Street -- Back Again

Big Orange · Post by **Big Orange** » 2007-08-18 02:38am

How about this link, Winter? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJkhknVYJc0

YouTube can be a awkward bitch to link up to at fucking times, but seems a bit kinder this morning.

Winter · Post by **Winter** » 2007-08-18 07:38am

Big Orange wrote:How about this link, Winter? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJkhknVYJc0

YouTube can be a awkward bitch to link up to at fucking times, but seems a bit kinder this morning.

Wow, that's a lot of stuff. Did you do all that?

Regards,
Winter

Big Orange · Post by **Big Orange** » 2007-08-18 11:20am

Winter wrote: Wow, that's a lot of stuff. Did you do all that?

Sadly no, but this concept art was posted on YouTube by a professional artists who I don't really know about - most of my own Street and Neuromancer art is going to be pencil sketches. I liked the YouTube concept art montage, but some of the characters (like Ratz and Molly) were not quite as I imagine them to be, the Chiba locations were a little too sterile, the Cheap Hotel was little too big and there was no fucking Hideo.

For my depiction of the Neuromancer characters I would have three versions of Molly (casual PVC wear, tight combat, ninja stealth catsuit), Ratz wearing a Russian navy vest with a face similar to Stalin, two versions of Hideo (dark business suit with a T-A lapel and combat trousers get up with T-A tatoo on his left chest) and various paramilitary goons (Sense/Net guards, various Turing personnel and Tessier-Ashpool soldiers). I would also include interior areas of the Straylight spacestation and the Sense/Net pyramid.

Phantasee · Post by **Phantasee** » 2007-08-19 04:58pm

Just read the update today. I didn't see that coming. I guess Lazarus didn't either, though.

I'm enjoying this serial a lot more with the last few updates posted. The way it goes up, you odn't know if that's the end or not, unlike with a printed novel, where the main character can get captured all he likes, but the reader holding the novel knows that can't be the end, not with so many pages left to read.

It's a good way to create suspense.

Winter · Post by **Winter** » 2007-08-19 08:16pm

Phantasee wrote:Just read the update today. I didn't see that coming. I guess Lazarus didn't either, though.

I'm enjoying this serial a lot more with the last few updates posted. The way it goes up, you odn't know if that's the end or not, unlike with a printed novel, where the main character can get captured all he likes, but the reader holding the novel knows that can't be the end, not with so many pages left to read.

It's a good way to create suspense.

Glad you're still enjoying it! Street has the same problem as any book, it's obviously not going to end for a good while yet, but it does let me be a little more unpredictable with the narrative. Get some nice cliffhangers in there. Sometimes the serial format really works out for a story like this, as long as I keep getting the pacing right.

Hope you'll keep reading, and mention it to all your friends.

Regards,
Winter

Phantasee · Post by **Phantasee** » 2007-08-30 02:12am

Good news: i loved the escape, and your site works perfect on the Wii. just wide enough to read at a good size zoomed in.

Winter · Post by **Winter** » 2007-08-30 04:26am

Phantasee wrote:Good news: i loved the escape, and your site works perfect on the Wii. just wide enough to read at a good size zoomed in.

Thanks, that's good to know! I always thought having the textbox like it is would pay off somehow, apart from making the scenes seem longer.

Regards,
Winter

Winter · Post by **Winter** » 2007-09-10 03:44am

Okay, as I've just posted on the front page of the site, I'm thinking about trying for an online shop with some Street merch. There's more info on the site for anyone with relevant skills that might be in a position to help -- however, I'd like to hear some opinions from all of you, whether you read Street or not.

So, if you've got a minute to spare, I'd be very grateful if you could post answers to any or all of the following questions:

1. What kind of merch would you be most interested in buying? T-shirts? Caps? What?

2. Besides the main logo, what do you think about merch with memorable quotes from the story? If you're a reader, what particular quote would you nominate for this?

3. Is there any example of an online shop that you found particularly good/shiny/user-friendly?

4. At what sort of price range would you consider buying a printed t-shirt or other piece of merch?

5. What's your preferred payment option for buying online? PayPal? Credit card? Something else?

Thanks very much for answering.

Regards,
Winter

Phantasee · Post by **Phantasee** » 2007-09-10 06:48pm

Another great installment, Winter. I like the thought processes that go into finding a new disguise.

As far as the merch goes, I can only say that I detest PayPal and would use credit cards exclusively.

Winter · Post by **Winter** » 2007-09-12 04:34am

Phantasee wrote:Another great installment, Winter. I like the thought processes that go into finding a new disguise.

As far as the merch goes, I can only say that I detest PayPal and would use credit cards exclusively.

Thanks for that, and I don't want to pry, but could you have a go at the other questions as well? Haven't had any other interest so far, so I'd really like to know from the people who do actually read.

Regards,
Winter

Phantasee · Post by **Phantasee** » 2007-09-12 02:29pm

To be perfectly honest, I wouldn't buy a shirt if it used the same logo as your avatar. I mean if it's the only art on the shirt, not if it's part of the branding with other art as the focus. I haven't seen any fan art, so I don't really know what kind of ideas you have for tshirt art. Maybe you could show us a couple examples of what you had in mind?

Caps aren't really a thing I wear, though. Posters would be awesome if you had some quality fan art. I wouldn't mind a poster of Bomber.

For 2, I'll probably read through the story again over Christmas break, so until then I couldn't tell you my favourite quotes. I usually don't remember favourite quotes unless either I've just read a story (this is different with serials, because the first chapter and the last chapter have a difference of months), or if I've reread it enough to burn it into my mind permanently.

For shops, the only one I've ever really looked at was Penny Arcade's, Shlock Mercenary's, and Amazon. Schlock's is nice, since they only really sell two books there, so I don't know how you could use that to field a range of designs and products.

Price points are something I couldn't really tell you, I'm the kind of guy who'll drive across town to get a 15$ sweater from the Army&Navy. So if the design is excellent, I might shell out 10-15 for a tshirt, but I can tell you this: I'd be more likely to buy after the story concludes. I'd also buy a copy of the book if you publish it.

Winter · Post by **Winter** » 2007-09-12 03:12pm

Phantasee wrote:To be perfectly honest, I wouldn't buy a shirt if it used the same logo as your avatar. I mean if it's the only art on the shirt, not if it's part of the branding with other art as the focus. I haven't seen any fan art, so I don't really know what kind of ideas you have for tshirt art. Maybe you could show us a couple examples of what you had in mind?

I could show you examples if I had anyone to draw this stuff up, but I don't, unfortunately. My feeble GIMP skills aren't up to the challenge. I'd definitely try to get some more art on there, though.

For 2, I'll probably read through the story again over Christmas break, so until then I couldn't tell you my favourite quotes. I usually don't remember favourite quotes unless either I've just read a story (this is different with serials, because the first chapter and the last chapter have a difference of months), or if I've reread it enough to burn it into my mind permanently.

Heh, fair enough!

For shops, the only one I've ever really looked at was Penny Arcade's, Shlock Mercenary's, and Amazon. Schlock's is nice, since they only really sell two books there, so I don't know how you could use that to field a range of designs and products.

If I do manage to set up a shop, I'll probably put up some print-on-demand compilations of several parts (maybe 10) each, with well-chosen endings that provide at least some resolution for hanging plot threads. The first one would probably run from the start to the end of Part 10, ending right after the escape. For the people who prefer to read something physical.

Price points are something I couldn't really tell you, I'm the kind of guy who'll drive across town to get a 15$ sweater from the Army&Navy. So if the design is excellent, I might shell out 10-15 for a tshirt, but I can tell you this: I'd be more likely to buy after the story concludes. I'd also buy a copy of the book if you publish it.

Thanks a lot for the support. I'll definitely keep plugging away at it until it is finally finished.

Regards,
Winter

Phantasee · Post by **Phantasee** » 2007-09-19 05:20pm

Interesting. I like the defences people have had to resort to because of the excessive UV radiation. Mirror finishes are awesome and everything, but if there's a reason for it, it's even better.

Also, that was a trip and a half. What is a book of numbers?

Winter · Post by **Winter** » 2007-09-20 02:29am

Phantasee wrote:Interesting. I like the defences people have had to resort to because of the excessive UV radiation. Mirror finishes are awesome and everything, but if there's a reason for it, it's even better.

I was worried it might seem like I was hamming it up there.

Personally I loved the idea so much that I went with it straight away.

Also, that was a trip and a half. What is a book of numbers?

A book with lots of numbers in. Usually used for administration and record-keeping. Slightly archaic term, but it seemed appropriate. I might have to change it if it's creating confusion.

Regards,
Winter

Phantasee · Post by **Phantasee** » 2007-09-22 09:46am

Oh, like a book of accounts? Or a ledger of some sort?

Winter · Post by **Winter** » 2007-09-22 01:31pm

Phantasee wrote:Oh, like a book of accounts? Or a ledger of some sort?

That's the cookie.

Regards,
Winter

Winter · Post by **Winter** » 2007-10-10 08:54pm

Whew, another scene up, and the start of Part 14. I'm going to take a short break from publishing at the end of Part 15, just a week or two, to build the buffer back up and generally recharge the old creative batteries. After that we'll be back to twice a week.

Now if only anyone read the damned thing.

Regards,
Winter

Big Orange · Post by **Big Orange** » 2007-10-11 10:27am

I'm going to read the damn thing

(if only I can get my new laptop with fresh email address hooked up in time, not relying on library terminals or stealing net time from my work station these past few weeks

).

Phantasee · Post by **Phantasee** » 2007-10-11 10:32am

I'm still reading, still checking back every day. It's going good. I am getting a little creeped out by the whole post apocalyptic scenario though. I'm just waiting for the zombies to come out

One thing I did wonder is if the thermal pulse from a nuke would actually incinerate all the timber in the city. Seems a little hyperbolic, to me.

Big Orange · Post by **Big Orange** » 2007-10-11 10:44am

Phantasee wrote:I'm still reading, still checking back every day. It's going good. I am getting a little creeped out by the whole post apocalyptic scenario though. I'm just waiting for the zombies to come out

One thing I did wonder is if the thermal pulse from a nuke would actually incinerate all the timber in the city. Seems a little hyperbolic, to me.

Don't ruin it for me with these minor spoilers!

I'll just keep clear of this thread in the meantime...

Phantasee · Post by **Phantasee** » 2007-10-11 11:02am

It's not my fault you can't keep up with Winter's updates. Not like they're coming 5 a day or something...

Winter · Post by **Winter** » 2007-10-11 03:35pm

Phantasee wrote:I'm still reading, still checking back every day. It's going good. I am getting a little creeped out by the whole post apocalyptic scenario though. I'm just waiting for the zombies to come out

Heh, I've always liked the idea of apocalypse coming to a large chunk of the world, and the rest of it just shrugging its shoulders and going on as normal. Because you know it's likely to happen at some point.

Do you want to see zombies?

I already included a send-up of that idea just two scenes ago.

One thing I did wonder is if the thermal pulse from a nuke would actually incinerate all the timber in the city. Seems a little hyperbolic, to me.

Wow, I think I screwed up that line, it's come out very much unlike what I meant. I was thinking of timber buildings, not every single thing made of wood.

I'm not entirely sure to what extent a thermal pulse would burn wood/timber, but I imagine it would be quite bad indeed. I'd be happy to hear from someone who knows or can provide a more educated guess.

Big Orange, good to see you're still around.

Don't worry about the time, the story's not going anywhere. My hosting at least is paid up until 2009.

Regards,
Winter

Phantasee · Post by **Phantasee** » 2007-10-11 09:03pm

Oh please God no zombies. That would make this whole project go sideways, and I wouldn't be able to finish the novel as a happy person. I'd finish it, just because I had to, but I wouldn't enjoy it.

Ask someone like Shep or Stuart about the effects, they would know plenty about that.

Winter · Post by **Winter** » 2007-10-12 10:19am

Phantasee wrote:Oh please God no zombies. That would make this whole project go sideways, and I wouldn't be able to finish the novel as a happy person. I'd finish it, just because I had to, but I wouldn't enjoy it.

Oh, no, no. No. No. I was referring to this bit:

""Nope," he replied. That was all she could get out of him for the entire trip. Out of boredom she watched the various ad holograms, which exhibited a distinct tendency towards comically large 4x4s, splattering mud and the leaping of ditches. A few of them added mutant monsters or zombies to the mix in an attempt to spice things up. Gina had to wonder who would shell out the cash for that when you could play these scenarios in a VR arcade for a fraction of the price."

This is a 'hard' story, as I like to think of it, in that its only deviation from realism (apart from author error along the way) is its basic premise. That is to say, telepathy and other mind-bending stuff.

Regards,
Winter

Phantasee · Post by **Phantasee** » 2007-10-16 03:24am

Mind-bending indeed. I got the heeby jeebies just thinking about a grinning skull. Normally skulls and skeletons don't bother me (I've handled a few), but a grinning one does it for me.