Beats me! What is a...?

[Woof]

I just have the one question myself really but I thought I'd leave this open-ended so other people can ask about writing-related things they're not sure about as well.

My question: what on earth is a creepypasta? I thought I understood it, that it was basically urban legends and ghost stories and kids freaking each other out for the sake of it, except online unlike ye olde analogue days when I were a lass. I then looked into it more and it seems it's expanded into being a legit horror subgenre all of it's own. Is that right? Is it a writing/self-publishing thing? Or just a chatroom thing? Or both? I'm feeling my age and my isolation with this one

 

[Naomasa298]

I thought it was just a very short piece of microfiction that should be genuinely creepy or scary. Most of the ones I've seen have been around 3 lines or less, from memory.

 

[DLC]

Oh, stuff like Slenderman and Ted the Caver? It started on 4chan, it's just bullshit scares that 'really happened'.

 

[Bruce_Johnson]

I apologize but I may be sidetracking but my thoughts was the same as the OP's. Then it reminded me of 'nosleep' (I know it from the subreddit) and I was curious what the difference was. Here's a reddit post that may help, or maybe make the discussion more confusing: Difference between creepypasta and nosleep

 

[Mr Mononoke]

I just have the one question myself really but I thought I'd leave this open-ended so other people can ask about writing-related things they're not sure about as well.

My question: what on earth is a creepypasta? I thought I understood it, that it was basically urban legends and ghost stories and kids freaking each other out for the sake of it, except online unlike ye olde analogue days when I were a lass. I then looked into it more and it seems it's expanded into being a legit horror subgenre all of it's own. Is that right? Is it a writing/self-publishing thing? Or just a chatroom thing? Or both? I'm feeling my age and my isolation with this one

This may sound awful (probably is) but I bookmarked Urban Dictionary to keep up with the new slang going on these days.

When I first read this, I thought to a small child having some Halloween pasta... but that doesn't seem to be the case. In any case the dictionary place gave a few definitions but I think the first comment is very thorough.

Creepypasta​

Share definition
Essentially internet horror stories or a myth passed around other sites, to frighten readers and viewers. The word, "Creepypasta" comes from the term, " copypasta ". An internet slang term for a block of text that gets copied and pasted from website to website. Creepypastas are sometimes are supplemented with pictures, audio or video footage related to the story. Typically with gory, distorted or, otherwise, shocking content.
Suicidemouse.avi was the grandfather of all lost episodes. It showed Mickey Mouse walking down a endless street with random piano keys playing in the background. The video gets more distorted and music turns static. See for yourself.

Also, Sonic.exe is a very well known Creepypasta. There is even a clone of the game to download. Although it's it well done, the clone will never have the same fear factor as the story did.

 

[Rath Darkblade]

Thank you, Mr Mononoke. I never knew this existed, but then, horror isn't my cup of tea.

You may call me Old Mr. Unadventurous if you like (and yes, I know someone will probably say "Hello, Old Mr. Unadventurous" ), but I don't see the point of creepypasta. I have a very good imagination, and one of E. A. Poe's short stories is creepy enough as it is.

 

[Woof]

I thought it was just a very short piece of microfiction that should be genuinely creepy or scary. Most of the ones I've seen have been around 3 lines or less, from memory.

I've definitely seen longer ones... I think. Now I'm not sure

 

[Naja Noir]

I just have the one question myself really but I thought I'd leave this open-ended so other people can ask about writing-related things they're not sure about as well.

My question: what on earth is a creepypasta? I thought I understood it, that it was basically urban legends and ghost stories and kids freaking each other out for the sake of it, except online unlike ye olde analogue days when I were a lass. I then looked into it more and it seems it's expanded into being a legit horror subgenre all of it's own. Is that right? Is it a writing/self-publishing thing? Or just a chatroom thing? Or both? I'm feeling my age and my isolation with this one

I've only just heard this term and my mind likened creepy pasta to something made by children in school for Halloween or some such occasion. Like bats or eyeballs.

Is good to know, I think.

 

[Woof]

Oh, stuff like Slenderman and Ted the Caver? It started on 4chan, it's just bullshit scares that 'really happened'.

Told by cats round campfires right? It's always the cats

I apologize but I may be sidetracking but my thoughts was the same as the OP's. Then it reminded me of 'nosleep' (I know it from the subreddit) and I was curious what the difference was. Here's a reddit post that may help, or maybe make the discussion more confusing: Difference between creepypasta and nosleep

That's really helpful. I've definitely been reading both and probably blurring them.

This may sound awful (probably is) but I bookmarked Urban Dictionary to keep up with the new slang going on these days.

When I first read this, I thought to a small child having some Halloween pasta... but that doesn't seem to be the case. In any case the dictionary place gave a few definitions but I think the first comment is very thorough.

If it works it works. I've really struggled since I stopped work. I had a good range of people there, older and younger, who were happy to answer seemingly daft questions and it was always really helpful. It's about the only thing I miss about work!

I'll have a look at the examples, see if it helps cement it in my brain. Reading that though, it seems one of the key elements I was overlooking is that the copy and pasting makes it all blurry, sketchy on details, and hard to trace or verify or, significantly, dismiss.

 

[Woof]

Thank you, Mr Mononoke. I never knew this existed, but then, horror isn't my cup of tea.

You may call me Old Mr. Unadventurous if you like (and yes, I know someone will probably say "Hello, Old Mr. Unadventurous" ), but I don't see the point of creepypasta. I have a very good imagination, and one of E. A. Poe's short stories is creepy enough as it is.

Hi Old Mr Unadventurous! I'd hate to disappoint

 

[Woof]

Is good to know, I think.

I think so too. I'd like to understand it better if only to try it. I'm not into horror generally, but I like some of the more ambiguous folklorey stuff that blurs with fantasy and it could be fun as long as it is just a microfiction subgenre and not just wilfully terrifying young children.

 

[That Guy Named Aaron]

I've heard of "copypasta," but "creepypasta" is a new one. I done learnededed something new today, I done did.

 

[Naomasa298]

Nevermind creepypasta, I'm still not entirely sure what slipstream is.

 

[Rath Darkblade]

slipstream

From the Oxford Dictionary:

slipstream, noun.

1. a current of air or water driven back by a revolving propeller or jet engine.

2. an assisting force regarded as drawing something along behind something else.
"when the US economy booms, the rest of the world is pulled along in the slipstream"

verb.

1. (especially in motor racing) follow closely behind another vehicle, travelling in its slipstream and awaiting an opportunity to overtake.
"he then slipstreamed and overtook me again"

Oh, wait, you mean in the horror genre? Well ... wikipedia is your friend. Slipstream fiction - Wikipedia

 

[DLC]

Told by cats round campfires right?

More like neckbeards in their mother's basements.

 

[Woof]

Nevermind creepypasta, I'm still not entirely sure what slipstream is.

I never even heard of that! So. Many. New. Things. To. Read. I'm neve going to start writing again

 

[Naomasa298]

I never even heard of that! So. Many. New. Things. To. Read. I'm neve going to start writing again

Nor had I until I was looking at a publication a few weeks ago and it said one of the genres it accepts was slipstream. WTF?