Comments | lydialovestruck: OMG She's Back!?

lydialovestruck

OMG She's Back!?

Feb 16, 2008 20:25

Hi! I know - it's been over a year. I got out of the habit of even checking LJ except for certain things, so posting went way down on my priority list. Plus, you know, I do work and go out and have a life outside of my PC room. Except for when I don't, and then the last thing I want to do is talk about myself when there are so many other fun things ( Read more... )

Comments 16

gothphyle February 17 2008, 02:28:18 UTC

Greetings! *waves*

Just a comment about commenting/feedback; looking back, I'd have to say that I was much more likely to send LOC's along the lines of "I liked this story a lot, but___" several years ago, when I was fist delving into online fandoms.

Now, I find I only comment on positive things, and never really discuss the things I didn't like. I don't think there is anything wrong with opening a constructive crit/like-dislike discussion, I just don't seem to do it anymore.

Hmm.

lydialovestruck February 17 2008, 05:22:05 UTC

Isn't that kind of sad, that there isn't more discussion about fics, there's just praise? Not that praise is bad - who doesn't love it - but that praise becomes meaningless if that's all you hear. Probably why I don't believe my husband when he tells me I'm a fantastic person. He's always told me that. *g*

rambly thoughts kaiz February 17 2008, 03:42:20 UTC

I think that a lot depends upon what you hope to accomplish with your email. If you're hoping to make a new friend, open up a dialogue, etc., then that's one thing. (And if so, your email should probably be a bit more chatty and less focused on where the story went awry in your opinion.) If you're writing solely because this author's characterization really drives you nuts, then...I guess that's another thing all together. I mean, this person isn't going to change the story after the fact. And if this characterization style is popular in fandom, s/he's not likely to change it unless you were to have some kind of friendly prolonged exchange with her, right? And characterization is one area where people can get really defensive about their writing since it's so subjective. So, I guess I'm not seeing a lot of upside to sending the email as is. Perhaps if it really *is* a characterization issue, you might want to just make a general post to your LJ to talk about the topic and see what turns up.

Re: rambly thoughts lydialovestruck February 17 2008, 05:19:17 UTC

Oh, god, I know!! I'm not going to change anyone's opinion and yes, while this isn't prevalent, exactly, in the fandom, it's enough of a trope that it's not unexpected nor challenged.

I just want things to be the way I want them to be. Is that so wrong?

Re: rambly thoughts kaiz February 17 2008, 05:23:30 UTC

I just want things to be the way I want them to be. Is that so wrong?

Hee! I totally hear you. :-) What the hell, start writing tons of stories that go counter to the prevailing trope! Maybe you can change the fandom from within! *eg*

Re: rambly thoughts lydialovestruck February 17 2008, 14:40:49 UTC

Tons of stories that go counter to the prevailing trope? Does it have to be "tons"? Are you familiar with my rate of story production? It's kind of low.

*laughs*

But oh, so tempting!

dementordelta February 17 2008, 03:56:46 UTC

Well, hello there! Glad to see you posting again! I am, sadly, one of those people who leaves feedback along the lines of 'that wuz grate, plz rite moar'. For me feedback is really just a way to let the author know I read it and enjoyed it.

lydialovestruck February 17 2008, 05:23:16 UTC

Posting again, yes. I'm still here! Just not so much into HP right now (but I'm feeling a strange pull back toward the HP archives - there must be so much great stuff I've missed reading in the last 3 years).

dementordelta February 18 2008, 03:57:44 UTC

No worries about being out of HP--I think about half my friends-list is! I'm still into it happily, but I still read my f-list and hope you post more!

amethyst_lupin February 17 2008, 04:54:47 UTC

*waves* Usually I just leave feedback to let the author know I read their story and liked it. If there is something that bothered me about the piece I don't normally say anything....

lydialovestruck February 17 2008, 05:26:04 UTC

Hi!!

And why don't we say anything about what bothers us or could be made stronger in a story? Is it that we're afraid of being seen as mean or jealous or spiteful? I mean, my friends & I have spent many a fine hour discussing fanfics of a variety of types and fandoms and pairings; we pick them apart and lavish praise and often come away with a fresh set of links to new stories to enjoy. It's ultimately positive (new stories - yay!), but we don't shy away from criticism. It's helpful, actually, as it helps define what we like/don't like, and find odd stuff that we wouldn't normally try.

Hm. Maybe I've just been in a pissy mood lately. *g*

amethyst_lupin February 17 2008, 05:34:55 UTC

Maybe I feel like its not my place... I write for fun, to tell a story- I'm no expert.

The funny thing is that I love it when people give me good constructive criticism on my fics.

bethbethbeth February 17 2008, 07:56:34 UTC

Hi ( ... )

lydialovestruck February 17 2008, 14:39:39 UTC

Hmm. #3 is probably the best bet, assuming the author knows and can speak about her choices. (I sometimes think people write on automatic more than they write deliberately, or with intent, if that makes sense.)

I'm getting the strong impression that it would be bad to just smack them upside the head, despite any agreement that an author might deserve it. Or benefit from it. Because, head injuries? Not that sexy. All evidence aside, of course.