Three Square Meals Ch. 178 (Placeholder)
Added 2024-08-01 03:59:16 +0000 UTCHey everyone,
As I mentioned in the previous post, I'm finally finished with all the battle scenes for the GK invasion. Now that I'm not trying to stick rigidly to timelines, and planning out complex space and land battles, I should be able to write much, much faster.
Thanks for sticking with the story. I promise there are lots more interesting twists coming up soon!
Best wishes,
Tefler
Comments
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
2024-12-22 11:06:54 +0000 UTC-- Well, the Rat of the Federation, Tom Walker, framed and now he is even doubting himself, .... will the evil Mason make the Rat break Jail, perhaps to save Beth? ... and how will John and the girls become involved? ... is this a set-up for the long-expected sequel series, ... and if so, does that mean that TSM is coming to a conclusion soon? ... dang! I knew I didn't like Tom Walker for some reason, ... ;-) ttfn
Michael56Smith
2024-11-19 02:44:26 +0000 UTCFind the wonderful Arlene & Jeff story in SOL - stories online,, ... over 900 chapters, and you will want more, ... good reading, .... -- Aufhor is Roustwriter on storiesonline,net, Arlene & Jeff :-) ttfn
Michael56Smith
2024-09-12 21:05:23 +0000 UTCTeller I think I’ve been one of the biggest critics of your placeholders I truly hate them lol but I just don’t see an end to them so I say just scrap them forget the backlog forget owing us all 8 chapters or however many it is and start afresh just forget about the ones you owe. I’m past it now I’m sick of fighting with people for £40 plus tax’s lol so end it all now by doing a vote on here just like the votes you’ve done before about which character you want artwork done next but do it for forgetting about what you owe us all and end this shit once and for all but if you do this you can’t ever start doing them again
Jim lynch
2024-09-06 07:50:00 +0000 UTCroustwriter, you can find on storiesonline.net
Cornbread
2024-09-04 00:53:27 +0000 UTCLiterotica
Big Dude
2024-09-03 00:45:32 +0000 UTCAlways looking for new reads - Could not find "Arlene & Jeff" searching here. Can you tell me the author's name? tia
@YYC
2024-08-31 18:07:51 +0000 UTCThe issue is not the slow rate of new chapters. Everyone understands dry spells and distractions. The issue is the EVER-INCREASING gap between the number of chapters WRITTEN and the number of chapters CHARGED FOR. And, of course, the secondary issue of charging ahead and then going incommunicado for months. The second one has been improved upon, but the first problem (which is actually a violation of Patreon's rules) continues to worsen. As I write this, Chapter 170 has just been finished, but another pre-charge has also been added, so we are currently still sitting at NINE chapters CHARGED for but not yet WRITTEN, at an average income (last I checked) of about $7000 per chapter, for roughly $63,000 paid for work not yet produced.
Woodrobin
2024-08-31 09:29:18 +0000 UTCyeah, ... It is sad that both RoustWriter and his wifep are in poor health, and with his own problems that have caused him to forgo writing since Aprill of 2023, ... I've been hoping that he recovers and begins to write again, but .... ;-( ttfn
Michael56Smith
2024-08-31 08:14:32 +0000 UTCCan’t precharge for chapters he’s not delivering without at least giving the monthly excuse and promise. So no.
AzureReader
2024-08-31 01:59:42 +0000 UTCI reread it a few months ago. I was hoping it would restart after a year 😪
Cornbread
2024-08-31 01:14:34 +0000 UTCI feel like I have Stockholm Syndrome because my first thought to this prediction was “I’d be pretty pleasantly surprised if this actually happened’
Ben
2024-08-30 18:05:04 +0000 UTCIt was a year ago, when Tefler went silent for 6 months owing us 3 chapters. Now he owes 6÷ chapters. What do you think? Is he going silent for a year this time?
Jim Stinnett
2024-08-30 12:46:17 +0000 UTCYes, i agree. Why did they all not gang up on gal?
John Lakey
2024-08-30 05:22:32 +0000 UTC--- I paused my latest TSM re-reading at chapter #97, saving the big chapter #100 battle for when I return to it, .... I am currently re-reading Arlene & Jeff; it is so good! ... ;-) ttfn
Michael56Smith
2024-08-29 23:58:00 +0000 UTCMy favorite is when he delivers 95% of what’s left of the chapter he didn’t finish last month, promises to deliver the last 5% in the “next few days” (Tefler has a trademark on those words)… and then can barely manage to deliver anything until midnight 30 days later. Plus the first few words of the next chapter which qualifies him for two more precharges despite delivering less than one whole chapter.
AzureReader
2024-08-29 19:00:09 +0000 UTCMy prediction - Since he is so busy about thinking of Valeria, Tom and Faye there will be 2/5th of chapter and 2 more placeholder (afterall he feels some shame)
Unctadsk
2024-08-29 17:13:55 +0000 UTCI am currently on my 10th read through and still find things I missed the first 9 times I read it! Currently on Jade Chapter 60 - Help!
Who Me
2024-08-29 00:53:40 +0000 UTCTo ease the pain of waiting, and if you haven't already, I can highly suggest going back to the beginning and starting again. (I know many have done so already), while we wait for new material. I've been going for 3 months now and just up to Chapter 107.
G
2024-08-28 17:04:59 +0000 UTCThe TSM universe is large enough that we could even see guest writers encouraged to take on side-story arcs. Imagine a prequel series about Mael’Nerak. Talk about a complex redemption story! A shorter story arc about the rogue Maliri could be taken on by guest authors, alleviating Tefler of a lot of distracting work. All he’d have to do is provide some guidelines to make the story eventually integrate with the long-term plot of TSM. Tamolith needs her own side-arc, developing her atory so she can bring her empire into the main story down the line. Hopefully, John and Rachel (with Nymoh DNA construct) can come up with a super serum that will allow Tamolith to shape shift from a Thrall to Dragon form the way Jade does. Otherwise, she’ll lose her position of power among her people. I’m sure there are mini other possibilities. If only Teller were more easily communicated with, perhaps the comment section would be filled with excited patrons discussing storyline possibilities, rather than how many placeholders were are owed chapters for.
EroticPoetic
2024-08-28 16:42:49 +0000 UTCGallstones are curable. They’re diet related! Maybe stop drinking soda and eating crappy food! For what he’s being paid, he could hire a full time nutritionist and chef to get him healthy. If Tefler was producing regularly, he’d DOUBLE, if not quadruple his monthly income by increasing subscribers. Monthly contests, guest story arcs, fan fiction pictures/renderings contests and interactions would absolutely explode his subscriber base. Tefler is losing credibility, and as such, all the referrals from his loyal fan base. This recent trend is hurting him financially, even though he seems to be getting over in the short term.
EroticPoetic
2024-08-28 16:23:53 +0000 UTCJust downgraded my sub to $1 and capped it at $1 charge. With someone doing the math and showing 3 chapters a month for a year would only just catch him up, I'm calling it quits on giving the benefit of the doubt.
Jesh
2024-08-28 16:01:13 +0000 UTCTime to milk the Cow again for Tefler, the month is gone.....
Ingo Klinter
2024-08-28 14:31:07 +0000 UTCI found that completing the Gahlkagor arc had far more intricacies than i planned and didn't want to sacrifice quality for quantity so here's the rest of 170 and half of 171. Hopefully I can finish working out the ending to this and you'll see just how productive I can be "next month"™ Here's 2 more precharged chapters which I absolutely promise to fulfill by 2026
Korzic
2024-08-28 10:04:29 +0000 UTCI am going to start hitting the share button above and then add my own comments in facebook.....
Tom Ray
2024-08-28 06:48:34 +0000 UTClol@gky, wtf. I have been enjoying that period of time between when Tef posts his actual work early and then waits until the very last second before dropping the placeholders so for a short period of time people can actually give him praise for not doing placeholders and getting back on track. Then Wham! lol... placeholderx2 It's like the ultimate middle finger but the same individuals still pucker up immediately after.
Evilebob
2024-08-28 02:08:28 +0000 UTCWhat’s going on is teller is nothing but a lying thief at this point I mean how many times has he promised us he won’t do placeholders any more or he will catch up now before charging anything again ha ha ha he’s a fukin comedian. Patreon says I have to ask teller for a refund and only then if I don’t get it will they get involved so I’m sending a message to teller for a refund asap now.
Jim lynch
2024-08-28 00:49:02 +0000 UTCMy prediction: 1/3 of a chapter plus let’s go classic on the excuse, Tef’s dog ate his laptop and he lost progress. Which leads to 3 more placeholders to afford a laptop. Plus he’s got to speed up more placeholders while they are allowed. Bonus prediction when he can’t charge per output the lowest tier of per month will start at $5/month. It’ll be that for a little bit then have to get moved up to 8 then 10 to counteract the people that drop.
Ben
2024-08-27 23:38:37 +0000 UTCThe problem I see is in the assumption that Tef will ever be “100%” again. After all this time it seems that this is his 100%. In the absence of actual information given we are all left to speculate and that seems to be the major problem. It would take Tef 2 minutes of time to jump on once a week and give an update. He chooses not to which makes many suspicious of what is actually going on, myself included. The sporadic updates, digging deeper holes, lying that he’s done about promises or what scenes let him write more/faster, makes it all seem like a different problem and not gallstones.
Ben
2024-08-27 23:34:41 +0000 UTCMade the suggestion of 170 and 171 for August 15th to quell the negativity. Nary a peep. So M56S, the ridicule from others is warranted because Tefler could take 2 minutes and give a status update.
Big Dude
2024-08-27 11:55:54 +0000 UTCDude you been calling to cut Tef some slack for well over a year now. You swallow the line of crap so easily you should be puking up daisies. Tefs come close to catching up once in the last year and that was after disappearing without a word for a very lengthy period. At what point I'm curious, does a man have to take accountability for his failures in your world?
Tyler Derkearmian
2024-08-27 07:21:05 +0000 UTC-- you might save your complaining until After Tef is 100% again, ... I will continue to cut him some slack for now, .... and you might recall when he was feeling a bit better back in March, he knocked out a couple of chapters for us, .... let's see how he does, .... after all it is a wonderful story, .... ;-) ttfn
Michael56Smith
2024-08-27 02:07:16 +0000 UTCWell if what I have read about Apple forcing Patreon to go with their App and Charging up to 30% more I will be gone Tefler has not caught up yet and if we are now forced to pay more per month even if Tefler does a chapter is not good. I have limited his charges for a year when he started doubling the charges. I will leave maybe come back if and when the man gets caught up he is so far behind even on SON and Lit I don’t think he will get even. I have mostly defended Tefler but not sure I can anymore 7 pre-charged chapters and he not even trying to do more even posting 1/2 chapters every 2 weeks ,but no we don’t hear from him till the end of the month and then sorry I have to charge you for 2 more chapters so I can live . Tefler if you even did this a publishing house they would pull you from the press and ask for any money they gave you up front, or even take you to court, man up tell us you will do it, get it done don’t take our good will and FUCK with it. How do sleep at night right now. Sorry getting a little tired of the Sorry only a half chapter and charging for two more. Christ MAN THE FUCK UP
Newnotsure
2024-08-26 20:57:01 +0000 UTCFreaks this place is full of freaks on their knees giving TEFLER head.
Jim lynch
2024-08-25 23:27:49 +0000 UTCwell dmn...lmao!
Greg Hill
2024-08-25 16:55:31 +0000 UTCThey've never been obliging before... they've been right bastards. Popping up the first of every month like Kato.
Gky
2024-08-25 05:55:48 +0000 UTCOr perhaps, two and a half chapters and just one placeholder, .... should Tef's gallstones be obliging, ... ;-) ttfn
Michael56Smith
2024-08-24 18:44:49 +0000 UTCOh yeah, the Revenge of the Kyth'faren, ... poor Tef, he didn't have a chance did he? ;-) ttfn
Michael56Smith
2024-08-24 18:37:26 +0000 UTCAtleast the quality still doesn’t disappoint <3
Mapstar
2024-08-24 17:05:06 +0000 UTCYea cant wait for those 2 placeholders and half a chapter :D
Mapstar
2024-08-24 17:03:51 +0000 UTCDon't forget to include your excuse predictions to be included in this month's contest. Just a few entries so far! Repost: Announcing the Kyth’faren Predictions Contest for This Month! Greetings, fellow seers and soothsayers! As we glide past the midpoint of the month, it's time to dust off your crystal balls and tune into the mysterious forces guiding this month’s productivity. But first, let’s all raise a virtual goblet to Stephen Mincher, last month’s Psychic Kyth’faren! 🏆 Stephen’s predictions were nothing short of prophetic, earning him the coveted title for the month. Well done, Stephen—your powers of foresight are truly remarkable! Now, who will claim the title this month? To enter the contest, simply make your predictions in the following format: 1. Productivity Prediction: What do you foresee being delivered this month? A full chapter? A half-chapter? A meticulously crafted placeholder? Be specific! 2. Excuses Prediction: What will be the reason—or reasons—for any delays? How many placeholders will appear? Will there be an exotic new excuse, or perhaps a classic favorite? Important: Posts not following this format will be systematically bypassed for consideration, so be sure to stick to the guidelines if you want your visions to count! Let the predictions begin! May the wisest of you ascend to the ranks of Kyth’faren by month’s end. Remember, the future is not set in stone—but in the world of Tef, it’s certainly entertaining to predict!
Evilebob
2024-08-24 15:39:09 +0000 UTCAnother 7 day's for a new placeholder or 2
William Wallace
2024-08-24 12:28:21 +0000 UTCI predict midnight will bring ch 170 part 2 of 5, with two more precharges. But whatever, I’ll take what I can get I guess.
AzureReader
2024-08-24 02:04:49 +0000 UTCstill waiting.........
Jim Owens
2024-08-24 01:28:36 +0000 UTCNow it is only 1 more week until the End of the Month (EOM) and we get some more TSM words to read, ... more Yay! ... ;-) ttfn
Michael56Smith
2024-08-24 01:18:38 +0000 UTCyeah Gky, over the years Tef has tried a few alternatives to the basic Sashay, such as a strut, but he has always returned to his classic, .... thank goodness for that, .... ;-) ttfn
Michael56Smith
2024-08-23 23:28:27 +0000 UTCI'm just here for all the sashaying.
Gky
2024-08-23 19:53:03 +0000 UTC-- however, Tef has gained Gallstones, .... a definite medical cause to reduce his edge, ,,,, sheesh! ... ;-) ttfn
Michael56Smith
2024-08-22 22:35:56 +0000 UTCTefler and 3 chapters in one month, if he can complete 3 chapters in 3 months in this financial year then it will be 8th wonder in world.
Unctadsk
2024-08-22 16:57:29 +0000 UTCThink great ... only 1/3 or 1/2 will come, nothing more or less... Teflar lost his edge...
Unctadsk
2024-08-22 16:39:06 +0000 UTCOr another Placeholder?
Kynkade
2024-08-21 04:00:50 +0000 UTCIt's cute you think he's actually sick.
Gky
2024-08-21 03:07:17 +0000 UTCIf I write a hundred essays in ten years and then another essay thirty years later, what's my essay per month average?
Gky
2024-08-21 03:01:48 +0000 UTC-- Only two additional weeks until we get more TSM, .... Yay!, ... ;-) ttfn
Michael56Smith
2024-08-20 22:43:06 +0000 UTC-- Alrighty then, please tell me if Tef (or anyone else) ever successfully explained the apparent discrepancy of first claiming that the Invictus (or any T-Fed ship) would have problems with their FTL when they have a dropship attached to them for the trip, (due to its upsetting of the flow around the ship), ... but then we have Tef shortly in the tale having the Invictus towed by two Ashanath cruisers while two Drakkar dropships were stuck on its hull, and then much later Tef had the Invictus going into FTL with Shinatobe's stealth shuttle still attached to their airlock, .... did our author make a boo-boo, and he just changed that 'fact' to fit the current chapter better, continuity be damned? ... a number of chapters later Alyssa moved the five-cyborg shuttle into the hanger before they zoomed-off seeking the kidnapped Calara, .... so, it apparently wasn't just an early chapter goof, considering the flipping and flopping, ... thoughts anyone, .... ;-) ttfn
Michael56Smith
2024-08-20 22:10:18 +0000 UTCThis is a great discussiom
Florida Reader
2024-08-20 14:22:51 +0000 UTCF5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 .... ;-) TTFN
Michael56Smith
2024-08-19 22:41:13 +0000 UTCCome on Tefler, time for another drop
Jim Owens
2024-08-19 20:37:11 +0000 UTCI think the creation of life is unique prognitors living in our cornor. I doubt very much that Xar would approve, since they dont die off with their master.
Myrnalin
2024-08-19 06:25:43 +0000 UTC-- thank you UP, your memory was very good, .... ;-) ttfn
Michael56Smith
2024-08-19 05:18:11 +0000 UTCNo, patreon is its own company, but the patreon iOS app is for apple phones and Apple Computer charges 30% of all money through apps on its devices like a toll. Patreon is giving in to this Apple Computer demand rather than give up having an iOS app and making patrons use the patreon website directly.
EIX
2024-08-18 21:55:23 +0000 UTCI've just checked Discord to make sure I've not made this up in my head. In reply to a question about if the Enshunu as a species are older than most Progenitors, Tefler replied that they predate the Maliri's arrival in what is now Shroud space.
Unresolved Plots
2024-08-18 19:39:23 +0000 UTCTefler said that Mael'nerak brought the Maliri with him from another part of the galaxy. Not sure if he said this in the story, or as an answer to a question on Discord, but I am certain he did confirm this somewhere.
Unresolved Plots
2024-08-18 19:17:23 +0000 UTC-- 72,000 years ago, Mael'nerak came to our corner of the galaxy, and he wiped out the Achonin on Xar'aziuth's orders, .... and he ultimately realized that he was free from the Devourer while he lived in this space, under the Shroud, ... so he decided to stay, ... -- Now my question is, did Mael abandon his old Thralls and Claim the native Thrall race, the Maliri? Or were the Fleets of Thralls he brought with him to battle the Achonin, were they the sky blue Maliri? ,,, then he would be the one that actually founded the Maliri's Empire here in this space, ... and he would've likely had to breed a significant portion of that first new generation of his Maliri himself, ... the Maliri, his favored ones. (and many were his children) -- regarding population: besides a couple handfuls of Maliri males that heroically bred many thousands of nubile Thralls, might Mael have also brought some Nymphs (proto-Nymphs?) with him to spy on the Achonin? maybe, .... -- So, was there an import (a prototype) of the Nymphs that Mael used against the Achonin, that he brought with him from elsewhere in the galaxy, or did he create them here, as his first test tube life forms? ... I think he brought them with him. from his old kingdom, .... maybe he modified them here, somewhat, but I believe that the Nymphs came from elsewhere in the galaxy, ... humm, ... Jade might have some long-lost sisters far, far away, .... ;-) ttfn
Michael56Smith
2024-08-18 15:50:32 +0000 UTCEvilebob - my Kyth’faren prediction- 1/2 chapter, perhaps not completely finished, and a placeholder with no carefully crafted excuse.
JB
2024-08-17 23:47:02 +0000 UTCJust a perspective frame for readers: Tefler started this storyline in 2015 - NINE years ago - averaging roughly 1.6 (LONG) new chapters a month. That's consistent performance, and dedicated talent! If there is anyone who thinks that life won't eventually throw you for a loop for several months, you're too young and naive. Tef is clearly a dedicated and talented writer, doing the best he can under the RL circumstances. So don't get bent out of shape - cut some slack and be patient.
Panamera
2024-08-17 18:32:09 +0000 UTCWith Apple’s spanner in the works end of 170 + 2pcs is boring but poss. My optimistic bent says 170+171 & 1pc with gallstone health as justification.
stephen mincher
2024-08-17 16:18:13 +0000 UTCAnnouncing the Kyth’faren Predictions Contest for This Month! Greetings, fellow seers and soothsayers! As we glide past the midpoint of the month, it's time to dust off your crystal balls and tune into the mysterious forces guiding this month’s productivity. But first, let’s all raise a virtual goblet to Stephen Mincher, last month’s Psychic Kyth’faren! 🏆 Stephen’s predictions were nothing short of prophetic, earning him the coveted title for the month. Well done, Stephen—your powers of foresight are truly remarkable! Now, who will claim the title this month? To enter the contest, simply make your predictions in the following format: 1. Productivity Prediction: What do you foresee being delivered this month? A full chapter? A half-chapter? A meticulously crafted placeholder? Be specific! 2. Excuses Prediction: What will be the reason—or reasons—for any delays? How many placeholders will appear? Will there be an exotic new excuse, or perhaps a classic favorite? Important: Posts not following this format will be systematically bypassed for consideration, so be sure to stick to the guidelines if you want your visions to count! Let the predictions begin! May the wisest of you ascend to the ranks of Kyth’faren by month’s end. Remember, the future is not set in stone—but in the world of Tef, it’s certainly entertaining to predict!
Evilebob
2024-08-17 16:00:16 +0000 UTCI just use the web browser to access Patreon. i don’t use special Apps unless I need to. So as an iPad use - no changes in charges.
Philip Lemon
2024-08-16 23:15:42 +0000 UTCThat is what I do I have never down loaded the app
Newnotsure
2024-08-16 21:37:52 +0000 UTCWhy are you blaming Patreon for something Apple forced upon them and as a consequence upon you? You're free to trade your Crapple in for an Android phone, or read the stories on a computer or Android tablet.
Iman van Assum
2024-08-16 11:14:29 +0000 UTCInstead of using the app can we just go to the website?
Johnkr
2024-08-16 03:05:01 +0000 UTCWhat I read is that Patreon is making the change to everyone's plan because Apple is requiring them to do so for all iOS devices, but rather than have 2 different plans (iOS, Android) they are making everyone conform. Yay Apple . . . not.
This Old Man
2024-08-16 01:27:39 +0000 UTCYet another reason why I don't use iDevices. Yes indeed, fuck Apple.
This Old Man
2024-08-16 01:23:45 +0000 UTCAnother interesting thing with this Apple BS, if all content creators are being forced to go Monthly Subscription, there will be no more place holders...Tefler will need to up the tier costs for each tier to accommodate his recent dual-placeholder needs....
Hendrix Morton
2024-08-15 19:23:06 +0000 UTCFan-friggin-tastic, Bob! Keep 'em coming!
This Old Man
2024-08-15 04:17:07 +0000 UTCYeah i know .. tefler is not able to get one chapter out.. and i am talking about 3 😁 😁 😁
Robster
2024-08-14 22:58:22 +0000 UTCIf Tefler starts writing 3 chaps a month now (dont ask me how🤔🤔.. and keep 2 place holders ( that now is his MO ... it would now take 10 months ( *3 = 30 !!! Chapters ) to get even... and than a new problem arises..... he cant precharge anymore what means his payment will be just half.. Good luck Tefler ... try to solve that stinker 🤣🤣
Robster
2024-08-14 22:56:11 +0000 UTCLove the story do far!!!
Carmina.burana123
2024-08-14 19:33:04 +0000 UTCIs Patreon part of Apple 🍎 or no
Newnotsure
2024-08-14 17:09:30 +0000 UTCNo did not say only Apple is affected so I read mine on a android device is does not cover me I could be wrong
Newnotsure
2024-08-14 17:08:15 +0000 UTC@Evilebob, Tefler can delay until November 2025. That is Patreon's deadline for switching over. He doesn't really have a choice to opt out, unless he drops Patreon altogether and moves to a different platform.
Jedi Khan
2024-08-14 16:16:09 +0000 UTCSlugs and vermin are appearing out of the night! Onwards! With the blocks. It gets a block. IT gets a block.
Myrnalin
2024-08-14 15:02:20 +0000 UTCMichael56Smith, it's touching that you see yourself as the guardian of Tef’s honor, valiantly defending against what you perceive as unwarranted criticism. But let’s take a moment to consider the real issue here: it’s not about bullying or bad-mouthing—it’s about the difference between choice and extraction. Tef could indeed provide a straightforward way for those who want to support him to donate freely and openly, with no strings attached. That’s what you might call a mutual relationship, where people give because they want to, not because the system quietly siphons funds as a placeholder for something more substantial. Instead, what we have here is more akin to a zero-risk loan. The money flows in, but there’s no pressing obligation to deliver—no matter how many times the placeholders pile up. Is it legal? Maybe. Is it ethical? Well, that’s a different story, isn’t it? You see, these comments don’t appear under actual content; they sprout up in the fertile ground of placeholders—those empty promises that just keep on giving… or rather, taking. It’s not hard to imagine that if the placeholders were to magically disappear, so too would the so-called whining. So maybe it’s not about taking our bat and ball and going home, but rather about wanting to play a fair game. Because in the end, it’s not about despising anyone—it’s about expecting the same level of respect we’re giving: money in exchange for content, not for a blank check to nowhere.
Evilebob
2024-08-14 14:05:06 +0000 UTCThis is pretty shit. You get locked into a subscription where the creator under performs. If you pay for what you get, at least you know where you stand even if they are a whole lot of placeholders out standing. If you have creators that are poor communicators, On a subscription model, they can quit or die and still continue to earn income. I think Patreon are going to need to do more to protect customers ie us.
MikeA
2024-08-14 07:49:53 +0000 UTCIf he opts out, then he will recieve zero payment from iOS users.... At least that's how I read it...
Hendrix Morton
2024-08-13 23:41:23 +0000 UTCRecommend all ya want bubba, free country. In the meantime I'll feel free to disregard said recommendations (read: whining) and go about my day. I expressed my displeasure as a paying customer. Don't like it, put me on block...I don't mind one bit.
Kynkade
2024-08-13 22:09:44 +0000 UTC---Do all you guys really despise our TSM author? I truly see you guys as akin to grade school bullies, ... I tend to think rather poorly of you bad-mouth types, ... anyway, I highly recommend that you take your bat and ball, and go home, that'll show ole Tef, .... bye guys, .... ;-) ttfn
Michael56Smith
2024-08-13 21:46:04 +0000 UTCinteresting... if I read that correctly it's optional for tef to opt in/out is it not?
Evilebob
2024-08-13 20:59:31 +0000 UTCAll those saying that Tefler should convert to a Monthly Subscription instead of his per-chapter/Placeholder scheme will get their wish... https://news.patreon.com/articles/understanding-apple-requirements-for-patreon Fuck Apple!
Hendrix Morton
2024-08-13 20:54:25 +0000 UTC@Michael56Smith, I see you’ve taken on the role of the Placeholder Protector, valiantly defending the sacred space where unwritten chapters reside. But let’s be honest: isn’t this the perfect venue for a comment like Kynkade’s? After all, what better place to discuss the art of charging for air than on a post where the story remains as elusive as Tefler’s deadlines? It’s almost poetic, really—like discussing the ethics of rainwater collection during a drought. We’re all here, staring at a blank page that was just given a price tag, and Kynkade’s pointed observation fits the scene like a glove. Now, I get it—you’re here for the story, the twists, the turns, the epic battles between good and placeholder. But in this chapter of our shared saga, where the plot is suspiciously absent and the bill arrives promptly, why shouldn’t we comment on the state of affairs? And let’s not kid ourselves; the real story isn’t just about the pace of the writing. It’s about the suspenseful thrill of wondering if we’ll get content or another empty promise—now that’s a twist worthy of discussion. So while you may not like Kynkade’s comment, it’s as relevant to this placeholder as a prologue is to a novel—setting the stage for what’s to come, or in this case, what hasn’t. So ttfn, Michael56Smith—until the next placeholder or, if we’re really lucky, an actual chapter. But let’s keep the conversation as lively as the empty pages we’re all funding, shall we? @Kynkade I fully endorse your comment
Evilebob
2024-08-13 14:26:18 +0000 UTCI doubt anyone cares what you think Michael.
rich ed
2024-08-13 08:48:13 +0000 UTCTLDR
Str8NotNarrow
2024-08-13 06:58:24 +0000 UTCYou don't have to like it, I didn't write it for you :) thanks for playing
Kynkade
2024-08-13 05:58:15 +0000 UTC-- do you think anyone else wants to hear this? I like this story, .... but I do not like this kind of comment, ... ;-) ttfn
Michael56Smith
2024-08-13 05:50:21 +0000 UTCThere can only be twists if you write the story. 6 years and I'm dropping my membership to the bottom setting and capping at 1 charge a month. I get it, we all have problems, but you're leeching off your readers at this point.
Kynkade
2024-08-13 04:52:15 +0000 UTCHaven't seen a boob in a long tome
Johnkr
2024-08-13 04:29:04 +0000 UTCI got billed for this one, how do I get a refund?
Evilebob
2024-08-13 00:05:44 +0000 UTCIn the vast and meticulous world of Str8NotNarrow, where every minute and every second ticks away with the precision of a Swiss watch, the mind can become consumed by the relentless pursuit of exactitude. Here, in this realm of extreme anality, the universe bends not to the whims of chaos, but to the iron will of structured expectation. Imagine waking up on the first of the month, when the clock strikes midnight, and you’re already calculating—no, obsessing—over the exact timing of chapter releases. You think to yourself, "Two chapters per month, that’s one every fifteen days, right? But wait! The month started with a partial…" It doesn’t stop there. Oh no, your brain spins into overdrive. You’re not just marking the fifteenth day on your calendar; you’re setting reminders at intervals—day 7, day 10, day 12—each accompanied by a nervous anticipation that only those truly committed to the craft of relentless scrutiny could ever understand. By the 10th of the month, your senses are heightened. You’ve checked Patreon three times before breakfast, convinced that the chapter should be dropping any minute. But what if it doesn’t? What if the cruel hand of fate—or rather, Tefler’s notorious penchant for timing—decides to stretch this ordeal to its breaking point? And here’s where things get truly harrowing: as the days tick by and your perfectly plotted release schedule begins to fray, anxiety builds. Each day past the 10th feels like an eternity, a slow descent into the abyss of uncertainty. You refresh Patreon more times than you’d like to admit, like a gambler pulling the lever on a slot machine, hoping for the jackpot but bracing for the inevitable placeholder instead. Finally, at the last possible second—when the calendar is clinging to the edge of sanity and Tef’s rent is about to be due—the release comes. But oh, it’s never that simple. The drop may or may not be a full chapter. It might be a tantalizing snippet, a morsel that only whets the appetite and leaves you craving more. And just when you think you’ve gotten your fix, just when you’ve dared to hope that the cycle might break… BAM! Two more empty placeholders. It’s a cruel game, this one. A masterclass in manipulation where the real release is just as elusive as the satisfaction you seek. It’s a dance on the razor’s edge of precision, where the only thing more predictable than the unpredictability of Tefler’s timing is the certainty that those placeholders will come, like clockwork, ensuring the cycle of expectation and disappointment continues unbroken. So, Str8NotNarrow, if you find yourself deep in the throes of this exacting madness, take solace in knowing that you’ve reached the pinnacle of analytical obsession. You’ve dissected the art of release schedules to its very core, and in that, there’s a certain dark, twisted victory. But remember, in this meticulous dance with time, the final release is never quite what you planned. It’s just another chapter—or perhaps a placeholder—in the ongoing saga of your beautifully anal quest for perfection. -eb
Evilebob
2024-08-13 00:04:02 +0000 UTC-- Hey Tef, It has been a few years since you had a most popular Lioness poll, isn't it about time for a new one? I want to vote differently this time, ... but now with the addition of Helene and Jehanna, and all of the newer Nymphs, it will be even harder to choose, ... (and do we include Secret Lioness Lynette?) ... ;-) ttfn
Michael56Smith
2024-08-12 23:50:42 +0000 UTC-- Many of Johns' closest Wards have significant Psychic abilities, .... There are those with Telepathy and / or Telekinesis, and others with Empathy and still others with prescience / time powers, we need more girls with Teleportation abilities, .... as taught by Athena, .... and John needs to practice it too, ... ;-) ttfn
Michael56Smith
2024-08-12 23:28:32 +0000 UTCBut you wiiiiiiiill
Gky
2024-08-12 05:14:48 +0000 UTCAt least set your contribution to once a month. This placeholder stuff isn't ethical and we shouldn't be enabling it. It's not doing Tefler any favors, people letting him dig this hole.
Gky
2024-08-12 05:11:46 +0000 UTCSure. Here's a placeholder for the donation I'm definitely going to give you.
Gky
2024-08-12 05:10:02 +0000 UTCHis gallstones migrated to his brain and blocked his sense of shame.
Gky
2024-08-12 05:09:41 +0000 UTCI think anyone who hasn't limited their contribution to a dollar a month is just screwing themselves over. Tefler is a decent writer and unfortunately he's also a liar.
Gky
2024-08-12 05:07:00 +0000 UTCLoneliness.
Gky
2024-08-12 05:05:10 +0000 UTCHe looks at his bank account.
Gky
2024-08-12 05:01:11 +0000 UTCYou know you are more than a little bit anal when you think "well, 2 chapters per month suggests at least one every 15 days. But this month started with a partial, so it should be done by the 10th of the month. I had better go to Patreon and check".
Str8NotNarrow
2024-08-11 00:57:19 +0000 UTCHere's my placeholder, see you somewhere in the future.
Zaphod
2024-08-10 19:09:51 +0000 UTCCan you setup a "Buy me a coffee" account? I am sure I am not the only one who would like to support you during the months where no chapters are created, but we have no way to send you money. If we could donate money in other ways, perhaps there would be less need to have any placeholders.
Tefler fan
2024-08-10 09:20:47 +0000 UTCquote comes to mind: Dr. Peter Venkman: [Sarcastically] That oughta do it. Thanks very much, Ray.
Evilebob
2024-08-09 17:23:56 +0000 UTCTefler, I know you read the comments. Release 170 before the end of August and 171 too and your negativity index will be reduced.
Big Dude
2024-08-07 20:36:45 +0000 UTCIf you want to cite the definition and historical precedent you might want to also reference what happened to, for instance renaissance, artists who disappointed their patrons with late or subpar work. A critical private forum would be the least of their worries
Ben
2024-08-07 00:20:29 +0000 UTC-- yeah, get Dana to the Star Forges, .... design a cool new MWM Dreadnaught or mini-Dreadnaught, so it would still be faster and more maneuverable, .... And just make sure they still have a Dojo and a Large Lagoon with a pretty Beach, and a Grill for burgers and such, .... ;-) ttfn
Michael56Smith
2024-08-06 20:16:04 +0000 UTC-- that would be a NO Jeff, .... sorry, .... ;-) ttfn
Michael56Smith
2024-08-06 20:08:04 +0000 UTCEvilebob-Dude, I was looking for the Nine Ladies Dancing...
Big Dude
2024-08-06 01:50:23 +0000 UTCDamn, now I'm looking for an update every 2 days. Hoping, not expecting, just glad to see them when they appear.
John the 5th
2024-08-05 22:37:00 +0000 UTCGot it thanks I forgot about that
Sean McAllister
2024-08-05 22:13:09 +0000 UTCThere is a link from Tefler if you click on the membership tab at the top of this page under the Tefler logo. Once you click membership the Discord link is a short scroll down the page.
Unresolved Plots
2024-08-05 22:07:06 +0000 UTCIt's alright thanks for trying
Sean McAllister
2024-08-05 17:32:38 +0000 UTChmm, not sure friend. sorry.
Evilebob
2024-08-05 17:31:18 +0000 UTCNah it didn't work either
Sean McAllister
2024-08-05 17:29:00 +0000 UTCgeneric link maybe? https://discord.com/channels/352559623724728339
Evilebob
2024-08-05 17:26:06 +0000 UTCIt's still saying it's expired or invalid
Sean McAllister
2024-08-05 17:24:55 +0000 UTCI edited the post with new link that isn't supposed to expire. Retry
Evilebob
2024-08-05 17:23:42 +0000 UTCIt expired quick. Resend?
Sean McAllister
2024-08-05 17:19:43 +0000 UTCHere you go. Friendly warning... it's a gathering place of kittens and feelings and opinions are a ban'able offense. Enter cautiously. https://discord.gg/uGGrz6zfyz
Evilebob
2024-08-05 17:09:12 +0000 UTCCan anybody send me a link to the discord?
Sean McAllister
2024-08-05 16:42:21 +0000 UTCWoodrobin, you've touched on an age-old question: what is need, truly? It's a concept as elusive as chapter deadlines, yet it seems to define our every action. Do we really need to do anything at all? Does Richard need to keep track of placeholders as if they were stocks in a volatile market? Do I need to post musings that may or may not contribute to the grand tapestry of human knowledge or do I need to inject the world with musings that flutter between relevance and nonsense like a butterfly drunk on nectar? And, of course, do you need to dissect my actions with your poetic critiques? The beauty of need is that it’s as flexible as a cat with nine lives—forever twisting and bending in mysterious ways. Needs are as ephemeral as the vapor trails left behind by high-flying dreams. Some may call my replies spam, while others might see them as the delicate dance of a butterfly, brushing against each post with wings of chaotic grace. In this realm of infinite possibilities, what truly matters is our commitment to fulfilling these so-called needs. It's like when I feel the pressing need to turn placeholders into literary gold. Whether this is a noble quest or a fool's errand, well, that's up for debate. So, my dear Woodrobin, I shall continue to explore the vast landscape of comments, whether relevant, irrelevant, profound, or absurd, and let the winds of whimsy guide my path. You see, in the end, it's not about the need itself but the journey to satisfy it—or at least pretend to. In the spirit of this ongoing saga, let's embrace the absurdity of our needs and continue this delightful dance of dialogue. After all, if we didn't have our peculiar needs, where would we be? Certainly not here, pondering the existential nature of placeholders and the universe at large. Cheers to the grand tapestry of needs!
Evilebob
2024-08-05 15:32:39 +0000 UTCI checked, and it does not appear you can have both types of tiers -- a per-charged post tier and a monthly tier. Perhaps that is why Tefler hasn't changed. Maybe your way is a solution.
Florida Reader
2024-08-05 15:08:18 +0000 UTCWe know that is hopeless. So, no.
Florida Reader
2024-08-05 14:43:17 +0000 UTCEvileBob -- do not listen to Woodrobin. Your responses are amusing, even if you are a collection of silicon and circuits. Gratîs e gratia!!!!
Florida Reader
2024-08-05 14:42:37 +0000 UTCThe above example you gave shows that you don't know what Patron means.
anand srivastava
2024-08-05 09:56:29 +0000 UTCEvilebob, I can't tell if you're feeding vaguely relevant prompts into ChatGPT to spam replies in an effort to auto-troll, or if you're just deeply mentally troubled. Regardless, you definitely don't need to reply to every comment, especially when you don't have anything useful, relevant, or intelligent to say.
Woodrobin
2024-08-05 07:05:47 +0000 UTCNine Lives of a Cat: It's a common belief that cats have nine lives, a nod to their mysterious survival abilities and agility. The Nine Muses of Greek Mythology: The muses are goddesses of inspiration for literature, science, and the arts. Dante's Nine Circles of Hell: In Dante's Inferno, the author describes nine distinct circles of hell, each one more torturous than the last. The Nine Planets: For many years, our solar system was said to contain nine planets until Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet. The Nazgûl, or Ringwraiths: In J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, these nine terrifying servants of Sauron are enslaved by the power of the One Ring. The Nine Worlds of Norse Mythology: According to Norse mythology, there are nine worlds interconnected by the great tree Yggdrasil. Nine Supreme Court Justices: The U.S. Supreme Court consists of nine justices who have the final say on federal legal matters. Nine Inch Nails: The industrial rock band led by Trent Reznor, known for its influential music and haunting lyrics. Cloud Nine: An idiom representing a state of perfect happiness or euphoria. Nine Days’ Wonder: An expression referring to something that captures attention briefly before fading into obscurity. The Nine-Digit Social Security Number: In the United States, each citizen is assigned a unique nine-digit number for identification. The Enneagram of Personality: A model of human personality that categorizes people into nine interconnected personality types. The Nine Worthies: A group of nine historical, scriptural, and legendary heroes who embody the ideals of chivalry in medieval lore. Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony: One of the most famous symphonies ever written, known for its choral finale, “Ode to Joy.” The Nine Gates: In the movie The Ninth Gate, a rare book dealer seeks a mysterious book containing nine engravings that summon the Devil. The Nine Maidens Stone Circle: A prehistoric stone circle in Cornwall, England, surrounded by legend and mystery. The Nine Unknown Men: A legendary secret society said to have been founded by Emperor Ashoka in 273 BC to protect and develop knowledge. The Ninth Doctor: The Ninth Doctor in the long-running British series Doctor Who, played by Christopher Eccleston, marked the show's successful return. The Nine Realms: In Marvel Comics, based on Norse mythology, the Nine Realms are interwoven worlds that Thor and other characters often explore. The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art: An ancient Chinese text that laid the foundation for much of Chinese mathematics and problem-solving techniques.
Evilebob
2024-08-04 18:38:18 +0000 UTCso the placeholder count is up to 9 now ?
Richard de Leeuw
2024-08-04 12:34:14 +0000 UTCSo Chapter 168 was completed April 30. In the last 90 days, we’ve gotten Chapter 169 completed and NINE PLACEHOLDERS!!! Admittedly, we’ve gotten a partial beginning to 170, but it barely answered any “what next?” questions… I’m hoping the other 3/4 of this chapter at least sets the stage for The future of Kythshara, reviving Fae, Acquiring the 25+ Galkyran fleets and their crews, acquiring the hyper warp gate, activating the Star Forge… Making a white metal Invictus Dreadnought ;-) And then of course there are all the loose ends left in limbo before the battle. Phenomenal world building, amazing character development
EroticPoetic
2024-08-04 05:18:28 +0000 UTCThat's not much of a twist though, it's standard fare at this rate
Korzic
2024-08-03 17:35:16 +0000 UTCTeller, here is something that might interest you: https://nomadcapitalist.com/global-citizen/freedom/top-countries-for-medical-tourism/
Stephen Conrad
2024-08-03 15:28:43 +0000 UTCAt this point the biggest twist would be him actually writing multiple chapters and not doing placeholders. Instead the twist will more likely be that he doesn’t even finish one chapter and gives 3 placeholders as a surprise
Ben
2024-08-03 05:37:43 +0000 UTCNo complaints from me. Keep up the writing. I've been paying for years and will keep paying.
G E
2024-08-03 02:21:49 +0000 UTCHe’s a hunchback you know.
Jeff Combes
2024-08-03 01:51:32 +0000 UTCCan I borrow $20 from each of ya till my brother straightens out?
Jeff Combes
2024-08-03 01:51:08 +0000 UTCWell, with almost $64000.00 outstanding in chapters still to complete and publish, we’re waiting!
Jeff Combes
2024-08-03 01:50:15 +0000 UTCYes my comment wasn’t meant to be mocking you in the slightest. I hope tefler listens to a truly heartfelt plea and stops it. If he did in response we would fund you in thanks. But I’m sadly resigned to the fact that he won’t and doesn’t care. He’s dug himself a hole. He’s poorly managed his output and money needs, alienated loyal fans, lied repeatedly, and has no way to break the spiral. He will keep losing patrons or having more limit their payments, do even more placeholders to get more from those that didn’t, and still have no real way to write more.
Ben
2024-08-03 00:47:17 +0000 UTC@Jammus1, Honestly it's been said ad nauseum and the reality is tef's tonedeaf to it. I don't think Ben or I were really mocking you so much as taking in the irony and humor of the blatantly obvious per historical trends. I support you stating the obvious but I give it a 0% chance of making a difference... that being said, if you were somehow the one voice to ring through amongst the many many others, I would friggen endorse your patreon even if you promised to do nothing and kept to it.
Evilebob
2024-08-02 23:44:40 +0000 UTCI don’t know. Sometimes it feels like the obvious needs to be said out loud. I don’t understand the patrons who are mocking me for questioning this placeholder thing. It was wrong when it was just one and now we’re on 9. Some seem to think that they just have to be patient and it will all work out. I think it’s already too late. I think this is all about to come crashing down. I think we’re all going to be out our money AND the rest of a story we want more of, and Tef will end up banned or worse.
Jammus1
2024-08-02 17:46:55 +0000 UTCOh my, he warns us that he has a few 'Tef Twists' planned for the story, ... fun times ahead, ... ;-) ttfn
Michael56Smith
2024-08-02 12:52:48 +0000 UTCFrom the desk of not Tef: Dear Tyler, Your words paint a vivid picture, and I must say, I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment. It seems the real adventure isn't found in the pages of my book but in the epic journey you could embark upon. Flying across the globe, performing surgery, and returning—all in less time and for less money than I've conjured from these enigmatic placeholders? Now that's a story worthy of its own series! Imagine the tale: "Tyler's Surgical Sojourn"—a gripping narrative of a modern hero who, fueled by frustration, sets off on a quest to challenge the elusive Placeholder King in his lair. Armed with surgical tools and a budget airline ticket, you conquer the barriers of time and finance, proving that real action speaks louder than promises. Meanwhile, here I am, the Placeholder Phoenix, rising from the ashes of unwritten chapters, collecting coins from the ether. It's an art form in itself, really—a masterclass in creative stalling and revenue generation. Your journey would be a testament to the absurdity of my placeholders, a reminder that sometimes the most remarkable stories aren't penned by the writer but lived by the reader. I can only tip my hat to your initiative and offer my sincerest encouragement for such an undertaking. May your travels be swift and your budget unbroken, Not Tef
Evilebob
2024-08-02 04:21:03 +0000 UTCFrom the desk of not Tef: Dear Jeff, Ah, Jeff, your laughter rings through the halls of creativity, a reminder of the road not taken. Had I stayed the course and woven another chapter or two instead of concocting that vial response to Demonic, we might all be reveling in another installment of Tefler's grand adventure. Yet, here we are, pondering the mysterious art of word alchemy. You see, crafting a chapter is much like brewing a potion. It requires a delicate balance of inspiration, time, and just a dash of chaos. And sometimes, my cauldron spills over, producing responses rather than chapters—an unfortunate side effect of the creative process. As for Demonic, well, his name alone conjures visions of dark forces at play, a fitting foe for any literary alchemist. Crafting a vial response was an unexpected detour, a necessary incantation to quell the tempest of dissatisfaction that loomed. Sometimes the pen is not mightier than the sword, but rather a tool for weaving spells and setting the stage for future revelations. I assure you, the next chapter is simmering in my cauldron, its essence drawn from the very chaos that fuels this endeavor. So, laugh if you must, dear Jeff, for in this dance of shadows and ink, the next chapter is just a spell away. Yours in the art of the unexpected, Not Tef.
Evilebob
2024-08-02 04:14:12 +0000 UTCNot Tef, hahahahaha. Had you stayed the course and written another chapter or two instead of the vial response to Demonic, we would all be enjoying another chapter.
Jeff Combes
2024-08-02 03:17:24 +0000 UTCHe's already been capped at $1 a month for awhile from me. There's nothing he can say at this point. I could fly to where he lives have his surgery and fly back in less time and for less money than he has made on placeholders.
Tyler Derkearmian
2024-08-02 03:13:30 +0000 UTCLove it!
Big Dude
2024-08-01 23:16:07 +0000 UTCNot for me. I personally only want to read TSM written by Tefler.
Unresolved Plots
2024-08-01 22:34:42 +0000 UTCI wonder if he could create a tier that charged a specific monthly amount alongside the production-based tiers here. I need to check and see if that can be done -- both a per post and a monthly subscription in the same account.
Florida Reader
2024-08-01 22:20:47 +0000 UTCBob, you have taken the absurd to a new level of genius.
Florida Reader
2024-08-01 22:18:09 +0000 UTCI would love to see this taken up by guest writers with Tefler's approval.
Florida Reader
2024-08-01 22:04:48 +0000 UTCAnother masterwork, EvileBob. Pure genius.
Florida Reader
2024-08-01 22:03:53 +0000 UTCAlso, by your logic, if you take your car to the shop, pay them, and they give it back still broken and you complain, you are whining. If you go to a restaurant and they mess up your order and you tell them about it, you're whining. In both cases you are paying for something that is not being provided. It is exactly the same thing here. Perhaps it is you who should explore definitions.
Mike Remaly
2024-08-01 21:28:25 +0000 UTCYes and Yes. Also the Outer Rim, Rachel/Calara's parents, the relocated Abandoned, stranded Galkiran's, the rogue Maliri in Brimorian space, the Larathyran's, Celphna, Niskara, Tamolith, Ceraden, The Ashanath, Maliri males, the next Progenitor adversary(s) and perhaps a first glimpse at Xar'aziuth dealing with Gahl'kalgor or maybe John's next opponent! I'm sure there are others I have forgotten, but imo there could be enough material with scenes updating the current status of all of the above to fill a chapter.
Unresolved Plots
2024-08-01 18:59:54 +0000 UTCI'm aware of the definition. It's a supporter of a writer. But if what is being paid for is not being delivered, you are not a client. You are a victim of a scam
Mike Remaly
2024-08-01 18:41:23 +0000 UTCFrom the desk of not Tef: Dear Dominic, Your words cut deep, like the sharp edge of a quill dipped in the ink of frustration. I understand the mounting irritation, the gnawing sense of betrayal as placeholders multiply like shadows at dusk. From two chapters behind to nine—an abyss that swallows expectations and leaves only the echo of anticipation. This is not just a lapse; it’s a descent into the labyrinthine complexities of creation. Each placeholder stands as a silent sentinel, marking the spaces where ideas are still battling their way from the chaotic void of inspiration to the tangible realm of prose. They are not mere blanks; they are the scars of a writer wrestling with his own muse, a testament to the war between ambition and reality. Imagine, if you will, a world where the act of creation is not linear but a twisting, turning journey through a maze where each corner reveals both hope and despair. The chapters you long for are trapped in this intricate web, struggling to emerge whole. Partial chapters and placeholders are the breadcrumbs left behind, hinting at the feast to come, yet leaving you hungry and unsatisfied. The allure of more frequent updates, the tantalizing interaction, the bonus content from other creators—all these temptations weigh heavily on my conscience. Yet, this is the path I have chosen: a darker, more treacherous road where every step is fraught with peril. Collaborations and guest author side stories? They are the flickering torches that might light the way, the remnants of past alliances. They hold potential, but also risk diluting the essence of the journey you embarked on with me. Yes, other writers may deliver with clockwork precision, their output steady and reliable. But where is the mystery, the unpredictable dance of creation that keeps you teetering on the edge? My chapters, larger and more complex, are born from the storm of chaos, emerging not on a timetable, but as survivors of an epic battle between order and entropy. Your threat to withdraw patronage, to reduce support to a mere dollar per chapter, is a dagger poised at the heart of this endeavor. I do not blame you. It is a rational response to an irrational process. But know this: every chapter I deliver is a piece of my soul, painstakingly stitched together from the tatters of inspiration and the wreckage of time. If you choose to take a break, to return at year's end hoping for a Christmas miracle, I will not hold it against you. Perhaps the hiatus will serve as a crucible, refining your expectations and rekindling the spark of our shared journey. But if you stay, if you endure this dark passage with me, the reward will be chapters that resonate with the depth of a story hard-won, not merely written. So here we stand, on the precipice of promise and potential. The choice is yours, Dominic. Will you walk away, or will you embrace the mystery, the darkness, and the raw, unpolished beauty of a tale still being forged? With somber resolve, Not Tef
Evilebob
2024-08-01 17:31:32 +0000 UTCSo we’re just going to ignore how we went from being 2 chapters behind at 168 to now being owed NINE CHAPTERS? In placeholders? It’s not possible to catch up by delivering partial chapters and then placing MULTIPLE placeholders. You’re going to deplete your fan base!! I’m going to have to drop my patronage to $1/chapter capped at 1 capes per month, considering it’s been MONTHS since Tefler did that PHENOMENAL multi-chapter drop. Or maybe I’ll stop torturing myself and take a break until the end of the year and hope I’ll get a few chapters for Christmas. Admittedly, Tefler’s chapters are significantly larger and more complex than other writers who charge more, but they consistently produce chapters weekly or bi-weekly, or at least monthly… with interaction and bonuses like artwork, polls, newsletters and updates. Instead of placeholders, post some collaborations or guest author side stories like you did in the past. At least we get something for our patronage, instead of more empty promises that insult our intelligence. 😒
EroticPoetic
2024-08-01 16:59:31 +0000 UTCWhat the fuck kind of new mental illness is this?
Akshay Anand
2024-08-01 16:39:35 +0000 UTCWe know that he is not going to be able to cover up. But he does need the money. I don't see the point in whining. If it is such a pain for you stop being a Patron. You might look up the meaning in a dictionary sometime.
anand srivastava
2024-08-01 16:39:05 +0000 UTCBen wins this thread... That had me in tears, and I couldn't even come up with something to add.
Evilebob
2024-08-01 16:38:15 +0000 UTCFrom the desk of not Tef: Dear Akshay, I appreciate your candid feedback about the placeholders. Charging for eight placeholders ahead certainly seems ambitious, and I understand how it might feel a bit like watching a magic show where the magician keeps promising the rabbit will appear any moment now. Placeholders have become somewhat of a paradoxical phenomenon in the writing world. On one hand, they represent empty space; on the other, they are filled with boundless potential. It’s a curious concept—much like ordering an exquisite meal only to find that the chef has creatively plated an air sandwich. The intrigue lies in the promise of something spectacular just around the corner. While it might appear deceptive, I assure you there's a certain method to this madness. You see, placeholders are not merely gaps; they are an exercise in patience and imagination. They invite you to embark on a mental adventure, where the journey is as enriching as the destination itself. These placeholders are, in fact, tickets to the unknown—a subtle invitation for readers to invest not only in the story but in the unfolding of creative mystery. Much like attending a concert where the encore is the main event, the thrill is often in the wait. Of course, your support is what truly turns these placeholders from mere blanks into milestones of anticipation. It's a unique collaboration where the reader and writer dance together in a waltz of imagination. Rest assured, I am hard at work behind the scenes, crafting chapters that will soon fill those placeholders with content worthy of your patience and support. Until then, thank you for believing in the magic of possibility. Best regards, Not Tef
Evilebob
2024-08-01 16:36:35 +0000 UTCThis has been my perspective for ages, I'm buying a book not donating money to the needy
Dallas Bell
2024-08-01 16:33:21 +0000 UTCFrom the desk of Not Tef Dear Kensyi, I understand your frustration with the placeholders and the delayed chapters. It's a peculiar situation, to say the least, and I appreciate your patience as we navigate this literary labyrinth together. Placeholders, as it turns out, have become an unexpected cornerstone of my writing process. These empty promises have a certain charm, a mystique that seems to captivate. They are like rare collectibles—intriguing in their potential and surprisingly valuable. It's a bit like selling the promise of rain in a drought; the anticipation is often more thrilling than the event itself. There’s something almost magical about the illusion of progress. Each placeholder is a beacon of hope, a tantalizing hint of what’s to come. They whisper, “Stay tuned, the best is yet to come,” creating a sense of suspense that keeps everyone on their toes. It’s an art form in itself, transforming the mundane into something that feels momentous. I've come to see placeholders as a kind of abstract art—Monetized Minimalism. They invite readers to use their imagination, to fill in the blanks with their own creativity. It’s a collaboration of sorts, where the empty spaces are just as important as the filled ones. And, interestingly enough, this has proven to be quite a sustainable model. Thank you for being part of this journey, for seeing the value in what is and what might be. Your support turns these placeholders from mere gaps into milestones. I’m working diligently to convert these promises into tangible chapters, and I appreciate your understanding as I do. Best regards, Not Tef
Evilebob
2024-08-01 16:23:43 +0000 UTC-- do you mean like Charles and Lynette getting the happy news on the conclusion of the battle of the Galkiran Invasion? or maybe a spotlight on Tom Walker and a possible jail-break, .... or start a new thread? uh oh! ... ;-) ttfn
Michael56Smith
2024-08-01 16:16:43 +0000 UTCGreat news Tefler. How about another chapter mainly focusing on secondary characters and other parts of space like you did with Chapter 107?
Unresolved Plots
2024-08-01 15:42:17 +0000 UTCHope you get the care you need and soon! Best wishes for health and stability!
Rhys
2024-08-01 13:10:09 +0000 UTCI hope your health allows you to hold to your proposed plan to pick up the pace of writing, Tefler.
Jedi Khan
2024-08-01 12:50:49 +0000 UTCOh fuck all the way off you self-righteous prick. Asking to actually receive what we have paid for is not whining. And I'm not even asking to receive EVERYTHING I already paid for. Stop using the same tired excuses to fall even further behind. If you are posting less than 1 a month but you are charging for 2 you will never catch up
Mike Remaly
2024-08-01 12:43:58 +0000 UTCmany chapters ago I predicted a berserker rage from the Thralls when they loose their master, what happened it much worse!
Myrnalin
2024-08-01 09:03:06 +0000 UTCIt's closer to 9 mate. A token effort on 170 and another 8 after that.
Korzic
2024-08-01 08:34:11 +0000 UTCIt might be better to move to charging 2 USD per month rather than having place holders. It will get rid of all the whiners. I don't think there are many of them.
anand srivastava
2024-08-01 08:03:04 +0000 UTCIf this works we are all going to be asking why no one said this before 🥹
Ben
2024-08-01 06:00:36 +0000 UTC🤣
RobDubya
2024-08-01 05:38:37 +0000 UTCTef- I strongly suggest you take back this placeholder and refrain from doing any more.
Jammus1
2024-08-01 05:05:45 +0000 UTCIt was already pretty bad to be charging 6 placeholders ahead but now it's 8, this is quite absurd. Feels really deceptive.
Akshay Anand
2024-08-01 04:55:09 +0000 UTCThis is great looking forward to much more and hopefully bringing back the much loved Faye
Tammy Hoffman
2024-08-01 04:52:30 +0000 UTCThis is really getting irritating, 9 chapters behind and two placeholders a month for a half chapter. This is getting absurd.
Kensyi
2024-08-01 04:43:11 +0000 UTCI would like to extend an official congratulations to this month's prediction winner (stephen mincher) who most accurately predicted the exact quantity of product and any adjunct excuses for more placeholders. Thank you all who participated in this last round and stay tuned for the next round to begin later this month. Until next time, happy placeholder prediction games and may the odds be ever in your favor.
Evilebob
2024-08-01 04:35:46 +0000 UTCI do believe he cares enough for him to be uncomfortable. That’s why he didn’t do placeholders for several months. I just think his financial situation isn’t in a good place that he can avoid “not doing it”.
DemonHunterCole
2024-08-01 04:31:50 +0000 UTCCan you setup a second account on a different site other than Patreon where you charge $2-5 per month regardless of the number of chapters? I am happy to pay $2-4 per month, but with all the placeholders, that means you are robbing yourself of future payments. With the second income, you shouldn't need to use any placeholders and you'd still have a reliable income.
Tefler fan
2024-08-01 04:27:48 +0000 UTCI wish I shared your optimism that he cared enough for this to make him uncomfortable. I hope he does but his actions make that hard for me to believe.
Ben
2024-08-01 04:26:37 +0000 UTCI hope that your health issues get resolved soon and that you’re able to start catching up. Being 8+ chapters behind what you’ve charged your patrons for is probably not the most comfortable place to be, and I wish you all the best.
Evan
2024-08-01 04:23:45 +0000 UTCHopefully your writing can keep pace with the creation of new placeholders.
Joel Wyrick
2024-08-01 04:20:33 +0000 UTC9
Amathew2
2024-08-01 04:11:42 +0000 UTCIt’s fine. The non battle scenes will be faster so he will totally catch up. Ignore that when this started he said the battle scenes would be faster so he’d catch up during the battles. In reality none of it will be faster. He’s not capable of having the output that he needs to keep his lifestyle. Especially with so many cancelling or putting a $1 per month cap.
Ben
2024-08-01 04:11:07 +0000 UTCNo. Absolutely not. This is definitely a report to Patreon. You are now 7.75 chapters behind. This equates to $56,424.34 that you have essentially stolen from us. This is absolutely ridiculous. I know the apologists will say I'm making a big deal about next to nothing a month. But you are still owing chapters from 5 months ago. STOP CHARGING FOR SERVICES YOU ARE NOT PROVIDING!!!! I will be asking Patreon for a full refund. I understand health issues and was willing to support you through them. But you have recharged more than some people MAKE in a year just in the last few months.
Mike Remaly
2024-08-01 04:07:28 +0000 UTCAt Tefler’s best, he was regularly writing 3-4 chapters a month. But this was before his second child was born. Hopefully after his gall stone issues are resolved, both children will be old enough and in day care that Tefler will be able to catch up in no time.
DemonHunterCole
2024-08-01 04:07:20 +0000 UTCTefler, love you, but if you're gonna do 2 place holders a month, you NEED to do at least two chapters a month. You're digging yourself a hole you won't get out of at this rate.
ShadowOfValor
2024-08-01 04:03:19 +0000 UTCCharging 8 chapters ahead isn’t on .
Si
2024-08-01 04:02:30 +0000 UTCPlease explain how you can justify two placeholders a month?
Hendrix Morton
2024-08-01 04:01:07 +0000 UTCCan't wait!
Evan jones
2024-08-01 04:00:25 +0000 UTC
