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Ariel
Joined: 24 Apr 2003
Posts: 164
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 Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2003 11:59 am Post subject: |
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*sigh*
Then I am grateful I am not a 'popular' author -
I'd never want to get so 'big' that I couldn't answer someone who was kind enough to bother posting me a note. They don't have to do it - an author or artist isn't owed accolades - no matter how good they are. Reviews are gifts - and if someone bothers to send me one, I will thank them. As I did above. It would be a sad world if none of us had the time to be kind. 
I also wish to cool some jets here and assure you that no one is purposefully trying to slam anyone else. If there was ANY ulterior motive in the original postings it was to try and let anyone who might not have been aware of it that some of us who review, wouldn't mind an acknowledgement... just once might even be nice. I've run into authors who weren't aware that they could do that - heck, I didn't always do that! But I was made aware that it does help foster good feelings and so I started doing so. If no one had ever spoken up and said anything to me, I might have never met some people I value greatly. If you as an author don't feel such response is worth your time, then that is your prerogative. It isn't required,... but it sure is nice.
As for the claim of 'cliquishness' - I guess that depends on who you are and your own perception... but I certainly found HASA a far more 'closed' shop.
Ariel |
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Ellbee
Joined: 11 May 2003
Posts: 172
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| Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2003 12:15 pm Post subject: |
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Elizabeth, I have to wonder what it is that has you in such a rage. As far as I can tell, it's because people have expressed opinions that you disagree with: 1) that there are some popular stories that don’t appeal to them and 2) that they like to have their reviews acknowledged. You also seem to have some bad feelings toward those of us who have had less-than-stellar experiences with HA. Nobody can stop you from taking these opinions personally, of course, though they obviously weren’t directed at you. But you really should try to get over the idea that friendly = universal agreement.
-Ell
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If anyone's looking for me, I'll be in the van with Eomer. |
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Ariel
Joined: 24 Apr 2003
Posts: 164
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| Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2003 1:22 pm Post subject: |
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Because I have a moment and because it fits in with the original theme of this thread, I wanted to point to one popular fanfic author that I think DOES do it right... Shirebound.
Maybe you are thinking 'who the heck is that?' but she's rather popular among hobbit circles. Her writing is good, but it is more her manner that makes her popular. She is very sweet and encouraging and replies, not to every review she gets, of course, but to people she has seen review her and who are posting around. She makes good feeling between her and her audience and it is no wonder she has a loyal fanbase.
Not saying this is the way every author has to be, but she's probably even more 'popular' because people know her to be just very nice.
Ariel |
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Viv
Challenge Admin
Joined: 24 Apr 2003
Posts: 71
Location: Texas
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| Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2003 3:35 pm Post subject: |
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| ElizabethWyeth wrote: | ...
| Lindorien wrote: |
I have read pieces that were touted to me as fine examples of their genre or whatever and been less than impressed. |
So what? That's not a reason for people to vilify authors who reach the status of popular. |
Somewhere in that *other* thread was the question: What is it that make some stories very popular?
This is a frustrating question for many of us to answer. Mainly because we've read some of the very revered stories and just don't get it. I went to university for a long time and learned lots of ways a writer can distinguish herself or himself, so when I see a story with sloppy technique getting a lot of attention, it's confusing. There must be something *else* about that story that makes fic readers love it.
I want to know, not because I'm jealous or whiny. Mainly, I want to know, so I can write a story that folks will flock to. (Oh, and now my trying-to-take-over-the-world ambitions are bared  )
Unfortunately, through trial and error, I've discovered that fic readers get much more excited about stories that include very graphic sex. The hotter the better. And if you can wrap a smidge of story around it, yay. But there has to be more to it than that. 
You've mentioned "characterization." What do you mean by that? This is the kind of info that would help a lot!
Thanks. |
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Una
Joined: 07 Sep 2003
Posts: 21
Location: Germany
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| Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2003 6:21 pm Post subject: |
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Viv wrote:
| Quote: | | Unfortunately, through trial and error, I've discovered that fic readers get much more excited about stories that include very graphic sex. The hotter the better. And if you can wrap a smidge of story around it, yay. But there has to be more to it than that. |
Ah Viv, but if we both are honest, most of the time that very graphic sex is hideous (I'm referring to OB fics here not LOTR - though from what I have heard ... )
I think what we *unsung* writers want to know is why some fics that lack in grammar, style and structure are so darn popular.
I know of a few fics that are really hard to read, because of all those awful grammatical mistakes as well as incoherency displayed in the plot. But darn it they are popular - okay so most reviews contain stuff like .. I LOV U. UR My Fave r8er .. and so on - and sometimes I suspect they are just popular because of the sex (even if it is not realistic) and cater to the less literate fanfic readers but I really ask myself WHY??? Technically, the stories are total crap and the plots ... well they are mostly taken straight from blockbuster movies or TV series and easily recognized.
Elizabeth, no one really went on whining and bitching, it is just that these fics are contrary to EVERYTHING a pro-writer will tell you and also what you have learned in school and university, these fics are read and loved by so many, even though I would personally die if I ever DID write such crap.
Una |
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