NJRick's "Obscure Story-Reading" Challenge

I would note that there are now 967 fewer "orphan" stories (those with no comments) than when we started this project. Obviously, not all of them have been cited here on this thread, but perhaps there is now more of a willingness to search out stories that have received less attention. Thanks everyone!

Robyn's Experiment
by Grace Brackenridge

I liked the idea here, though I don't think enough time was given to the writing. I have the feeling this author is too prolific - lots of interesting ideas, but too often coming off as under-developed.

Rooftop Corrections by Lawrence Kindren.

Good if you like your superheroes vulnerable.

Hi NJ - I thought this was a great idea and have been following the plot - my slant is that I am reading all the John Benson Stories that don't have a comment, currently there are 94 (there were well over 100 a while ago!!). Two things - A number of the stories have been 'favourited' horrible word - how can you make a story a favourite and not leave a comment, the second is actually making the comment without it being trite like ' I read this'. I have to be careful how I comment as I was pilloried in the 'Bad Comments' thread for commentating that the protagonists were rather young.

I couldn't myself. But some people leave comments, some people leave comments and make favorites, while some seem to make favorites only. I don't understand it, but I guess it's better than never leaving a comment OR making a favorite.


"Pilloried" is a strong word for what was posted. There were also a lot of people on that thread defending what you said. Most people don't object to negative comments, when you leave negative comments, so long as they aren't personal attacks. If you generally like John Benson's stories (you must, or why would you set out to read 94 of them?), my guess is that you won't have much negative to say.

I compliment you on your contribution towards de-orphaning (another questionable word) these stories. When you're done with the John Benson ones, don't forget that there are other authors, many of them obscure, that reside in orphan-hood.

Yes - pilloried was a bit strong. I didn't take it to heart other than to try to be more clear in the direction of my comments. I like the 'de-orphaned' idea - it gives the impression that these poor stories are sitting out there all lonely and depressed, then we read them, comment and give them a sense on their own worth!

Replacing The Irreplaceable by Nathan Rysher

A little edgy for some. I think it was quite realistic portraying a teen boy masturbating in the bathroom spied on by a younger girl and the resulting justice handed over by her father.

Yet Again by eve

A delightful story about a couple, he the director of amateur theater and she involuntary participant of a play.

Uprooting The Inward Guilt by musicboxdancer

Story of the first in-person encounter of chat room friends, during which he gently and patiently helps her deal with her guilt from a childhood crime. Very descriptive and loving.

Wild Child by John Benson

A straight and delightful tale of hope and spankings, not necessarily in that order.