Now try and say that that three times fast! I dare you!
The Legends of Mernac is all about fantasy. High Fantasy, mythological fantasy, erotic fantasy, steampunk fantasy… or just about any flavor of fantasy you may be into.
In the last week three new chapters from three different authors were published to this world building site.
The Blind Eye is chapeter two from our newest author Jarvis in his book There Are Many Among Us. Set in the Age of Roadius which is the “steampunk” sub-genre of Mernac;s cuisine of fine fantasy fiction, this compelling story begins to unfold how things may not always seem as they appear on Mernac. Though to the casual reader this may not be immediately apparent, the Victorian’ish chapter sets the stage for unusual perspectives on life, history and the gods of Mernac. I give it a definite thumbs up and strongly suggest all read this tale and follow the fore coming chapters.
The Dark Lords Dilemma by Elsen is the sixth chapter in the book The Croth Rebellion. Set very early in Mernac history this chapter and book are set in one of the Mythological Fantasy “Ages” of Mernac’s History. Besides being extremely entertaining, this chapter does and excellent job showing us some on the Lore associated with Father Elsen (God of Ethereal Elements) , his disciples and the Ethereal Masters. Elsen, the author is one of Mernac’s most accomplished authors and this work like all preceding chapters is excellent.
Grumby, the lovable Dwarf Scribe returns to us in A question for the Scribe by Siberlee. This is chapter 14 in the series of books collectively called, The Book of Grumby. Set in the high-fantasy age in Mernac’s history this chapter sets the scene to the introduction of Arumbus Talimar, a wood elf who is destined to become the leader of “The Champions of Mernac”. As with all chapters told from Grumby’s perspective, it is fun light and quite entertaining.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
The New Mernac Muse
Father Linthur of Mernac has been very busy in between killing and pillaging Elves and Dwarves in the Kingdom of Hob. He inhabited a Scribe by the Name of Serephina and started writing a new edition of The Mernac Muse. Huh! Who would have figured the Father of Revenge had such a literary side? Your can read the first edition here.
The Mernac Muse is a weekly news letter which documents news for our writers, artists and gamers. Make sure you come to Mernac regularly and get your free copy.
The Mernac Muse is a weekly news letter which documents news for our writers, artists and gamers. Make sure you come to Mernac regularly and get your free copy.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Stories are developing
We have had a number of new stories on Mernac this week.
Elsen has begun to repost his book The Croth Rebellion. This is set in the mythological age of Mernac when the Fathers had not yet been banished to the Underworld. This story however chronicle the rise of Ethan Croth in the 560's in what would one day become to be known as the Kingdom of Kezia.
Elsen is not the only writer setting work in Kezia. A new writer for us, Jarvis, has started to set the scene to his tales which will go in the Steampunk age of Mernac. He has started by brilliantly painting a scene with his place story Fellsylvania or what is known as the City of Sin in the northwest of Kezia. He has also started the Tale with his Temple of the Iris. We hope this will evolve into a nice long series of Legends!
Father Linthur has been quite busy writing as the sage Serephina. He has set the stage for his book A Path to Dark ness by publishing The Rescue. this is the story of Lucia Drach and how she eventually became a werewolf and the disciple of the Father of Darkness.
I posted a little writers resource entitled Let's Talk about the Gods. this is to provide some lore about the gods and goddesses for any who choose to have them in the stories they write.
Elsen has begun to repost his book The Croth Rebellion. This is set in the mythological age of Mernac when the Fathers had not yet been banished to the Underworld. This story however chronicle the rise of Ethan Croth in the 560's in what would one day become to be known as the Kingdom of Kezia.
Elsen is not the only writer setting work in Kezia. A new writer for us, Jarvis, has started to set the scene to his tales which will go in the Steampunk age of Mernac. He has started by brilliantly painting a scene with his place story Fellsylvania or what is known as the City of Sin in the northwest of Kezia. He has also started the Tale with his Temple of the Iris. We hope this will evolve into a nice long series of Legends!
Father Linthur has been quite busy writing as the sage Serephina. He has set the stage for his book A Path to Dark ness by publishing The Rescue. this is the story of Lucia Drach and how she eventually became a werewolf and the disciple of the Father of Darkness.
I posted a little writers resource entitled Let's Talk about the Gods. this is to provide some lore about the gods and goddesses for any who choose to have them in the stories they write.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Elsen and BOG
Mernac is progressing nicely!!!
Elsen found us! It seems some of the old Mernacians are fining the site one by one... but I suppose I should soon think about announcing it.
Elsen has been working during the hiatus. He started by posting his character story Elsen.
Serephina has been busy too she has three sories in the works in the Scribe 2 Scribe forum. they look very good too.
Me? Well I have been working on BOG (The Book of Grumby. I have got through the primer part and am now deep into the Mootill stories. Just got done with Tumba Claw! and The Traveling Grayfur.
A little earlier this week I polished off Hell Hounds so the Serephina would have some Lore material available for her stories.
We are organizing a meeting in Second Life for next weekend. Stop by the forum to help us pick a time.
Elsen found us! It seems some of the old Mernacians are fining the site one by one... but I suppose I should soon think about announcing it.
Elsen has been working during the hiatus. He started by posting his character story Elsen.
Serephina has been busy too she has three sories in the works in the Scribe 2 Scribe forum. they look very good too.
Me? Well I have been working on BOG (The Book of Grumby. I have got through the primer part and am now deep into the Mootill stories. Just got done with Tumba Claw! and The Traveling Grayfur.
A little earlier this week I polished off Hell Hounds so the Serephina would have some Lore material available for her stories.
We are organizing a meeting in Second Life for next weekend. Stop by the forum to help us pick a time.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Serephina and Lucia
Some old friends stopped by and asked if they could participate.
Serephina was part of the original Mernac, she became a disciple and for a short time a god!
Welcome back Serephine
She started in the perfect fashion by first wiriting her characters bio (character story) Lucia Drach and then followed up with a lore story about the Race here character belongs to Werewolves.
Werewolves are actuall a sub-race of the Undead Race. Serephine is currently working on here first legend!! Way to go.
She has also added much of her Art
Serephina was part of the original Mernac, she became a disciple and for a short time a god!
Welcome back Serephine
She started in the perfect fashion by first wiriting her characters bio (character story) Lucia Drach and then followed up with a lore story about the Race here character belongs to Werewolves.
Werewolves are actuall a sub-race of the Undead Race. Serephine is currently working on here first legend!! Way to go.
She has also added much of her Art
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
The Book of Grumby - Prolog
No rest for the wicked!!
I got the prolog for The Book of Grumby done!! that is seven chapters... and acts as a nice primmer on Mernac.
the chapters are:
Stranger in the Traddlebow Arms - By: Rick as Grumby
Mootill - By: Rick as Grumby
Splaining The Basics - By: Rick as Grumby
The Races of Mernac - By: Rick as Onas
By The Gods - By: Rick as Grumby
The Mothers and the Fathers - By: Rick as Onas
A Word With Sallion - By: Rick as Grumby
Ontrill Shrine - By: Rick as Grumby
Spoke with Fathercrow - her will be looking at Menac on second life and the possibilities ther - Freelancer had looked into this before.... but we never did anything with it. Also I asked Fathercrow if he would like the start writing for Mernac again... I think he is receptive.
Well, another long day.... time for Ricky to go to bed.
I got the prolog for The Book of Grumby done!! that is seven chapters... and acts as a nice primmer on Mernac.
the chapters are:
Stranger in the Traddlebow Arms - By: Rick as Grumby
Mootill - By: Rick as Grumby
Splaining The Basics - By: Rick as Grumby
The Races of Mernac - By: Rick as Onas
By The Gods - By: Rick as Grumby
The Mothers and the Fathers - By: Rick as Onas
A Word With Sallion - By: Rick as Grumby
Ontrill Shrine - By: Rick as Grumby
Spoke with Fathercrow - her will be looking at Menac on second life and the possibilities ther - Freelancer had looked into this before.... but we never did anything with it. Also I asked Fathercrow if he would like the start writing for Mernac again... I think he is receptive.
Well, another long day.... time for Ricky to go to bed.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Siberlee and Chandralee
Added the Chanracter story Siberlee. This is crucial as she was the first Goddess to come to Mernac and much of the Lore is based around here. Maybe I should say, I made a good start at the character story. I expect it is something I will be tweaking for some time.
I also posted Chandralee. This is the celestrial even when not one but both of Mernac's moons appear full in the evening sky. Onca again, very important lore to update as many significan things happen when it is Chandralee.
I also finished adding the rest of the continents to the places category. Most notably Cathall and Ooloo.
Even with my out of state travel this weekend, I am please with the progression.
I also posted Chandralee. This is the celestrial even when not one but both of Mernac's moons appear full in the evening sky. Onca again, very important lore to update as many significan things happen when it is Chandralee.
I also finished adding the rest of the continents to the places category. Most notably Cathall and Ooloo.
Even with my out of state travel this weekend, I am please with the progression.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Continents and Items
I added many of the Continents today, most were completed Stories a few were open saplings. Also uploaded accompaning Images. I am notifying those who contributed these to the first site by email. I started with the "off" continets - the most used ones will take some more time - I hope to get to these later this weekend. Here is what was added:
Brangin
Arden
Malroo
Garren
Toberna
Yesterday night I plugged away until I got all the catagories for the Items Set Up.
Also at lunch I whipped out the beginning of what will be the Game design Document for Mernac, the Game.
Still a ton more to do before I begin any promotions.
Brangin
Arden
Malroo
Garren
Toberna
Yesterday night I plugged away until I got all the catagories for the Items Set Up.
Also at lunch I whipped out the beginning of what will be the Game design Document for Mernac, the Game.
Still a ton more to do before I begin any promotions.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Siberlee's Good is published
Today I edited and posted Siberlee's Good.
Chronologically this is the very first story of Mernac and details "creation" of the world and how the Gods came to live there. I debated on if to put it up for a few reasons - one of which it - raised a few eyebrows the first time as it painted the gods in a bit of an erotic fashion in the early years. But decided not to start sensoring because of what people might think. There are reasons why that stuff is in there - 'sides, it ain't bad reading and give some good historical background.
I also finised the image Goddess and figured out how to set up the Art Galleries.
Vickie, one of the old disciples happened acress the forum and wants to help - YAY! I posted some of her old stories in the forum for her to review so we can figure out how to fit them in quickly.
Still not ready to make any type of announcements - got a ton more to do first - but if the old Mernacians stubble by.... well I could certainly use the help.
Chronologically this is the very first story of Mernac and details "creation" of the world and how the Gods came to live there. I debated on if to put it up for a few reasons - one of which it - raised a few eyebrows the first time as it painted the gods in a bit of an erotic fashion in the early years. But decided not to start sensoring because of what people might think. There are reasons why that stuff is in there - 'sides, it ain't bad reading and give some good historical background.
I also finised the image Goddess and figured out how to set up the Art Galleries.
Vickie, one of the old disciples happened acress the forum and wants to help - YAY! I posted some of her old stories in the forum for her to review so we can figure out how to fit them in quickly.
Still not ready to make any type of announcements - got a ton more to do first - but if the old Mernacians stubble by.... well I could certainly use the help.
Monday, February 23, 2009
A good Weeks Work!
Well it has been a busy busy week for me!
But I am quite pleased with the progression the new Mernac site has made. A lot of structure has been put in place.
A few additions as far as stories too. I am basically starting with The Book of Grumby – these are the stories of The Sap war period. I chose this because the first several Grumby stories were really also meant to be a primer for new Mernac readers. So I added:
Mootill
‘Splaining The Basic
The Races of Mernac
By The Gods
The Mothers and The Fathers
Separately I also added Faeries - but this is more because of a new image I did called Airianna’s Eye for Renderosity (well for Mernac but it is also on Renderosity. You can see the image in the Faerie story on Mernac.
I also posted a long long What is Mernac article along with a Terms of Service. Begun the structure of art Galleries... but I have quite a bit more work there to do.
Got a ton of Page Guides done - Sheesh those things are time consuming - but it will cut down the time needed to add content.
So we are getting there – bit by bit!!
OH and the good news!!! I made the 15th place in Renderosity’s Favorite image Art Chart with Moondance - YAY!! – also a Mernac image, but not posted to Mernac yet as the story is not done.
So little time – so much to do!
But I must say (again) – it is good to get back to Mernac!!
But I am quite pleased with the progression the new Mernac site has made. A lot of structure has been put in place.
A few additions as far as stories too. I am basically starting with The Book of Grumby – these are the stories of The Sap war period. I chose this because the first several Grumby stories were really also meant to be a primer for new Mernac readers. So I added:
Mootill
‘Splaining The Basic
The Races of Mernac
By The Gods
The Mothers and The Fathers
Separately I also added Faeries - but this is more because of a new image I did called Airianna’s Eye for Renderosity (well for Mernac but it is also on Renderosity. You can see the image in the Faerie story on Mernac.
I also posted a long long What is Mernac article along with a Terms of Service. Begun the structure of art Galleries... but I have quite a bit more work there to do.
Got a ton of Page Guides done - Sheesh those things are time consuming - but it will cut down the time needed to add content.
So we are getting there – bit by bit!!
OH and the good news!!! I made the 15th place in Renderosity’s Favorite image Art Chart with Moondance - YAY!! – also a Mernac image, but not posted to Mernac yet as the story is not done.
So little time – so much to do!
But I must say (again) – it is good to get back to Mernac!!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Mootill: First Character Story on Mernac
Things are moving along!! I have a number of the page guides completed so I will start adding some of the hundreds of stories already written for Mernac.
The first Character story was added today: Mootill
Mootill is a key character in the Sap Wars as told in The Book of Grumby during the third millenia of Mernac History.
a Short excerpt:
Mootill was a Fur from the Valley of the Gentle Ones on the island continent of Ooloo and was born on the first day of Della in 2622. As per custom, Mootill should have been known formally as Mootill Aamba, taking his father's first name as his last; this is what has been done as long as any Fur can remember. Except that his father, Aamba, was banished when Mootill was but a cub and with this banishment Aamba's name was never to be spoken again. So Mootill has but a single name and will always be remembered in history, simply as: Mootill.
The first Character story was added today: Mootill
Mootill is a key character in the Sap Wars as told in The Book of Grumby during the third millenia of Mernac History.
a Short excerpt:
Mootill was a Fur from the Valley of the Gentle Ones on the island continent of Ooloo and was born on the first day of Della in 2622. As per custom, Mootill should have been known formally as Mootill Aamba, taking his father's first name as his last; this is what has been done as long as any Fur can remember. Except that his father, Aamba, was banished when Mootill was but a cub and with this banishment Aamba's name was never to be spoken again. So Mootill has but a single name and will always be remembered in history, simply as: Mootill.
0 -- To Do
7 -- Fix the formatting on the imported help (low priority) – no one is there yet to use it anyway!
8 -- Write the “About” page – low priority till we get visitors
9 -- add how to submit “just do it” page – low priory till we get visitors
12 -- Set up Character templates (page guides) so content can be added easily
14 -- Set up Place templates (page guides) so content can be added easily
15 -- Set up Items templates (page guides) so content can be added easily
18 -- Set up how Art can be added
19 --
0 Done
1 -- Delete all the testing content for Mernac - 2/15/09
2 -- set up "path categories" so content can be added. - In Process 2/15/09, 2/16/09 – base paths set – this will be on-going – 2/17/09
3 -- follow-up on why image cannot be uploaded - Web host involved - Resolved 2/15/09
4 -- 4) Set up Mernac templates (page guides) so content can be added easily – Legends complete 2/15/09
5 -- figure out how to use Wiki template with variable as sidebars for navigation and general info. for example the story type, status, Author, info 2/15/09
6 -- Get logo on page 2/17/09
10 -- Add a php re-write of URLs to make them easier to follow (people and SEO) 2/17/09
11 -- 11) create redirect so Mernac is “main page” – at least temporarily 2/17/09
13 -- Set up Lore templates (page guides) so content can be added easily - 2/20/09
16 -- Set up Home page templates (page guides) so content can be added easily -2/19/09 - broven to different categories
17 -- Mernac base Lore start page completed 2/16/09
7 -- Fix the formatting on the imported help (low priority) – no one is there yet to use it anyway!
8 -- Write the “About” page – low priority till we get visitors
9 -- add how to submit “just do it” page – low priory till we get visitors
12 -- Set up Character templates (page guides) so content can be added easily
14 -- Set up Place templates (page guides) so content can be added easily
15 -- Set up Items templates (page guides) so content can be added easily
18 -- Set up how Art can be added
19 --
0 Done
1 -- Delete all the testing content for Mernac - 2/15/09
2 -- set up "path categories" so content can be added. - In Process 2/15/09, 2/16/09 – base paths set – this will be on-going – 2/17/09
3 -- follow-up on why image cannot be uploaded - Web host involved - Resolved 2/15/09
4 -- 4) Set up Mernac templates (page guides) so content can be added easily – Legends complete 2/15/09
5 -- figure out how to use Wiki template with variable as sidebars for navigation and general info. for example the story type, status, Author, info 2/15/09
6 -- Get logo on page 2/17/09
10 -- Add a php re-write of URLs to make them easier to follow (people and SEO) 2/17/09
11 -- 11) create redirect so Mernac is “main page” – at least temporarily 2/17/09
13 -- Set up Lore templates (page guides) so content can be added easily - 2/20/09
16 -- Set up Home page templates (page guides) so content can be added easily -2/19/09 - broven to different categories
17 -- Mernac base Lore start page completed 2/16/09
Mernac's First Lore Story Posted
The Mothers and The Fathers was posted today on the new Mernac Web site.
This is the first (of many) Lore stories of Mernac... and is probably the single most important "lore" to this mythical fantasy world.
This briefly describes how Mernac was created and how the 20 gods of Mernac (who are called The Mothers and The Father) came about. How the race of Man, and the other races, came about is also covered.
It also sets up the battle between good and evil which will rage on Mernac for 10,000seasons.
This is the first (of many) Lore stories of Mernac... and is probably the single most important "lore" to this mythical fantasy world.
This briefly describes how Mernac was created and how the 20 gods of Mernac (who are called The Mothers and The Father) came about. How the race of Man, and the other races, came about is also covered.
It also sets up the battle between good and evil which will rage on Mernac for 10,000seasons.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Mernac is tied to Gentle Muse e-store
I linked Mernac with its official store (Gentle Muse) today, so the two should be able to cross promote each other.
The first Mernac specific item was a way to sponsor specific Mernac pages. I don’t think we will get many sponsors for some time – we need to get content up. And get some visitors for that matter. But I am taking it slowly. Have not even begun to promote the site yet… and probably will not for a while.
I did however need to set up the link and the ability to have the store and a place for some items and merchandise from Mernac.
The Gentle Muse, BTW, are run by fictional muses… yes, the same Muse which can be found in many of the new Mernac stories.
Hmmm funny how that works. In any case, The Gentle Muse will also sell other things besides just Mernac items… however a portion of any sales will go toward promoting Mernac.
Gentle Muse will focus on Art for the most part. From the site:
We are a niche gallery featuring art from all mediums. Why niche? Because as our namesake suggests, one of the thing we do here is display art of the muse. The beautiful girls and women who inspire us. Please be advised that you will see artistic nudity on these page. If this offends you, we apologize and suggest you browse other art sites.
What can I say... Sexy and pretty girls sell... hopefully some of this art will too.... or at least get a little attention. Gentle Muse and Mernac development sites will become musch more tied at the hip as we progress. There are a number of things I plan on doing with them.
For the most part however, Gentle muse will get little development time for a while. I have been working on it for 2 months and it is now far enough along I could tie Mernac to it.
Now that is done I can move forward with the Mernac project... my true love so to speak.
Rick
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
To Do Feburary 17, 2009
7) Fix the formatting on the imported help (low priority) – no one is there yet to use it anyway!
8) Write the “About” page – low priority till we get visitors
9) add how to submit “just do it” page – low priory till we get visitors
12) Set up Character templates (page guides) so content can be added easily
13) Set up Lore templates (page guides) so content can be added easily
14) Set up Place templates (page guides) so content can be added easily
15) Set up Items templates (page guides) so content can be added easily
16) Set up Home page templates (page guides) so content can be added easily
18
Done
1) Delete all the testing content for Mernac - 2/15/09
3) follow-up on why image cannot be uploaded - Web host involved - Resolved 2/15/09
5) figure out how to use Wiki template with variable as sidebars for navigation and general info. for example the story type, status, Author, info 2/15/09
10) Add a php re-write of URLs to make them easier to follow (people and SEO) 2/17/09
6) Get logo on page 2/17/09
11) create redirect so Mernac is “main page” – at least temporarily 2/17/09
2) set up "path categories" so content can be added. - In Process 2/15/09, 2/16/09 – base paths set – this will be on-going – 2/17/09
4) Set up Mernac templates (page guides) so content can be added easily – Legends complete 2/15/09
17) Mernac base Lore start page completed 2/16/09
8) Write the “About” page – low priority till we get visitors
9) add how to submit “just do it” page – low priory till we get visitors
12) Set up Character templates (page guides) so content can be added easily
13) Set up Lore templates (page guides) so content can be added easily
14) Set up Place templates (page guides) so content can be added easily
15) Set up Items templates (page guides) so content can be added easily
16) Set up Home page templates (page guides) so content can be added easily
18
Done
1) Delete all the testing content for Mernac - 2/15/09
3) follow-up on why image cannot be uploaded - Web host involved - Resolved 2/15/09
5) figure out how to use Wiki template with variable as sidebars for navigation and general info. for example the story type, status, Author, info 2/15/09
10) Add a php re-write of URLs to make them easier to follow (people and SEO) 2/17/09
6) Get logo on page 2/17/09
11) create redirect so Mernac is “main page” – at least temporarily 2/17/09
2) set up "path categories" so content can be added. - In Process 2/15/09, 2/16/09 – base paths set – this will be on-going – 2/17/09
4) Set up Mernac templates (page guides) so content can be added easily – Legends complete 2/15/09
17) Mernac base Lore start page completed 2/16/09
Monday, February 16, 2009
To Do Feburary 16, 2009
To Do
2) set up "path categories" so content can be added. - In Process 2/15/09, 2/16/09
4) Set up Mernac templates (page guides) so content can be added easily – In Process 2/15/09
5) figure out how to use Wiki template with variable as sidebars for navigation and general info. for example the story type, status, Author, info
6) Get logo on page
7) Fix the formatting on the imported help (low priority) – no one is there yet to use it anyway!
8) Write the “About” page
9) add how to submit “just do it” page
Done
1) Delete all the testing content for Mernac - 2/15/09
3) follow-up on why image cannot be uploaded - Web host involved - Resolved 2/15/09
5) figure out how to use Wiki template with variable as sidebars for navigation and general info. for example the story type, status, Author, info 2/15/09
2) set up "path categories" so content can be added. - In Process 2/15/09, 2/16/09
4) Set up Mernac templates (page guides) so content can be added easily – In Process 2/15/09
5) figure out how to use Wiki template with variable as sidebars for navigation and general info. for example the story type, status, Author, info
6) Get logo on page
7) Fix the formatting on the imported help (low priority) – no one is there yet to use it anyway!
8) Write the “About” page
9) add how to submit “just do it” page
Done
1) Delete all the testing content for Mernac - 2/15/09
3) follow-up on why image cannot be uploaded - Web host involved - Resolved 2/15/09
5) figure out how to use Wiki template with variable as sidebars for navigation and general info. for example the story type, status, Author, info 2/15/09
First Legend posted on New Mernac site
Well, the first Story at the new home of www.mernac.com has been published!
Stranger in the Traddlebow Arms
Ugg, what a lot of work just to get it up. I have about 500 more (already written) to go up from the old site. Not all the old content will be published there is close to 1,000. Some of it was marginal… at best.
I do, however, expect that publishing will become quicker and quicker. Much of what took so long for the first one was putting together some structure and format. Not just for that story but for all future stories to come. Templates and patterns and that sort of thing. Not done yet. Not by a long shot. Will continue it tonight…. Still mostly formatting stuff. I expect I will be in the structure and formatting stage for a few weeks. Sighs… wish I could do this full time… but there is that eating thing. – One day.
I have decided not to go full steam ahead on adding content (though I am really, really, REALLY temped to… to give me a sense of accomplishment). This time I am going to practice what I preach. I always said that all stories need to be inter-connected and each need to be referenced in a previous story before being published. So as I add Content, it will all start with the Stranger story. To add another it must be referenced in that, and so on and so on. Link created, then story. Then move on from there.
Besides, one of the things I learned from the first Mernac site was putting things up too quickly or starting projects too haphazardly. A character flaw of mine, I am afraid. Well, in any case, I will try and curtail it as much as possible. That said, I should note that I chose the Wiki format for Mernac to somewhat play to that character flaw. This is the forth application I have played with (and dozens were looked at) since the old Mernac site by playing with I mean mocking up a site. My criteria for testing was to use something well established which could be used WITHOUT custom programming. Custom programming and little budget was part of the death of the old Mernac. It also needed to be Open source, so when it the far future, when there is a core group of programmers in the “Mernacian” family, customization could slowly be implemented… But until that date, most of everything we need can be accomplish with the Mediawiki platform. This by the way is the exact same platform and software that is used to run www.Wikipedia.org … so it is certainly robust enough.
But those were not the only reason I chose the Wiki format. As I said, it plays to my character flaw of posting something that still needs to be edited, updated. The Old Mernacians may remember what I called my “raw writing”. I think I will stay away from the pure “raw” stuff, but there are times when something with only a quick draft or two will need to be added so I (or someone else) con complete something else. By the way, in this blog, don’t expect revisions like you can expect on the Mernac site. I consider this more therepy and brainstorming and organization than needing to be perfectly written.
One of the things that Mernac sometime needs is a reverences to some information… even before all the information is available (think sapling) or it is needed before it is properly edited. This is exactly what Wikimedia is designed to do. Allow progressive updates by multiple users while still historically saving all the previous versions. That and it is somewhat easy to navigate through… something the old Mernac was notoriously bad at. Yes, I am quite pleased with it. My only fear is that some users may find the adding content and editing a bit intimidating… need to think of how to put their mind at rest so they will just contribute without being afraid they will do it “Wrong”.
Guess the best way is to just tell them. Note to self: add how to submit “just do it” page to my to do list. Hmmm, this diary thing is good. Helps me organize and focus while still allowing me to ramble…
I must say, my mood has improved drastically since I started back working on Mernac. There was something missing in my life for the last year (actually a bit longer).
That missing thing was Mernac.
Tag Status
Stranger in the Traddlebow Arms
Ugg, what a lot of work just to get it up. I have about 500 more (already written) to go up from the old site. Not all the old content will be published there is close to 1,000. Some of it was marginal… at best.
I do, however, expect that publishing will become quicker and quicker. Much of what took so long for the first one was putting together some structure and format. Not just for that story but for all future stories to come. Templates and patterns and that sort of thing. Not done yet. Not by a long shot. Will continue it tonight…. Still mostly formatting stuff. I expect I will be in the structure and formatting stage for a few weeks. Sighs… wish I could do this full time… but there is that eating thing. – One day.
I have decided not to go full steam ahead on adding content (though I am really, really, REALLY temped to… to give me a sense of accomplishment). This time I am going to practice what I preach. I always said that all stories need to be inter-connected and each need to be referenced in a previous story before being published. So as I add Content, it will all start with the Stranger story. To add another it must be referenced in that, and so on and so on. Link created, then story. Then move on from there.
Besides, one of the things I learned from the first Mernac site was putting things up too quickly or starting projects too haphazardly. A character flaw of mine, I am afraid. Well, in any case, I will try and curtail it as much as possible. That said, I should note that I chose the Wiki format for Mernac to somewhat play to that character flaw. This is the forth application I have played with (and dozens were looked at) since the old Mernac site by playing with I mean mocking up a site. My criteria for testing was to use something well established which could be used WITHOUT custom programming. Custom programming and little budget was part of the death of the old Mernac. It also needed to be Open source, so when it the far future, when there is a core group of programmers in the “Mernacian” family, customization could slowly be implemented… But until that date, most of everything we need can be accomplish with the Mediawiki platform. This by the way is the exact same platform and software that is used to run www.Wikipedia.org … so it is certainly robust enough.
But those were not the only reason I chose the Wiki format. As I said, it plays to my character flaw of posting something that still needs to be edited, updated. The Old Mernacians may remember what I called my “raw writing”. I think I will stay away from the pure “raw” stuff, but there are times when something with only a quick draft or two will need to be added so I (or someone else) con complete something else. By the way, in this blog, don’t expect revisions like you can expect on the Mernac site. I consider this more therepy and brainstorming and organization than needing to be perfectly written.
One of the things that Mernac sometime needs is a reverences to some information… even before all the information is available (think sapling) or it is needed before it is properly edited. This is exactly what Wikimedia is designed to do. Allow progressive updates by multiple users while still historically saving all the previous versions. That and it is somewhat easy to navigate through… something the old Mernac was notoriously bad at. Yes, I am quite pleased with it. My only fear is that some users may find the adding content and editing a bit intimidating… need to think of how to put their mind at rest so they will just contribute without being afraid they will do it “Wrong”.
Guess the best way is to just tell them. Note to self: add how to submit “just do it” page to my to do list. Hmmm, this diary thing is good. Helps me organize and focus while still allowing me to ramble…
I must say, my mood has improved drastically since I started back working on Mernac. There was something missing in my life for the last year (actually a bit longer).
That missing thing was Mernac.
Tag Status
Sunday, February 15, 2009
To Do Febuary 15, 2009
2) set up "path categories" so content can be added. - In Process
3) follow-up on why image can not be uploaded - Web host involved
4) Set up mernac templates (page guides) so content can be added easily
5) figure out how to use Wiki template with variable as sidebars for navigation and general info. for example the story type, status, Author, info
Done
1) Delete all the testing content for Mernac
3) follow-up on why image can not be uploaded - Web host involved
4) Set up mernac templates (page guides) so content can be added easily
5) figure out how to use Wiki template with variable as sidebars for navigation and general info. for example the story type, status, Author, info
Done
1) Delete all the testing content for Mernac
Saturday, February 14, 2009
To Do Feb 14, 2009
1) Delete all the testing content for Mernac
2) set up "path categories" so content can be added.
3) follow-up on why image can not be uploaded
4) Set up mernac templates so content can be added easily
2) set up "path categories" so content can be added.
3) follow-up on why image can not be uploaded
4) Set up mernac templates so content can be added easily
Mernac is resurrected
It is with no fanfare of I announce the Legends of Mernac project has been resurrected.
It will be in a different platform and approach than the previous version. The New Mernac, to begin with, will now be in a Wiki format.
We are using the exact same software and platform as is used for Wikipedia. Much of the previous Mernac content will slowly be added…. Much will be discarded.
Why no fanfare and a big splash PR announcements?
There is little to announce at this point. This is just for those few who every once and again wonder what happened to Mernac and if the project would ever continue.
The Answer is yes. It begins now.
Parts of the New Mernac Project:
Mernac – This is where the content will go
Mernac Forums – this is for interaction
Building Mernac – This site – this is for news and announcement
Gentle Muse – This is a store and ecommerce platform to be used to raise money for OSC and the Mernac project
Something Good – This is to remind me why I am doing this.
Rick
It will be in a different platform and approach than the previous version. The New Mernac, to begin with, will now be in a Wiki format.
We are using the exact same software and platform as is used for Wikipedia. Much of the previous Mernac content will slowly be added…. Much will be discarded.
Why no fanfare and a big splash PR announcements?
There is little to announce at this point. This is just for those few who every once and again wonder what happened to Mernac and if the project would ever continue.
The Answer is yes. It begins now.
Parts of the New Mernac Project:
Mernac – This is where the content will go
Mernac Forums – this is for interaction
Building Mernac – This site – this is for news and announcement
Gentle Muse – This is a store and ecommerce platform to be used to raise money for OSC and the Mernac project
Something Good – This is to remind me why I am doing this.
Rick
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