New Developments, Is this you?

[lightningdude]

Recently, there have been news stories highlighting a new illness. This strange, sudden illness seems to be affecting at least 2 out of every 6 people. Symptoms include moments of incredible inspiration and creativity, followed by mental constipation. This hinderance of thought and imagination generally leads to premature conclusions to works of art of all forms. This disease, commonly referred to as "Sandra's Disease" leaves the victim feeling intellectually invincible, only to have it all stripped away. I got the chance to speak with a victim of this paralyzing illness. His name has been witheld to protect his ego.

LD: So, I hear you have Sandra's Disease. How's that going for you?

??: Not so good, I'm afraid. I have many unfinished works that are just awaiting a conclusion.

LD: Ah, that sucks. Why can't you finish them?

??: Oh, I guess it's just because I start a new work while I'm still working on one. The creativity that this disease causes never relates to the previous mental boost.

LD: Interesting. So, how do you think you contracted this dreaded disease?

??: Hmm... I think it's because I was too free before, then I suddenly got slapped with restrictions. School, work, family... They all tend to hinder creative moments.

LD: Geez, with all that you've got, sounds like you don't have any time for yourself.

??: That's the problem! I have enough time to myself, but I can't seem to think of anything good. I blame the illness...

LD: Have you ever heard of the placebo effect?

??: ???

LD: I'll take that as a "no." The placebo effect is when someone tells you about something that will make you "better," then you try it out. When you do, your brain tricks you into thinking that you are better, hinting that your previous illness was all in your head.

??: I don't see how that relates to me...

LD: Think of it this way: What if it was reversed? You think you have this illness, so you suck at finishing your works of art.

??: Hey!

LD: If you just try to convince yourself that you don't have Sandra's Disease, it may just go away. Of course, I'm no doctor, so if it gets worse, you can't blame me.

??: ...

LD: Hey, look over there!

??: ¬¬

LD: *runs away*


There you have it, folks. A person that actually suffers Sandra's Disease. Isn't it absolutely dreadful? Boy, am I glad that I don't--

[Zyxie]

lol?

[lightningdude]

I don't think Laphy has been online since I've posted this. She needs to, I wanna see her reaction. Shin's, too.

[Shinzar]

My reaction?... Oho you wanna know MY REACTION?! GRRRR!!!!!

lol Just kidding, it was a funny read. Just so you know, I'm still suffering from this disease.

Attached Image (Click thumbnail to expand)

[Laphir]

Coz ya scared me away.

... Just kidding.

Tremble, mortals, for thou shall taste the horror of... CREATIVITY DEPLETION. Oooohohohohohoho~!! >8D

[lightningdude]

I prefer Mental Constipation.

[Shinzar]

Having 'Mental Constipation' is better than having diarrhea of the mouth, get it?

[Fanlourau]

There are they who have researched methods to deal with the disease, resulting in various results.

The method I most commonly practice on my patience takes the form of therapy sessions, where either previous or current work is discussed and compared to finnished work or work in progress by other famous creators.

You might think of these talks as the creativity's version of CPR.
Note that this is no permanent solution and sometimes can take several attempts before desired effect begin to show.

Part of the therapy is for the patient being given questions and example, at first easy to write down, then gradually having more and more content within it.

This method is similar to the Muse-attracting becon, rekindling of writing-spirit and dislodging of writingblocks, but a more advanced version.