of the following -- Jerry Bruckheimer, Gore Verbinski, Ted Elliot, Terry Rossio, Johnny Deep, Keira Knightley, Orlando Bloom, or any of the higher-ups at Disney or JB Films -- you know just as much as the rest of us about what is going to happen in AWE. That's right! It's true! You may think you know and you may think you have some enlightened point of view that is more esteemed than the average POTC fan, but guess what? You don't! The fact is we are all sitting around analyzing and speculating over what may or may not happen based on our own ideas and theories. None of us know for sure. Regardless of how pompous and arrogant the wording of your posts may be, you are in the same fucking boat as every other POTC fan. We are in the dark until May, and the only light being cast on the mystery that is AWE is being shone by those who actually know what happens.

Furthermore, you can cross-reference as much as you please, but if you think I'm going to be impressed by some intellectual citation or holier-than-thou sentiment of how much you've studied something, I have news for you: I can hold my fucking own when it comes to the written word, so your tediously-penned, thesaurus-driven drabblings do NOT impress me! And it doesn't make you any more credible a source than my five-day-old newphew, okay? Save your damn energy and stop trying to out-word me. It isn't going to happen. Moreover, don't kid yourself that I actually waste any effort at all trying to "keep up" with your pseudo-noetic babbling, because, honey...I don't. I rarely waste time on something so trivial. Besides, I could write circles around you, so give it up already before you cause yourself any more grief.

So please, remove yourself from the high horse you rode in on and come back to reality. You are no more disillusioned than anyone else. I don't give a shit what you've read, what your major in college was, or how prettily you can phrase your posts. You don't know. You won't know until the rest of us know, and none of us will know until May. Get over it already.

Third News Flash!

I don't know what downer you took with your morning coffee, but stop dragging your goddamned pessimism everywhere you go. I don't care that you are pessimistic. I don't care that you are crying because of said emotional state. I don't care that you have your panties in a wad because of something someone said or some gut feeling you have. I don't give a flying fuck, got it? I don't want to bring you back to the world of optimism. Drown in your hopelessly discouraged pool of negativity for all I care. I promise I will shed no tears for your demise. The fact of the matter is, one of the members of the short list of Enlightened People (aka Jerry and the rest I listed above) could come out with an interview that clearly states, "We decided to end AWE with Jack and Elizabeth together", and you will STILL find something negative to whine about. And you know the only thing that accomplishes? It pisses the rest of us off, it drags us into your over-dramatized world of shit, and stops the flow of the conversation that was just fine before you waltzed in and announced how sad you are about the potential outcome of AWE.

So in case I wasn't clear before, stop your sniveling party and grow up. I have no sympathy for you at all. Get over it or get out of it, but make a damn choice and stop raining on my fucking parade!

Fourth News Flash!

I don't give a shit what site you are on, a topic is a topic is a topic. Topic - Noun - The subject matter of a conversation or discussion! STICK TO IT!

Now... if that seemed harsh, I'm not going to apologize for it. I needed to get this out, and you were, after all, warned.

Grrr.

2007-03-14T03:38:42Z

"tasteless pirates *eyeroll*" and other such comments on other boards AND condoned by someone who supposedly is a fan of the site...(doubtful)... just make me want to scream.

Little Rant

2007-03-04T06:11:27Z

Obviously, this is just one of my random posts, separate from Sparrabethians.

------

It is frustrating to me to see the behavior of some completely overlooked while the behavior of others is openly chastised. Furthermore, upon the whining and sniveling done by the overlooked offender, there is no ashortage of those willing to jump to their aid in their "time of need". The offender in question is blatantly narcissistic in nature and completely lost in their own reality, enough to go beyond just disagreeing with the opinions of others, but carrying that disagreement to other threads and continuing the mocking behavior from the original thread.

While the attitude towards that is one of "turning one's head to look the other way", the very same attitude seems to only be utilized when dealing with any other shipper than that of Sparrabeth. Yes, I realize, that is just the way it goes there, and I accept it. But that doesn't make it any easier to swallow, and it still pisses me off just the same.

I suppose I take it personally because a great deal of this overlooked offender's grievances dealt directly with me, so I really cannot help but take it personally. This person's blatant need to play the role of a martyr is not only aggravating at the very least but disgusting as well. Yet the game of kissing the appropriate ass is played with skill, so I guess that is only to be expected.

I just find it disheartening to see the behavior allowed, and the lesser-offensive behavior of others publically chastised. And I especially hate it when the official response is, "You need a break and time to re-evaluate what is important to you and your family." No, that was not the response I got, but one to another who feels the same way. I didn't get a response at all. So I guess that only serves to prove that without the appropriate level of ass-kissing, valid complaints go unnoticed and unaddressed.

*hops off my soapbox now*

Another one

2007-03-04T05:16:31Z

The Complex Captain Jack - sparrabethians.

New Discussion

2007-03-03T21:48:58Z

Some questions abaout Pintel and Ragetti in sparrabethians.

Beckett's True Intentions

2007-03-02T22:45:31Z

New point of discussion posted at Sparrabethians.

Please drop by, join the community if you wish, and give your thoughts on the subject. I'd love to hear from you.

Thoroughly Disappointed

2007-02-23T06:52:22Z

I am completely baffled by the state of a certain website. The behavior that is being allowed by moderators that is certainly not allowed of its members is apalling. Especially in light of one of the members being recently banned, it sickens me to see the one who started it all engaging in highly inappropriate behavior, per the TOU, with the two mods that originally jumped the banned member's shit in the first place.

And in a separate thread, one that was a bit inappropriate as well, if not just purely disgusting, one of those mods was out-and-out rude to a member. And it upset that member greatly enough to where she signed off for the remainder of the night. And this is allowed? I'm just disgusted.

I brought it to the attention of a different mod, and it was basically ignored. So I have now written to Admin twice about this. I doubt anything will be done, but for a site that promotes their own integrity, they need to take a closer look at the ones they've placed in charge of maintaining it.

Ah...First Posts...

2007-02-20T08:10:04Z

If you've read my profile, you already know that I'm Hide_the_Rum, aka HTR, from the KTTC (Keep to the Code) forums.

This is one of my many livejournals. I also created Sparrabethians, a Community for discussion and analyzing of all things Sparrabeth. If you haven't already, please do read my profile, and if you feel so inclined, hop over to the Sparrabethians Community and join up! It's just starting, so feel free to pass it along to your fellow J/E Shippers!