Alphecca: Update -- Colony: Alchibah

February 12, 2006

Update -- Colony: Alchibah

Colony: Alchibah

This post has been edited and changed so much, just consider it a "recruitment poster" or such...

I'm starting to set up something I blabbered about a couple months ago: A participation science fiction blog sorta' RPG literary novel. Think of this as the The basic premise for Colony: Alchibah:

In the year 2076, a ship of refugees seeking freedom from the oppressive world government of the Planet Earth, landed on a planet circling the star Alchibah. There, these colonists began a new life, a new world. A place where the limited government was subordinate to the citizens. First, they had to create that government and the documents that would constrain it. As in any sci-fi story, there were plenty of other problems as well...

I welcome regulars here (bloggers or not) to volunteer to become "colonists" who react via posts (you'll all have posting priviledges) to the plot lines I, The Historian, throw at you as the colonists struggle to form a government, survive the usual BEMS, deal with Earth troopers who try to reel in the colony, etc. It would almost be an RPG.

I'm hoping for about 15-20 of you to become colonists initially, with more added later. If I know you from here you will be (at your request) a participant. It will probably require an hour or so a week of your time. You'll be able to design your own persona and even create a bio that will be listed on the side. There will be votes, elections, etc., by the colonists that will drive some of the plot lines. Some of the elements of the plot might also be selected by the readers in "plot posts" I make available. I'm still working it all out.

Update: How it might work...

First, I've decided that another important position is needed. He/she will be known as "The Reporter" or some such. The job is that of a referee. Let me explain how I'm beginning to see things working for each "chapter".

1) The Historian (me) will write a chapter of the story, introducing plot elements and tying up action that has taken place.

2) Colonists respond with their thoughts, feelings, grudges, etc in posts that are sort of like diary entries. Since these are public, and even though colonists are supposed to only concentrate on themselves, obviously if one of them writes something (to use an extreme example) such as: "I'm going to kill Big Bird when he goes to the firewood pile tonight." and Big Bird reads that, he'll probably avoid the firewood pile...

So, while the "diary" posts are fine for the colonists telling the story in their own words, when a definite action that will affect other colonists is to happen, that would not be posted but instead emailed to the impartial "Referee". He is the only one (not even I will see these) who will ultimately decide the results of actions, or even the winners, say, of votes. The Referee (The Reporter) will publish those results in a newspaper style post. Reporting the news, as it were.

3) Colonists will then make further "diary" posts if they wish with their thoughts on what just took place.

Parts 2 & 3 might repeat a time or two.

4) The Historian will write a chapter of the story taking those newspaper clippings into account and advancing the plot. Note that only the Historian will be able to introduce significant new plot twists (such as aliens landing...). Note also that I might have a couple "ringer" colonists that I propel myself for plot developement. Heh.

I imagine each cycle, or "chapter" taking 2-3 weeks. I don't want anyone to feel rushed or stressed. Once I know who the players are we can work out a mutually agreeable schedule.

Anyway, the referee (The Reporter) is an important position that will require more time then simply being a colonist. Let me know if one of you wants the job.

Incidentally, all participants will have their own email account at Alchibah so they can scheme, communicate with each other as they would in person. I can have these email accounts forwarded to your own emails if you like. Naturally, any final actions need to be reported via email to The Reporter.

I'm thinking that all players will be anonymous -- that is, no one knows who the other is in real life, not even the referee. That allows for the most element of surprise. Care to comment on that idea? Then again, you all might want to discuss your characters or course of action on your own blogs so I haven't set this as stone.

By the way, the domains I've registered are now resolved to the site, Alchibah.com. This coming Wednesday I'll install (if I can remember how) an old version of MT. I'm hoping this will be a lot of fun for everyone, participants and readers alike.

Update 2/12: I'd like to stress again that I'd love it if someone with some sketching skills could provide an illustration or two each month (each "chapter") to provide more depth to the story. Nothing fancy, simple black & white charcoal like illustrations, pen & ink or whatever, the type found in pulp magazines such as Ellery Queen or Analog magazine. I'd send you the Historian's Chapters a week in advance. I can't pay anything but you would retain all rights beyond my right to publish the pictures at my websites.

In other news, I'll try to create maps (since no one has offered to) using StarCraft. That should work...

Let's see if, on a new world, we can "all just get along"... Right. So, are you ready to leave your comfy, government run nanny-state life here on Earth behind? You've always said you'd like to create the perfect world and the perfect Constitution. Ready to actually try? There will be those who agree with you and others who don't. Care to hitch a ride?

Posted by Jeff Soyer at February 12, 2006 12:26 PM

Comments

Cool!

I always thought that the 'net opened up new ways of storytelling.

Posted by: Tam at February 10, 2006 01:32 PM

What a fascinating idea. I hope I understood correctly that we will all be able to read this.

Posted by: Marianne at February 10, 2006 03:52 PM

Absolutely! And both of you are regulars here and there will be female colonists needed...

Posted by: Jeff Soyer at February 10, 2006 04:24 PM

It's already been written! Freehold by Michael Z Williamson.

Posted by: Chublogga at February 10, 2006 04:34 PM

OOOOOOO! Me! Me!, Pick me Mr. Kotter!.. Er, uh, Jeff!

Posted by: tomWright at February 10, 2006 06:12 PM

I guess I should clarify: Regulars here who wish to participate should just express an interest in this project. If I know you from my comments or blogroll, you're in. I'm not going to be sending out invitations. And yes, Tom, you would be most welcome. This novel will probably require about a couple hours a week on [your] the participant's part.

I'll post a whole plan soon.

Posted by: Jeff Soyer at February 10, 2006 07:58 PM

Cool idea!

Posted by: Jay at February 10, 2006 09:33 PM

I'm game, Jeff.

You want a link to the project on my blog soliciting responses, or do you want to keep it up close and personal?

James

Posted by: James R. Rummel at February 11, 2006 02:48 AM

Good question. Yes. I certainly want the word to get out but at the same time, at least initially I want a "manageable" number of colonists so the story line doesn't become too ponderous reading. I also want early entrants to be "known to me" as the saying goes (bloggers, readers who comment here or at friend's blogs regularly) so I know they aren't going to trash the story. I might limit it to 15-20 people to begin. I've already worked out (in the story I'm writing) how more people can be added as time goes on because certainly some colonists will drop out over time or new ones are needed to drive the plot.

I'm also thinking I'd like to find an artist or two to illustrate the story, create maps, etc...

Posted by: Jeff Soyer at February 11, 2006 05:58 AM

I hereby express interest. This sounds like a lot of fun, so it there is room, I am game. Thanks

Posted by: Marianne at February 11, 2006 07:01 AM

Well, so far I think I've got:
Marianne
Tam?
James R.
Tom W.
Jay Solo?

Use these comments if you are interested in participating as a colonist or in another function.

All of you should also send me your emails (in an email to me) so I can create a brief discussion letter amongst ourselves to decide on groundrules, bounce off ideas, etc.

Thanks!

Posted by: Jeff Soyer at February 11, 2006 08:05 AM

Great! I can use a vacation.
Dibs on the lakeside campsite.
What SPF is recomended?

Posted by: tomWright at February 11, 2006 01:29 PM

10 Reasons
Why Me?
1. Have 1500 Science Fiction books. A lot of plot twists.
2. One time Astrophyics Major. Navigation is important.
3. 20 Years as Tooling Manager. Motto "We Gotta Fix This Stuff."
4. Writing example SF in progress http://www.obriley.com/ralph1.htm
5. Will cook and wash dishes.
6. I have not posted much, my last was at Tam's View from the Porch. An original Little Willie Poem.
I told Willie 'bout the rock.
At the far end of the dock.
Never could abide advise.
Guess I shudda told him twice.
7. I have been a loyal Alphecca reader for years and voted for you at the Gun Blog Awards.
8. Will play an alien if required. Might be fun.
9. Have my own 100 yard range and you're invited to shoot if you make it to Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
10. My bags are packed.

Posted by: Ralph Watkins at February 11, 2006 04:34 PM

Welcome aboard, Ralph!

(By the way, I like my steaks rare...)

And everyone can vote for me once per day here since I'm being left in the dust...

Posted by: Jeff Soyer at February 11, 2006 05:04 PM

I'm in. :)

Posted by: Tam at February 12, 2006 10:37 AM

I'd like to help.

I'm a technical editor, married to a military man, born and raised in the military, a pagen follower of Christ, gun owner and staunch supporter of right-to-self-defense, and a decent writer of fiction and the odd poem (emphasis on odd).

Posted by: Lornkanaga at February 12, 2006 03:57 PM

Well, Lornkanaga, I'd love your assistance. Do you want to be a colonist (participant), or what? Please email me and let me know.

For all of you, again, my email is:

gunnut -at- alphecca -dot- com

or for this new project specifically:

historian -at- alchibah -dot- com

Posted by: Jeff Soyer at February 12, 2006 06:15 PM

Idea! Why not have all the colonists send their activities to the Reporter or Historian, who then posts them after a set amount of time. So that way we don't end up with a community of telepaths. :P

Also, if you're going to leave fighting/killing as viable options, then you prolly should use some tabletop RPG elements...

Posted by: Darkside007 at February 12, 2006 10:23 PM

I'm interested in being a colonist.

Posted by: Will at February 12, 2006 10:37 PM

this sounds cool. If you need a 15 year old rebel stoner who decided to colonize the new planet so he could pratice his hand at horticulture...sign me up for a spot on the transport. Of course this would probably be in direct conflict with the laws of the home planet; Earth troopers would try to squelch forbidden terraforming (pot growing) and also try to rid the colonists of any illegal weaponry.

Who will decided the weather patterns and which seasaon? Have you considered that some people may even break from the colonists and venture to uncharted terroritories where the nearest living soul is some 1000 kilometers away.

Posted by: Barney Rubble at February 13, 2006 05:20 AM

I wouold love to participate

Posted by: Rey at February 13, 2006 09:30 AM

Question,Wher is the story picked up? In the colony or while on the way? Many issues would be preworked while enroute to the new colony. We may need some sort of founding document as the basis. We can ammend it and react to it, but a basic set of rules should apply.

Posted by: Rey at February 13, 2006 09:34 AM

Email sent.

Posted by: Kristopher at February 13, 2006 01:02 PM

All of you joining up for the voyage should be sure to send me an email address via email so you'll all be part of the discussion in a couple weeks when I mail you the first "chapter" ahead of posting it. Thanks.

Posted by: Jeff Soyer at February 13, 2006 01:54 PM

May I?

Posted by: Scott Ferguson at February 15, 2006 04:10 PM

You're using Starcraft? *drool*

Almost makes me want to reinstall it, but I've got WarCraft 3, and Project Revolution is coming out soon.

Posted by: Darkside007 at February 15, 2006 05:14 PM

What you gonna do when you feel your lady rolling
How you gonna feel when you see your lady strolling
On the deck of the starship
With her head hooked in Andromeda
C'mon Hijack
Gotta get back and ahead to the things that matter
Amerika hates her crazies
And you gotta let go you know
gotta let go you know
gotta let go you know or else you stay

-Paul Kantner "Blows Against the Empire"

Posted by: CoolBlue at February 16, 2006 07:10 AM

I was at the NoreasCon when I was about 15 or 16 years old (the World Sci-Fi Convention in Boston) and Blows Against the Empire was up for the Hugo Award for best "dramatic" or something. Didn't win but the album remains on my shelf as a beloved thing (albeit now in CD form.)

Posted by: Jeff Soyer at February 16, 2006 05:49 PM

Note: Comments close down on posts after seven days and then
the comment input form disappears.

Your comments are welcome. You don't need to enter a URL and you don't need a "valid" email address, either. Note though that MT Blacklist is installed to flag suspiciously spam-like strings. Unfortunately, because of the bastard spammers, the strings "google.com" and "yahoo.com" (even in your email address) are currently banned as well. So are strings such as "cialis" (a common spam) which rules out words such as "socialism". Try putting a hyphan in a word like that.

By Golly, you're reading an archived post. Click Here to head to the main page and read current stuff...

Into science fiction? Check out my group blog novel, Colony: Alchibah.
See the reader's guide there for first-timer tips.

Alphecca

Check it out: My group sci-fi blog novel: Colony: Alchibah

February 12, 2006

Update -- Colony: Alchibah

By Golly, you're reading an archived post. Click Here to head to the main page and read current stuff...

Check it out:

My group sci-fi blog novel:

Colony: Alchibah