Whitzz/544K-RP-Datasets huggingface dataset:
Thread: The loss of literacy for enjoyment

I would have to agree with Kawamura's observation the alternatives that are provided these days have allowed people to have access to other forms of entertainment. In moderation, I feel that television, video games, and the Internet can all benefit and even enhance personal creativity. On the downside, it could be suggested that America specifically has become a nation that places a lot of emphasis on speed in terms of many things fast food, fast cars, fast Internet access Thought I might say fast women, didn't you? Ha!, so our ability to get things done quickly could be thought to have resulted in many of us turning our attentions away from hobbies and entertainment that requires too much time to accomplish. Children of the video game era notably have lost more and more interest in reading, writing, or even playing pretend games outside sadly enough. As a child I concocted many fantasies when left to my own resources, but I have observed in the majority of the children I tutor that there is a general lack of enthusiasm in approaching reading or creative writing with actual grammar and spelling rather than the text speak, and a rise in poor vocabulary, spelling, grammar, and reading comprehension. It's disconcerting, but more and more the cool thing to do is to simply avoid anything associated with learning or education, as reading and writing do often fall into that category I worry that our future generation of authors will leave us with books full of text speak and characters even worse than the sparkling vampire.
Thread: The loss of literacy for enjoyment

Most people I know who don't read practically never say this Why should I read when I can watch a movie or play a video game? I don't have to put any real effort into it. Or. I already read for school. But I've found that mostly my guy friends speak that way, as well as my female friends. Very few of them actually pick up a book because it looks interesting when movies have taken such a dive into 'what's enjoyable.' I think some people are just lazy while some actually can't read very well or very fast and get easily frustrated when someone says they read this book or that book in one sitting or in a few days and they have been reading it for a week. Sometimes it gets turned into a competition and most don't want to participate.
Thread: The loss of literacy for enjoyment

I think there is also a bit of it's been done before with this. Why read a book about a princess and prince falling in love? There are so many of those! Why read the myriad knock offs of vampires and humans falling in love? There is the ONE series you need to read. Even when the reading is fun it is later delegated as a chore. Why re-read a story to try and comprehend the meaning? You read it once. Or, the ever present I don't want to read that I'll wait for the movie line. Now, I am sure this may not be as big of a culprit as just being too lazy to read. I also have to think that perhaps what is published in the majority may play a part. It seems that fewer risks are being taken these days at least that is my hope for all of these damnable remakes of movies and books instead of sheer laziness or fewer people want to get into visceral reading. I've taken to ordering several books online that have actually been made just a few cities over from me yet don't appear in bookstores around here that break this mold, the most recent one being Angel Dust Apocalypse. Sure, there are definitely ideas in there taken from other writers but made the artist's own. Yet this book is so much better than elf fighting orc book number 11,876 or princess captured by witch 8.9.
Thread: The loss of literacy for enjoyment

I think an issue could be that we aren't the target audience of what sells best. Most of us aren't interested in the latest techno-thriller or harlequin romance.
Thread: The loss of literacy for enjoyment

. -likes her romances-
Thread: The loss of literacy for enjoyment

What disturbs me about the rise of new media over novels is the potential reduction in empathy. When you're reading a novel, you're effectively listening to one person for hours on end, absorbing their modes of thought and their quirks. Some movies can pull this off, but there's no equivalent need to get into somebody else's head to enjoy a movie. Video games are even worse - they give you agency and control, which is great in some respects, but isn't exactly a recipe for mutual understanding. These are generalizations, of course, but they're worrisome.
Thread: The loss of literacy for enjoyment

I am the very definition of the bibliophile, so I can ready almost anything and everything without losing interest seriously, I even like reading my student textbooks often enough. Only a few plot devices turn me off, such as the accidental Mary Sue or Gary Stu, excessive fluff, and dime store smut I wouldn't even publish anonymously on a website. Personally, I do love the classics because they are normally among the FIRST to create plot devices that are recycled and butchered today by modern authors. I don't expect everyone to share my reading interests, even as varied and massive as they tend to be. However, the increasing lack of interest in reading concerns me also. I have to wonder if some of it couldn't be a result of the inflexibility that can often be found in the English classes of our schools kids unable to have any say what-so-ever in what they read or would like to read would, understandably, become a bit jaded towards the idea eventually. Of course, I also have to agree that the sedentary life-styles of the typical American has resulted in a sad case of laziness.
Thread: The loss of literacy for enjoyment

Also- there's a conflict of interest. Most commercials want you to get out and do things- like participate in sports and exercise. But then they put on commercials saying to pick up a book and support your local library. A lot of kids choose one over the other because being physically active rather than lay around and read becomes more important with parents and teachers- unless they teach English. Parents not all want their kids outside and playing with friends. But then if their kid is reading, they are impressed but also not too keen on them simply reading. So it creates conflict. Most kids can't find a balance between playing outside and reading when they are younger- so they pick going outside because that's where their friends are and parents encourage that because socializing is healthy. But reading is also healthy. So how do you balance that out with an energetic kid? It's probably something parents need to encourage like go play, but you know, pick out a book to read later. Or something to that extent because I feel like the classics and a lot of good literature is being lost because of sports becoming so huge. I love sports, but I love reading as well. I mean, some of my younger cousins that are under the age of fourteen don't know about Edgar Allan Poe or even really about any famous authors. I was learning about them in elementary school.
Thread: The loss of literacy for enjoyment

Probably doesn't help that we don't really have any famous authors of our own. Most of the authors I appreciate are dead.
Thread: The loss of literacy for enjoyment

Yeah, pretty much.
Thread: The loss of literacy for enjoyment

It was the same in my case, I was learning about the classics from an early age. In fact one way of maintaining a balance is by encouraging small children to watch programs targeted towards inspiring an interest in reading. Does anyone remember Wishbone or Reading Rainbow? As a child I watched those, and out of curiosity I often searched for the stories in the library. That's why I was reading classics like Phantom of the Opera, Poe, and Cyrano de Bergerac when I was young, and why I still enjoy reading most classic literature more than many contemporary authors. If I were to name famous modern authors I would probably mention J.R.R. Tolkien, J.K. Rowling, and unfortunately Anne Rice, and Stephanie Meyer. The last two I feel drew far too much fame for capitalizing on an idea that wasn't strictly original or theirs in the full sense of the word as an author I also cannot respect Anne Rice for her treatment of her fans, but they would be the most commonly recognized names by most today. The notable lack of famous authors could also be evidence of America's declining interest in reading, once authors were more recognized in society than they would appear to be now. Excellent writers like Diana Gabaldon or Nancy Springer are known by the people who like to read, but you'll not find them mentioned in the media alongside television and movie stars. Many authors and books do not receive fame until after the stories are turned into movies, and generally the movies butcher the stories so that fandoms become divided between the true fans who read and the idiot fans who watched the movie and can't appreciate the story fully, so that fandoms become pretentious and unnecessarily dramatic. I have hopes that technology like the Kindle will revive some of the people's interest in reading, but personally I enjoy the ability to turn the pages of a book and collect them on a shelf. So I hope that technology doesn't turn us so far down the Star Trek path that books go in the way of the fading newspaper and vanish entirely.
Thread: The loss of literacy for enjoyment

There are some popular authors, like Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. There is also Kathrine Coulter I believe for mysteries and Janet Evanovich. While Evanovich may not write the best of literature, it is entertaining. But Morosa is right, most often you do not hear of authors unless it is on some show where they are being interviewed about their book becoming a movie. Which is really what reminds me of Gaiman I suppose, who got quite a bit of press for Coraline and maybe Stardust but who has written so many great things. I hear he and Pratchett are more famous in Europe, but have nothing concrete to back that up with. I believe that there ARE popular authors of our era, from the grand Gaiman to the flabbergasted Rice who acts a prat. Now, they just aren't getting much press. I believe all my irl friends can name those authors, but there are some who probably can't. Maybe they will become classics in their time as well. I also have to say school gave me a gigantic loathing for Shakespeare. Because we read the same stories over and over and over. I personally would have preferred to read Gaiman or Evanovich or really something else. Hells, Hemingway! Something besides the damn same bastard over and over.
Thread: The loss of literacy for enjoyment

Some people just don't like books because of how weighty they can be, I suppose. But I love the way a book smells and how the pages feel when I turn them. But that's probably because I love paper and ink. But the modern authors aren't all that famous, which is unfortunate. Movies and media hold too much sway over people.
Thread: The loss of literacy for enjoyment

Requiem NEW BOOK SMELL ROCKS. Also New USED book smell rocks, especially when they have been housed with other antique books. There was some book I had shipped from Australia and it had this bizarre used book smell like mothballs and aged parchment and just SOMETHING else and I've kept it separate from all my books just to be able to sniff it for the scent for a long time.
Thread: The loss of literacy for enjoyment

Book smells! 3
Thread: The loss of literacy for enjoyment

That makes me think of the two used books I found in a bookstore I recently discovered. In fact I plan to return to it this weekend to trade some extra copies of books I have people usually opt to give me books as gifts that know me, but I have a large collection and often get doubles and triples of the same book. Last weekend I discovered a used copy of poetry by the Bronte sisters, and The Celtic Twilight Fairy and Folklore by W.B. Yeats. The first thing I found myself doing when I got back into the car was sniff the pages. In hindsight, it may have been wiser to wait until I wasn't in a crowded parking lot people gave me the kind of stares.
Thread: The loss of literacy for enjoyment

I have a copy of the Dune Encyclopaedia that I just cherish.
Thread: The loss of literacy for enjoyment

Yeats is a very good author. I wish I could borrow that from you, Dele
Thread: The loss of literacy for enjoyment

I wish you could too, I have far too few friends that truly love to read outside of the Internet. I've been tempted several times to join a book club, because any attempts to start a conversation about books with many of the people that I know in my location earns me blank stares. I love collecting and reading books, but it would be nice to discuss them and trade them with people of a mutual interest and appreciation.
Thread: The loss of literacy for enjoyment

I have a co-worker that I lend books to all the time. Got him hooked on warhammer 40.000, Sharpe and Song of Ice and Fire. Not the most impressive of literature overall but it sure is fun to share. Then my Kushiel books have been loaned out to most everyone I know. Wouldn't mind joining a book club but I doubt my tastes would match up with them.
Thread: The loss of literacy for enjoyment

I swear we should do a BMR book club thingy and ship books to each other and then talk about it. But that sounds expensive and awkward at the same time
Thread: The loss of literacy for enjoyment

I like the idea, though. We could ship used books. Maybe the deal could be no more than eight dollars at a time? Ooooooor, we could just pick up used books locally.
Thread: Sins of the Father (selfi and Lord Dakol)

He's been wanting to try this for a while now. The idea of someone freely giving out their secrets just because of a certain way someone dressed was... exciting. Bag in hand, Christopher slipped into the dark church through the large doors someone had forgotten to lock up! The opening hours of it would soon be upon it, and Christopher knew that the father in charge was already here, getting prepared. Striding down the aisle, he quieted his footsteps as much as he could, waiting for a sound from anywhere. After a few minutes, he heard clattering in the back room. He headed there, taking the syringe from his bag and sneaking towards the room. Father..? he called out when he reached the door, glancing in. The priest turned around and walked towards him with a curious look on his face. Forgive me, Father... for I have sinned, he said with a smirk. With a swift motion, he plunged the syringe into the priest's neck, knocking him unconscious quickly and allowed Christopher to throw him into the nearby closet. Opening the bag further, he took out a priest's outfit that looked just like Father's. Dressing quickly, he smiled in satisfaction as he looked at himself in the mirror. Good...
Thread: Sins of the Father (selfi and Lord Dakol)

Catherine came from a good old school Catholic family, her father had gone to a private Catholic Prep school and her mother had been in one as well. Catherine herself had gone to a private Catholic school until she was twelve, then she started ditching class and going off with boys from a local school and getting fucked every day- more than once each time. Now at nineteen, her parents were wanting her to go to the local church and confess what she had done for the past seven years. Catherine looked up at the catherdral style church infront of her, old school in design, it was very beautiful and forboding. She had hated to go to church or have any religion at all. Sighing, she brushed her strawberry blonde hair back and out of her emerald green eyes. Her lithe and atletically sexy form walked up the church steps, the heels of her newly aquired boots clicking. The pair of blue jeans cupped her small and tight ass in a way that made even the most die hard glance at her a second time, then have to pray to be forgiven that they were lusting. There was a thin see through top on, barely hiding the bra that supported her double d breasts. Catherine opened the old wooden doors and walked into the main room, wrinkling her nose at the musty wood and dusty benches. She walked hesistantly over to one of the confession booths and sat down on the uncomfortable chair. Forgive me Father for I have sinned. she crossed herself akwardly, It has been seven...no eight years since my last confession. shaking her head at the idiocracy of it all she added in an undertone, Get ready for this Father. This little Catholic School girl has been bad.
Thread: Sins of the Father (selfi and Lord Dakol)

Christopher spun around as he heard the large doors of the cathedral open and close. A smile crept onto his face as he adjusted his clothes and walked out. Just before reaching the main door where he would come into view, he stopped and peeked out the door. The smile that was occupying his face grew into a wide grin as he saw the intensely beautiful young girl walking down the aisle towards the confession booth. This is what he was waiting for! And with such a great catch, too! She was just asking to be fucked in every hole... As she slipped inside the booth, Christopher breathed out and strode to the opposite stall. Slipping in, he calmly sat down and leaned against the wall, preparing the appropriate tone for this act. With a haughty chuckle, he replied, I'm sure, child, that whatever you did will be forgiven by God. Now, tell me, what's on your mind? he asked with an expression that was reduced to a smirk.
Thread: Sins of the Father (selfi and Lord Dakol)

Catherine sighed and leaned back against the wall, her arms folded over her chest. You really know what's on my mind father? she looked to the screen, Are you sure that I'm not going to have to pay a little coin? she rubbed her first two fingers together before continuing. I've been sleeping with men since I was twelve. Stopped going to church as well. She looked front and leaned her head back, The only reason why I'm here is because my parents don't like the thought of their precious daughter going to Hell because she decided that she didn't like what they taught at the private school she goes to. Catherine looked over to the screen again. Yes, I have sinned, but I really don't care. My parents, my dad in particular needs to get the tampon out of his ass pardon the phrase Father, and move on with their lives. Their darling daughter is going to Hell anyways. she sighed and stopped talking. There was too much on her mind, and if she said it all, she would start cursing like a well rounded sailor, and then her parents would get even worse. Her breast buzzed and she took out her phone, cursing silently, she texted her friend back. The band that they both were in love with was on tour and her friend had gotten VIP. So Father, what do I have to do to be absolved of these sins. Of sleeping shamelessly with friends and random encounters?
Thread: Sins of the Father (selfi and Lord Dakol)

Christopher lowered his head, thinking deeply as well as listening intently. A small chuckle rose from his throat as she finished her confession, although the chance that she heard the sound was incredibly small. Smoothing out his clothes, he looked up at the screen and smiled. I... am surprised. And disappointed, child. You have strayed but, I believe you can be saved, with help... he said, leaning back and grinning maliciously,
Thread: Sins of the Father (selfi and Lord Dakol)

Catherine looked towards the screen again, My parents will be thrilled. her voice was laced with sarcasm. What must I do Father? she dropped her voice to become a semi solom tone, though behind it you could hear it being forced. She leaned closer to the screen to catch a glimpse of the Father. She smiled seductively, he was cute. Pitty that he was a man of the cloth. Catherine sighed and waited, Father, I want it to be as painless as possible I don't want to be baptised again. The first time was enough.
Thread: Sins of the Father (selfi and Lord Dakol)

Christopher couldn't help himself but laugh to her sarcastic remark, but kept it hushed. Using every bit of his strength, the young man looked forward to avoid her glimpsing look. I understand. Neither I would like to go through the experience again. But this action that you will partake in, or rather, several , will not include baptism. Now, you must follow my instructions carefully, do you understand? Stay here in the booth while I'm gone I will be back shortly. Afterward you may exit and follow me to the seats. he said seriously, though his words masked a joyful grin as he waited for her agreement.
Thread: Sins of the Father (selfi and Lord Dakol)

Catherine sighed and nodded, As you wish Father. She leaned back against the wooden wall and waited a few moments, hearing the Father's footsteps echoing int he great room she closed her eyes. This is going to be worse than Hell, she said aloud to the small room she was in. We're in limbo until we die anyways. If Heaven is above and Hell below... she sighed and shook her head, It's fuckin ridiculous. Her phone buzzed again and she looked at it before cursing again. What? she asked as she looked up, I'm going to be absolved of my sins anyways, why not add a few more? she looked back to her cell before she sent a text and turned it off. Sliding it back into her shirt, she walked out of the room to find where the Father had gone off too. Catherine straightened her shirt and pants before going over to the wooden benches.
Thread: Sins of the Father (selfi and Lord Dakol)

Meanwhile, Christopher had left her in the booth to stride to the large doors, closing them firmly and making sure it was securely locked. Afterward, he walked back down the aisle to see that she hadn't waited for him and instead sat down anyway. With a sigh and chuckle, he walked to the bench behinds and placed his hands on her shoulders, looking down at her face, though his eyes were slyly focused on her barely covered breasts. I see you did not acquiesce my request, he said with a small smile as his thumbs gently massaged her skin. I though I gave you strict instructions to wait for me,
Thread: Sins of the Father (selfi and Lord Dakol)

Catherine bent her head back to look at him, a cute gesture. I did wait for you. she looked up at him, a small grin on her face. You never said how long. Father, you must be specific. she straightend her head to look at the morbid statue that was on display in front of the room. It was of Jesus getting cruicified. I never understood that. Why put a statue of that in front of the congrigation? It will scar most younger children. Just as the movie does. Catherine felt the eyes on her breasts and she smiled slightly, all men eventually noticed them. Regardless if she was wearing a revealing top or not. Father, what happens if you're never dissolved of your sins. I know you go to hell, but what exactly is hell? she cocked her head back to look at him again, one of her perfectly formed eyebrows raised, I don't want the fairy tale story. What exactly is hell? I always thought it was living in this god forsaken part of the world. she let out a laugh at the irony of what she was saying. God forsaken. Still laughing she toyed with her sleeve.
Thread: Sins of the Father (selfi and Lord Dakol)

Christopher laughed gently at her response and shook his head. Honestly? he asked, sitting down and placing his hands in his lap. I do not know. I suppose... we will never know until we face it. It could be just like Heaven, only turned Hellish in tales so we would be scared to follow down that path. But, of course, it doesn't always help. he explained, glancing at her while he spoke with a quirked eyebrow Oddly, he himself seriously religious, though not in the usual sense. He felt some higher power, or powers... but they didn't a fuck about the universe. Like it was some kind of game to them... and Christopher was another of their wonderful, interesting pawns.