Part 4

[HowLongIsTooLong]

He shivered and shook.

'What in the fuck am I doing...' You think too much, just let it come... 'I don't want to do this!' Who does, then?

Address and address. Sewer and sewer, house and house, buffet and buffet. Abuse and abuse. He let the words come unbidden this time, freed of the numbing focus of intention. They flowed with ease now, never so smooth and unhindered. Something else guided him now, taking away his doubts, his fears, his hesitation... taking away his self, filling the now empty vessel with a foreign intent.

He was sick, sicker than he had ever been; this was far beyond simple lack of opiates, this was terminal. He knew it. He knew he had brought this on himself to potentiate the effects of this last dose, this last overdose, so as to enable him to see. See through the Stereopticon; look into its depth and understand.

The Stereopticon was similar to a stereogram. A stereogram was two slightly offset views of the same image, broken into its grainy constituents and overlapped back into one picture, obliterating any visual meaning upon a casual glance... but, when the eyes were aligned as though focusing beyond the surface of the image, the two elements coalesced into one complete, revelatory sign, in all three glorious dimensions.

What happened if, however, the focal angle required to resolve the combined image was greater than the focal angle of the human eye? What could you do if the angle required would rip the rectus and oblique muscles, thereby blinding you to the image? What if the angle was beyond the 160 degree limit?

Would he see all four dimensions reduced to a three dimensional representation?

Or would his mind simply snap instead of the muscles of his eye?

And if he did see it... what would it be?

He knew that he had to release his eye muscles... he knew that he had to allow his eyes to roll loosely, the muscle tone reduced to that of jelly... His eyes must cross like they had never crossed before, and he knew of only one way to do it. Massive overdose.

He knew this was the way because of an experience he had when he was a child, having taken quadruple his dose of codeine painkillers. He lay in bed, a half hour after swallowing the four pills, and dreamed in more vivid a manner than ever before. His eyes showed him two different aspects of his room, impossible aspects, the walls and floor and ceiling skewed and bent far out of true as his mind struggled to absorb the visualization of the fourth dimension... Time slowed until it stilled, and he lay paralyzed. Fully conscious, he fought to move his arms, his legs, anything; but he could not. His eyes slowed their mad rolling and he tried to lock them on his ceiling... it was no good, he could properly focus on nothing. One superhuman effort seemed to produce a movement in his arm. He threw his entire being into the effort, and started to move... started to sit up, feeling as though he moved through honey or thick gel... he finally sat on the edge of his bed, hyperventilating and sweating. He stood, moving easily, and walked across his room toward the kitchen. As he left his room, he turned toward his bed and saw himself upon it, eyes wide and face slick with sweat.

Two perspectives. One intent. This was the key to the Stereopticon.

One word, two meanings... this was the other half. The offset. Four elements, classical in its symmetry... He was so close to a revelation, and yet so far... He was sure the linchpin was in the parchment.

Two syringes, one massive overdose. One shot per eye, a vile admixture of heroin, meperidine, diazepam, and saltpeter... he could only hope that he survived the experiment. The stakes were too high! He had to have the answer... it had been kept from him too long.

A tiny voice dissented... 'the answer to what?! Who kept what from you? You don't even know the question... you are going crazy, you are killing yourself, you are giving your life for a reason that exists only inside of your head... there is still time... give it up...'

Never.

He made his way to the site of the experiment.

[jdub]

This is good shit dude. Seriously.

[ein0606]

i hope you have the rest for when i get home from work, this is great reading

[I-Nod]

Let me know when the paperback comes out, H LITL! :)

[savethedogs]

Can you please start posting all of these "stories" under one thread? It's getting to the point where these "stories" are becoming spam.

Not all of us enjoy reading these, to me they seem pretentious and overbearing.

The first one was OK, but now this whole thing is getting old. I actually caught myself cringing when I was reading through this.

I do expect to be bashed by the small group of "fans" that routinely post praise on every single thing you post. But honestly, I think I speak for the silent majority.

There is nothing wrong with posting this kind of thing, but when it gets to the point where every other thread I click in the 'Heroin' section is one of these "stories", there is a problem.

[HowLongIsTooLong]

Sorry, man.

I was waiting for someone to bash me for this. You are probably right, you are speaking for the 'silent majority'... Let's hear it from the rest of you guys, I can take it. I want to hear the other side. Don't pull any punches, you know?

I guess I just got a little too encouraged by the few folks that liked this crap. (what the hell were they thinking anyway?!) Went to my head, you know?

I suppose I will just PM the rest of the "story" to whoever wants it... just PM me and I will send it when it is done; I don't know when that will be, tho. Also, I guess these spams should be buried in some other forum, so the mods should move them...?

I guess I went too far. Nothing new for me, as you all could well imagine. Who am I to think, right?

Kudos to you for standing up for yourself and the silent majority.

At least one or two people liked it... but, man, they sure aren't critics, huh?!

[I-Nod]

I agree with ^^^ this dude! Except, I think you should post them all in the same thread so I can read them in chronological order. And so I can print them out in their entirety and put them on the alter I made for you. Also, laminate them so the incenses don't burn them as easily when I start thrashing about, and knocking shit over, in wild glee upon finishing "the Oracles" (aka: your writings.)

I'm just fukken around. I do agree w/ STD though... in the sense that I'd rather be able to reference them in one place only.

Where's Diluted at too? He writes some great shit also!! :)

(Again, I was just messin' around. My intentions aren't to piss anyone off... just give a few pokes to the ribs and a titty twister every now and then :D )

[jdub]

^^ I hate titty twisters.

D, can you PM me the stories. I like 'em

[Crow]

Sorry, man.

I was waiting for someone to bash me for this. You are probably right, you are speaking for the 'silent majority'... Let's hear it from the rest of you guys, I can take it. I want to hear the other side. Don't pull any punches, you know?

I guess I just got a little too encouraged by the few folks that liked this crap. (what the hell were they thinking anyway?!) Went to my head, you know?

I suppose I will just PM the rest of the "story" to whoever wants it... just PM me and I will send it when it is done; I don't know when that will be, tho. Also, I guess these spams should be buried in some other forum, so the mods should move them...?

I guess I went too far. Nothing new for me, as you all could well imagine. Who am I to think, right?

Kudos to you for standing up for yourself and the silent majority.

At least one or two people liked it... but, man, they sure aren't critics, huh?!

Don't let him get you down D, your posts and spam have nothing the least bit in common. Please please please post the rest, or atleast PM it to me, ignore the naysaying....one bad apple shouldn't ruin it for the rest of the class, right? I have a reason the silent majority he is refferring to is so silent is because it DOES NOT EXIST. Hahahaha. Sorry STD, I know everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and I respect that, but I feel like you were a little harsh on one of our cherished creative members. If you do not want to read it, then is it really all that hard not to click on it? He made his posts distinguishable enough to be able to tell what was coming. Just my thoughts....

[upstate_007]

Fuck it D. Keep em coming.

A bad review/reaction every once in a while is still a reaction. Ambivalence is far worse.

PM me them if you must. I am keeping them saved in a word file anyway.

Like you mentioned before... we need a record of these events.

[savethedogs]

Sorry, man.

I was waiting for someone to bash me for this. You are probably right, you are speaking for the 'silent majority'... Let's hear it from the rest of you guys, I can take it. I want to hear the other side. Don't pull any punches, you know?

I guess I just got a little too encouraged by the few folks that liked this crap. (what the hell were they thinking anyway?!) Went to my head, you know?

I suppose I will just PM the rest of the "story" to whoever wants it... just PM me and I will send it when it is done; I don't know when that will be, tho. Also, I guess these spams should be buried in some other forum, so the mods should move them...?

I guess I went too far. Nothing new for me, as you all could well imagine. Who am I to think, right?

Kudos to you for standing up for yourself and the silent majority.

At least one or two people liked it... but, man, they sure aren't critics, huh?!

Exactly the kind of response I expected. Instead of attempting to understand my point of view, you respond with your usual pretentious holier-than-thou rhetoric. Why didn't you just say what you're obviously thinking instead of posting such a sarcastic and condescending reply?

"My stories are gold and I am the only person whose opinion is valid (well, my fans' opinions count, too!). I don't give a crap if I'm filling up an entire section with off-topic threads. If you people don't like it, suck my golden cock! My spam is GOLD. Come on silent majority, bash me! Bring it! I won't go down without a fight!"

I did not intend to offend anybody. I may have come across as harsh to you and some of your fanboys, but that is only because you focused on the fact that I don't happen to think your writing is GOLD. I just wanted you to consider putting your posts under one thread. But I will assume you're too proud to take advice from somebody who doesn't lavish you with compliments every time you post something.

[I-Nod]

Saul Good.

Perhaps if HLITL posted them in the "Music & Arts" sub-forum, then everybody (except Floating) will be happy? It's a form of art... and anyone who doesn't particularly like them can avoid them (or print them off and laminate it...) easily enough. :)

Just a thought, and of course I was previously just kidding with ya, savethedogs. Thought I might try to squeeze a smile outta ya.

[edhorfin]

Looks like somebody should have a blog. Easy enough to do. Exercise your creativity and if you want to share with us, just post the first line or 2, and then direct anyone interested to the link for your blog. I don't mind your creative writing, it's not bad. I'm not sure this is the right arena, though.
Ed

[rizzo]

Exactly the kind of response I expected. Instead of attempting to understand my point of view, you respond with your usual pretentious holier-than-thou rhetoric. Why didn't you just say what you're obviously thinking instead of posting such a sarcastic and condescending reply?

"My stories are gold and I am the only person whose opinion is valid (well, my fans' opinions count, too!). I don't give a crap if I'm filling up an entire section with off-topic threads. If you people don't like it, suck my golden cock! My spam is GOLD. Come on silent majority, bash me! Bring it! I won't go down without a fight!"

I did not intend to offend anybody. I may have come across as harsh to you and some of your fanboys, but that is only because you focused on the fact that I don't happen to think your writing is GOLD. I just wanted you to consider putting your posts under one thread. But I will assume you're too proud to take advice from somebody who doesn't lavish you with compliments every time you post something.
i can already tell your not going to be here long,howlong keep um comin.even elvis the king of rock had people not like him.brush it off.

[ein0606]

Exactly the kind of response I expected. Instead of attempting to understand my point of view, you respond with your usual pretentious holier-than-thou rhetoric. Why didn't you just say what you're obviously thinking instead of posting such a sarcastic and condescending reply?

"My stories are gold and I am the only person whose opinion is valid (well, my fans' opinions count, too!). I don't give a crap if I'm filling up an entire section with off-topic threads. If you people don't like it, suck my golden cock! My spam is GOLD. Come on silent majority, bash me! Bring it! I won't go down without a fight!"

I did not intend to offend anybody. I may have come across as harsh to you and some of your fanboys, but that is only because you focused on the fact that I don't happen to think your writing is GOLD. I just wanted you to consider putting your posts under one thread. But I will assume you're too proud to take advice from somebody who doesn't lavish you with compliments every time you post something.

i think you are way off and are being very rude. i think he was being sincere it his response to you. he wanted to hear the rest of the 'silent majority' maybe for some consructive critism, afterall he is a writer. what the fuck

[StealSmoke]

I think you guys rae getting way too defensive,all this guy did is give his opinion, not everyone has to give total compliments, if someone feels these stories are out of place, and this is how they feel, then let them speak their opinion.

I happen to not care so much for writing and such, unless it's religious, soi personally can't judge this story because I have nothing to compare it to in terms of quality. but if someone feels that narrations shouldnt be written in heroin discussion, let htem say that, and disagree if you want to, but give some kind of REASON for why you think he's wrong or rude. explain why you think these stories do belong in the heroin section, then he can have nothing o say even if he wanted to on the subject again without looking obviously stupid.

[ein0606]

I think you guys rae getting way too defensive,all this guy did is give his opinion, not everyone has to give total compliments, if someone feels these stories are out of place, and this is how they feel, then let them speak their opinion.

I happen to not care so much for writing and such, unless it's religious, soi personally can't judge this story because I have nothing to compare it to in terms of quality. but if someone feels that narrations shouldnt be written in heroin discussion, let htem say that, and disagree if you want to, but give some kind of REASON for why you think he's wrong or rude. explain why you think these stories do belong in the heroin section, then he can have nothing o say even if he wanted to on the subject again without looking obviously stupid.


i agree with you that she/he had the right to say what they said. but what i was responding to was the second post calling him a condescending dick and all that. i felt that was WAY OFF base and so i threw in my opinion, that he was being honest.

[RobOC]

HLITL- I like it, I agree that them all being on one thread is good idea though, simply to be read in order. Some people don't like opiates, so not everything is liked by everyone.

To STD, just don't read it bro. Fuck, you had a choice on how to voice your opinion and chose to be a dick about it. Why? When you simply could of not clicked the thread. I just think it could of been done with a little more respect.

[StealSmoke]

yeah I noticed that too, but in his defense the topic started did reply and was pretty disrespectful himself just by acting so offensively sarcastic.

he did reply too harshly though, and should have just gotten smart right backi in the same kind of sense that the TS was.

both of them should reach soem knd of mutual understanding, and that would only happen is if either these stories actually were/are out of place in the heroin section, or they are in place inthe heroin section.

[OxyContagious]

I thought it was alright.. definitely not a waste of time.. STD (haha) is just jealous.

[candyshop]

this series has been great fun to read,seems like many people are enjoying them-

as far as where they belong-thats up to the mods-

i fail to see how stories about opiates could be off topic-

so many of our great ( and lesser) writers have been opiate enthusiasts and addicts,it is fitting to see that facet of junky life represented here-

i would love to see more

[savethedogs]

i agree with you that she/he had the right to say what they said. but what i was responding to was the second post calling him a condescending dick and all that. i felt that was WAY OFF base and so i threw in my opinion, that he was being honest.

First, I didn't call anybody a "dick." Please don't try to distort the meaning of what I said by throwing in vulgarities.

Secondly, in my original message I was not being harsh or "mean" or anything of the sort. I simply stated that it would be better to put all of these stories in one thread because they were starting to seem like "spam" to those of us who do not care to read the stories. I thought the first story was good and a welcome refreshment from the usual flood of mediocre threads, but nevertheless, there does come a point where things become excessive. What makes opiophile nice is the variety of subject, I don't want to see nothing but these stories when I click on the 'Heroin' section. After a while, it felt like these stories were being impinged upon me, a la shoved down my throat.

I know I'm not the only person who feels this way. If I didn't say something, somebody else would have. A few of you can't accept the fact that not EVERYBODY shares your point of view and likes his work. Not liking his work doesn't make my point of view any less valid than yours... so, please stop posting such immature things, such as i can already tell your not going to be here long,howlong keep um comin.even elvis the king of rock had people not like him.brush it off.

Even if I am technically wrong and my point of view is a "minority" here, the author should at least have enough respect for every member to nip things at the bud and put it all in one thread instead of replying in a defensive and arrogant manner as though my comment was a heinous attack on his character. i think you are way off and are being very rude. i think he was being sincere it his response to you. he wanted to hear the rest of the 'silent majority' maybe for some consructive critism, afterall he is a writer. what the fuck

Valid point, but I have been the only person yet to give him any constructive criticism, and he got totally defensive and called out the "silent majority" so he could prove me wrong -- that EVERYBODY likes his work and my opinion is false. A real writer would not have been so insecure and defensive. I guess we're all "writers" here, though... it's just a matter of figuring out who is telling the stories.

[SpecialGuy69]

Can you please start posting all of these "stories" under one thread? It's getting to the point where these "stories" are becoming spam.

Not all of us enjoy reading these, to me they seem pretentious and overbearing.

The first one was OK, but now this whole thing is getting old. I actually caught myself cringing when I was reading through this.

I do expect to be bashed by the small group of "fans" that routinely post praise on every single thing you post. But honestly, I think I speak for the silent majority.

There is nothing wrong with posting this kind of thing, but when it gets to the point where every other thread I click in the 'Heroin' section is one of these "stories", there is a problem.

Exactly the kind of response I expected. Instead of attempting to understand my point of view, you respond with your usual pretentious holier-than-thou rhetoric. Why didn't you just say what you're obviously thinking instead of posting such a sarcastic and condescending reply?

"My stories are gold and I am the only person whose opinion is valid (well, my fans' opinions count, too!). I don't give a crap if I'm filling up an entire section with off-topic threads. If you people don't like it, suck my golden cock! My spam is GOLD. Come on silent majority, bash me! Bring it! I won't go down without a fight!"

I did not intend to offend anybody. I may have come across as harsh to you and some of your fanboys, but that is only because you focused on the fact that I don't happen to think your writing is GOLD. I just wanted you to consider putting your posts under one thread. But I will assume you're too proud to take advice from somebody who doesn't lavish you with compliments every time you post something.You are being totally rude.

If you dont like it, dont click on the thread. Nobody is forcing you to read it.

And HLITL's response was no more sarcastic and condescending than your original comment. Seriously- if you don't like the guy or his writing, fine. If you hate him, start a "fuck hlitl" thread in the flamer forum. But you dont have to start calling names and all that in this thread.

There is a way to criticize someone's work without being rude and insulting- try explaining WHY you don't like it. If its worth the time for you to post it, its worth the time to do it right and to be polite about it.



HLITL- I hope you dont stop because this guy doesn't like your stuff.

[ein0606]

. If you people don't like it, suck my golden cock! My spam is GOLD. Come on silent majority, bash me! Bring it! I won't go down without a fight!".

my quote (to be fair):



i agree with you that she/he had the right to say what they said. but what i was responding to was the second post calling him a condescending dick and all that. i felt that was WAY OFF base and so i threw in my opinion, that he was being honest.


First, I didn't call anybody a "dick." Please don't try to distort the meaning of what I said by throwing in vulgarities.

im sorry you didnt call him a ''dick'' just condescending. but i do think ''suck my golden cock'' fits under the category of ''vulgarities.''

and why is gold bold in your post 2 times?

[Princess]

I totally enjoy the stories. Its a nice change of pace. Well written and very interesting.

And I agree, if you don't like the writings, don't open the thread and read it.

[HowLongIsTooLong]

Alright, I think the verdict is in...

Part 5 coming soon... I think it will be a total of six parts and then... (horrors)...

I think I am gonna write another one!!!

BUT, if there is some massive backlash, I will put it in the music and arts forum.

Seems like the 'silent majority' is still curiously silent...

Many thanks to everyone... it's heartening to receive such unequivocal support from so many people... and I consider most folks here to be pretty intelligent so your opinions matter...

And I would have taken STD's (heh!) comments more seriously had he been less... assholian. Anyway,

Take it easy, guys

D

[ZodiacKiller]

Uh, hey, STD (appropriate initials, IMO), aka Captain 32 Posts. Please refer to Opiophile Golden Rule #5:

And as it is in the rules in red letters, I shall do the same:

Don't be An Asshole

I, and apparently I'm not alone here, feel that you just might be in violation of said rule. Mods can have the final word here. I do feel you were pretty harsh to a guy who gives constant, good advice to others, and maybe was just pouring his heart out a bit. I certainly hope you don't post in any of my threads---it might make me wanna go off myself. j/k, but you get the drift. Why be such a dick?



ZK

[underide]

SaveTheDogs = Lunchbox, anyone???

comon, even the name - 'savethedogs' is a dead giveaway

STD: there is nothing wrong with 'voicing your opinions', just don't expect everyone agree with YOURS too

[HowLongIsTooLong]

There is nothing wrong with posting this kind of thing, but when it gets to the point where every other thread I click in the 'Heroin' section is one of these "stories", there is a problem.

Man I just caught this...

Does anyone else think it's just a little fucken presumptuous for someone with 32 lousy cockhandling posts to be telling anyone at all what is "ok" to post?!

Or to label anyone's non-offensive post or posts as a shitsmearing "problem"?!

Christ. Presumptuous.

D

[savethedogs]

Well, this is exactly what I thought would happen.

God forbid something gets posted that YOU don't like.

I mean, come on, are we still in pre-school here? I'm getting called an ass-hole because I stated my opinion of this guy's writing? This is pathetic.

Sorry if I totally shattered your ego, HLITL. If you're this insecure about your work that you can't handle ONE bit of criticism, you shouldn't be writing in the first place. I knew from the start that you'd never consider my suggestion because you post with such a disgustingly arrogant, cocky, and holier-than-thou attitude. God, I say one thing and you start crying like a baby, then the rest of your little fans jump down my throat and start insulting me.

What I said was an OPINION, and if you guys can't accept that, it's pretty sad. Keep pointing your fingers at me, calling me schoolyard names like STD, making comments about my post count. Post count is just a number. It doesn't make what you say any more valid than what I say.

God forbid somebody posts their opinion on opiophile...

[jonny-5]

no youre being called an asshole for the way in which you said it, and prolly for the fact that you dont have a reputation around here. and i might add, the one youre building prolly aint the one you wanna have....
sorry bro, just an observation, not a criticizm. i dont like getting into the middle of petty arguments that i wasnt the originator of, but i think the silent majority is not so silent anymore, and they think that your second response was a little assholish...

[SpecialGuy69]

Well, this is exactly what I thought would happen.

God forbid something gets posted that YOU don't like.

I mean, come on, are we still in pre-school here? I'm getting called an ass-hole because I stated my opinion of this guy's writing? This is pathetic.

Sorry if I totally shattered your ego, HLITL. If you're this insecure about your work that you can't handle ONE bit of criticism, you shouldn't be writing in the first place. I knew from the start that you'd never consider my suggestion because you post with such a disgustingly arrogant, cocky, and holier-than-thou attitude. God, I say one thing and you start crying like a baby, then the rest of your little fans jump down my throat and start insulting me.

What I said was an OPINION, and if you guys can't accept that, it's pretty sad. Keep pointing your fingers at me, calling me schoolyard names like STD, making comments about my post count. Post count is just a number. It doesn't make what you say any more valid than what I say.

God forbid somebody posts their opinion on opiophile...you are being called an asshole because.....

you ARE an asshole.

You are an abrasive, arrogant, rude, presumptuous dick, and nobody gives a fuck what you think, so shut the fuck up.

[savethedogs]

you are being called an asshole because.....

you ARE an asshole.

You are an abrasive, arrogant, rude, presumptuous dick, and nobody gives a fuck what you think, so shut the fuck up.

If nobody gives a fuck what I think then why all the commotion?

[SpecialGuy69]

If nobody gives a fuck what I think then why all the commotion?because you are being a dick for no good reason. HLITL made a really great effort to contribute something to the site (and I think its a great contribution) and you just dismiss it with some vague criticism.

What have YOU ever contributed to the site?