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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Dire Bare" data-source="post: 5099303" data-attributes="member: 18182">I may not be expressing myself clearly . . . but, yes, really!  I like shared world fiction . . . or at least, D&D shared world fiction.  Some of the D&D novels I've read have been poor, a small handful even dreadful enough that I couldn't finish them (Conundrum by Jeff Crook, a gnome story).  A larger number have been "okay" or mediocre . . . . but I keep reading them because I feel that the vast majority of the books have been "good" to "awesome".I'm sure there are others out there who feel the same way, WotC has got to be selling those books to someone!  And I'm sure there are folks without bias towards shared world fiction in general that don't care for some or all of the D&D shared world lines.  Somehow, I'm okay with that!  <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />There are differences amongst restaurant chains.  Just as there are differences in shared world fiction lines, heck, in fiction lines in general.  I'd be embarrassed to admit to eating at McDonald's everyday, not so much at nicer chains like Outback, Olive Garden or whatever (not to take the analogy too far, I understand eating daily at the "nice" chains can actually be more unhealthy for your body than Mickey D's).Not really, not at all.  New authors are introduced all the time, both within shared fiction and outside of it.  And author name IS a draw within shared world fiction.  There's a reason why WotC has always resolved their differences with Salvatore and the Weis/Hickman duo.I would disagree that the restrictions of writing within a shared world are purely negative and trend towards poorer authors and poorer stories.  There are pros and cons . . . . and if you asked Paul Kemp he'd be happy to share that sentiment with you.  He's got a lot more "defense of shared worlds" stuff on his blog that what we started this thread with.  While Kemp's defense might seem self-serving, he speaks from direct experience.Did you notice the smiley face there?  I didn't misread your post, you misread my reply (which is fine, as I said I may not have expressed myself clearly), the intent was lighthearted.  I never thought that Rose Estes was solely to blame for your point of view.  Lighten up.Again, I have to disagree.  "Regular" fiction DOES share these issues.  "TOR Fantasy" is as much as an important brand as "Dragonlance".  All writers have deadlines, with the possible exception of those big enough to dictate terms to their publishers, like Stephen King.Um, sorry?  Thought you were interested in discussing the issue, no need to get dickish about it.  Why don't you type everything you know about the subject here, so I don't make the same mistake again!I'm not so much trying to change your mind as discuss the issue and share my thoughts.  If I've repeated myself, or expressed myself unclearly, or missed one or more of your points . . . . well, suck it up!  Not putting as much effort into a friendly message board conversation as I would into a paper for publication.  Sheesh.I'm 100% behind Kemp and his defense of shared world fiction.  I think it gets an unfair rap.  But I also understand that it's unlikely I'll be changing anyone's mind on the issue, Kemp is much more well spoken than I could ever be on the subject.  I also feel that if someone dislikes a certain form of art that I enjoy, such as shared world fiction, it's okay.  Your reasons might not seem "fair" to me personally, but ultimately why should you or anyone waste time worrying overmuch about it?  There's lots to read out there, shared world or not.  Now, get me started on healthcare reform, that's a different kettle of fish . . . . (of course, I kid, no real desire to break the "no politics" rule here!)</blockquote>

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