Short Stories: March 17, 2021 Issue [#10665]
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 This week: 16 Personalities
  Edited by: Shannon Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Welcome to the Short Stories Newsletter. I am Shannon Author IconMail Icon and I'm your editor this week.

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Letter from the editor

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"Personality is to a man what perfume is to a flower." ~ Charles M. Schwab

This newsletter isn't about Truddi Chase and her 92 personalities, though that story is heartbreaking, intriguing, and definitely worth researching. No, this is about the 16 distinct personality types and how you can use them to build diverse, three-dimensional characters.



There are four umbrella categories (analysts, diplomats, sentinels, and explorers), each with four sub-categories. I've taken the personality test several times over the years. The first time was back in 2017. According to the test results, I was a "Logician" (INTP-A). Since 2017 I've retaken the test three times (they recommend you wait at least six months between tests), and each time the test results showed I was an Architect (INTJ-A) so I'm inclined to believe the first test result back in 2017 was a fluke, or maybe our results depend on the day, our mood, and what's going on in our lives at the time.

So what are the 16 personality types, and what do they have to do with writing?

We'll discuss the personality types first.


Analysts


Architect (INTJ-A/INTJ-T)
One of the rarest personality types (2% of the population), Architects consider it a compliment to be called a nerd or a bookworm. They question everything and are fiercely independent. They are informed, rational, determined, curious, and versatile. They may also be arrogant, dismissive of emotions, overly critical, combative, and romantically clueless. They aren't touchy-feely types, and emotional outbursts or public displays of affection make them uncomfortable. They'd rather be right than popular and are often difficult to get to know. They are opinionated and used to being in command of their feelings. Architects believe getting ahead professionally should be based on merit and hard work, not popularity and networking. They loathe useless rules and struggle with managers they don't respect. Architects see team-building exercises, group meetings, and idle chitchat as a waste of time. As leaders, Architects prefer to treat those who work for them as equals, and instead of micromanaging every aspect of day-to-day activity, Architects trust people to complete their tasks (NERIS Analytics Limited, 2021).

Architects you may know include Friedrich Nietzsche, Elon Musk, Nikola Tesla, Isaac Newton, and Ayn Rand (IDR Labs, 2021).

For more information about the Architect personality type, click here.  Open in new Window.

Logician (INTP-A/INTP-T)
Another rare personality type (3%), Logicians are known for their vigorous intellect. They can be shy when surrounded by strangers but relax and engage when in the company of like-minded people. Emotional situations are difficult for Logicians, who resort to logical suggestions to solve the underlying problem. Logicians are great analysts and abstract thinkers, imaginative and original, open-minded and enthusiastic, objective, honest, and straightforward. They can also be private and withdrawn, insensitive and absent-minded, and condescending. They loathe rules and guidelines, and they often second-guess themselves. Logicians are easy to please in relationships but are oftentimes oblivious to the emotional needs of others. Logicians are solitary, independent, and eccentric people who crave intellectual stimulation (NERIS Analytics Limited, 2021).

Logicians you may know include Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin, Marie Curie, and Rene Descartes (IDR Labs, 2021).

For more information about the Logician personality type, click here.  Open in new Window.

Commander (ENTJ-A/ENTJ-T)
One of the rarest personality types (3%) and the rarest among women, Commanders are natural-born leaders who project authority and draw people together for a common goal. Their dogged perseverance makes them great entrepreneurs, business executives, and CEOs. Commanders are dominant, relentless, and unforgiving in their business dealings and respect those who are intellectual equals. They view emotional outbursts as a weakness. They are efficient, energetic, self-confident, strong-willed, charismatic, inspiring, and think strategically. They can also be stubborn, dominant, intolerant, impatient, arrogant, overbearing, dismissive of emotions, and ruthless. You don't just become a Commander's friend. Commanders seek out the people they want to surround themselves with, generally people from the Analyst category who can match their passion for logic and reasoned debate. Emotional arguments are dismissed by Commanders; if your point isn't grounded in logic and reason it is unceremoniously disregarded. Commanders have high standards for themselves and others.
They are intolerant of laziness, incompetence, and inefficiency, and subordinates who exhibit such behaviors will know, unequivocally, that they have fallen short of the mark (NERIS Analytics Limited, 2021).

Commanders you may know include Julius Caesar, Carl Sagan, Nancy Pelosi, Rush Limbaugh, and Joseph Stalin (IDR Labs, 2021).

For more information about the Commander personality type, click here.  Open in new Window.

Debater (ENTP-A/ENTP-T)
Another rare personality type (3%), Debaters love a good intellectual sparring match and often play devil's advocate. They enjoy the challenge of a good debate and find the process exhilarating and fun. "Debaters, like all Analyst personality types, are on a constant quest for knowledge, and what better way to gain it than to attack and defend an idea, from every angle, from every side?" Debaters are great change agents as they are able to introduce new ways of doing things that others may have overlooked. Debaters love to brainstorm and are original, out-of-the-box thinkers. They are open and honest communicators, and their candor may come across as insensitive. They prefer direct conversation that is precise and to the point. Debaters are knowledgeable, original, charismatic, energetic, quick-thinking brainstormers who love to analyze problems from every angle imaginable. They can also be argumentative, condescending, insensitive, and intolerant persons who find it difficult to focus. They are quick-witted debaters who debate for the sake of debate itself, but like all Analyst types, emotional expression is their Achilles heel. When a friend or loved one is in emotional distress, Debaters resort to listing a series of suggestions and solutions to the underlying problem as opposed to emotional support. Debaters make excellent managers, lawyers, psychologists, analysts, and scientists (NERIS Analytics Limited, 2021).

Debaters you may know include Leonardo da Vinci, Bertrand Russell, Rose McGowan, Voltaire, and Catherine the Great (IDR Labs, 2021).

For more information about the Debater personality type, click here.  Open in new Window.


Diplomats:


Advocate (INFJ-A/INFJ-T)
Advocates are the rarest of all personality types (1.5%). They tend to stand up for what's right and are guided by a deep-seated sense of idealism and integrity. "Advocates may see helping others as their purpose in life. They are troubled by injustice, and they typically care more about altruism than personal gain." Advocates are reserved, introverted, warm, sensitive communicators who are emotionally honest and insightful. They want authentic, meaningful relationships with others and treat other people's feelings with great care. Advocates think making the world a better, more just place is their life's purpose and work tirelessly toward that end. If they don't take the necessary time to decompress and recharge they tend to become ill-tempered and stressed out. Advocates are creative, insightful, principled, passionate, and altruistic. They may also be sensitive to criticism, reluctant to open up, perfectionistic, avoid the ordinary, and prone to burnout. They surround themselves with a small circle of intimate friends as opposed to a larger group of acquaintances. Advocates seek meaningful work that allows them to connect with people such as social work, writing, counseling, music, art, and teaching. "Among their greatest strengths is their ability to identify others’ motives and defuse conflicts and tension before anyone else even senses a disturbance" (NERIS Analytics Limited, 2021).

Advocates you may know include Carl Jung, Mahatma Gandhi, Dante Alighieri, Leo Tolstoy, and Cate Blanchett (IDR Labs, 2021).

For more information about the Advocate personality type, click here.  Open in new Window.

Mediator (INFP-A/INFP-T)
Mediators comprise approximately 4.5% of the population. They are private, empathetic, caring, authentic individuals who value people's feelings, crave self-expression, and long to be of service to others. "This quiet belief in doing the right thing may explain why these personalities so often inspire compassion, kindness, and beauty wherever they go." Mediators are thoughtful, generous, open-minded, creative, passionate, and true to their values. They may also be overly idealistic, self-critical, impractical, emotionally driven, conflict-averse, and difficult to get to know. Mediators are introverts, and like all introverts, they withdraw to regroup and recharge. They seek fulfilling work with a sense of purpose, and many become writers, musicians, or artists. They long to connect with others, and they want their work to touch people's lives (NERIS Analytics Limited, 2021).

Mediators you may know include George Orwell, J.K. Rowling, Vincent van Gogh, Kurt Cobain, and Andy Warhol (IDR Labs, 2021).

For more information about the Mediator personality type, click here.  Open in new Window.

Protagonist (ENFJ-A/ENFJ-T)
Protagonists are one of the rarest personality types (2%). They are leaders who inspire others to be their best selves, therefore you will often see them working as teachers, coaches, law enforcement, HR administrators, and emergency response. They are quick learners and hardworking multitaskers. Protagonists are social, tolerant, reliable, charismatic, and altruistic. They may also be overly idealistic, too selfless, too sensitive, struggle to make tough decisions, and have fluctuating self-esteem. Protagonists value friendship and work hard to maintain intimate connections. "Types in Diplomat and Analyst Role groups are best able to explore Protagonists’ viewpoints with them, which are simply too idealistic for most." They relish being able to lend a hand when someone's in need, but they expect the same in return and often feel offended when their gestures aren't reciprocated (NERIS Analytics Limited, 2021).

Protagonists you may know include Maya Angelou, Dr. Drew Pinsky, Martin Luther King Jr., Johann von Goethe, and Pope John Paul II (IDR Labs, 2021).

For more information about the Protagonist personality type, click here.  Open in new Window.

Campaigner (ENFP-A/ENFP-T)
Campaigners comprise 7% of the population. They are free spirits, the life of the party, and enjoy the social and emotional connections they make with others. They are charming, sensitive, independent, energetic, and compassionate individuals who view the world through an emotional and mystical lens. Campaigners are curious, observant, enthusiastic, excellent communicators, very popular and friendly, and know how to relax. They may also exhibit poor practical skills, find it difficult to focus, overthink things, get stressed easily, are highly emotional, and fiercely independent. They are cheerful, warm, sincere, supportive companions who care about other people's thoughts and feelings and tend to have lots of friends. "The allure of mystery that reserved types, especially Introverted Intuitives, bring to the table will keep Campaigners intrigued for years." Campaigners are often detectives, journalists, actors, engineers, and scientists (NERIS Analytics Limited, 2021).

Campaigners you may know include Mark Twain, Julian Assange, Anne Frank, Walt Disney, and Salvador Dali (IDR Labs, 2021).

For more information about the Campaigner personality type, click here.  Open in new Window.


Sentinels:


Logistician (ISTJ-A/ISTJ-T)
Logisticians are one of the most common personality types, comprising 13% of the population. They take pride in their work and responsibility for their actions. They are no-nonsense, decisive decision-makers who are true to their word. "Logisticians have sharp, fact-based minds, and prefer autonomy and self-sufficiency to reliance on someone or something. Dependency on others is often seen by Logisticians as a weakness, and their passion for duty, dependability and impeccable personal integrity forbid falling into such a trap." Honesty and integrity are of utmost importance to Logisticians. They are honest, direct, strong-willed, dutiful, methodical, responsible, calm, practical, create and enforce order, and jacks-of-all-trades. They may also be stubborn, insensitive, conflict-averse, by the book, and judgemental. They are loyal, trustworthy, dependable, and honorable friends who stay the course and keep their promises. Logisticians are often military officers, lawyers, judges, police officers, accountants, data analysts, doctors, and detectives (NERIS Analytics Limited, 2021).

Logisticians you may know include Sigmund Freud, Stonewall Jackson, Queen Elizabeth II, George Washington, and Frederick the Great (IDR Labs, 2021).

For more information about the Logistician personality type, click here.  Open in new Window.

Defender (ISFJ-A/ISFJ-T)
Defenders are one of the most common personality types, comprising 13% of the population. "Defender personalities (especially Turbulent ones) are often meticulous to the point of perfectionism, and though they procrastinate, they can always be relied on to get the job done on time. Defenders take their responsibilities personally, consistently going above and beyond, doing everything they can to exceed expectations and delight others, at work and at home." Social introverts, Defenders have excellent memories and remember facts and details about the people they meet. They are sensitive, imaginative gift-givers and love expressing their generosity in unique, individual ways that touch people's hearts. Defenders are supportive, reliable, patient, observant, enthusiastic, loyal, and hard-working with good practical skills. They may also be humble, shy, take things personally, repress their feelings, overload themselves, reluctant to change, and too altruistic. They are the least likely personality type to manipulate other people. You will often see Defenders working as nurses or teachers and volunteering in shelters or food banks (NERIS Analytics Limited, 2021).

Defenders you may know include George A. Custer, Marcus Aurelius, Mother Theresa, Kate Middleton, and Robert E. Lee (IDR Labs, 2021).

For more information about the Defender personality type, click here.  Open in new Window.

Executive (ESTJ-A/ESTJ-T)
Executives comprise 11% of the population and represent traditional values, law and order, honesty, dedication, dignity, and take pride in bringing people together. They lead by example and believe hard, manual labor is a great builder of character. "They stick to their principles and push an unclouded vision of what is and is not acceptable." They are the epitome of model citizens. They are dedicated, strong-willed, direct, honest, loyal, patient, reliable, excellent organizers, and enjoy creating order. They may also be inflexible, stubborn, uncomfortable with unconventional situations, judgemental, too focused on social status, difficult to relax, and have difficulty expressing emotion. They love organizing and hosting social events, encouraging everyone to participate and have a good time. Executives tend to stay with their employers for as long as possible, making law enforcement, law firms, military service, and hospitals optimal career paths. "Executives loathe disorganization, ineptitude, laziness and especially dishonesty, and when these values are crossed, Executive personalities do not hesitate to let their disapproval show" (NERIS Analytics Limited, 2021).

Executives you may know include Paul of Tarsus, Tom Clancy, Uma Thurman, Judge Judy, and Billy Graham (IDR Labs, 2021).

For more information about the Executive personality type, click here.  Open in new Window.

Consul (ESFJ-A/ESFJ-T)
Consuls comprise 12% of the population. They are the popular centers of attention. "Discussing scientific theories or debating European politics isn’t likely to capture Consuls’ interest for too long. Consuls are more concerned with fashion and their appearance, their social status, and the standings of other people. Practical matters and gossip are their bread and butter." They love to be of service to others as long as their efforts and recognized and appreciated. They are social butterflies and can be found working the room at parties and get-togethers. Consuls are loyal, patient, efficient, hard-working, sensitive, warm, good at connecting with others, have strong practical skills, and a sense of duty. They may also be too needy, inflexible, reluctant to innovate or improvise, too selfless, too worried about their social status, and vulnerable to criticism. They are very social and have large circles of friends, for whom they are a constant source of emotional support and encouragement. Consuls make great personal accountants, nurses, social workers, teachers, and counselors (NERIS Analytics Limited, 2021).

Consuls you may know include Andrew Carnegie, Sarah Palin, Prince William, Larry King, and Jennifer Garner (IDR Labs, 2021).

For more information about the Consul personality type, click here.  Open in new Window.


Explorers:


Virtuoso (ISTP-A/ISTP-T)
Virtuosos comprise approximately 5% of the population and exceptionally rare in women. They are natural-born explorers and makers, experiencing the world through their five senses and dismantling/rebuilding things with their own hands. They are optimistic, energetic, creative, practical, spontaneous, thoughtful, rational, relaxed, know how to prioritize, and are great in a crisis. They may also be stubborn, insensitive, private, reserved, bore easily, dislike commitment, and exhibit risky behavior. As interesting and diverse as they are, Virtuosos have a large circle of acquaintances but just a few select friends who understand them. Virtuosos are often mechanics, engineers, graphic designers, forensic scientists, firefighters, pilots, or forest rangers (NERIS Analytics Limited, 2021).

Virtuosos you may know include Bear Grylls, Melania Trump, Steve Jobs, Tom Cruise, and Miyamoto Musashi (IDR Labs, 2021).

For more information about the Virtuoso personality type, click here.  Open in new Window.

Adventurer (ISFP-A/ISFP-T)
Adventurers comprise approximately 8% of the population. Artists at heart, they experiment with beauty, aesthetics, design, and behavior. "Adventurers live in a colorful, sensual world, inspired by connections with people and ideas. These personalities take joy in reinterpreting these connections, reinventing and experimenting with both themselves and new perspectives. No other type explores and experiments in this way more." Adventurers are introverted yet enjoy pushing the boundaries of social convention with risky behavior. Adventurers are charming, sensitive to others, imaginative, passionate, curious, and artistic. They may also be reckless, independent, unpredictable, shortsighted, easily stressed, overly competitive, and their self-esteem may fluctuate. Easy to be around, Adventurers can get along with anyone but surround themselves with people who aren't too judgemental or demanding. They love their personal space and freedom. Adventurers crave creative, artistic self-expression and are often experimenters, artists, musicians, photographers, designers, and athletes (NERIS Analytics Limited, 2021).

Adventurers you may know include Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Ulysses S. Grant, Thich Nhat Hanh, Nero, and Brad Pitt (IDR Labs, 2021).

For more information about the Adventurer personality type, click here.  Open in new Window.

Entrepreneur (ESTP-A/ESTP-T)
Comprising just 4% of the population, Entrepreneurs are the eye of the storm. "Laughing and entertaining with blunt and earthy humor, Entrepreneur personalities love to be the center of attention. If an audience member is asked to come on stage, Entrepreneurs volunteer – or volunteer a shy friend." Entrepreneurs tend to leap before they look and are the personality type that exhibits the riskiest behavior. They live in the moment and prefer to ask for forgiveness rather than permission as they believe rules are made to be broken. They thrive on drama, passion, and pleasure. "Whether a shift in facial expression, a new clothing style, or a broken habit, people with this personality type pick up on hidden thoughts and motives where most types would be lucky to pick up anything specific at all." Entrepreneurs are bold, rational, easy-going, tolerant, charming, practical, original, perceptive, direct, sociable, and popular. They may also be insensitive, impatient, risk-prone, unstructured, blind to the bigger picture, and defiant. They are the life of the party; there's never a dull moment when you're with an Entrepreneur. They are confident and have a large circle of friends. Entrepreneurs make great businessmen, actors, first responders, soldiers, and athletes (NERIS Analytics Limited, 2021).

Entrepreneurs you may know include Alexander the Great, Theodore Roosevelt, Ernest Hemingway, Donald Trump, and Helen Mirren (IDR Labs, 2021).

For more information about the Entrepreneur personality type, click here.  Open in new Window.

Entertainer (ESFP-A/ESFP-T)
Entertainers comprise approximately 8% of the population. "Entertainers love the spotlight, and all the world’s a stage. Many famous people with the Entertainer personality type are indeed actors, but they love putting on a show for their friends too, chatting with a unique and earthy wit, soaking up attention and making every outing feel a bit like a party." Entertainers are bold, original, artistic, creative, charming, practical, and observant individuals with excellent people skills. They may also be overly sensitive, conflict-averse, easily bored, poor long-term planners, and unfocused. Outgoing and social, Entertainers have a large circle of diverse friends who join them in fun, creative (oftentimes risky and/or careless) activities that engage all five senses. Exciting and charismatic, Entertainers make great event planners, tour guides, counselors, coaches, medical professionals, musicians, photographers, and interior designers (NERIS Analytics Limited, 2021).

Entertainers you may know include Steve Irwin, Michelangelo, Tony Robbins, Marilyn Monroe, and Dave Chappelle (IDR Labs, 2021).

For more information about the Entertainer personality type, click here.  Open in new Window.

There you have it, a synopsis of the 16 personality types! Earlier I mentioned you may be wondering what any of this has to do with writing. Well, by reading about the different personality types it's easy to visualize characters that embody the characteristics, quirks, strengths, weaknesses, and other traits mentioned in this editorial, but before you do head over to 16personalities.com and take the test. You may be surprised by what you discover.

Thank you for reading.

P.S. Every registered author who shares their ideas and/or creative endeavors relating to or inspired by this week's topic will receive an exclusive trinket. I will retire this month's limited-edition trinket at 11:59 p.m. WDC time on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, when my next short stories newsletter goes live.




"Personality is an unbroken series of successful gestures." ~ F. Scott Fitzgerald

A swirly signature I made using the Mutlu font and a drop shadow.
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Newsletter Archives Open in new Window. (E)
A listing of all my newsletters in one easy-to-find place.
#1555482 by Shannon Author IconMail Icon


References:

IDR Labs. (2021) Personality types. Individual Differences Research. Retrieved from
         https://www.idrlabs.com/personality-types.php
NERIS Analytics Limited. (2021). Personality types. 16 Personalities. Retrieved from
         https://www.16personalities.com/personality-types


Editor's Picks

I hope you enjoy this week's featured selections. I occasionally feature static items by members who are no longer with us; some have passed away while others simply aren't active members. Their absence doesn't render their work any less relevant, and if it fits the week's topic I will include it.

Thank you, and have a great week!


Forever Tormented Open in new Window. (18+)
That night, so much was revealed to me. I want to erase the memories.
#839480 by Turkey DrumStik Author IconMail Icon


 Jake Open in new Window. (18+)
A boy suspects that there's something very wrong with his friend.
#1186197 by Mike R. Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2184142 by Not Available.


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The Case of Matthew Stone Open in new Window. (13+)
A puzzling case for a quirky detective.
#1464312 by Lornda Author IconMail Icon


 The Eyes Open in new Window. (E)
Something is always watching.
#1310015 by Insomniac Elvis Author IconMail Icon


Mr. Prendergast Open in new Window. (18+)
Hey friend, how about taking a load off and hearing all about me and Mr. Prendergasts.
#1698207 by Jakrebs Author IconMail Icon

 
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Ask & Answer

The following is in response to "Ridiculous Rules and RegulationsOpen in new Window.:

*Vignette5* ~


KeepYourSparkle Author IconMail Icon writes: I LOVE THIS. I know of a few laws like this in Texas and it actually just gave me a possible idea for the story I am working on. It's been years since I wrote... I gave it up in a bad time of my life. But I picked back up recently, and now I am excited. We'll see how it goes; even if it goes bad, it goes.

*Vignette5* ~


wdwilcox writes: That was damn funny, right there.

*Vignette5* ~


Patrece ~ Author IconMail Icon writes: *Rolling* Thank you for sharing these crazy laws! It gave me a great laugh this morning, and I really needed it! I am from Colorado, and I looked at one of the links you shared to learn: "Sure, you may be allowed to own a catapult in Aspen—but you better not try discharging it, buddy. Flaming arrows, alas, are also off-limits." Ummm, alright, then! *Laugh*

*Vignette5* ~


Elfin Dragon-finally published Author IconMail Icon writes: Ok, these are all great "silly" laws... but one of my favorite has always been this...

In Alabama, it’s illegal for a person to walk down the street with an ice cream cone in their back pocket.

I always wondered how this law came into being, and today I found out the answer. Back when most people got around on horseback, horse thieves would put ice cream in their pockets to lure horses away without being charged with stealing.

*Vignette5* ~


BIG BAD WOLF is Howling Author IconMail Icon writes: And folks wonder about the crazy laws in fictional worlds......

*Vignette5* ~


Beacon's Anchor Author IconMail Icon writes: When I get inspired, I have to be in a place where I've gone before. It has been a journey for me and I like to write stories like horror, thriller or mystery. It depends on what I'm writing. Since I've started writing, I have been learning so much about it that i have to start writing my stories and a novel. Another, I get inspired by going to a real place and picture myself there and that's how I can get my main character into my stories. Thank you for the inspiration.

*Vignette5* ~


eyestar~* Author IconMail Icon writes: *Rolling* Oh wow! Your facts on rules made me laugh out loud!I I see some of these weird things in movies and I guess they got ideas from real life! *Wink* It put me in mind of some of the confusing rules around covid. And the quote by Twain was a brilliant choice as an ending. *Laugh* Your title was so effective and grabbed my curiosity. Thanks for brightening my day!

*Vignette5* ~


DRSmith Author IconMail Icon writes: Hey Shannon, how you be doing these days in the fine state of Idaho? It's been awhile 'tween hellos and you're one of my favorite Bluebies in here, so thought I'd drop a note inspired by your newsie today. I have dozens of comebacks, but figured I'd settle for one given the limited space, and, your reference to your state's law about eating people, so maybe you can help me out my state of Confusion? If a Vegetarian eats veggies, what does a Humanitarian eat?

*Vignette5* ~


Legendary❤️Mask Author IconMail Icon writes: Here are some wacky laws in the surrounding state where I live. In Temperance, Mississippi – walking a dog without dressing it in diapers is illegal. The folks living here take the ‘Poo law’ very seriously. In the state of Arkansas, It's illegal for the Arkansas River to rise above the Main Street Bridge in Little Rock. In the state of Tennessee, The only animal it is legal to shoot out of your car window is a whale. Good luck finding one, guys. Now, the good ole state of Alabama, this is a true law, folks. Incestuous marriages are legitimate in Alabama. I guess it's legal to marry your brother or sister in Alabama after all! Yuck! How about Louisiana? If you’re going to feed your hogs some garbage, you have to cook it first and you can’t go to your friend’s house to cook the garbage either—you have to do it on your own premises.

There are many more crazy insane laws out there that probably need to be removed or updated to reflect the world today. Actually, if we wait a few more years they will probably need a few of these insane laws used. *Think*

*Vignette5* ~


brom21 Author IconMail Icon writes: In some state or city there is a law that prohibits collecting rainwater in a pail. I cannot recall where, but talk about ridiculous! Years ago, I saw a TV show doing an episode where a sign warns against UFO's landing in a certain vicinity. Hey, I am sure it seems to be working. lol. Thanks for the NL!

*Vignette5* ~


Detective Author IconMail Icon writes: I love weird/ridiculous laws because of the combination of 'what happen to have that law put into place' and 'how are you going to enforce that'. When it comes to weird laws, in my home state of MA, it's illegal to snore with the windows open and it's illegal to put tomatoes in chowder. I'm not sure if these are still on the books but they were.

*Vignette5* ~


Lilli 🧿 ☕ Author IconMail Icon writes: Here's a strange law still on the books in Florida:
"No singing in public while wearing a bathing suit."

So much for Florida spring break, who wants khaki-pants karaoke? *Rolling*

Thanks for a very entertaining newsletter!

*Vignette5* ~


GaelicQueen Author IconMail Icon writes: This law in Florida: STEALING HORSES. If you are tried and convicted of horse theft, the penalty in Florida is still written as death by hanging.

*Vignette5* ~


peps writes: Short Stories 'ridiculous rules and regulations' was great! Mark Twain rocks!

Thanks ,Shannon.

Mark

*Vignette5* ~


dragonwoman Author IconMail Icon writes: I love antiquated laws! They make me laugh so hard. I've never used an antiquated real law for story, but I have made up a couple to put in a story.

*Vignette5* ~


Jeff Author IconMail Icon writes: We have a version of the board game Balderdash that includes a category of obscure laws and regulations like these. It's amazing how many places have random statutes on the books, and it's always interesting to imagine the particular set of circumstances that led to trying whatever people decided was offensive enough to be specifically forbidden by law. *Laugh*

In Utah, it's illegal to "cause a catastrophe" (defined as widespread injury or damage caused by weapons of mass destruction, explosion, fire, flood, avalanche, or building collapse). Good to know that's not okay! *Think*

*Vignette5* ~


Patrece ~ Author IconMail Icon writes: I always enjoy this newsletter! Thank you for your wonderful efforts in making it grab our attention. I knew someone once who said, 'If you have cats living in the same home as dogs, it should be illegal to have them declawed." If you ever really looked into declawing, it should be illegal anyway, in my humble opinion.

*Vignette5* ~


Princess Megan Snow Rose Author IconMail Icon writes: These are interesting rules and regulations in your newsletter. I live in Indiana. One rule is you will get arrested if you sell cars on Sunday. If a man is 18 and gets pulled over with a 17-year-old girl who isn't wearing socks and shoes and is wearing shorts, he'll be arrested for rape. A couple of dumb rules I thought I would share.

*Vignette5* ~


dogpack saving 4premium Author IconMail Icon writes: Thank you for featuring my word art. Thank you for writing about the rules and laws. If there were no problems associated with these laws, it would be very funny. Sadly these laws and more like them can cause serious issues with some ones life. It's costly to create these laws and enforce them, guess where the money comes from, taxes! Stupid is as stupid does and there are some really stupid doings going on that are dangerous. These are also confining and very costly. Our freedoms are being slowly and methodically infringed upon and many people are unaware of this because of the distraction designed to cause us to look the other way while these stupid and confining laws are being passed at our expense.

A justified law that is beneficial and used fairly may help keep society nearer to being civilized but we really don't need regulations, laws, and rules that smother us and eventually drain the life out of society.

These stupid laws are great for writing ideas but they can actually bit your writing muse and kill it if you are accused and judged guilty of breaking these stupid laws.

There is much truth in fiction. What stupid laws can do for creating word art is endless unless you're at the end of a court judgement. Hopefully this will only be in your written story. Safe travels and many blessings.

*Vignette5* ~


sindbad Author IconMail Icon writes: Hi, Shannon. Ridiculous rules and regulations are an eye-opener and an orient reader like me was not aware of all these unique facts. An informative and interesting take you have. Great job..sindbad

*Vignette5* ~


KingsSideCastle Author IconMail Icon writes: Great article and set of unusual laws. I think my favorite was the Connecticut Pickle one. I heard on NPR awhile back that New York was introducing a law to ban selfies with Tigers. One of the comments to that news was that it seemed like that would be a problem that solved itself. Thank you for another great newsletter.

*Vignette5* ~


eyestar~* Author IconMail Icon writes: Oh my gosh. This is too funny. I heard of a weird law that once existed up here in Canada about not shooting a Sasquatch if you see one. Run and hide. You could get arrested if you shoot him in B.C. It was also illegal for a bagpiper to play on the street with another street performer in Victoria, BC. *Shock* But your cannibalism one and the pickle top the ladder. Oh, and you couldn't paint a wooden ladder in Alberta for some reason at some time in history. LOL Thanks for the fun!

*Vignette5* ~


dragonwoman Author IconMail Icon writes: It's so much fun reading about obscure laws. They are good story fodder.

*Vignette5* ~


SandraLynn Author IconMail Icon writes: Canada is home to some strange laws, too. Who knew? In Toronto, dragging a dead horse down the street on a Sunday is illegal. As if! In St. John's, Newfoundland it's considered an offence to invite your cows to be house guests and it's illegal to drive them around after 8:00 a.m. Largish snowmen are illegal in Souris, P.E.I. A snowman standing taller than thirty inches on a corner lot is a no-no. Carrying a snake in public is illegal in Fredericton, New Brunswick unless they are caged. Is the following even possible? Scaring a child or ill person to death is illegal. Lawmakers are keeping us safe?

*Vignette5* ~


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 UNIQUELY FOOD Open in new Window. (E)
A: SCIENCE FICTION SHORT STORY CONTEST
#2236324 by dogpack saving 4premium Author IconMail Icon

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