After 563 posts in 30 categories and 4,504 comments since December 2007, we are ready to park Carver’s Dog at the curb next to our other old online stomping ground, 8763 Wonderland. Over the next week or so we will be taking a look back at some of our favorite Dog droppings while we figure out where we’re going next and what interests us. We’re up for suggestions as to a new direction and new name. I’m not interested in creating a blog that’s nothing more than a news aggregator — God knows there’s enough of those in the blogosphere. I have a digital camera that I have never set up, let alone put into practical use, so there may be something to explore there.
The themes and preoccupations at Wonderland were pretty easy to break down: Los Angeles and its criminal element, insights into L.A.’s porn trade, and, of course, the adventures of my alter ego, Trace. Wonderland was so successful we wound up on the syllabus of a University of Maryland English course titled Literature in a Wired World, taught by Jess Henig. That was a moment I remain intensely proud of. But when I left L.A. in ‘06 there didn’t seem much sense in carrying on with Wonderland; when we moved to Las Vegas in late ‘07 I resumed my online presence here, dominated early on by loads of short and flash fiction, literary news and discussion, remembrances of L.A., and my sometimes incessant whining and complaining. For the latter I apologize. (No, that does not mean I’m going to cease bitching and complaining. Dream on.)
And now, my all-time favorite post here at Carver’s Dog, Ghosts of Las Vegas from December 3, 2008.
Well, you know I’m a huge fan of your flash fiction (especially Narcissus, but that’s no secret). But But I’d honestly like to know about the day to day life in Las Vegas, maybe some photos of the sights that I’m sure are all around. I’ve been doing that around here in Chicago with varying degrees of success due to my crappy camery. I have galleries set up on zelkun if you’re interested.
And no worries about the bitching and complaining… honestly some of your most interesting posts.
By: Zel-kun on June 25, 2009
at 12:51 pm
I’ve seen many of your snaps at Zel-Kun and enjoy them very much. Oddly enough, I just was discussing with Miss L and another friend the idea of writing about life here in bat country. I may create another alter ego not unlike Trace, presenting a mixture of real-life slices of life here sprinkled with autobiographical fiction accounts. All in favor say “Aye” …
By: Rodger Jacobs on June 25, 2009
at 12:54 pm
An energetic “Aye.”
By: Zel-kun on June 25, 2009
at 12:59 pm
Aye
By: heyjoe on June 25, 2009
at 4:35 pm
Noted. Thanks, Joe.
By: Rodger Jacobs on June 26, 2009
at 10:34 am
“They” say the deaths of Hollywood personalities always come in three’s. I’m sitting here watching the news about the death of Michael Jackson, which follows the death this AM of Farah Fawcett which followed the death of Ed McMahon a couple of days ago.
Now you inform us about Carvers Dog and it’s imminent demise, wow!
But as the old saying goes, death is always followed by rebirth, Weil’s “September Song” then “April In Paris”.
As for recommendations on a new name for a new blog, if I may humbly and respectfully submit my thoughts.
Thinking about all our experiences and what all of us have been witness to the last 15 or so years made me take a new look at my old reading material about the ancient Mayan prophecy of “Quinto Sol”, the soon to end epoch we are in that according to the Mayan calendar lasts 5,125 years and will come to an end on December 21, 2012.
The 20 year cycle prior to 12/21/2012 which began in 1992 is referred to by the Mayans as “Katun” or “The Time of no Time”.
Seven years after the start of Katun, in 1999, the prophecy said civilization would enter a time of darkness, a time to confront our own conduct, Mayans said this would be the time when man enters “The Sacred Hall of Mirrors”, a time to analyze ourselves, our interactions with our fellow human beings, nature, Mother Earth. It’s said technology will fail us and we will be forced into self examination, will civilization continue on it’s negative path of hate, fear, and worship of crass materialism and the self, or will we be united in one positive consciousness?
Where else on earth could there be such a degradation of humanity, such an example of all that is crude, idolatry as an industry, a rude perversion of all that is natural and aesthetic than Las Vegas in 2009?
If the Mayans are right and 2012 is the edge of the world then Las Vegas has to be the lead ship going into oblivion.
Rodger your a lucky guy, you’re at ground zero and could be our narrator during civilization’s last days, our Ancient Mariner, our Ishmael, our Marlow in The Heart of Darkness!
My choice for your new Vegas Blog would be
“Vegas in The Time of no Time” or maybe “Roger through the looking glass”
Best of luck and much success Roger!
By: don quixote on June 25, 2009
at 4:53 pm
Not to be glib after such a well thought-out response but that’s pretty much what I have in mind, DQ, as evidenced by the “Leaving Las Vegas (Not)” posting.
By: Rodger Jacobs on June 26, 2009
at 10:36 am
It’s you and your mind we’ve always been interested in, so take the road that interests you.
By: John Shannon on June 25, 2009
at 10:00 pm
Thank ye, John.
By: Rodger Jacobs on June 26, 2009
at 10:36 am
Is the 2nd edition of the Wonderland book going to happen? To be honest, you don’t treat other writers very well. I was promised an answer on this a few months ago. There’s been nothing. Would you like to be treated that way? I sent my essay in January and have never heard a word back except that it was received. I sent at least 2 e-mails and didn’t get return e-mail on them. It’s interesting (that’s a nice way for me to put it) that I did get answered on here (where it can be seen by people), but the answer was a false promise to get back with me. I’m very disappointed to say the least at your lack of courtesy. I’ve held back on saying all this for a while, but am saying it now as I hate putting on fake fronts for any amount of time any more in my life.
By: Laura (pumpkin) on June 26, 2009
at 2:55 am
Laura, if you are a regular reader here you would comprehend that we, like millions of other unfortunates, have been kicked hard in the teeth by the recession, not to mention my lingering chronic health complications. It should’ve been fairly obvious to you that our resources are slim these days and you could’ve come to the logical conclusion — indeed I did tell you this already — that plans for a second edition of “Long Time Money” have been put on hold. Do with your essay what you wish and best of luck with that.
By: Rodger Jacobs on June 26, 2009
at 10:41 am
I’ve been coming here nearly every day for a long time. 1 reason was to check on the status of the project. My questions still aren’t answered so I’ll ask it for at least the 4th or 5th time: WILL my essay be in the 2nd edition of the book WHEN it’s done, whenever that’ll be? If not, could I please know? If it’s not going to be, then I’m going to self-publish it at some point with other stuff I’ve done. I also asked for feedback on it at least 4 or 5 times. I have no idea what you thought: was it good, bad, etc.? It means a lot to someone like me to hear back on something like this as I’ve only had 1 piece published so far. I also think it’s a courtesy that’s basic when a person sends something in to possibly be published. Should I put on IMDB that this book is on hold then? I ask that because there’s another person on there who’s expressed an interest in doing an essay also. Speaking of health problems, I have several also. I’ve been going through withdrawls from a medication I went off in January so you’re not the only 1 who has these things to cope with. These withdrawls have been hell and very scary at times. I could say more about my own health problems, but don’t think it’s worth it (to be honest) as there’s really no accountability or acknowledgement of how you didn’t keep your word to me. That’s a basic courtesy that I deserve along with everyone else. You may want to show more appreciation and BASIC courtesy for those who have supported your blogs, etc., for a long time and have shown support literally from their wallets also. The fact is many of us make our own problems, including me. What’s important is do we own up to it or do we keep doing the same things that lead to the same problems? I moved to another city to work again nearly 6 years ago. I took a big pay cut, cut in benefits, etc. to work again. You do what you need to do to make a living. I learned if I didn’t make the move, nothing would get better. It was either move or keep living on unemployment, etc. I did this while at least a few people were telling me to use my health problems to get a college scholarship (NEVER!), go on disability, etc. I’m saying all this to let you know you’re not the only 1 who’s had problems with jobs, etc. Nearly every co-worker I have was laid off like I was before we started with this company. OK, I’ve gone on and on enough. I’d appreciate it if these few questions would be answered because I don’t have much experience with publishing, etc., and don’t know if I could self-publish the essay even IF it’s going to be in the book. I don’t know why it’s so hard to get answers and it shouldn’t all be thrown back on my head like I’m some kind of mind reader. Thanks for listening.
By: Laura (pumpkin) on June 26, 2009
at 3:20 pm
Laura, you don’t have to be a mind reader to survive in the publishing world. You just need information. Here’s a little to get you started:
The book was put on hold, not just physically but creatively as well. If a project is put on hold, perhaps it’s because the concept of the book might be revisited, the presentation reconsidered, the length could be changed. So it might not be possible to decide if a submission is to be included as these things have not yet been decided.
Also, if you push for an answer (as you have in your comment above), you will get an absolute no from any publisher regardless of the quality and content of your submission.
I understand your confusion about being able to move on with your piece. I encourage you to research the legalities of publishing on the web or in the library. There is no problem with including an essay in one book and seeing same essay in another book if things are done properly. On the copyright page in the front of a book, you sometimes see the phrase “previously published in …” and as long as all the permissions are in order, this works quite well.
As for feedback, I read your essay twice this evening. Forgive me for putting this here (in public) and not sending you an email but we’re already here so here goes:
Your piece is not a traditional essay. It rambles, has typos, and you repeat yourself too often. I would call it a personal story, much as you would submit to an author who is doing research for a book. Your perspective could be included along with others, perhaps using some clips, but the piece does not stand on its own as an essay.
I could see it as part of a memoir project for you but you would absolutely have to get an editor to work with before publishing it.
Hope these comments help you and best of luck to you in your endeavors.
By: Hurricane Shirley on June 26, 2009
at 10:03 pm
I want to thank you for talking to me decently. The truth is I know very little about publishing, etc., as I’ve only had 1 piece published so far. It wasn’t self-published so I don’t have any experience with that part of it YET. That whole process of sending it in, hearing back, etc., went pretty smoothly which I’m thankful for. 1 reason I don’t know a lot about publishing is that 1 of my loves is doing support work for the surviving family and friends of murder victims. I spend most of my time online doing that. I don’t write a lot as feel the support work is a lot higher priority in the whole scheme of things. The information you’ve given me is great and WILL be a help. Thanks also for wishing me luck. I’m glad that even though you and I don’t agree on some things that you talked to me with tact, patience, etc. Thanks for your patience with me as I know I can be very trying at times. The 1 good thing I can say about that is that it’s better than it used to be. Take care.
By: Laura (pumpkin) on June 28, 2009
at 1:23 pm
The only answers I ever got were you got my essay and that you’d get back with me “in a few days” about if my essay would be in the book. I NEVER was told if my essay would be in the book. I was told the whole thing was put on hold, yes. But there were other questions that were never answered.
By: Laura (pumpkin) on June 26, 2009
at 3:23 pm
Laura, as Rodger and I work together on projects quite often (I do editing and research for him), I’d like to respond to a few of your comments and concerns.
When I read your comment above early this morning, the line that stood out to me was “other writers.” There is a popular phrase — “writers write” — that sometimes leads to the unfortunate conclusion that if one writes something, one is a therefore a writer. This is the equivalent of my saying that if I put a bandage on a friend’s scraped knee, then I am a doctor.
Becoming and then living as a writer takes many years and is very complicated. As for myself, I have written essays and short fiction that many people (including professional writers) have said was well-written. But I do not call myself a writer. I have studied and practiced writing in order to become a better editor, and to fill the void left when I had to stop singing. But I’m not a writer.
I say all this because it’s an important point to Rodger.
Next, as for not getting a reply about a submission, if you were a writer you would know that in the publishing world replies sometimes do not come at all. Or you have to wait a year or two just to be told, naw, we don’t want it. This is not bad treatment on Rodger’s part. This is reality. If a project is on hold, he doesn’t think about it, he can’t. It has nothing to do with you personally. It has to do with the project.
As for false promises to reply to an email, again, that is not Rodger acting against you. That is a matter of focus, and if the focus isn’t there, it isn’t there.
It is true, Rodger is frequently guilty of being, shall we say, uncourteous. There is nothing we can do about that. Sometimes people do rude things, and we either forgive them or we don’t. But confronting Rodger Jacobs about being rude is a waste of time. You have to use your creative imagination and get your point across using a different method.
I say these things because you seem to want to help other people, so I’m responding in the same vein.
By: Hurricane Shirley on June 26, 2009
at 9:45 pm
Rodger — Just returned from some travels and am catching up on my reading, and now this posting about the transition to something new, or something different.
It seems that many of us are in transition right now — and perhaps this is a kind of turning point. I agree with John Shannon’s comment.
Your mind/world is an amazing place, Rodger — and it’s always a privilege to visit here, to learn something, to read some new perspective or simply good words. Please keep us in the loop — and know that these words will always carry you, as they carry us.
By: Geoff on June 26, 2009
at 6:34 am
As noted by DQ above, we are all in a time of great transition, Geoff; in fact, you just made a major move yourself and you’re in the process of finishing up your chores at This Side of Paradise. Where goes Geoff Schutt next?
By: Rodger Jacobs on June 26, 2009
at 10:44 am
Good question, Rodger. I’ll be in the D.C. area for at least another six months — the Gaithersburg, MD that shows up on your feed is me …. As far as TSOP, the final 16-17 postings or so to 500 are still presenting a challenge, which goes back to your question, too (what to do when I hit the magic “500th post”) ….
Eleanor, the novel, is coming together well, however, so that’s a big positive for me.
Meanwhile, I will continue to be online, in one place/form or another, or several. And I DO very much look forward to your next project, Rodger. You’ve made a lot of friends here, and I tip my writing hat your direction, with all positive thoughts and energy.
To the words, always.
By: Geoff on June 26, 2009
at 11:20 am
A qualified “Aye.”
As a reader of your stuff since the Wonderland zine, I’ve seen both improvements and regressions in your writing style and content; both seem to parallel your health issues and the economic tides. I have no objection to reading about those subjects. Nor do I find fault with the photography blogs; some are fascinating, but you are first and foremost a writer.
I would enjoy more and extended novel-length, serialized fictional biography of “Trace.” Trace in the foothills of the Sierra, Trace in the big cities, Trace pitching scripts in movie land, Trace down but not out, Trace reading while waiting for the phone to ring and Trace’s romances. The main problems, as I see them are his motivation and continuity. Maybe I’m saying that news and flash fiction are less appealing to me.
By: OldMack on June 26, 2009
at 11:51 am
Thanks for your valuable input, Mack. I’ll be moving away from the flash fiction department except perhaps for autobiographical sketches every so often. As for Trace, who knows? He may make guest appearances now and then.
By: Rodger Jacobs on June 26, 2009
at 12:42 pm
I tend to look at the ‘flash fiction’ as a means, a method. Whatever else – it’s a way of nailing down craftsmanship. Serious efficiency.
The means and the method can be applied as well in other genres of writing. I don’t think it’s come up here yet – but I’ve long been a reader of some latin authors – the poet Neruda, and novelists Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Jorge Amado. I’d submit that all of these writers have also honed their work to a point where the application, the craftsmanship – is as well honed as flash fiction, vignettes, or meta-fiction. (perhaps less markedly with Amado…?)
Rodger – it’s my assumption that you’ll apply the rigors of flash fiction to whatever format you use, at the time…
By: Plug Nickel Outfit on June 27, 2009
at 1:36 am
To me, sites are a little like books: they take a year or a few years of your life, and then it’s on to the next. You can sing the same notes for years, but that’s not growth, that’s mere caricature of oneself. And indeed, when I look at sites that are more than three or so years old, they end up as mere caricatures of their former selves.
You’ll stay present as I stay present, even if we morph into another frame and bind every now and then. To me, that is the One True Path: the path of no true paths. New wine bursts old sacks; the old cover never works for the new book; it is very much like us to change the frame, and when it happens concurrently, it’s a veritable lit movement.
By: joseph on June 26, 2009
at 11:59 am
You’re on the money, Joseph. Wonderland had its own distinctive beginning, middle, and end, just like the narrative arc of a novel, and so, too, does Carver’s Dog in its own way, climaxing with my ultimate acceptance of Las Vegas as my new home — and so now it’s time to move on to that book.
By: Rodger Jacobs on June 26, 2009
at 12:39 pm
Whatever name you call yourself i will be there to read with pleasure.
By: Don j. on June 26, 2009
at 7:34 pm
WILL my essay be in the 2nd edition of the book WHEN it’s done, whenever that’ll be?
No, it will not. Typographical and multple grammatical errors aside, your piece was so riddled with recovery-speak as to render it nothing more or less than a polemic advocating support groups for what you call MVS (Murder Victim Survivors). How convenient that you and others have the murders of loved ones to pin your addictions to and to further enable your quagmire of self pity.
Should I put on IMDB that this book is on hold then?
That would be my responsibility, not yours. You are not my spokesperson, Laura.
The fact is many of us make our own problems, including me.
Do you know what subjective reality means? Don’t you dare lecture me about creating my own problems when you don’t even know me, except for what I care to reveal about myself in my various writings, which is only about one-tenth of who I am as a human being.
You may want to show more appreciation and BASIC courtesy for those who have supported your blogs, etc., for a long time and have shown support literally from their wallets also.
So I owe you something? You have to be kidding me. Has Val Kilmer wrote you a thank-you note for watching the DVD of “Wonderland” 92,000 times?
I’m saying all this to let you know you’re not the only 1 who’s had problems with jobs, etc
Show me, Laura, where I have demonstrated that I am special in this regard. I have always carefully pointed out that I am a victm of the recession like millions of others.
By: Rodger Jacobs on June 27, 2009
at 12:34 am
Rodg — you are such a wonderful writer — Wonderland was about so much and so has this been!
ps: I have a little camera too that I hardly use but?
Whatever you do with that will be interesting I’m sure.
Looking forward to what you will be writing next!
By: vbonnaire on June 27, 2009
at 8:19 am