Old Dave: Blog

Every western story tells of a good guy killing a bad guy in self defense. The good guy then collects the bad guy's belongings as his property.

Is this action based on fact or fiction?

We readers are shortchanging our writers. Each day as I look at the posted stories, I compare the number of downloads to the number of votes. Votes and feedback are all the writers get for posting stories for us to read.

Oh, if your feedback is to tell someone they suck and should kill themselves, don't. Mama always said if you can't say something nice, keep your mouth shut.

These days I am a Grinch. I do not enjoy the Christmas season for reasons I won't bore you with.

HOWEVER

As you go about your own preparations for the season and jostle 50,000 close friends you've never met while hunting the perfect gift or decoration (or even just a burger), remember, those folks working in the stores and restaurants are people also. All they are trying to do is take care of business and go home at the end of the day. And they are having to put up with the same 50,000 assholes you are.

So, give everyone else a break. Say thanks and please and give them a smile. If nothing else, they will wonder what you are up to.

Why would anyone post a story on SOL? Same reason Edmon Hillary gave for climbing mountains. For the hell of it! (I know you won't believe me, so Google it yourself).

We don't do it for fame nor fortune. We don't do it so you can abuse us. If you don't like a story or don't like the ending? Give it a low score or write your own damn story.

In essence, you are getting what you pay for. You don't have a right to harass us or call us vile names. Rather than telling us we need an editor (which we most likely already know) offer your services.

Positive criticism welcome. Soul killing shit is not. So, if you are bent towards killing our souls and torturing puppies, SHIT AND FALL BACK IN IT.

My story Cherokee Gold was a figment of my deranged mind based in part on a local tall tale. Unfortunately, I fat finger deleted an email from a reader who grew up in NE Oklahoma on a small farm or ranch.

A branch contained by a wooden box fed into a small steam which flowed through their land. As he excavated the hill seeking the water source, he encountered the remains of a stone holding box. While digging this out, he ran across some $20 pieces in a rotted leather bag. They thought maybe the coins were from a plundered Federal payroll train that was left behind in the escape. These coins paid for their college education.