RANT: the IMDB

[shalanna]

*grrr* I helped fill in the fields back when the iMDB (Internet Movie Database) was all text and we had to use a rudimentary browser like Lynx to access webpages. Users filled in many of these reviews. And now what? I find that I can't read a movie's page without getting redirected to several stupid ads that play before you can get to the next subpage! And you have to register now to read the user comments! This is ridiculous. Users made that database, and now somebody owns it and is selling ads! *grump*

Typical of the world. Still, it's irritating.

I typed text for Project Gutenberg years and years ago when I was a FidoNet sysop-ette, too. They're still kicking as a freeware project, at least as far as I can tell. But they're among the few/the proud that still are.
What happened to collaborative efforts that weren't intended to make money?

Comments

[redaxe.livejournal.com]

I dunno about you, but I can still read user comments, and I am neither registered nor logged in. See, for example, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048140/#comment and successive More links.

There are lots of collaborative efforts -- Wikipedia, for one -- that aren't commercial (although they do TAKE money, because they cost to maintain). (I should note that I have no association with Wikipedia, and lots of gripes with it, but it's still a worthwhile project.)

That NaNo-whatever

[dennismhavens.livejournal.com]

I saw that blurb about the NaNo writing non-contest on LJ this morning. It too seems to be in the same ball park as iMDB and the Gutenberg Project. Interesting, if one needs to get his speed chops up. Have you ever done one of these? 50K words written in a month.

And despite the fact that they mention that quality doesn't count, only quantity, apparently a few people have received publishing offers from NYC houses, prestige mags, etc.

Did I tell you that I entered RBT in the Amazon contest after all? Took your advice. (See? How could you be "unworthy" when you can motivate others in a positive way?)

Hoping things have become more tranquil down there.

Working away at COLOR RADIO, but for some reason I hate it. Probably because living through so much of that stuff once was more than enough.
It should be a trilogy, I suspect. Or a blazing bonfire.

Re: That NaNo-whatever

[coneycat.livejournal.com]

I did NaNo in 2005, wrote 54,000 words which amounted to a completed and mostly logical first draft of a mystery, and am now using that draft as a basis for my current mystery. (I had to expand the idea some and ended up turning one victim into a suspect and replacing him with another victim.)

It's a great idea for people who think they can't POSSIBLY write a whole book. And in my case it was a great no-pressure way to play with an idea I liked a lot but wasn't confident I could do justice to. Turns out I can write this idea fine, and I'm glad to know it!

[sosoclever.livejournal.com]

You also have to register to tell them about errors now. We just don't tell them.;-)

If someone can make a profit off something, they will.