Just wondering...

[ghostgirl13]

What's the first thing you look for when you open up a new story, especially if it's from an author you don't know? Generally, what is in the story that makes you want to continue reading? Do you find grammar and spelling mistakes a deterrence to fully enjoying a story?

And a random edit: This is my 1,111 journal entry. Hee.

Comments

[cordykitten]

I check the summary if it sounds interesting and if (s)he has written stories before that I've read and don't remember. And then I check if the story has comments already and what they say.

But if the summary is good I've check the first chapter out anyway.
If I like the plot I can cope with spelling errors or grammar if it's not too bad. (See, I'm not English myself so I won't notice anything like a native English speaker will.)

[spikes_cj]

To the last part of your question, absolutely it's a deterrent. Sometimes, no matter how interesting the plot sounds, I will find a spelling or grammatical error in the description of the story, and I will go no further. As far as what I'm looking for, usually just the pairings involved in the story, and I check how often the story is updated if it's not completed already. Because nothing irks me more than a story that just never gets finished... and I've got tons of those.

[mad_brilliant_]

I look for good characterization, some angst, and yes grammar and spelling are important.

[sweetiejen]

Spelling/grammar: VERY IMPORTANT. Good characterization and believable and interesting dialogue are also a must.

[goldenusagi]

I'm first drawn to a story because of the plot. On grammar and spelling mistakes, it depends how many there are. Everyone makes mistakes. I'm more likely to forgive typos (slips of the fingers) than words and grammar that are really wrong. For me to continue reading, it needs to have good characterization.