Flight of the Golden Griffin

An interactive novel

Structure:

• segments of the story are posted to the livejournal by the author
• at the end of each post is a 4-option poll
• only users that have donated have permission to vote in the polls
• poll outcomes determine the future movement of the story

Links:

• The livejournal: http://godkin.livejournal.com/
• The parent website: http://www.stardancer.org/godkin/

From the website:

"The Flight of the Godkin Griffin is an experiment by M.C.A. Hogarth in what she deems is a new form of fiction: daily Internet-delivered journals influenced by reader participation. Her decision to try this is based on several factors; one of them is her own personal enjoyment of a story told in a similar venue, Sythyry's Journal.

Everyone can read Angharad's story whether they choose to give a patron gift or not, but part of the experiment involves whether story-telling in this fashion can sustain itself financially. Fiction has not yet found a comfortable niche on the Internet, but the author feels this particular style has promise."

...

"You have an important part to play in Angharad's life and the taming of the province of Shraeven: at the end of every entry, you have a chance to vote on Angharad's decisions, from the inconsequential to the paramount. For the first four months, everyone can read the journal and everyone can vote. After that, everyone can still read the journal, but voting will be locked to people who donate a sum to keep the polls open. Whether it's $1 or $100, your donation will keep you in the decision-making process. How often you donate is up to you; maintaining the account requires a monthly fee, so if you choose to donate small amounts throughout the year it will be greatly appreciated. Extra money will be put toward time and materials.

In addition, you might consider donating when the story takes a turn toward themes you enjoy; if you want to "reward" Angharad for doing well in battle, for making the right choices in her love life, or for spending more time doing things that you enjoy reading about, consider sending along a micropayment after favorite entries."