Needing answers to really stupid things....

HeartoftheNight

First of all, brave of you to view this topic. Very Happy

Okay, I'll get down to business.

1) What's a Mary-Sue? I've seen them mentioned everywhere, but I don't have a clue as to what they are. Help please?

2) How do I get an avatar? I'm a newbie to forums/chatrooms and internet period. (Live in really far out-of-the-way place) So, if anyone can help there too.... **hopeful smile**

3) What its take to be a beta? Do you have to have an special requirements? Just curious.

Thanks ya'll for your time. Smile

sindohte · Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 9:10 pm Post subject:

Hi there,

To find the answer to your Mary Sue question, you should take a gander at the Mary Sue vs. OFC thread. It should give you some info as to the nature of the beast. http://www.openscrolls.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=797

As for avatars, they can be as simple or as flashy as you want. I think there is a thread in the Suggestions and Feedback forum on that topic re: where to find avatars and then how to find a free webhost to store your picture. What you can do is take a look and see who has a cool looking avatar and ask how they created it. As for me, I use Paint Shop Pro to diddle around with stuff. However any basic photo editing software should be able to crop a picture to the size that you want (the maximum avatar size for this site is 100 x 100 pixels).

So what does it take to be a beta? Well this is purely my own humble opinion, so take it for what it's worth -

1. Someone with a good grasp of the English language and by that I mean spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

2. A good working knowledge of the background material the author is basing their story upon. I'm not saying that if someone writes a story about Aragorn during the War of the Ring, the beta reader has to be both an expert about all things Aragorn. However, the beta reader should be willing to do some research to double check some of the facts if they seem to be questionable.

3. A willingness to give honest feedback about the story and then suggestions on what the writer can do to improve it.

BittenBuggy · Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 6:45 am Post subject:

Yep, Sind just about covered it. Hiya newbie! Hello

Moralanqua · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 1051 Location: Scotland

Hallo n00b!

Devil's choice

must not torment the freshmeats...

1. Mary Sues are generally shyte. They are the most common cliched female characters. Sue has extra long hair, violet orbs and a full and overly described wardrobe. She has an angsty past and usually ends up with Legolas. She is often half something and rides a horse with a stupid name. Sues also have overly long names most often ending in the NOT ELVEN FEMALE letter 'a' or have a non tolkien name like 'Claire' or 'Sierra'. Avoid this at all costs and you are well on your way to NOT sueing!

2. You can make (or have one made) and avvie. Or you can steal one. Put 'avatars - LOTR' into a search engine and you should get a list. You need one 100x100 max. You then go into your profile and put the URL to the avvie in the space.

OSA has a thread for making avvies too - or you can PM me for more info.

3. Beta Readers can be anyone but the DECENT ones know what they are doing. They are experienced and have a sound knowledge of the fandom and english language. There is no point in asking someone younger and less experienced than you to beta read! They wont know what you've done wrong! Also - no ppoint in you trying to Beta Read for someone who is very experienced when you arent. You wont be able to pick up on the errors in grammar etc.

That is all. Be good and come play with us some more! Twisted Evil

HeartoftheNight · Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 9:48 am Post subject:

Thank you so much ya'll! Very Happy

NancyBrooke · Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 9:53 am Post subject:

Welcome! HotN (ooh, interesting acronym you have there ...)
There are no stupid questions, only stupid questioners Twisted Evil

Actually, you've found yourself a good spot for all such questions and plenty of questionners and answerererrs Confused

THis forum is great for all that stuff and usually response is quick.

Glad you dove right in!

Andreth · Joined: 24 Oct 2003 Posts: 1211

Moralanqua · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 1051 Location: Scotland

Liek OMG! UrtehEVIL!! KTHXBAI!!11!~

Naughty!!!

BittenBuggy · Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 11:24 am Post subject:

I think I can translate the first two words! Wink

Andreth · Joined: 24 Oct 2003 Posts: 1211

I have no idea what that means, but it sounds, really, really bad.

Stop wasting Mr. Hat's time with pansy little fu-fu problems and get your bitch ass back in the kitchen and make me some pie.

There - that's Southpark-speak. Very Happy