[BlookKING]

Hey All
Im so new to this, and I've been looking at the guidelines to try and see what rules, written or unwritten that I should follow.
Is grammer really that important, because I've seen a lot of stories where people just kind of go crazy. Also, I'm new to fan fic, and I was suprised by all the, um, sexuality in it. What crosses the line, what dosen't?
Are there anyother written or unwritten, not spoken of rules that I should follow? How can I be a better part of the community? Anything can help!!!
-Ben

[NancyBrooke]

Well ... I think you already know the most important thing - when in doubt, ask questions. We try to be helpful around here. And did you find the Admin's help addy? it's on the home page, somewhere 'round the middle.

The guidelines are really The Word, it's just that the Admins, busy as they are with all the responsibilities of this site and - if that wasn't enough! - real life as well, don't get a chance to read everything. If you, dear reader, find anything you feel is really egregiously in violation, you can certainly e-mail the admins and suggest - O so politely - that something be done.

Unwritten rules are rife and everyone has their very own copy, all marked up, crossed out, and rearranged, so never trust what someone else tells you is the way things are done unless their names are Do, Scribe or Robbie.

Sorry you were uncomfortable with the Pr0n, as it is often quaintly known. This is an adult site, though. All stories are labled and rated (appropriately, one hopes), so I think what matters here is your limit but, again, if it's lines your looking for the guidelines are only ones that really matter. Whatever you're uncomfortable with, you should avoid.

All that being said, Welcome, Ben.


btw: that would be grammar

[SilverMoonLady]

The Duchess strikes again... !

She's right, though (and not just about the grammar ); the Guidelines are good place to start, and common sense and good taste should top it off. You don't have to read or write NC17 lubricity if it doesn't float your boat; the cool thing about fanfic is that you can, if you choose, explore areas that aren't covered in the original work. Do rate and warn (and classify) your works accordingly though, just so as not to surprise. The thing about technically clean work is that it allows your story to absorb the reader and lead them into the magic of it, whereas numerous misspellings and gramatically tortuous sentences are wearisome and most people click off pretty quickly. A good beta is the key to that sort of thing; advertise your need on the Beta thread:)
Can't wait to see what you'll be up to!

Sil

[inglor]

The stories that are widely read and favorably reviewed almost always have good grammar. Like SML said, bad grammar is a big turn off, it will keep people from hitting the review button eventhough the story itself has merit. Betas are the second most important resource you can get, the first being, IMHO, a good imagination. Basically, if you can't communicate what you are trying to say, and good grammar is the best way to do it, then you will have far fewer readers.


Inglor

[Viv]

Heya. Welcome to the OSA! Those guidelines are pretty straightforward, and folks have already pointed you there, so I won't repeat 'em.

You've seen grammatically loose stories *here*? Eep! This is a quality-controlled archive, so the admins try to keep obviously un-proofread stories out, as much as possible. It's just a matter of respect to the readers.

Having said that, though, we're chock full of beta-editor sorts around here. If you need someone to look over a piece and check on the commas, feel free to holler here on the forum or contact (PM) someone whose style you think is similar to yours.

Regarding how to get involved around here ... *cracks knuckles*

First, the pimpage: Maram68 and I run the challenges (on the main page, look at the bottom left: there should be some notice of the most current challenge. If you click in there, you can get a gander at all of the challenges that are currently open. Feel free to jump right in if any of those tweak your muse.)

We also have Quizzes (see the nav bar at the top). I just took the Elrond quiz last night and am absolutely *shocked* that SpaceWeavil, our resident Elrond expert, hasn't out-scored me already. (Yeah, a challenge, Space!)

Since you've been a little traumatised by our smuttiness so far, you might want to wait a while before, uh, exposing yourself to the Tol Elannon, our alternate-universe writing group. It can get pretty smutty in there. But if you're ever get the yen, Ghettoelleth is the mod for that group.

Feel free also to wander through this forum. We've had a lot of lively conversations in the past; just go ahead and jump right on in if something grabs your interest.

And "Ben"... are you a boy? If so, I think Robbie, our site admin, runs some boys-only things. Not that I'd know anything about that...

Again, welcome.

[SpaceWeavil]

[Neniel]

*nodding in agreement* Yeap, it's like the guys said! It is always a good idea to find a beta-reader for your stories, it is life saving for those of us who speak english as a second language and are not that much confident over our grammar and syntax skills. You will be surprised how many people around here actually volunteer to do this sort of work! *huggles beta-readers everywhere*

Seriously though, it makes reading your stories easier too. I am not ashamed to admit that sometimes when a story has not been properly checked and it involves too much slang or "casual" talking, I have a hard time making out a meaning. No reason to lose your sleep over it either. Just make sure your writing is in a good shape.

Oh, and watch out for the Duchess! She hardly misses anything, but her advice and comments are priceless and much appreciated by all! We simply love her!

Oh, as far as the smut is concerned, don't worry about it. If it bothers you, just stay away from the respective ratings. Most writers don't use it as the sole core of their stories (well, OK, some do, but that's another thing entirely!). Some people simply view it as a better way to make their story more realistic and complete, while it is part of an actual plot that involves a lot more than that. Either way, I don't think there's anyone who disregards the ratings policy and it is also accordingly mentioned in the story's warnings, so in the end the choice is yours!

[Viv]

[SpaceWeavil]

[wenont]

Greetings Ben,

I am soooo not paying attention to these forums *bangs head against post*

Welcome to our fan fic sandbox. Looks like the gang has most of your questions answered. I have been suffering from lack of internet at home (Raton chewed through the lines) for the past week or so, and just got a new notebook with WIFI. I did a scan and, *poof* picked up a hot spot. So, hence this welcome

If you are ever in need of a beta, I am available (though, you might have a bit of a wait for edits...).

So again, welcome and I await your first fanfic!

Regards,

Wenont

[ghettoelleth]

Duchess, I just love the way your upper lip gets all sweaty when you find a type-o. Its one of the most endearing qualities you possess. That and your talent for crafting those little cloth loop pot holders with your feet.

Hey Ben, 'sup? If the pr0n disturbs you, let me strongly suggest you avoid like the plague anything with my name on it. And Tol Elannon is a plague zone teeming with the general pandemic affliction theme. Oh, and if it has my name on the outside and exactly one hundred words on the inside, just run. Don't even ask, just run like the wind.

Well, the only other advice of any value that is left to proffer is, always wipe front to back, don't forget, it's rape THEN pillage, and there really is no split too wide, as long as you've got the balls.

Neni, no plot hinges on teh pr0n, we write it cuz we're durrdy gurls.

*Smacks We on other side of head to balance her and keep her plum.* Come on Wemongous, let's go make sala.

Hope you enjoy your senten....stay here at OSA Bob...Roy...oh hell

[Neniel]

[NancyBrooke]

[SilverMoonLady]

*whispers*"I think we scared the little one away...!"

[DarkElfChilde]

Not another one who got scared away!