BTW, I haven't deleted the flash list, I've just made it visible to only me at the moment.

Shay

Can someone bring me up to speed on what’s happened since I posted that suggestion for a title on the flash list in the archive this morning.

Has someone complained about us or was it our own decision to take this off the site? I don’t mind – the project was becoming a bit top-heavy and it was probably impenetrable to members not involved.

Also, this morning it was 84 stories, 14 writers. Now it’s 90/15. (result!) Who is the new contributor?

I’m getting REALLY excited about this now!!!

Dee
x

Dee, I've been away from it for a while too...been a bit busy. I noticed a discussion about changing artwork. I don't mind either way...but need to know if I don't have to finish this cover image.

Derek.

I can see that Derek does need to know quick - what was said this morning on the archive thread isn't now visible, so a quick recap of what was said -

Sion asked that we confirm whether we were happy with the existing artwork. I said, to be honest, I'm not. I feel the link to flashers is a bit dicey - for myself, my reaction to Flashers isn't "ha ha" but "ugh". I think of creepy, sad, lonely, minor sex offenders. The Flasher link would therefore be a disincentive, if I were a member of the reading public, to me buying it - and I've never even been flashed at. If that reaction is mirrored in potential buyers that's a problem and could limit our market. I also wonder whether local bookstores - most likely our stockists - will feel it's likely to attract local custom.

I have a hunch that publishers produce covers that are deliberately inoffensive so as not to limit their market - unless we're talking Irvine Welsh, in which case it's a deliberate ploy to an already-established market. Romantic fiction covers are much of a muchness, but that's again to attract an already-established market. But as we don't have an established market, I think we have to tread carefully to ensure we keep ours as wide as possible.

Sion said then we needed a vote quickly. Shay voted "stick with original Flasher concept", I voted "find new concept".

I think that about covers it?

Take care
Andrea

<Added>

Oh Dee, I'm not aware that anyone has complained, but I think there was a growing feeling that clogging up the archives with the existing thread might be pissing people off; and I've no idea of the identity of the Mystery Contributor - Shay, do tell ...

<Added>

Having said the above, I'm happy to go with what the majority think

Hi Derek / Dee,

I took the flash post off because there were too many comments on it which were cluttering up the archive and Elspeth thought we should take it off-site or go back to this forum because we may be perceived as a clique.

Ani is looking at setting up a group mailbox off-site and is trying to collect everyone's private e-mail adresses. Also Anj and Elspeth voiced concerns about the artwork, not Derek's design which everyone agrees is fantastic, but its suitability and marketability.

Several people thought Dee's Lightning Flash(es) was a great suggestion as an alternative title with the sub-title being 90 very short stories from 15 new writers.

Dee, I am in private negotiations with a potential 15th contributor. It may not come to fruition, but I do hope this person comes in. Sorry, but I don't want to say who in case it causes them any embarrassment if they have to say no.

Cheers,
Shay

Also, there has been no complaint and suggestions for alternative artwork have only gone as far as myself and Anj discussing a storm scene / lightning flash, an eye ...

Hi all, on the subject of cover art, all I would say is - We need to make people pick this up. If it's in a book shop, we need people to notice it amongst the rest. Somehow, we need to catch their eye...Either by a shocking cover, or a bright and unusual cover.

That's my opinion. If we can get promotion in other ways, through reviews etc then that will help. But I know that if I'm shopping for books, I only look at titles or authors I've already heard something about...or I occasionally pick up and buy ones with unusual covers. I bought "Pastoralia" by George Saunders just because the cover made me pick it up and read the first paragraph, the first few words hooked me, so I bought it. I hadn't heard of the author at the time. It's a great read, by the way .

This is why I recently asked the question about where we will sell the book. If it's on physical shelves, rather than only online or whatever, then the cover is important. Especially as we have established that not many people know what flash is, and may not go into a store asking for Flash Fiction.

I don't mind if the decision is to lose the flasher, honestly. But please let's be sure to go with a cover that is as original and eye catching as possible.

My 25p over.

Derek.

Too damn right, Derek, I was devastated when I heard that other options were to be considered...so much so that I almost withdrew my promise to buy the first copy! To most people, the expression 'Flash Fiction' is measningless, so an attention grabbing cover is an absolute essential, and your design does just that - grabs attention, and how many sad sods are going to be put off because of distaste for flashers of the rude variety - 3?

Whoops, I shouldn't be here. Sorry!

Roger,

"and how many sad sods are going to be put off because of distaste for flashers of the rude variety"

er, this "sad sod" for a start, as I've already made plain (which means that you either didn't notice I had because you didn't read the thread properly before commenting, or else you're being astonishingly, personally rude). Also perhaps those sad sods who've actually been flashed, those whose daughter/sister/wife/friend have been flashed - hey, even those who just feel flashing is creepy rather than a bit of harmless, rude fun ... perhaps Roger you could make allowance for those whose opinions differ from yours without insulting them?

Derek,

I agree it has to be eye-catching. As you say, covers sell books.

Take care
Andrea

<Added>

Roger, I forgot to add to the list of sad sods who feel a "distaste for flashers of the rude variety" the police who bother catching them and the courts who bother trying them

Perhaps we should be asking the question "who is our target audience"? Is it everything from grannies through students through bankers through roofers? In which case, is the Flasher suitable? If not, then what will be?

Or do we want to target a particular market, in which case what is it? Will the Flasher suit that market? If not, what will?

Whatever is decided, let's put young Derek out of his misery quick.

Take care
Andrea

I'm really not that young

If we decided not to go with the Flasher, I had an idea. It might be hopelessly naff, but here it is -

I always think that a book of flash would be the ultimate toilet book. As Roger says, flash is meaningless to most people - therefore perhaps the cover should try to convey how you would use it, read it, what it's for.

So here's the idea (gulp)

"A Flash in the Pan: The Ultimate Toilet Book"

picture would be a copy of the book, propped up against one of those knitted toilet roll cover dolls, only she has a demonic smile on her face (and book inside the main picture would show her too)

Perhaps it's a crap idea. Perhaps it would offend. I don't know. It's just a thought.

Take care
Andrea

That's a rubbish idea... Only joking ....just trying to keep the fight going... he he. (you know I'm messing)

Sounds scary. Might be tricky to pull off as a piece of art, I dunno. Would have to be a photo based image I guess...with a bit of editing. Have you got a knitted toilet doll thingy?

Demonic dolls are always good...unless they're creepin up on you with a bread knife.

I'm not sure about calling it a toilet book, personally...but the doll idea sounds spooky.

Derek.

No, you're right, toilet book has bad connotations

In which case, is allying it to the toilet a good idea anyway?

Told you it was probably hopelessly naff



And incidentally, do I have a knitted toilet doll thing? Er, come again. In the little time you've known me, Derek, have you learned nothing about me at all?

Take care
Andrea

it's getting mighty colourful in here

So you have got a knitted toilet doll thingy then.