Vogler describes NOBA -principle as universal tool. "NOBA is a rhetorical device, a way of presenting information.. ..Not Only But Also means: Here is a truth that you know perfectly well, but there is another dimension to this truth of wich you may not be aware..." You show (or tell) something via several ways. You let it sink. And at the same time you tell something totally else via same ways. Everyone knows this. Everyone does it. But maybe it is easier to talk about if when it has a name. Not only plotline but also theme. Not only conflicts but also growing through difficulties. Not only surprise but also a new twist. Not only a character that wants something but also a need that is in a contradiction with that want. Not only.. but also. If you seek for NOBA, you are seeking layers and dimensions. If you seek NOBA you are paying attention to your texts different dimensions having compatible pace. Hmm... I'm starting to like this. Not Only like But Also use and analyse it. NOBA.
This is a very complicated way of saying "You know what, buddy, there's more than one thing in the world!". Well, yes, most people would have thought so anyway. If it works for you - great. But the way I see it, it only works to explain stuff you already know. If you know that a story should have a plotline and a theme, then you can easily come up with the phrase "Not only plotline but also theme." But if you only know about plotline, then you get stuck with: "Not only plotline but also..... Omg, I have writer's block! 'elp!" and the NOBA doesn't work at all.
I don't see it as complicated but very simplistic. "Check that everything has at least two layers. And check that both those layers have at least two layers. And chect that also those...
