Formspring

                Formspring is nonsense. I admit it. I’m on there. Most of my questions are from a handful of extremely nice, wonderful people. They are great. Anonymous questions are ‘Take off your pants’ or ‘Come to this chat to see me naked’. However, throughout the course of history, things change. You get shocked. Here’s one of those ‘shocking events’. It is called A good anonymous question on Formspring that doesn’t ask me some adorably perverted thing. 

‘To what extent do you consider yourself part of the alt lit scene? Do you feel more as if you're involved or more as if you're a chronicler of others' involvement? Or if it is a combination of both, how do you strike the balance?’

                The Alt Lit scene doesn’t have a definition. If one exists, I have yet to see it. You don’t get into alt lit for money. Generally you need a certain passion. You need to enjoy writing for writing and nothing else. Alt Lit is a stripped down approach to writing.

                I chronicle a lot of what goes on in Alt Lit. That’s obvious. Some of what I chronicle is taken to deliberate, humorous extremes. I play with words and with the situation. I take the situation and make it absurd. If Hunter S. Thompson had a blogspot I hope he would have followed me. I try to employ a certain ‘Gonzo’ approach to how I view the alt lit scene. Keeping it absurd allows for an easier take on what can often be some darker issues. 

Ustreams lend themselves well to this absurdity. When an ustream happens, there is the literal show going on, with someone reading poetry and doing random events. Sure that’s why people watch. But there’s a second aspect as well. Ustreams create a second show as well. The audience participates in the actual event. They are not only the audience but their own entertainment. Often the audience is so witty that the ustream host spends an inordinate amount of time simply interacting. I use the ustream reference since alt lit is fond of them. I tend to cover a great deal of ustream readings hence why I use it as an example. 

                I am an alt lit player according to the influential online journal ‘Alt Lit Gossip’. Before 2012 I considered myself only a chronicler of alt lit goings-on. With a new year though comes a new attitude. I host alt lit writers at my apartment. I told them of my idea to become more involved in the community through various articles and poems. Sometimes I roll them out on my blog but that’s rare. Lately I’ve been more interested it showing my work to new groups of people, seeing what I can improve upon with my writing/presentation/style. I’m trying to become a better writer. I’m actually passionate about writing. This is surprising to me as I’m not a particularly passionate person. Right now I’m okay but I can become better. 

                Blogging could be considered a form of alt lit contribution. Megan Boyle’s book in Muumuu House showed how blogging is not just a way to kill free time but as a way to fully express oneself. Blogging is a form of alt lit. Megan just happens to be better at it than I am. The shy problem I have well I’m working on it. Even with that I don’t think I can reach the sort of ‘openness’ that comes so naturally with Megan. Or maybe it is hard for her too. I don’t know her personally but she seems nice. 

                Everything is balanced. In my day to day life I try to balance out everything I do. My writing is no different. I want people to get the sense for a particular poem, book, or short story without giving it away completely. I want to interact with alt lit and try to contribute to it in my own meaningful way. I hope this answers your question. Sorry if I was a little too wordy. 

Note: Feel free to ask me questions on Formspring!