Sims2 Story Challenge

[orikes]

An idea germinated in the comments of my last post that I think deserves a post all its own.

The Professor and I were talking about how the playing and pictures are easy for me, but the writing is hard, while it's the exact opposite for her. She can write easily and well (except for the hurting wrists problem) but the playing and the picture stuff is hard.

This got me thinking. What do folks think of a challenge where someone provides the pictures and the XML file in which the pictures are organized and the challenge is to write your own story out of those pictures?

I could easily put together a bunch of pictures that are already laid out. The person who wants to do it would just have to provide me with a lot number and I can get the pictures and the XML file set up so that those pictures will load for whatever lot someone wants.

Before that, it's just a matter of deciding subject matter. Do I put together something with known characters (either legacy sims or simselves) or something with completely random characters?

What do you guys think? Is this worth pursuing and what would you rather see for the characters involved?

Comments

[avidreader7.livejournal.com]

I already told you I would be interested, but I'll say so here, too! You might have to explain that lot thing to me when it comes time, though.

As for characters - either known or random characters would be fun! My first instinct is to say that I would prefer to write for random characters. I don't have the gift for writing comedy that a Sim Self story might demand. :)

It might be fun the other way around, too - we write a short story for you, and you play to get the pictures and upload it! Either way sounds fun, to me.

[penguingirl03.livejournal.com]

I think this sounds fun! I would probably prefer random characters that way I wouldn't have to stress about getting known legacy characters or simselves correct. But either could be fun.

[profbutters.livejournal.com]

I looove it. Personally, I prefer known characters. Otherwise I am starting from total scratch--I haven't even seen how the Sim behaves, so. . .much harder, but that's just me. Also, it's a challenge, not a formal story as such, so it doesn't have to be all perfect.

PB

[smoothiesims.livejournal.com]

That would definitely be interesting to me; the problem is having the time to do it. I would really love seeing what you could put together from that, though!

[ahrubyblue.livejournal.com]

I think it sounds like a really spiffy idea. I don't think I'd be able to participate but I'd love to see what happens.

My first thought was that if you went with unknown characters it might be easier if they obviously fit into some sort of role with preconcieved notions. For example, I thought of the superhero pictures that you made for boolprop, Ori. That way the writers could break with it or play along with it as much as they want and it isn't starting from scratch.
Stupid? Maybe. But it might help spark other thoughts.

[writeraissa.livejournal.com]

That actually sounds really, really cool! For me... I find the most frustrating part of storywriting is sorting my pictures and putting them in order in the stupid editor thingummy. But once I'm in the writing 'groove', so to speak, I generally write an update in 1-2 days.

Count me in as someone who would find the experience totally cool.

[ndainye.livejournal.com]

Sounds like a great idea, I'd probably enjoy reading them more than actually writing since most of my writing is observatory rather than short story or prose. I'm not sure if I could come up with a short story based on unknowns, and by unknown I mean unplayed. I would prefer unknown characters rather than trying to duplicate characterization created by someone else.

[profbutters.livejournal.com]

I really like this idea. It gives some structure and it's really flexible.

Plus it gives us a chance to see some of your mad graphix skillz.

(Also, I'm still very happy that you used Quin.)

PB

[fireflowersims.livejournal.com]

That sounds really awesome. ^_^ Keep us posted as this idea gets more developed, please?