lycorogue

[lycorogue]

[ID:

Screenshot of a line from the June 25 entry of Dracula.

It simply reads:

Let me not think of it. Action!

/end ID]

Big Himbo Energy™️

[lycorogue]

June 25: Wake me up inside (can’t wake up) Wake me up inside.

June 24 June 29

[lycorogue]

I'm the flavor of neurodivergent where I am a stickler for timeline continuity. A particularly strong pet peeve of mine. Nothing pulls me out of the narrative faster than when the timeline isn't mathing properly.

Which brings me to today's Dracula entry. Gets me every year.

June 25th entry:

Last night one of my post-dated letters went to post, the first of that fatal series which is to blot out the very traces of my existence from the earth.

HOWEVER.... according to the May 19th entry:

I therefore pretended to fall in with his views, and asked him what dates I should put on the letters. He calculated a minute, and then said:— "The first should be June 12, the second June 19, and the third June 29." I know now the span of my life. God help me!

So, the letter Dracula had Jonathan post-date as June 12th FINALLY went out the evening of June 24th???? When Dracula wanted the last of those letters to go out on the 29th???

Mr. Bram Stoker, I expected better of you.... You couldn't just go back to the May 19th entry and edit the dates Dracula mentioned so they better fit the final timeline you created?

[lycorogue]

[ID:

A panel from the Dracula manga by Manga Classics. Jonathan is fully hidden under a pile of blankets wrapped tightly around him in the middle of his bed. "Huff Huff Huff" is written by the head of the bed and shiver lines are drawn along the outline of the blanket pile Jonathan is hidden under.

/end ID]

love how the manga interpreted Jonathan's "I threw myself onto the bed" upon returning from seeing the Count in his coffin

[lycorogue]

June 24: Identity theft is not a victimless crime.

June 18 June 25

[lycorogue]

There's something hilarious about how so much subsequent media has positioned Vampires and Werewolves as, like, binary opposite entities, and then you read Dracula (1897) and realize that wolves are that guy's preferred solution to every problem. You'd say something to Dracula about "ah yes, werewolves, vampires' great eternal enemies," and he'd just be like "you mean my subcontractors?"

[lycorogue]

[ID:

Scene from The Devil Wears Prada (2006) between the characters Emily (played by Emily Blunt), Andy Sachs (played by Anne Hathaway), and Serena (played by Gisele Bündchen).

Emily is labeled "Jonathan" Andy is labeled "Dracula" Serena is labeled "Dracula's weed smoking girlfriends"

The first sentence of Andy's dialogue has been edited for the meme.

Emily is on guard as she's eyeing up Andy's outfit. Serena is beside her, also studying Andy, but with more intrigue.

Emily: "Are you wearing the..."

Andy: "The suit you came in? Yeah, I am."

Serena: "You look good."

Emily turns, shocked and disgusted towards Serena. Serena ignores Emily, continuing to look at Andy. Her face is fiercely serious.

/end ID]

[lycorogue]

[ID:

Character Michael "Goob" Yagoobian from Disney's Meet the Robinsons (2007). He's a young child sitting sullenly by an open window. He has deep, dark circles under his eyes and looks stone-faced to camera.

/end ID]

Us: Jonathan! OMG, bestie it's been forever!! Dish!!!

Jonathan:

[lycorogue]

[GIF set description:

Iconic scene from The Princess Bride (1987) between the characters Vizzini (played by Wallace Shawn) and The Dread Pirate Roberts (played by Cary Elwes).

Vizzini, jovially, smiles as he monologues:

"You fell victim to one of the classic blunders! The most famous is never get involved in a land war in Asia! But only slightly less well known is this: Never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line!"

Vizzini gestures to himself as he mentions Sicilians. He then heartily belly-laughs.

Roberts looks on with a sly smirk.

Vizzini, mid-laugh, freezes and topples to his right. Falling out of frame.

Roberts stoically watches Vizzini collapse.

/end description]

[lycorogue]

GOP leaders want to vote this week to pass Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill Act, so call your Senators NOW.

The bill, if passed, would cause widespread harm by making massive cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, gut climate protections and open public land to fossil fuel exploitation, restrict states from regulating AI for the next TEN YEARS, end gender-affirming care under Medicaid & CHIP, increase taxes on those who make less than $157k while giving massive tax cuts to the richest, tax breaks on gun silencers, defund planned parenthood, adds trillions to the national debt and billions to defense spending.

Call now! Spread the word.

[lycorogue]

"Cuomo conceded defeat late Tuesday night and said he called to congratulate Mamdani." As my friend Bernie Sanders says, "They've got the money, but we've got the people." Congrats to @zohrankmamdani.

[lycorogue]

okay now I'm curious and I dunno if this is really such an archaic foreign thing to young people today or if I'm just out of touch

Please reblog, I'd love to see a lot of responses!

[lycorogue]

Beginning of Dracula Daily: Haha what fun, so many memes, paprika, Jonathan is delightfully oblivious to context clues. There is a cowboy, what a lark.

June Dracula Daily: Oh right this is a HORROR novel, and anyone shipping anyone with Dracula in earnest is insane.

[lycorogue]

Oh no! It appears Jonathan has been in a horror story this entire time!

[lycorogue]

For any Romani trying to read along with Dracula, but would like to avoid racial slurs, below is the June 24th entry. I edited out what I learned to be “the z slur”.

Thankfully, it seems to only appear in the opening paragraph this entry.

JONATHAN HARKER'S JOURNAL (Kept in shorthand.)

24 June, before morning.—Last night the Count left me early, and locked himself into his own room. As soon as I dared I ran up the winding stair, and looked out of the window, which opened south. I thought I would watch for the Count, for there is something going on. The [Roma] are quartered somewhere in the castle and are doing work of some kind. I know it, for now and then I hear a far-away muffled sound as of mattock and spade, and, whatever it is, it must be the end of some ruthless villainy.

I had been at the window somewhat less than half an hour, when I saw something coming out of the Count's window. I drew back and watched carefully, and saw the whole man emerge. It was a new shock to me to find that he had on the suit of clothes which I had worn whilst travelling here, and slung over his shoulder the terrible bag which I had seen the women take away. There could be no doubt as to his quest, and in my garb, too! This, then, is his new scheme of evil: that he will allow others to see me, as they think, so that he may both leave evidence that I have been seen in the towns or villages posting my own letters, and that any wickedness which he may do shall by the local people be attributed to me.

It makes me rage to think that this can go on, and whilst I am shut up here, a veritable prisoner, but without that protection of the law which is even a criminal's right and consolation.

I thought I would watch for the Count's return, and for a long time sat doggedly at the window. Then I began to notice that there were some quaint little specks floating in the rays of the moonlight. They were like the tiniest grains of dust, and they whirled round and gathered in clusters in a nebulous sort of way. I watched them with a sense of soothing, and a sort of calm stole over me. I leaned back in the embrasure in a more comfortable position, so that I could enjoy more fully the aërial gambolling.

Something made me start up, a low, piteous howling of dogs somewhere far below in the valley, which was hidden from my sight. Louder it seemed to ring in my ears, and the floating motes of dust to take new shapes to the sound as they danced in the moonlight. I felt myself struggling to awake to some call of my instincts; nay, my very soul was struggling, and my half-remembered sensibilities were striving to answer the call. I was becoming hypnotised! Quicker and quicker danced the dust; the moonbeams seemed to quiver as they went by me into the mass of gloom beyond. More and more they gathered till they seemed to take dim phantom shapes. And then I started, broad awake and in full possession of my senses, and ran screaming from the place. The phantom shapes, which were becoming gradually materialised from the moonbeams, were those of the three ghostly women to whom I was doomed. I fled, and felt somewhat safer in my own room, where there was no moonlight and where the lamp was burning brightly.

When a couple of hours had passed I heard something stirring in the Count's room, something like a sharp wail quickly suppressed; and then there was silence, deep, awful silence, which chilled me. With a beating heart, I tried the door; but I was locked in my prison, and could do nothing. I sat down and simply cried.

As I sat I heard a sound in the courtyard without—the agonised cry of a woman. I rushed to the window, and throwing it up, peered out between the bars. There, indeed, was a woman with dishevelled hair, holding her hands over her heart as one distressed with running. She was leaning against a corner of the gateway. When she saw my face at the window she threw herself forward, and shouted in a voice laden with menace:—

"Monster, give me my child!"

She threw herself on her knees, and raising up her hands, cried the same words in tones which wrung my heart. Then she tore her hair and beat her breast, and abandoned herself to all the violences of extravagant emotion. Finally, she threw herself forward, and, though I could not see her, I could hear the beating of her naked hands against the door.

Somewhere high overhead, probably on the tower, I heard the voice of the Count calling in his harsh, metallic whisper. His call seemed to be answered from far and wide by the howling of wolves. Before many minutes had passed a pack of them poured, like a pent-up dam when liberated, through the wide entrance into the courtyard.

There was no cry from the woman, and the howling of the wolves was but short. Before long they streamed away singly, licking their lips.

I could not pity her, for I knew now what had become of her child, and she was better dead.

What shall I do? what can I do? How can I escape from this dreadful thing of night and gloom and fear?

[lycorogue]

Not perfect and not always right but basically:

Is it a screen shot?

Is there a link?

Did you click/read the link?

Was it a real source (AP wire, local news, the original online post - not Fox, not the Sun, not NY Post, etc)?

Did you find any confirmation?

Did it strongly confirm a bias or suspicion?

Did it make you feel angry, smug, disgusted, superior, and/or helpless?

Is it important enough to you that you think it needs to be shared?

Do you have the energy, time, ability to research, confirm, and provide sources, links, and some additional clarifying details?

Generally I have this in mind, not necessarily always and not always observed, and I forget and blah blah. But it's a pretty simple guide to remember, and honestly items 1 and 9 cover me most of the time.

[lycorogue]

Oh, I haven't updated this all month. You didn't think that was because the invasion stopped, did you? Oooooh no, dear friend. It's gotten worse. -_- I had to step away from my inbox for a while just to cry in a corner and recharge a bit. Let's get into it, shall we?

May 31st; just one day after my last update:

Subject: Imaginative Design Hey LycoRogue, I want to talk to you to something about msgs .I was doing some research, and I found out that writers are being mass reported by many people. This made me really sad because, due to this, writers are leaving fanfiction. I read your story, and it was very interesting, but I feel very upset because writers are receiving too many messages. I also feel very sorry about this. If you are okay with it, I would like to talk to you about this matter, if you allow me. Here is some of my social where we can talk: Instagram: diandonald111 Email: camilahenry413 @ gmail . com Discord: camilahenry_05273 Thanks for the consideration.

At least it wasn't about an art commission. Nice and refreshing, huh? Yeah, that was short-lived. The commission solicitations came back June 4th:

Subject: Creative Proposal: Bringing Your Stories to Life! Hello lycorogue, I hope this message finds you well! As a concept artist, I've been deeply inspired by your incredible storytelling. The way you create such scenes is truly amazing. I've followed you so I won't miss any of your upcoming works, and it's clear to me that you're a remarkably talented author, your stories remind me why so many people love fanfiction. The worlds you build and the emotions you capture pull readers right into the journey. You have such a gift for making your characters relatable, your plots exciting, and your writing unforgettable. I'd love the opportunity to contribute my art skills with you and bring your visions to life. Whether it's creating book covers, character illustrations, or other artwork to complement your stories, it would be an absolute honor for me to support your creative journey as your commission artist. I understand that the Fanfiction community often sees its share of artists, spammers, and scammers who use similar approaches to reach out, which can make it hard for genuine individuals like me to stand out. That's why I want to assure you that my offer comes from a place of genuine admiration and honesty. If you decide to decline, I completely respect your choice, but it would mean so much to me if we could make this commission deal work. Your skills as an author are extraordinary, and I'm genuinely excited about the idea of turning your amazing ideas into art. Thank you so much for considering my offer, I truly appreciate your time! Best regards, Akasuki02.

This one was good. It FEELS real. I WANT it to be real. Maybe it actually IS real (but why would you do this when the site is inundated with bots doing this exact thing????). The self-awareness of this message being confused with a bot is convincing.

HOWEVER, that self-awareness and my confusion as to why someone would solicit art commissions when they know people are on-edge just seems to prove to me that this IS a bot. Plus, they are so vague in this. No mention of what story or fandom in particular that got them to reach out. No reference as to what about my writing showcases the skills they're praising. Nothing to confirm that they're an actual person who actually read my writing (as opposed to a bot spewing praise they know every writer craves to receive).

Nice try, Akasuki02, but you're not fooling me. (Also, while they signed using the handle "Akasuki02" the message is from handle "OldDragoGirl" so.... that was another little hint...)

Another time hop to June 11th

Subject: Commission Proposal Hey! I just finished reading your story, and honestly, I loved every second of it. The way you painted each scene was so vivid, I felt like I was watching a movie play out in my head. The world you've created is so rich and imaginative, it totally gave me comic book vibes! Have you ever thought about turning it into a comic? Your story has the kind of heart and visual energy that would jump off the page and grab people. I'm a commissioned artist, and I'd be genuinely excited to collaborate with you if you're ever interested in exploring that route. No pressure at all, just putting it out there! If you'd like to chat or see my work, please find me on Discord at angelinaaalove. I'd love to share my portfolio and socials with you! Either way, thanks again for such a fantastic read. Hope we get to connect! Take care, Angelina

Another friendly, human-sounding one. These bots are getting better and I do NOT like it! But, note again how WHICH story "Angelina" here wants to convert into a comic isn't mentioned? I have 58 stories published on FFN. Which one caught their eye? You'd think that would be important to say. Instead, the bot wants ME to decide which one they must be talking about. Be wary of the vague messages, peeps!

The next one hurts. June 17th, yet again, the bots left a review on my otherwise overlooked Hailey's On It fic Scott's List Item. This now means I have more bot reviews for this fic than actual humans. Cool. That's great for the ego....

Hey! Your story is incredibly engaging! The way you breathe life into the characters and the world is masterful.. I was drawn into every scene, felt every emotion, and thoroughly enjoyed the entire journey..

WHY CAN'T THESE BE REAL!? TT^TT (bot goes by Gloria Kelly, btw, this will be relevant in a moment)

Again, please note the vagueness of that review. Comparatively, you have the lone (presumably) ACTUAL human review I have for this story:

This is the best of the Scott/Hailey fanfictions! Thank you.

It's not much. Doesn't have to be. But just MENTIONING THE CHARACTERS' NAMES is enough for me to believe that you're human. So, thank you, FFN user Glenn Leider (whose user name made me question if THAT was a bot as well... -_- ) for your (seemingly) actual human review.

Salting the wound further, bot Gloria Kelly PMs me at the same time as the above review (at least, FFN sent me the notification emails the same minute).

Subject: Appreciation and request for commission. Hey! I'm Gloria. I've been doing comic and manga art for a few years now, and I just finished reading your story… and wow, it was awesome. Your storytelling really pulled me in, and I couldn't stop picturing it as a comic while I read. If you ever feel like turning it into one, I'd love to help bring it to life visually! I charge $50 per page (usually 4–5 panels), and I'm currently open for commissions. Happy to share samples of my work if you're interested, and we can totally chat more about how it could come together. You can find me on Discord (bombaclatttt2165) or just let me know what's the best way to reach you.

Yet another solicitation to convert my fanfic into a fancomic. Neat....

That brings me to the past week. On June 18th, I got this PM:

Subject: want to share some ideas ? Hello! I recently read your story and your story is Scott's List Item, and I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed it. Your writing style is captivating, and the way you bring your ideas to life is truly inspiring. While reading, I came up with a few thoughts and ideas that I'd love to share with you — if you're open to a discussion!

At least this time they actually name-dropped the story. They're learning. Lord, help us. -_-

WHY IS IT ALWAYS MY FRIGGEN HAILEY'S ON IT STORY!? Is it because it's the last one I've published to FFN?????

Also, I will say that I know that some people who are either ND or don't have English as a first language may very well write like this PM. They don't specifically state that they are an artist. They don't try to solicit art commissions. Maybe they genuinely just want to have a dialogue about my story. I'd LOVE that.

It's tempting and I wish this were real, but I'm erroring on the side of caution, which SUCKS if that truly was a human fan who may have difficulties writing (in English) to a stranger. I HATE that people who are like that could possibly be confused with a bot. It's so unfair!

Sorry, ObitoUchiha-exe. I don't believe you're human, and I already feel so guilty that I might be wrong.....

Moving along to June 19th, 2025. Because I had been avoiding my inbox (which includes leaving the Ban Hammer alone for a month), I got my first ever repeat bot offender. Yup. Gloria Kelly returned.

Subject: Appreciation and request for commission. Hey! I'm Gloria. I just finished reading your story and I've to say it was incredible. Your story telling is gripping, and  I couldn't help but visualize it as a comic the entire time. If you're interested in bringing it to life visually I'd be very happy to share some of my professional portfolio. If you like to see what I'm capable of. Feel free to reach out me on discord. My discord Id is: (bombaclatttt2165) or just let me know the bet way to connect with you. Looking forward for working together! My expertise are as follow; ~ I can easily amend your story into comic or manga ( typically 4 - 5 panels or more) ~ I can make 2D and 3D character art and couple art.

Writing has gotten a bit sloppy there, Gloria....

*Sigh*

OK. All caught up. For a few days, at least....

I hope this damn thread is at least cathartic to others dealing with this, and maybe a little helpful when trying to identify the bots invading your own work.

The reviews in particular hit extra hard. Especially when there's a friggen "Verifying you're human" page that comes up first. A+, FanFiction.net.....

Bot Invasion of Fanfiction.net

Well, gang, it's finally happened. The bots found my ffn account earlier this year. We're coming up on the close of the 13th week of 2025, and I have received as many bot requests to create illustrations for my stories. Woooooo 🎉[party popper emoji] I started compiling them on FB, but I think I'll have fun also sharing them here. Who's ready for some fun?

(I didn't note the dates for the first handful, but I'll date the rest)

Here is my first-ever bot DM. Such an honor, "Roselyn". It was also on my fictionpress account...

Subject: Creating Visuals for Your Fanfiction Hello! This is Roselyn you know what I think your story Blame Fate for This, is quite interesting I'm just wondering how about If I can make something for your story in my art style 🙂[smiling emoji]

Fun note: Blame Fate for This is one of my original stories. Not fanfiction. Cool... cool...

Another one over on Fictionpress:

Subject: Making Art for Your story Hey! I'm Maya I really admire your story Blame Fate for This and I'd be excited to create artworks for it!

Good gravy, why can't I get messages like this from real people? (┬┬﹏┬┬)

Subject: Appreciating Your Work Hello lycoRogue, I am absolutely enthralled by your writing; the worlds you create are simply enchanting. Your way with words is a gift that teleports readers into new dimensions, and your passion for the subject shines forth in every single word you write. I'd love to bring your words to life, be it through book covers, character illustrations, or simply visuals that go along with your work. Of course, that would need to be a paid service, but I would love to collaborate in a way that extends your storytelling further. Would you be interested? Do you also have any social media accounts where I can connect with you?

The start of them flooding my ffn account instead of Fictionpress:

Subject: open commission Greeting, Hope you are doing well I read your story and you get my attention

Last one that I mass-posted on FB. Boy, is it ever fun to FINALLY get messages related to my stories, only for every last one of them to be bots. Weeeeeeee. 🫠[melted smilie emoji]

Subject: Artist and Reader Hi, Your creations inspire me a lot; the way you defined the scene is amazingly done, and I would be thrilled to feature your stories through my art skills in affordable prices . If you're up for it, let's join together.

February 12, 2025:

Subject: Concept Artist / Reader Hello, Your creations are incredibly inspiring! The way you bring scenes to life is truly amazing. I'd be thrilled to showcase your stories through my art at an affordable rate. If you're interested, let's collaborate!

Happy Valentine's Day! (Only needed to wait 2 days for this one)

Subject: Story/review Dear LycoRogue, I'm Madeline Ava a concept artist and illustrator passionate about storytelling. Your work on Fanfiction inspired me and I'd love to collaborate. I create stunning affordable book covers and character illustrations starting at a minimum price.

At least that one was sent to my ffn account, so it accurately identified my stories as fanfiction that time....

February 24, 2025, this one I have contact info for! Fancy! I'd feel guilty sharing said info, but I'm like 99.9999% sure this is another bot, so... screw it. 🤷‍♀️[female shrug emoji]

Subject: Truly admire to your story. I'm genuinely impressed by your story and the depth of your characters. It would be an honor to bring your vision to life as a comic. Please feel free to reach out at your convenience using the contact details below. Contact Details Email: emmanoah1969 at gmail dot com Emmanoah333 on Discord

February 26th, 2025. Oh, this one was super convincing. A+ human mimicry here... (no typos on my part here. This is a straight copy/paste)

Subject: Creative Feedback Hi there, Your storytelling truly inspire me, it's amazing how you make each setting come to life in fair prices. I have a few ideas I'd love to share for that.

March 3, 2025. Thank god the most-convincing ones are also the ones that openly ask for a payment:

Subject: Artist/Reader Hi, Your storytelling is truly captivating it's so vivid and inspiring, like the scenes are alive. I'd love to bring your stories to life through my minimalist art style in minimum price. Would you be interested in collaborating on a project together?

March 14th, 2025. Not even the bots are reading my stories now…. yay….

Subject: Kathy! Hello, I'm Kathy Clay and a concept artist. I recently found your book and, while I haven't read it yet, I'd love to create a cover design for you. Once I've had a chance to read it, I can come up with a great idea. I know a lot of people might say they've read it, but I prefer to keep things simple and direct and I also have several ideas to relate your stories

We've caught up with earlier this week: March 25, 2025.

Subject: commission artist Hello fellow authors, After reading your book, I couldn't stop thinking about how amazing it was! I have some thoughts and suggestions about it that I'd love to share with you if you're interested.

And finally, the bot du jour (today; March 29th, 2025):

Subject: Commission artist Hey Jacquelina parson. is my name, and I'm a computer artist. Upon reading your book, I found it to be rather captivating. Is it feasible for me to contribute character illustrations for your book in the future?

Yet another real convincing one.

Who else is having this problem? Is it at the same frequency? My pity to those who are flooded even more than I am.