Brokeback Mountain: Our Community's Common Bond > Brokeback Mountain Open Forum
TOTW 19/08: TOTW questionnaire!
mariez:
Over the last year, the focus of the different topics was more on the movie than the short story. We had some topics which were „story only“, and many which could be discussed from both viewpoints, movie or story related. Sometimes both are congruent, sometimes they give different POVs.
Do you want the TOTW to focus more often on the short story?
First, thanks for taking the time to prepare this questionnaire, Chrissi. It's a good reminder to me that I need to take the time to post my thoughts rather than just nod along in agreement when I'm reading the wonderful comments. :)
As for the focus, I read the short story before I saw the movie, so it does have special meaning to me. I don't necessarily think there should be more focus on the short story instead of the movie, but I think it would be interesting to see a few more "short story" topics. For example (and there may already be a thread about this?), I've always been fascinated with the idea that AP specifically noted that Ennis phoned Jack to tell him about the divorce, which was a departure from their normal form of communication. There has to be a reason for that - I don't think she put a comma or a semi-colon in the story without a reason for it. We're told that Jack "misunderstood the reason for the call," which makes me wonder what on earth Ennis could have said to make Jack think he was ready to start the c&c, and how they got their wires crossed so badly, especially in a phone conversation where there is give and take.
Symbolism: some BetterMostians are big on discussing symbolisms in both, movie and story, others think it has been taken much too far anyway and are not (very) interested in them. I plan to have a SOTW (Symbolism of the Week) from time to time (we had only one so far).
What's your general take on symbolism discussions? Interested or not?
Interested. As I stated above, I think AP carefully planned every word in the story. I think Ang Lee was just as careful with the movie.
Do you think I should include polls to the TOTW more often than done before?
Sure. An occasional poll is a good idea. I guess it depends on the topic.
Do you think we should have a fresh TOTW every week? Or would you prefer a different span of time (which? biweekly, monthly, ....?)
Weekly seems fine. From what I can see, there's no "time limit" on a topic, so if someone thinks of something after that week, they could always come back to it.
In general: do you prefer more scene-driven topics or more character driven topics? Examples: „What do you make of the Maybe Texas scene?“ for a scene-driven topic. „Was ;Mr. Twist homophobic?“ for a character-driven topic. Do you have any preference at all?
I don't think I have a preference. Again, it depends.
While discussion is often speculative and there is no definite answer to many topics about the movie/story, there are some questions which are speculative on a higher level.
Examples: „Do you think Ennis would have come around if Jack hadn't died?“ is far less speculative than „Do you think they kept each others postcards?“ because for the first question we have starting points and many clues from the movie/story, whereas there is much less manifest material about the second question.
Well, I guess the example I gave above about the phone call is pretty speculative. So as long as it's not too far "out there" speculation is good.
You have more to say? I forgot an important question? You do have an idea? You want to tell me what you like or don't like about the TOTW feature? Go on, here's the place for it!
I can't think of any more ideas at the moment, Chrissi. But I'll let you know if I do. There's certainly nothing about the TOTW that I don't like!
Thanks,
Marie
optom3:
--- Quote from: Penthesilea on July 15, 2008, 01:10:10 pm ---1) Movie vs. short story
Over the last year, the focus of the different topics was more on the movie than the short story. We had some topics which were „story only“, and many which could be discussed from both viewpoints, movie or story related. Sometimes both are congruent, sometimes they give different POVs.
Do you want the TOTW to focus more often on the short story?
I am happy with either film or ss or a combo.
2) Symbolism
Symbolism: some BetterMostians are big on discussing symbolisms in both, movie and story, others think it has been taken much too far anyway and are not (very) interested in them. I plan to have a SOTW (Symbolism of the Week) from time to time (we had only one so far).
What's your general take on symbolism discussions? Interested or not?
Not.
3) Polls
Do you think I should include polls to the TOTW more often than done before?
Not for me, I prefer the existing format, because you ever know what sort of tangent the discussions will go off on.
4) Frequency
Do you think we should have a fresh TOTW every week? Or would you prefer a different span of time (which? biweekly, monthly, ....?)
I like weekly,simply because if it is a subject I am not so interested in, I don't have to wait long for a new topic.
5) Scene vs. character discussion
In general: do you prefer more scene-driven topics or more character driven topics? Examples: „What do you make of the Maybe Texas scene?“ for a scene-driven topic. „Was ;Mr. Twist homophobic?“ for a character-driven topic. Do you have any preference at all?
Definitely character.
6) Would you like to discuss speculative topics?
While discussion is often speculative and there is no definite answer to many topics about the movie/story, there are some questions which are speculative on a higher level.
Examples: „Do you think Ennis would have come around if Jack hadn't died?“ is far less speculative than „Do you think they kept each others postcards?“ because for the first question we have starting points and many clues from the movie/story, whereas there is much less manifest material about the second question.
7)What else?
You have more to say? I forgot an important question? You do have an idea? You want to tell me what you like or don't like about the TOTW feature? Go on, here's the place for it!
BTW, this is the most important part of the questionnaire to me. To find out things I don't think of myself!
I'm only one person, but the joint efforts of many people sure will bring out many good aspects.
I personally go back to the ss frequently.I find some of the disparity between the 2 interesting, such as Ennis seems more loving in the ss than film.I often ponder why that is.So I like to speculate on the differences between the 2.
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Ellemeno:
1) Movie vs. short story
Over the last year, the focus of the different topics was more on the movie than the short story. We had some topics which were „story only“, and many which could be discussed from both viewpoints, movie or story related. Sometimes both are congruent, sometimes they give different POVs.
Do you want the TOTW to focus more often on the short story?
It could, that would be great.
2) Symbolism
Symbolism: some BetterMostians are big on discussing symbolisms in both, movie and story, others think it has been taken much too far anyway and are not (very) interested in them. I plan to have a SOTW (Symbolism of the Week) from time to time (we had only one so far).
What's your general take on symbolism discussions? Interested or not?
Yes, I love that stuff. :)
3) Polls
Do you think I should include polls to the TOTW more often than done before?
Polls can be fun.
4) Frequency
Do you think we should have a fresh TOTW every week? Or would you prefer a different span of time (which? biweekly, monthly, ....?)
I'm flexible. I do like when topics are on the banner and get high participation that way. So how often isn't as important to me as letting people know about it to participate in it.
5) Scene vs. character discussion
In general: do you prefer more scene-driven topics or more character driven topics? Examples: „What do you make of the Maybe Texas scene?“ for a scene-driven topic. „Was ;Mr. Twist homophobic?“ for a character-driven topic. Do you have any preference at all?
Both, or other. :)
6) Would you like to discuss speculative topics?
While discussion is often speculative and there is no definite answer to many topics about the movie/story, there are some questions which are speculative on a higher level.
Examples: „Do you think Ennis would have come around if Jack hadn't died?“ is far less speculative than „Do you think they kept each others postcards?“ because for the first question we have starting points and many clues from the movie/story, whereas there is much less manifest material about the second question.
I'm open to this, but not as attracted.
7)What else?
You have more to say? I forgot an important question? You do have an idea? You want to tell me what you like or don't like about the TOTW feature? Go on, here's the place for it!
BTW, this is the most important part of the questionnaire to me. To find out things I don't think of myself!
I'm only one person, but the joint efforts of many people sure will bring out many good aspects.
I love the topic of the week (though have no need for it to be weekly or any particular frequency). I do get confused by the numbering system, and don't care for it. But I love that you do this service for us, Chrissi, and I really appreciate it. I also like how open you are to people's ideas for topics. Yay Chrissi!
Marge_Innavera:
1) Movie vs. short story
Over the last year, the focus of the different topics was more on the movie than the short story. We had some topics which were „story only“, and many which could be discussed from both viewpoints, movie or story related. Sometimes both are congruent, sometimes they give different POVs.
Do you want the TOTW to focus more often on the short story?
Generally, I like the balance between discussions of the short story and film, and would like to keep that. If that means more discussions about the short story, then I'm in favor of it.
2) Symbolism
Symbolism: some BetterMostians are big on discussing symbolisms in both, movie and story, others think it has been taken much too far anyway and are not (very) interested in them. I plan to have a SOTW (Symbolism of the Week) from time to time (we had only one so far).
What's your general take on symbolism discussions? Interested or not?
I like the idea of a Symbolism of the Week thread. Sometimes discussions of symbolism get a little out in the ozone, but people regularly point out things I'd overlooked.
3) Polls
Do you think I should include polls to the TOTW more often than done before?
No opinion on that, but polls are always interesting.
4) Frequency
Do you think we should have a fresh TOTW every week? Or would you prefer a different span of time (which? biweekly, monthly, ....?)
I'd like a little more time, maybe biweekly or every 10 days unless that would get too confusing. Monthly would definitely be too long.
5) Scene vs. character discussion
In general: do you prefer more scene-driven topics or more character driven topics? Examples: „What do you make of the Maybe Texas scene?“ for a scene-driven topic. „Was ;Mr. Twist homophobic?“ for a character-driven topic. Do you have any preference at all?
No; I prefer a mixture of both.
6) Would you like to discuss speculative topics?
While discussion is often speculative and there is no definite answer to many topics about the movie/story, there are some questions which are speculative on a higher level.
Examples: „Do you think Ennis would have come around if Jack hadn't died?“ is far less speculative than „Do you think they kept each others postcards?“ because for the first question we have starting points and many clues from the movie/story, whereas there is much less manifest material about the second question.
Yes, I like speculative topics, of both the kinds you've mentioned.
KristinDaBomb:
--- Quote from: Penthesilea on July 15, 2008, 01:10:10 pm ---1) Movie vs. short story
Over the last year, the focus of the different topics was more on the movie than the short story. We had some topics which were „story only“, and many which could be discussed from both viewpoints, movie or story related. Sometimes both are congruent, sometimes they give different POVs.
Do you want the TOTW to focus more often on the short story?
*Well, I actually saw the movie before I read the SS, so the movie has a special place in my heart. But focusing on it more wouldn't be a bad idea.
2) Symbolism
Symbolism: some BetterMostians are big on discussing symbolisms in both, movie and story, others think it has been taken much too far anyway and are not (very) interested in them. I plan to have a SOTW (Symbolism of the Week) from time to time (we had only one so far).
What's your general take on symbolism discussions? Interested or not?
*I really like the idea of a SOTW. I would love to see that happen and participate in it.
3) Polls
Do you think I should include polls to the TOTW more often than done before?
*Polls are fun, so why not? That would be good.
4) Frequency
Do you think we should have a fresh TOTW every week? Or would you prefer a different span of time (which? biweekly, monthly, ....?)
*I think biweekly might be best. I think that would give enough time for people to post and read the topics, yet not bored, or anxious for another one.
5) Scene vs. character discussion
In general: do you prefer more scene-driven topics or more character driven topics? Examples: „What do you make of the Maybe Texas scene?“ for a scene-driven topic. „Was ;Mr. Twist homophobic?“ for a character-driven topic. Do you have any preference at all?
*I don't have a preference.
6) Would you like to discuss speculative topics?
While discussion is often speculative and there is no definite answer to many topics about the movie/story, there are some questions which are speculative on a higher level.
Examples: „Do you think Ennis would have come around if Jack hadn't died?“ is far less speculative than „Do you think they kept each others postcards?“ because for the first question we have starting points and many clues from the movie/story, whereas there is much less manifest material about the second question.
*I would love to discuss topics like that. In fact, the ones you mentioned as examples are great.
7)What else?
You have more to say? I forgot an important question? You do have an idea? You want to tell me what you like or don't like about the TOTW feature? Go on, here's the place for it!
*I think you got everything!
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