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Tefler
Tefler

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Three Square Meals Ch. 184 (Placeholder)

Hey everyone,

Apologies for the second placeholder. My wife's company went into liquidation at the end of October, so she had to start a new job working much longer hours. That meant I was doing most of the childcare in November, so I wasn't able to write anywhere nears as much as I hoped.

She'll be on leave for most of December, and doing all the school runs, so I'll finally be able to knuckle down and start clearing the backlog.

My surgery got delayed again, and I have a review coming up in January. At least that means I don't have to waste time with hospital visits in December!

Best wishes,

Tefler

Comments

Mr. Tefler, the only practical way to catch up, in my view, is to deliver a full chapter (length somewhat at your discretion) every 2 weeks while taking and living on one additional placeholder each month. You would be close to caught up at the end of the year, and could start legitimately raking in the bucks or pounds. Please plan for this and then execute your plan. I enjoy the story, but at this point, I get almost as much heartburn as pleasure.

GreyManley

his posts are around 5pm my time (90 min from now)

Wozza

I wonder if Petreon closed down for a New Years celebration, might any last-minute chapters be posted the next day, but credited to the 31st? if so, it might be a few more hours before we know if we got 'ghosted', ... hmmm? ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

It is already 1st January in lots of parts of world. Don't be shitty like last year Dude. Be happy and make others happy also. You will get return multifold.

Unctadsk

I wish some in the comments would be eaten by the kirrix as well, but hey, we cant get everything good at the start of the year.

Myrnalin

Last word again M56S. So typical.

Big Dude

... and who'll make the best deal with FA Lynnette, ... because, after all, those Bugs have been swatted, .... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

Yeah, but in what year???

Hendrix Morton

But what about when he sez "Will finish this up in a few days and put it online"...Are we not supposed to expect something in that time frame? I mean we all know we won't get it, cuz Tefler cant keep to a deadline to save his life, but...

Hendrix Morton

Comment section is like the planetary Governors being left to the kirrix by tefler aka fleet admirality lol lololol

patreonpatreonpatreon

I too want more TSM, BUT, when people feel they are taken advantage of, it is natural to vent their frustrations. There is no perplexation regarding wanting 12 chapters now. You, on the other hand, seem to enjoy denigrating those whom are frustrated with strange responses. I say let them be. Everyone here paid for those unwritten chapters. Everyone here is anxiously awaiting more TSM. Your commentary does nothing except exacerbate those feelings in others. Yes, today is the 31st. Do you always need to deliver the last word?

Big Dude

The voluntary divulging of personal/medical information was done to garner sympathy and forestall people from reporting the billed placeholders (which are a violation of Patreon terms of service). Tefler didn't have to divulge anything. "A dollar a month" is what you would be paying if you went to the trouble to figure out how to limit charges to once per month and put yourself at the lowest tier of membership. If you were at the second tier ($3 per month) and didn't limit charges per month, each pair of placeholders (which is the current rate per month) would be $6 for zero content other than possibly an excuse/apology.

Woodrobin

But why ARE you (collectively) venting at an Author of a much beloved (and incomplete) story, ..... who do you think it is helping? .... not you and not Tef, ... I am perplexed, .... I do get that you want more TSM story from him, .... but why the hateful words and telling him how to run things? .... :- ( ttfn

Michael56Smith

M56S, you are wrong, oh sycophantic one. March 16th Tefler made a mid-month appearance. Since then, it has been rain barren desert winds on Patreon. Even you broke out of character last week. So please, stop the platitudes, and allow others to vent their frustrations without your kiss butt responses. OK? for now, tut tut!

Big Dude

a few years ago, Tef began to only produce new material at the End of the Month, almost exclusively, .... to get upset for you not getting a chapter in the middle of the month is your own problem not Tef's, .... you might want to stop trying to blame him for it, ... anyhow, it is just another day until we get to know about this month's offerings ... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

The placeholder for 173 was posted in May 2024. In a bit over 24 hours it will be Jan 2025 and still no 173 despite being billed for 1 or 2 chapters every month. It is clear that a storyline is in place for at least a couple more chapters so why the lack of progress? The lack of progress and honest communications is very disheartening. I'll hang on a bit longer but reader loyalty has taken a beating this year.

SciFiFan

Is there a pool started for the next update yet?

William Lillard

I sure hope not, ... and it is not the EOM yet, .... let's see what we get then, .... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

Got the feeling TSM is " finished ". prematurely

Robster

I’m really jonesing for a TSM fix! It’s my addiction.

HillCountryCowboy

Waiting for the weekly update tomorrow.

Vijay

Bring on a half-ish chapter and two extra bills team. Not going to even fabricate a reason he will use this month. Unless you checked at one bill a month. Happy end of one and the start of another

rich ed

I just reread episode 100 and I was reminded of what value a talented writer provides. A dollar a month is a bit more than the cost of a stamp. We think little of spending 20 dollars for a new hardbound book. Tefler's words are available to our phones and are original creations. We should not expect our authors to divulge their personal marital and medical details . The creators of our entertainment make contributions to our lives. Sometimes moving and grand stories make our own troubles forgotten for a time. That is peace, for a while. And that is worth the price.

Ken Cavin

I think Tefler opens his page only one time to put his writings and for 2 placeholders. rest of times he doesn't see the patreon. May be some therapy to be away from responsibilities. So nothing upto 31st or 1st . Don't wait.

Unctadsk

I am looking forward to the next completed chapter. It would be a great 2024-12-31 New Year's Eve present. 😝

Unix Beard

Hey, could you please give me a short intro to the story?

J

Thanks THodge - looking at that now.

Christopher Davis

bye sarge

Michael56Smith

try patreon.com/user?u=24811645

THodge

We will get a paragraph of excuses, another small snippet of 172, 2 more placeholders, each with promises on doing better...Merry Christmas...see you end of January...

Hendrix Morton

I think I’ll just take my $4 and spend it elsewhere, on people that produce content not excuses.

Sgt Sak

Drop your prescription and return next year..(december 2025) you may (!) have 2 or 3 chapters.. but missed 24 new place holders.. drop after downloading again ..repeat steps until the first 12 chapters(read place holders) are downloaded.

Robster

It sucks, but maybe take some time to save what's there, drop out and come back when the story has catched up... But yeah, it's annoying.

Jerowski

@JJ...Next time you talk to him, if you do, you should encourage him to keep his promises. You frame your words as though you're a confidant, and corresponds with him on a regular basis...or is this you again, and you just blew the cover of another alias!

Greg Hill

It's a doom cycle... you paid for chapters that you'll be unlikely to ever see.. but if you keep paying chances are you'll see them 6-8 months from now, after paying another 6-8 months of Tefler owes and accumulate another 15 or so chapters that someday teller will maybe catch up on... not likely after 3 years of this bs

Damion Cocchi

....so, then JD, what is your issue? ... hang in there, ... it is a good story, and is well written, .... ;-l ttfn

Michael56Smith

My issue with dropping my membership is I appear to lose all access to everything. Even the prepaid chapters....

JD BREWZ

“The true hypocrite is the one who ceases to perceive his deception, the one who lies with sincerity.” – Andre Gide (French Author & Nobel Laureate)

Resonant_Vibe

12/25/24, .... MERRY CHRISTMAS! -- Hey Tef, if you read this and yet still don't have a chapter ready to drop, ... how about giving us an update, .... it sure would be nice to hear from you, ...it would only take a few minutes, please, ... and happy holidays, ... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

GG it was a good run❤️

Joachim

Not much time in 2024....

Ken Cavin

Maybe we will get a Christmas present?

ThunderBird Two

Tef: "I'll try to wrap up this battle over the next couple of days, and then I'll post the completed chapter as soon as it's finished." -- it is almost Christmas, where is the rest of #172? -- Also: "I will try to keep you updated in December with weekly status posts, so you can follow my progress with the chapters." ,,,, Well? ... -- Do or do not, there is no Try, .... ... sigh, .... SMH, ... so disappointed, .... I guess that I am actually hoping that it is his poor health that is making it difficult for him to drop a chapter or two, ... that's so sad, ... Oh, and have yourself a Merry Christmas, ... ;-l ttfn

Michael56Smith

https://support.patreon.com/hc/en-us/articles/115002984506-How-do-I-set-a-monthly-max-for-my-membership

RobDubya

It's the pen symbol right under your patreon level (e.g. Terran Marine). Then, keep followin Tom Rays description.

Jerowski

Hi. I can’t find an edit option in membership .

Dale

Well, I was kind of hoping for the completed 172 and the Christmas themed one, but I guess it is not to be. :(

gearhead10

Hey Mick, ,,, a long way vs along way ... they do sound the same, .... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

-- Oh, then what? ... -- you can change it to just one payment, . -- Or is it the 'ghosting' until the EOM? ... -- I know that he promised 2 1/4 chapters this month, plus weekly updates, ... that's a lot of work, ... -- is he busy or is he sick? ... or, ...? Merry Christmas ... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

its not that, there are 2 payments of 2.40 instead of one

stephen mincher

-- 2 placeholders = 2 payments, .. -- courtesy of Tom Ray: To limit the number of times you can be charged per month before the end of the year to take care of that pesky second placeholder. Go to Membership -> Edit -> Payment Amount -> Set Monthly Limit and enter "1" ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

Is it me or has anyone else been affected: my membership is £1+ tax max 2 chapters, however this is charged twice,there are 2 payments from my bank account?!

stephen mincher

I just went and read the entire series for the 3rd time. I am noticing some patterns evolving. 1. I see many conversations that are not crucial to the story but ad to the word count. 2. The random casual sex scenes in the middle of prepping for combat. Where the tone is reminiscent of being on vacation not about to take on an unknown enemy. The parts of the story where John will risk the lives of his own troops rather than eliminate an enemy. Sorry as a veteran, that doesn’t fly. Fine to disable their engines instead of destroy them. But leaving enemy combatants capable of hurting your troops is not how it should be done. Maybe John will figure that out once he realizes the cost of defending the shipyard. I rejoined hoping that there would be more chapters. I’m kind of disappointed.

Sgt Sak

To limit the number of times you can be charged per month before the end of the year to take care of that pesky second placeholder. Go to Membership -> Edit -> Payment Amount -> Set Monthly Limit and enter "1".

Tom Ray

To limit the number of times you can be charged per month before the end of the year to take care of that pesky second placeholder. Go to Membership -> Edit -> Payment Amount -> Set Monthly Limit and enter "1".

Tom Ray

To limit the number of times you can be charged per month before the end of the year to take care of that pesky second placeholder. Go to Membership -> Edit -> Payment Amount -> Set Monthly Limit and enter "1".

Tom Ray

thank you. lets get about 20 people to post this as a comment right here so Tefler sees it fir sure.

Tom Ray

Just a reminder to limit the number of times you can be charged per month before the end of the year to take care of that pesky second placeholder. Go to Membership -> Edit -> Payment Amount -> Set Monthly Limit and enter "1".

RobDubya

Great story as well,and the other series he wrote "one in ten" and I follow his and his daughters podcast "The Dapper Mouse Show" ... wish he'd go back to finish up Final Stand

Damion Cocchi

Adults get to say what they want, Michael. It's a bit lame to constantly pick at people's language like this.

Garrett

I can sympathize... if that is actually what's up with Tefler. The truth is that we've heard so many excuses at this point, it is very difficult to believe anything Tefler says. If he'd come out a year+ ago and said "I'm having trouble writing and need a break" I would respect that. But he didn't do that. He vanished for SIX MONTHS without a word, and then came back and instead of making up for lost time by pumping out chapters, did everything he needed to in order to make up for the lost money he would have made - everything but actually WRITE. The guy is a liar. It sucks because I love the story as much as the next person here, but the last year in particular has revealed Tefler's character, and it's depressing.

Garrett

Well said. Couldn't agree more. I also wish Tef all the best. I also wish all the fans of TSM a very hearty and Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Saturnalia, or whatever you do or do not celebrate. Be healthy, safe, and happy.

Rayce Royal

In excruciating pain from throat cancer, with a tumor the size of two mens fists put together hanging off his neck, Ulysses S. Grant wrote as much as 10,000 words a day of his memoirs. Mark Twain marveled at this and remarked that in the best conditions he could only do 5000 words a day. Health factors can make writing more difficult but motivation trumps difficulties. Grant had lost his fortune in a Ponzi scheme and would have left his wife destitute if he hadn’t completed his memoirs shortly before his death. He wrote to save her and died days after he finished. Tefler is writing about 300 words a day. Whatever motivation he needs to overcome ‘life’ and write more, he doesn’t have it. Everyone wishes he did. Tefler probably more than anyone. Tefler is a great writer. Being good at something doesn’t mean it’s fun. After 172 chapters writing TSM might be more painful than his gall bladder. No one knows what Tef is struggling with. We all know life has myriad ways of being hard. So I have compassion for Tef and his human condition. TSM will probably be abandoned before it’s completed. Millions of writers have lost interest and done the same. It’s quite frankly a miracle that Tef wrote 172 chapters. If he never wrote another word the book would still be an outstanding achievement. I wish for a lot more TSM chapters. More than that I hope Tefler finds something he’s passionate about, so much that he can do it despite life being so hard. Same for all of us. Preferably he’d find that exciting new thing soon. I’d rather TSM be abandoned with 12 precharges than 100.

AzureReader

... I think Vijay is sensing a pattern here, .... Merry Christmas, .... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

Weekly update for tefler : not completed 172. No Christmas themed chapter. Will add two placeholders as new year gift.

Vijay

First, I love the story and I am happy to lend support so it doesn't get abandoned like too many other series I have started. Second, I believe we all have fatigue from overoptimistic predictions of productivity. I can handle one chapter every 1-3 months. I'd be more than happy with a monthly update to go along with it. Unfortunately I don't know how Tefler digs himself out of this hole. I want to support him without the burden of placeholders looming over anyone's head.

Tefler fan

The sad thing is … regular updates would go along way to placating people….. it’s the ghosting until pay day that’s the problem…. I mean I can write this whilst on the crapper … don’t take much time …

Mick Mercer

Yes. I heard that Final Stand is still in the melting pot, and a new chapter will be forthcoming. But no date! It will be good to see what twists the plot goes through next.

Jonathan Fowler

Does anyone here follow FinalStand (literotica)? He also wrote an epic and imaginative series "Life as a New Hire" which stalled due in part to health problems.

John Jameson

I’m not sure I agree that he works best under pressure. His best work, both in quality and quantity, was well before all the self imposed pressure. He put pressure on himself when this became his source of income. Then fell behind and put more pressure on himself which appears to have created the current mess. He’s now so far behind and has created so much pressure that there’s no way out. Combine that with what may or may not be health/addiction/mental health issues and we find ourselves here. I sympathize with him as it’s a horrible feeling. But you are totally right, the only way out is to just do something. Produce something small that’s a step forward, then another and another. I don’t think we will see it happen but it is the way out

Ben

Well then I wish you good luck with the optimism and I hope some makes its way to the rest of your life. Everyone deserves that

Ben

Hey tefler, hope all is well with you. I would like to give some very minor encouragement in case you are in need of some. I have come to appreciate what it means to be a patron of the arts. And though the ideal would see a timetable set in stone, art is rarely as accommodating as patrons are want to have. Keep up the great work we all have commissioned you for, and don't distress overly if the timetable has been a struggle to adhere to. The muse can be overly fickle at the worst of times.

Dan

Ohhh, he reads them alright...he has several aliases here plus his enablers, and he had even more...I called him/them out about a year and half ago, and they did spend a little time denying it...but now those people never comment on the site anymore.

Greg Hill

The really sad thing about his health saga is: 'compassion exhaustion'. We have empathy for someone's health plight because we all have been there or know someone who was really sick and needed hospitalization. But when excuse after excuse appears for lack of composition, when a simple "I am at the hospital" or "I am under analysis" post would suffice most of us, we become cynical to future commentary. In this case his lack of alacrity has damaged our hearts for/to his future plight.

Big Dude

At this point, anyone expecting Tefler to deliver anything before the final hour of the final day before posting another place holder is deluding themselves. I’m just hoping the account doesn’t get suspended for fraud. We’d all love to see the story continue, but it’s just a matter of time before Tefler destroys this account with this behavior. If he’d just deliver… something… even much shorter chapters on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, he’d have a happy fan base and double or quadruple his income. But alas, it seems Tefler works best under pressure… and has no problem making false promises time after time. I pray he’s not tired of the story…

EroticPoetic

hey there Braveheart, so you are not so gppd (good) with math or spelling, .... and at 12 placeholders it totals to approx. $82,000+, (if your assumed number of $6838,00 is accurate), ... okay? and you seem to be trying to make a point, but the errors made it hard to see it, sorry, ... ;-l ttfn

Michael56Smith

-- where, oh where are you tonight, ... why did you leave me here all alone? ,,,, I searched our Patreon completely, .... and thought I found TSM, ... but you got gallstones, ... and phffft you wuz gone. ... ---- Hee Haw - ish, ... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

Oh well, it sounded good, it was what we wanted to hear, ... and perhaps (likely) it was what Tef really wanted to happen too, ... -- TRY, there is no TRY! you must do, ... SMH - SIGH ... :-( ttfn

Michael56Smith

Damn it all Tef! .... here it is 12/16/24 and still no completed #172 chapter, no weekly updates, ... I am so disappointed, .... I am having worries about your health, that you were too sick to write, ... but that will likely not be the case, .... just say something soon please, .... (awaiting our Santa Tef) -- oh, and Happy Holidays! ... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

yeah, but I am just a cock-eyed optimist, ... ;-)

Michael56Smith

Eh, they're just venting their frustration. Personally, I think ol' Tef continues to sink in his own quagmire, and nobody knows when he's going to go under. I've been equally entertained by his writing and excuses, so I'm sticking around. It's just sad to see such a talented author flounder like this.

This Old Man

Dream on M56S

Robster

Just as tefler stated the past months.... 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 I hope to make some serious headway into the backlog in September. I'll try to get as many chapters as possible completed in October. As I haven't got anything scheduled for November, I'm hoping I can deliver more chapters to you this month. My plan is to finish 172 in the next couple of days, then write the next two chapters before the 25th. Then I'll start work on 175 before the New Year. I will try to keep you updated in December with weekly status posts....

Robster

The same way your cynicism worked out. The difference is that I hate my life so much that I’d rather have a little optimism here as I don’t care to have it elsewhere.

DemonHunterCole

How’d that optimism work out?

Ben

I understand Tefler has been ill, but now that his wife has an issue, it is hardly our problem. This placeholder thing is borrowing at best and theft at worst. Tefler, you are not entitled to borrow from us. One more month and I cancel.

Dennis

.... Updates every week to 10 days? ... Okay Tef, enough with the 'old' ways, .... time for the 'new and improved' ways, .... and Merry Christmas to you and yours, .... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

Who would have predicted that Tefler would charge for 1 or more Placeholders, cut and pasted the phrase from the last chapter notice, “I’ll try to finish or wrap up in the next few days” then ghost everyone until the next 1/2 of a chapter drops where he then charges for 1 or 2 more placeholders the next month. Not Me!

Paladin

Unfortunately it does seem like Tefler is in a life place where he either can't, or won't write the way he needs to to keep the story going. Rather than do the honest thing and pause his patreon, he's continued to milk his supporters for cash.

Garrett

Okay I am still here 1.50 per month hopefully 🙏 Tefler will post more . So I limited the amount to one time per month and lest amount I can give till Tefler catches up again still hanging in here

Newnotsure

I check every day. i'm not expecting anything til the usual post time at the end of the month. I like to read other's comments about the story itself , regardless. In the meantime, there are 2 large , free, story sites that I know of with thousands of stories, so whining and stamping my feet over this one, great as it is, seems pointless. There are some who just quit, like roustwriter, kid wigger, cm6, .....So, I do hope Tefler is doing well and isn't discouraged by the poor little haters and continues to write. There are some whole story sites that have gone and I think this is a tragic loss, so keep calm and have a nice day.

John the 5th

I am optimistic that we will have some type of release by the end of the weekend.

DemonHunterCole

I'm not gppd at math but 10 X $6,838 = $6,8380

William Wallace

Not to mention those 'weekly updates'.....lol...yeah....right....

Hendrix Morton

The under bet wins again. Absolutely NOTHING! One would think Tefler would acknowledge 33% of the month has past, but nary a peep. I now sympathize with the naysayers and complainers. When you lose M56S, hmmm...?

Big Dude

Your mileage may differ.

John Jameson

I tried hanging on, even reducing the cost, just to support what used to be a great author with an epic saga. I could care less about the dollar a month or even few bucks a chapter, it's the integrity that's got me canceling my sub for you Tef...and that's a shame because I've been following for several years. I do hope your health improves, but I won't help fund a life of unkept promises. Best of luck keeping people on the bite, this is my last disappointment.

Kynkade

Well Darn-It-All, ... here it is 12/10/24, and I had hoped for the completed chapter #172, by now, ... I'll bet that Tef is still stuck in his drop chapters at the End of the Month, mind-set, ... so sad, ... :-( ttfn

Michael56Smith

As I moved up the ranks and was recruited, promoted and moved; I worked for 1 - 5000, 2 - 50,000+ employee companies, two 100,000 and two 100+ employee companies. The 5000 one imploded to 400. Massive layoffs. Your argument holds no water. Anonymity is guaranteed. Otherwise Tldr, never complain about delays again, eh? This is part of my conversation about both sides of the argument. You complainers complain about Tefler's lack of candor, yet when someone requests candor then a complainer tries to shut down any constructive criticism or conversations. You guys can't have it both ways! Capiche?

Big Dude

This is stupid. Most companies have less than 30 employees. Using the information in just this post you could narrow that down to 2 or 3 people. Announcing the name of the company might have the same effect as publishing his home address. This is information WE DO NOT NEED.

Tldr

M56S, please stop. None is pottymouthing to a good person turned to habitual liar by now. You are putting yourself in a controversial position by sometime opposing and sometimes supporting views. Prey tell how we can read next 12 +1/3 chapters entitled to us without paying a dime. Or Tefler be Man enough to turn 2 chapter per months for next 12 month which is a dream like Tom's getting free absolved of his charges by god's hand.

Unctadsk

I asked for the company. That's not personal info. Remember, many other employees were doomed too. I really doubt Tefler is her name. Knowing this goes a lot to rebuilding credibility. People claimed his wife's job demise was another excuse. This will shut up those naysayers.

Big Dude

I sympathise with your frustration and also predict delays and broken promises. However, I consider that asking for personal information in an anonymous online forum is inappropriate. To my mind, Tefler already supplies more personal information than is wise or helpful. He will publish content when he can, period.

John Jameson

Tefler, what's the company name that liquidated? Since they are no more, that announcement 📢 would go a long ways to recapturing focus on your "plight" and keep many wolves at bay. So everyone, What's the over/under for the rest of Chapter 172 by December 10th? Based on the excuses so far I choose under. Based on the lack of weekly candor since March 16th, 2024, I don't expect much because of the holidaze. Even the cheerleading sychophant M56S has to admit March 16th was the last non-end-of-the-month update ever seen.

Big Dude

....SMH, ... (yeah, immature for certain) ... ;-( ttfn

Michael56Smith

Michael, you sit in your bedroom whacking off to sexually explicit Stories and have the Gaul to call me a potty mouth??? LOL well have fun with that. I am just calling it as I see it.

Tom Ray

funny thing, I dont see any other comments than yours John the 5th, meaning if there are any others I have blocked them and deem them filth.

Myrnalin

Hey Tom, your Potty-mouth seems to be a little Immature, .... I hope that means that you can grow out of it, eventually, ... You've made a good choice of reading material though, ... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

And I told you on more than one occasion your a kiss ass to an ungrateful author. Sticks and stones

Tyler Derkearmian

so now you are going to only giving us a half chapter a month and place holding 2 chapters. what a Douche. I see what you are doing, throwing out a half chapter (partial), then throwing out the other half for the new month. Either catch up and do it right or QUIT all together and stop RAPING everyone. I am tired of the LIES. We ALL know you are reading these comments. Man up Douche boy.....

Tom Ray

144 chapters

Joe Topp

I think the one thing that could and should change is that your only charged for the completed chapters! Not partial chapters, complete chapters. This would make all placeholders none chargeable promises. We don’t need to hear the crying. Although I feel for Tefler, it is the product that should be paid for, not the promise!

Jeff Combes

I am not mathematically-minded, so I would be interested in the views of commenters who understand such matters: If (as I suspect) most of Tef's patrons have dialled-back their subscription to pay the minimum and only once per month, how many placeholders are ACTUALLY owed in these circumstances? What I am trying to ask is: if some of Tef's 12 current placeholders were duplicates in a given month, then they would not be 'owed' to those that avoided those same duplicates due to their Patreon settings. Isn't that correct? If I am right about that, then talk about Tef 'owing' tens of thousands of dollars in potential class actions is a bit of a gloss isn't it? On a per-subscriber basis, it might work out to be something like 5-8 relevant placeholders at USD$1.00 each. I might be very wrong about this - as I said, maths is not my thing. But if I am right, this gives a different perspective to those commenters getting really angry about massive fraud and theft etc. If it is less than 10 bucks per subscriber, to support a talented creative artist (for sure flawed and very human), then maybe the hate is not worth it...? Wouldn't most of us drop $5 into the hat for a street busker we liked? Why get so bent out of shape about 'the principle' of being lied-to or cheated etc etc? Tef clearly needs a bit of help at present, and if you don't feel sympathetic, that's fine. You do you. But where's the profit in hating?

Perry Carruthers

on Stories on Line, 145 free chapters.

John the 5th

For accuracy I think it was 58 or 59 chapters for free before his Patreon started, but your point is still a valid one imo!

Unresolved Plots

I’m going to be repetitive, but here goes- NOT A SINGLE SUBSCRIBER HAS PAID FOR 172 CHAPTERS! Tefler provided around 100 chapters for free before he began this Patreon. I know the placeholders are bothersome, but until you’ve paid for every chapter you’ve read, I’m having a hard time seeing your damages. I hope Tefler’s back firing on all cylinders soon! God bless and Merry Christmas to all! (Even the whiners!!)

HillCountryCowboy

Must be a big cost 1 whole dollar per month and you have such a good life nothing goes wrong for you wow

Joe Topp

Haters gotta hate. Most couldn't write a four line limerick, but they think a story like this with all the details, characters, plots and just general life is easy

John the 5th

Slime and vile creatures do not change their nature over night, perhaps in time they will realize how they are portrayed by their actions, or not.

Myrnalin

Dang! the hateful commenters are coming out pretty strongly, .... I don't see the need for such derogatory comments, .... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

-- Tyler is a potty mouth, .... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

Hey Tef I think you forgot what your November 1st excuse was because you already told us in that placeholder that you had a meeting with the Surgeon scheduled in January, not that you had anything scheduled in December that could have been delayed again....... Tell me you're full of shit without telling me you're full of shit.

Tyler Derkearmian

@J your first long reply might actually make sense as far as this being an art and not being able to be forced if it wasn't how every other author works by contract. You are given a deadline to finish said book and if you are not finished your contract is canceled and anything that the company may have forwarded you to get you through until the book is finished you typically now owe back with interest. If just about every author of the world over can do that there's no reason why Tefler can't. Especially considering with the amount of money he's already made last year alone through placeholders he could have flown to the US paid out of pocket for a surgery and a flown home and still had quite a bit of cash to spare, and that's in one of the most extortionate healthcare economies in the world

Tyler Derkearmian

Anyone know for a fact that he is sick, or are you just taking his word. At this point his word is worthless. I believe that addiction is closer to the truth.

wally ballou

I wonder... maybe I should narrate some outlines of the story and the characters to chatgpt... then I could get a chapter a month generated for free. Oops... just gave the prankster an idea to do some more slinking....

Alex Jackson

Liar.

Garrett

Yep then one new chap might be there

Robster

@puttanega ficondo Dafuq are you even doing here? Shouldn’t you have already canceled your subscription? -Your honor, he scammed me! - but you are still subscribed? - of course so I can read the stories - but I thought he scams you? - yes he does! Sounds as stupid as it is.

J

Interesting point of law to be determined here: Is this a contract for sale/purchase and hence potentially actionable, or is it more akin to a donation/patronage, which would probably not be actionable. I know that others in this forum have canvassed this exact issue - especially @Florida Reader and @EvileBob . I favour the donation view personally, but in any event I'm not sure where this leads us. Are @Puttanegra Ficondo and others so incensed that they will risk killing the golden goose? My main desire is to ensure that Tef keeps going with The Story. Sure it gets frustrating, hearing the reasons for delay after delay. And like all of us, I occasionally give-in to my baser instincts of greed, exasperation and cynicism. Ultimately though, I choose to believe that Tef is a talented creative artist that still (despite everything) deserves my support. I don't have to do this, but choose to do so out of self interest, because I want more of his wonderful universe. I am really hoping that whatever is bedevilling his life is temporary, and that he will soon ascend to the sunlit uplands of Museland, where all will be well. Some commenters will undoubtedly berate me for being an apologist/lackey/lapdog etc, and that is their right. They can choose their own path, and good luck to them. But PLEASE don't lawyer-up on Tef. Whatever his real issues, whetever the real causes - they can only be made worse by adding litigation to his life, and that can only be bad for the future of The Story. I suppose my final plea here is: Try to see The Story as the predominant protagaonist in this entire drama. Whatever your concerns and views (probably justified) with Tef/Patreon/other commenters, please do what is right for The Story, so that it gets to survive and thrive.

Perry Carruthers

The greatest shame about this is keeping the flow of the story. It works so much better when you can read at your own pace, rather than bits and bobs. I recently re-read the entire lot, took about 6 months at about 1-2 chapters per day. Looks like I might be best coming back in 6 months. :(

G

I was going to end my subscription, until I saw your comment.

G

I am beginning to believe that Tef never reads these comments. He just keeps going with his head up his ass and posts more excuses.

Chandler

Sure, let’s bend over and add more lube. Keep encouraging a scammer to go ahead, as long as he gives your fix. I am not holding shit. Feel free to donate to his legal fund.

Puttanegra Ficondo

OK that makes more sense, sry for the misunderstanding.

J

hold your horses. Yes, i am also pissed that he puts out so mush promises and doesn't keep shit. BUT: Writing a storie is Art. It is fantasy. It is creating something out of thin air. You can't force that. Yes he should look at the money he gets and realise it became his actual job and je should try and get a routine in to sit down daily or whatever (there are other people that know more about how to improve writing and creativity), and that his wife and kids should recognise it at what it is: his Work from Homeoffice!!! (that pays them very well!!!) But still: if he dosn't know what to write, he doesn't know what to write. And neither a lawsuit nor threats will change that. So there is no reason to do that. Especially since NO ONE forced you to keep up the payments. You could have canceld the subscription after the first placeholder and only come back when an actuall chapter comes out. Also 1,77 $ average on 12 chapters is 21,24$ per person (for myself 16,68€ with taxes, since i am on 1$ for quite some time now). Thats completely ok to support a writer that CREATES an awsome Storie i am looking forward to reading. The only thing an actual lawsuit will accomplish is: the storie will stop. We wont get an ending. And we all can fuck off into a life without TSM. And thats not worth it. Also at Everyone paying more then 1$. Maybe go down to 1$ to show Tefler that he should try to make time for writing so that at lest his weak ass excuses will stop.

J

In my opimion the last 2 chapters could have easily have been 3 or even 4. That could have worked for a lot of the story.

jerry661

J, Mike is talking about the sum total Tefler gets from 4284 subscribers. That averages about $1.50 per person per chapter. He used to get quite a bit more, because more people supported at higher levels and he didn't do placeholders, which have been driving people to either unsubscribe, drop to the free level, or drop to $1 per chapter and then lock maximum charges per month to one charge, so he maxes at $1 per month from that subscriber.

Woodrobin

I have to say that I understand both sides here. Nobody should pay for nothing, unless they are told up front that they are not going to get anything for a while. On Tefler’s side, I have lived in severe pain for almost thirty years now and I can see how hard he has it. At this moment, my right foot feels like it is being stabbed and there is no injury there. Nor are there any injuries in or on the various other parts of my body that will choose to hurt terribly at unpredictable moments of my day. He is being jerked around by the medical bureaucracy and it might just keep doing that until he dies. The worst thing is that the doctors know what to do and can save him. I have been told that I have “Complex Regional Pain Syndrome,” which is a pretty meaningless series of words. The doctors have no idea what causes it and don’t know what to do about it. I envy Tefler. It is very hard to be creative when you don’t know if you’re going to be alive tomorrow. When you have a problem that should be an easy solve and you have been on the edge of a cliff for months, with your family being driven nuts by social workers who spend more time drinking their “cupa” than they do working.

Chris Phillips

At least the panhandlers say thank you

JP

I've been saying it's an addiction problem for well over a year.

JP

As I tell my kid, if you say sorry but then just do it again the words are hollow. No one should believe Tefler is sorry and no one should believe any of these excuses. The behavior is much more akin to an addict looking to cover up than any of the ridiculous excuses. At this point the excuses have gotten more unbelievable than the actual story. I can only wish he’d put the effort into writing that he spends in coming up with reasons he’s not writing.

Ben

Some statistics of potential interest (source graphtreon) : February 2024 - Tef had 4513 patreon members and he earned USD$8,006.00 per chapter at an average of USD$1.77 per patron. October 2024 - Tef had 4,284 Patreon members and he earned USD$6,525.00 per chapter at an average of USD$1.52 per patron.

Perry Carruthers

Another interesting, exciting addition. The next part should be great.

John the 5th

not really, seeing as the dude just keeps asking for cash.

Xexsu

Just for the 1 month. Still owed a lot, that's true

Str8NotNarrow

lol, how would you be getting more than what you paid for since he's now 11 chapters in the hole?

Xexsu

yup yup, dropped my sub to 1$ month, this is just thievery. And if we arent getting atleast 2 chapters in the end of december i'll drop completely.

No Telling

Michael why don't you go back to complaining to other creators (re: women young enough to be your grandchildren) about how much money you've sent them and they still won't respond to you or send you personalized content?

JP

I have contacted a few attorneys and there is consensus we have a pretty solid basis to file a suit for breach of contract. The suit has already been drafted and can be filed in the US where Patreon is based: it will be his problem to find a lawyer to represent him here, but considering how much he has stolen so far, it should not be too hard for him to afford it. We are getting close to the six figures of monies appropriated without delivering anything promised, which put this issue squarely in Superior Court territory. This suit will cost me more than this clown has stolen from all of us, but sometimes principles have a cost, and we cannot let a chicken thief roam free and mooch over the goodwill of thousands of people. Let's see what type of excuse he will come up with once he is served. If anyone wants to join in the suit, just let me know. I am sure that nothing will change until we take a stand, if anything we will be getting less and less every month - we are down to a monthly delivery of a handful of scenes that can be written in a few hours at most. It is time to stop whining and start acting. I will proceed with filing if the number of undelivered chapters by the end of the year is not back in the one figures.

Puttanegra Ficondo

Just stop lying to us and telling us you’ll clear out the backlogs and not do another placeholder.

Calvin Martin

My contribution is maxed at $1 per month no matter how many placeholders Tef drops. And it will be until he produces 2 chapters and I only pay for 1. Then I'll raise my max to $2, since I actually would be getting more than I paid for. I'll switch back and forth as many times as Tef does. Unfortunately, this is the only way that I know of to keep from being abused and still maintain access to the story while I hope that Tef does actually deliver.

Str8NotNarrow

I think the main issue is that the chapters are simply too large. Look at some other authors like zogarth and he who fights monsters. Bite sized but consistent releases and a flat monthly sub of $5-10.

Michael

Thank you, I haven't been checking in a while, and wondered how many promised chapters we were now up to.

Nathan Christenson

Block button has been busy today.

John the 5th

This one's too far

Zachariah Beasley

Seconded

Zachariah Beasley

6,525??? Dafuq are you paint on taxes? Why didn’t you go for the 1$+ taxes option?

J

Good for you Michael, now shut the heck up! You sir are very annoying

Pat Mcglynn

Tefler, I'm not going to pile on the issue of placeholders beyond saying the obvious that something is better than nothing. Three Square Meals has grown far beyond the original scope of the original outline. No one really cares about that - breaking the original limited story arc has actually worked in your favor. You would not be able to charge for "placeholders" in a non-existent story. It's obvious that your health and time are insufficient to write the chapter length you once envisioned. Dickens wrote chapters that were less than five pages long. Tolstoy averaged 4 pages per chapter in War and Peace. Chapter 171 is 23 pages. I see the number of chapters as reflective of the story arc - so now we know that the story must go on for at least 11 more chapters and at 20 plus pages per chapter, you're looking at producing between 200 and 300 more pages just to fill your "obligation" to your Patrons. You have been releasing your chapters in two parts for some time now. My suggestion to you is to turn each "part" into its own chapter. Yes, that means a "conclusion" with each release, but you've been doing that anyway. So, better to produce something for your Patrons rather than placeholders and a promise of future value that is slipping further and further behind by the month.

MeCherAmigos

Dude... I get your having troubles, and I feel bad about that, but there are now 12 full chapters of placeholders. Thats not a sustainable model for me to keep here. I will hold on until the end of December, but if there isnt progress on reducing the placeholder numbers Im out. Good luck.

Joe Marchese

Poor Tefler... You used to get $25k for 1 chapter and now you're down to $7k for 2 placeholders. Congratulations, you have officially weened your fans down to the ones desperate enough to waste money waiting for a story that will never be finished. I used to sit on my phone at the end of each month refreshing for the next chapter and now... This story just isn't even worth it anymore. Keep my $8. Maybe when I come back next year your patreon won't be down 80%.

RFxorcist

We have been ‘promised’ weekly updates through December.

stephen mincher

OMG, ... All of the many complainers, ... reminds me of the church going hypocrites and their gossiping, ... good ole Tef has been writing on TSM for over 8 years almost 9 years now, .... he MIGHT be getting rather tired of it, but continues on for the sake of others, like his fans, .... -- Anyway, you could always take your bat and ball and go home if it isn't to your liking, .... --- I intend to continue to fully enjoy this series, ... and I hope that Tef and his family are all happy and healthy soon, ... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

Accepting that issues happen beyond your control, got to agree with others on here. The number of placeholders and failure to even show that your catching up, now being 12 chapters behind, means i've downgraded my nembership to the lowest level. If this keeps happening Tefler won't have any fans left.

Adam Palmer

You’re as bad as the panhandlers in town now with your hand out.

Jiagar

Unless we get chapter 172 final and chapter 173 final this month, it will be my last - if we are paying for two placeholders we need two full chapters minimum provided. If not December is my last.

Christopher Davis

Well I’m out. Good series but not worth this. I feel crazy taken advantage of.

Peter Rambo

The excuses are starting to get as good as the story

Kris

Tefler, this is becoming a real bad habit. You don't alert us to anything, then you drop end of month missiles. Don't you think a courtesy note is in order for these actions? You are now a year in arrears.

Big Dude

Thanks for the update.

MVFast

$72,000

Zachariah Beasley

Seriously, you are the best writer I have literally ever read in 34 years. Your habits are criminal at this point though. You should either catch up, or be canceled from this platform.

Zachariah Beasley

Hahaha same. I stopped but couldn't help it for $1

Zachariah Beasley

Robster, you are having a problem believing a writer of Fiction / Fantasy? Perhaps you should reconsider reading his stories, ... think about it, ... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

Yup…. I’m cancelling now. This is ridiculous and getting $6,525 everytime he does another placeholder…. This is becoming almost criminal at this point. I’m cutting my loses though. I’m owed at least twelve dollars in content now. Best of luck to you but live up to what you promise. This is too much. You swore several months back you wouldn’t do anymore placeholder either.

Mike

Duuude

Zachariah Beasley

So now we are 12 chapters behind. Can’t even finish a chapter in a month and then charge another 2 chapters. This is insane!

Joe Waldvogel

Isn't Patreon stopping the option to charge $$/chapter?

Bob M

TBH - paying the limited $1 a month is well worth it for playing the "what excuse will it be this month" game

Korzic

This is the line to follow this month?... blame the wife's company! ahahahahahaha, oh my gosh! Next month will it be "wife on leave for all of December, due to brand new job hiring then immediately putting on hiatus...so our finances are shot to hell, and I was so worried I couldn't write a single line this month"...a storyteller to his heart is old Teff! lmao

Greg Hill

After you had „half chapter in a month“ and „ one third chapter in a month“ get ready for the new upcoming blockbuster: „2 chapters in 24 days“ Get ready for an epic fantasy adventure that can be described best as: imaginary!

J

My money is still on a gambling addiction. Or a drug habit. Either way it's incredibly amusing seeing people think they're still getting their chapters. Well worth the $1 a month (seriously folks if you haven't set your limit for this con man it's high time you do so.)

JP

Peachy

J

Just some more excuses?? Just dont believe you anymore so stop your whining Tefler. Either produce or shut up Dragoon

Robster

Dude, WTF?? You are behind 12 full chapters now. You are starting to owe us a small fortune that you will never pay back.

Puttanegra Ficondo

Ooo new excuses. If only your production was as good as your excuse creativity.

JP


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