10-29-2007, 06:23 PM
I voted to keep it as it is.  A horror Gothic is traditionally a cousin to a Gothic romance.  In fact, some Gothic romances (like many of Virginia Coffman's books) are definitely Gothic horror novels (in that they use actual, not merely perceived as, supernatural elements, etc.).  And some Gothic horror novels are truly Gothic romances--V. C. Andrews' novels, for instance, which were marketed as horror more from commercial reasons than actual genre specifications.
Gothic horror is noted for its restraint.  It's not about overt horror (i.e., buckets of blood and so on).  It's interested in places (old houses, spooky buildings, etc.).  "Rosemary's Baby," for instance--prime example of Gothic horror.  A baroque, decaying apartment house.  A young, innocent bride.  A dark secret hiding within the building.  And (except for one dream sequence), no overt scenes of horror.  If it weren't for the bleak ending and the actual supernatural event that occurs, "Rosemary's Baby" would be a Gothic romance about a girl who suspects her husband of terrible things (a typical theme of Gothic romance).
I wouldn't worry too much about being innundated by the blood and gore crown.  I think the "romance" part of the overall name of this forum will help to keep that crowd away.  But real Gothic horror (like "The Turn of the Screw," etc.) is very much a cousin of Gothic romance, and it belongs here in some capacity.
Gothic horror is noted for its restraint.  It's not about overt horror (i.e., buckets of blood and so on).  It's interested in places (old houses, spooky buildings, etc.).  "Rosemary's Baby," for instance--prime example of Gothic horror.  A baroque, decaying apartment house.  A young, innocent bride.  A dark secret hiding within the building.  And (except for one dream sequence), no overt scenes of horror.  If it weren't for the bleak ending and the actual supernatural event that occurs, "Rosemary's Baby" would be a Gothic romance about a girl who suspects her husband of terrible things (a typical theme of Gothic romance).
I wouldn't worry too much about being innundated by the blood and gore crown.  I think the "romance" part of the overall name of this forum will help to keep that crowd away.  But real Gothic horror (like "The Turn of the Screw," etc.) is very much a cousin of Gothic romance, and it belongs here in some capacity.