Honest V.I.C.I. Diaries Question From A True Fan

Share your fembot fiction and fantasies here or discuss the craft of writing by asking for or giving suggestions.
Post Reply
User avatar
DollSpace
Moderator
Posts: 2083
Joined: Tue Jun 11, 2002 6:27 pm
Technosexuality: Built
Identification: Android
Gender: Female
Location: Charging Terminal #42
x 96
x 28
Contact:

Honest V.I.C.I. Diaries Question From A True Fan

Post by DollSpace » Sun May 01, 2016 4:44 pm

I've been a fan of this series since the beginning, and after a strong start, I've gotten confused: why aren't more people commenting on this? Yeah, I know there's not a lot of "sexy-times" but there is a solid stories and plenty of androids that are way more than "Androids In Name Only", not to mention malfunctions, character arcs, emotions, plot twists and turns, and something you can read without it being strictly about fembots but having a whole lot of them! And in case people are like, "well, I didn't start reading with the first one in the series", I think you can jump in at the beginning of any of the stories and pick up the action and plot, and if you have a question, post it here or PM Duke, cos I'm sure he wouldn't mind explaining or elabourating up to the point the story has been released. I'm sure comments and constructive criticisms are also welcomed, as long as they come with helpful suggestions. I'd want nothing more or less for my own stories. And, honestly, do people just want more smut? More robosex, more malfunctions? Or are the stories too long? Let him know. I'll split this into another thread for Duke's sake, but please read his stuff like this. We need the balance on the board. It may not be everyone's cuppa tea all the time, but it's got to appeal to more people at least some of the time, right? Please be honest (and Duke, don't be angry with me for posting this). There's no poll at the top because I want honest opinions elabourated upon, not trite answers I make up for a poll. I'm just seriously confused. I try to comment on all the fiction posted here that I like because I'm an author, and if I was just screaming my story into a void, it wouldn't be much fun, but Duke's been writing in this universe for years now and many times his posts sink into the pit of oblivion.. :( I agree not everyone can say "Great installment" for each post and come up with things they liked and didn't, but I think even a platitude like "Good work on this one" can make all the difference, and anything added to it is the icing on the cake. Posts made near the beginning and end of a story can be even more important! Lastly, to the moderators, without naming names, do you think we have a good bunch of authors that post regularly, and do we generate a decent amount of stories each month? I feel sad asking that question because I know I haven't been a regular contributor for a long time, but...I do feel I'm trying to get attention to authors that I feel often get overlooked for some reason or another, I think. So I put this question to you, the populace at FBC, to see what answers (if any) I get back. Thank you for reading.

User avatar
Murotsu
Posts: 230
Joined: Sun Apr 17, 2016 10:47 pm
Technosexuality: Built and Transformation
Identification: Human
Gender: Male
Contact:

Re: Honest V.I.C.I. Diaries Question From A True Fan

Post by Murotsu » Sun May 01, 2016 7:06 pm

At some point I'll read the series. It's just doing Debbi's Diary, editing manga for 3 groups now, and all the RL stuff one has to do is eating up the time.

Extyr
Posts: 394
Joined: Sat Jul 30, 2011 6:30 pm
Technosexuality: Built
Identification: Human
Gender: Male
x 71
x 30
Contact:

Re: Honest V.I.C.I. Diaries Question From A True Fan

Post by Extyr » Sun May 01, 2016 7:36 pm

I'm gonna be blunt. The writing style just rubs me the wrong way. I've tried to read some chapters a few years ago and it didn't hold my interest for long. I find the main character annoyingly pure, like a children cartoon role model. The organisation she belongs to also annoys me. It was like robots are little children that must be saved from bad guys making them do bad things. There were some sexy moments but I couldn't bother to read the rest to get to them. It also kept referencing old TV shows that I never watched.

So yeah, the tone is simply too optimistic for me, it reminds me of children books and that just isn't sexy.

User avatar
DZiegler
Posts: 223
Joined: Thu Oct 04, 2012 1:40 pm
Technosexuality: Built
Identification: Human
Gender: Male
Location: The Dalles, OR
x 55
x 158
Contact:

Re: Honest V.I.C.I. Diaries Question From A True Fan

Post by DZiegler » Sun May 01, 2016 10:52 pm

My perpective on the matter is just that people have differing tastes regarding what they want and don't want to read.

I personally have trouble getting into the stories that span so many installments. I can 100% appreciate the time and care put into creating so much content (god knows I struggled to barely put a 5-parter together), but it's just too much for me.

There's totally a time and place for big sagas/installments, and I'm certain there's a wide array of members on the board who love that kind of thing. Personally, I just tend to like the short story format that D.Olivaw, Longtimelurker, and BA utilize.

TL,DR: I think the writing style of the VICI series is great, but sagas and long multi-part installments aren't what I personally want from fembot fiction.
Cheers!

--NightBattery--

Re: Honest V.I.C.I. Diaries Question From A True Fan

Post by --NightBattery-- » Sun May 01, 2016 11:15 pm

Well, I think Duke is a great guy.
It is just that, at least in my case I am not very into the spy theme stuff.
That, and for some reason…every time I try to read V.I.C.I diaries I can't help thinking about... the thunderbirds…the puppet show.

zerodin
Posts: 416
Joined: Wed Jul 16, 2003 12:11 pm
x 7
Contact:

Re: Honest V.I.C.I. Diaries Question From A True Fan

Post by zerodin » Mon May 02, 2016 12:54 am

Duke writes a good multi-chapter epic. exceptionally well written material and characterizations, but in all honesty, it just doesn't jive with me as ASFR content, as there is absolute zero in the SF department. Just not a good fit for the site, but that's just my opinion.

PatOKYeah
Posts: 6
Joined: Fri Jul 17, 2015 4:31 pm
Technosexuality: Built
Identification: Human
Gender: Female
x 4
Contact:

Re: Honest V.I.C.I. Diaries Question From A True Fan

Post by PatOKYeah » Mon May 02, 2016 1:17 am

I keep up with the series kinda. I really don't like Vici as a character, I don't exactly know why but she always rubs me the wrong way. I'm not sure if it's intentional or not because it does make me focus on the side characters more, which is actually kind of smart, and the side characters are awesome. But then they are usually just fodder to get sympathy for Vici somehow.

The writing is strong in a lot of ways, and my god do I appreciate someone who dedicates so much time and effort into writing something like these multipart epics, but I just think it is not my cup of tea. I do disagree with saying the stories shouldn't be on the board, they have their place definitely.

User avatar
DukeNukem 2417
Posts: 1196
Joined: Mon Aug 29, 2005 9:26 am
Technosexuality: Built
Identification: Human
Gender: Male
Location: somwhere on Planet Earth
x 3
x 30
Contact:

Re: Honest V.I.C.I. Diaries Question From A True Fan

Post by DukeNukem 2417 » Mon May 02, 2016 6:30 am

First off: thanks for this thread, DollSpace. It allows people to speak their minds about my work, and I appreciate that.

Second: I get the whole "this doesn't fit with the traditional ASFR" thing. I have my way of writing, and my way is by no means traditional ASFR (though ironically enough, I do write great malfunctions when need be---such as an upcoming scene in Part 7 :D ), but I've long since come to accept that. And believe me, what I'm writing now is a LOT better than what I used to write.

Thirdly: About Vicki/V.I.C.I being "a cartoon character".....I'm trying to make her less "Cartoony" and more....sympathetic, I guess would be my term. She's not supposed to be "Perfect" by any means---she damn near killed a guy in Season 1, if you recall---and you'll notice that most of her more ludicrous "powers" from the original series (stretchy limbs, shrinking/growing, etc.) are nowhere to be seen. The ALPA, meanwhile, is supposed to be making sure that sentient androids and gynoids around the globe aren't exploited, while at the same time trying to hold back the tide of "Skynet is here" idiot conspiracy theorists and such. If they come across as underdeveloped....then I may need to change things up a bit.

And I get why some people aren't fans of the longer story style. I was never good at writing short, one-off stories.

So, I understand and appreciate all criticisms (and, of course, I appreciate all compliments as well :D ).
"No one steals our chicks.....and lives!"

User avatar
DollSpace
Moderator
Posts: 2083
Joined: Tue Jun 11, 2002 6:27 pm
Technosexuality: Built
Identification: Android
Gender: Female
Location: Charging Terminal #42
x 96
x 28
Contact:

Re: Honest V.I.C.I. Diaries Question From A True Fan

Post by DollSpace » Mon May 02, 2016 9:32 am

Kishin wrote: I'm annoyed at being called out by Dollspace. I didn't even respond to her questions for the moderators because of how annoyed I am. 

But our story content and picture uploads are low. We have membership growing at a steady pace, but less than 1 hundredth of our members create content. The rest just lurk or criticize.

It's fucking annoying.

There was a time when we were smaller, but everyone tried to contribute here or there. Now we get one person in 50 or so who will try posting a picture or a story. I'm grateful for those efforts, but even so. If every single member posted at least one story, picture, or link to a video, each month: we'd be drowning in new things to enjoy each month.

I'm guilty of it too, it's one of the reasons I started writing again.

Sorry for the rant but don't call down the thunder if you don't want to be struck by lightning.
I didn't mean to call you out just because of one thing or another, I wanted an unbiased answer, and I got one. Thank you for that. And I'm sorry I annoyed you because I have nothing but respect for your work, and didn't intend for this to be annoying. I just wanted to know what the higher-ups here thought about how Duke's story meshed with the whole site, honestly, and you gave me a straight answer, which is exactly what I wanted. So thank you very much for your opinion; I will keep it in mind, just like all the responses here.

User avatar
DollSpace
Moderator
Posts: 2083
Joined: Tue Jun 11, 2002 6:27 pm
Technosexuality: Built
Identification: Android
Gender: Female
Location: Charging Terminal #42
x 96
x 28
Contact:

Re: Honest V.I.C.I. Diaries Question From A True Fan

Post by DollSpace » Mon May 02, 2016 9:44 am

Thank you for all that replied. I love your honesty and I hope Duke takes the comments to heart, because even though I really like Duke's story/universe he's created here, cracking a window and letting in a little fresh air may do some real good and perhaps either take this story to new levels or inspire a brand new piece of fiction. We shall see. Either way, it's good for any writer to know they can come to the board and get a piece of feedback, like the thread above this one, "Feedback & You". So once again, thank you for coming forward and thank you for being honest. It's really one of the few ways writers can really get better!

australopith
Posts: 121
Joined: Thu Feb 05, 2015 4:57 am
Technosexuality: Built
Identification: Human
Gender: Male
x 4
x 18
Contact:

Re: Honest V.I.C.I. Diaries Question From A True Fan

Post by australopith » Mon May 02, 2016 10:48 am

I can't speak from experience in reading a majority of the stories–but from what I've read, allow me to speak in their favor. For me, Vicki is more a self-insertion character than a turn-on type (...well, except literally!), so I have no problem with her being a Small Wonder homage or not involved in a large number of slashy situations.

Perhaps my needs for the latter in the series have somewhat been filled by Brittney Delacroix, whose nerve, agency, bossiness and bent for high living fascinate me. I would obviously like to see more of her (once she's... er, back in working order) and admittedly wouldn't mind seeing her in some sensual or even romantic situations. But I don't want to force those on the series, either. (Dwelling on the archrival in a legitimate romance would seem to take us away from the hero a lot.)

It takes all kinds to fill a forum, and I like the V.I.C.I. Diaries series!

(And... I hope to get back to my own collaborations with Propman soon! My health and work issues are still eating most of my time...)

User avatar
darkbutflashy
Posts: 783
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:52 am
Technosexuality: Transformation
Identification: Human
Gender: Male
Location: Out of my mind
x 1
Contact:

Re: Honest V.I.C.I. Diaries Question From A True Fan

Post by darkbutflashy » Mon May 02, 2016 11:45 am

I wrote this before, I think: I usually don't comment on stories. Because I'm picky and even for the stories I like, I find things I don't like and I have a strong opinion on it. So... I don't comment on stories unless the author wants brutally honest feedback.

And that even though my own writing is similar to that of the Duke, I think. My ongoing story is not exactly about having sex with a robot, but about cyborg/robot women who are somewhat odd but fascinating and attractive and, in a way, sexy. And I also think it gets not enough feedback here.

But hey, okay. I released it here/fembotwiki because I like cyborg/robot women and this seemed to be the right place to do so. I know there are many readers here, if not the most, who want smut. Plain porn. That's okay, too, it's just I cannot deliver. I don't want this story to be filled with porn. I want the women in the story be better cyborgs/robots than just exotic porn actors. There has too be room for such stories and I bet it is.

I wrote this before, I think: as an author, you write for yourself. Because you want to drive the story further. Because you want to explore that inner universe of yours which creates these stories. The readers, they come second. Their praise, it's a hail of candy thrown at you when you're already stuffed from having done the thing.

Duke, maybe it makes you happier to write shorter stories. That way you get the feeling you have accomplished something, which is most rewarding.
Do you like or dislike my ongoing story Battlemachine Ayako? Leave a comment on the story's discussion pages on the wiki or in that thread. Thank you!

--NightBattery--

Re: Honest V.I.C.I. Diaries Question From A True Fan

Post by --NightBattery-- » Mon May 02, 2016 4:38 pm

What, it's vicky from small wonder?!
whaaaaat

User avatar
RoxxyRobofox
Posts: 271
Joined: Mon May 01, 2006 1:56 am
Technosexuality: Built
Identification: Human
Gender: Female
Location: The Internet! WooOOOoo~
x 5
x 9
Contact:

Re: Honest V.I.C.I. Diaries Question From A True Fan

Post by RoxxyRobofox » Mon May 02, 2016 6:53 pm

If this topic really was posted without Duke's previous knowledge, then I feel it's highly unfair to criticize what he is writing here because someone else said something about it. It feels like he's being dragged into a debate he didn't start and I don't think it's fair to sit here and talk about 'calling down the lightning' on a story when Duke isn't the one asking on people's opinions.

User avatar
Gorgo
Posts: 566
Joined: Fri Jul 05, 2002 4:06 am
Technosexuality: Built and Transformation
Identification: Human
Gender: Male
Location: Fort Erie, Ontario
x 63
x 10
Contact:

Re: Honest V.I.C.I. Diaries Question From A True Fan

Post by Gorgo » Tue May 03, 2016 7:13 am

I have to agree with DarkRexx on this one. There's always the chats that contain the chapters of Duke's stories where you can make comments.
Canadian lighthouse to U.S. warship approaching it: This is a lighthouse; your call.

User avatar
DollSpace
Moderator
Posts: 2083
Joined: Tue Jun 11, 2002 6:27 pm
Technosexuality: Built
Identification: Android
Gender: Female
Location: Charging Terminal #42
x 96
x 28
Contact:

Re: Honest V.I.C.I. Diaries Question From A True Fan

Post by DollSpace » Tue May 03, 2016 9:22 am

:oops: I did actually post it in the comment section of one of the installments of "Broken" but few of the other installments had any comments, so I just posted it as its own topic. I didn't know I'd cause so much trouble, but every once in awhile I do tend to put my foot in my mouth, so I apologise to everyone for that.

I'm sorry.

And that embarassed smilie looks damn smug...sorry, not my intention...

Post Reply
Users browsing this forum: Bing [Bot] and 28 guests