The Big "Commentasaurus"-thread, For those who want to comment on multiple stories at the same time! Options

[minque]

THIS thread is meant to give us an option to comment on several stories and authors in one single post! Maybe we read two or three stories and then we'd like to give some overall comment on all of them instead of posting in each one of the story-threads!

Mark this: It's optional! You can choose whether you like to post here or in the original thread!!!!

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My first general comment will be this:

There's a lot of good work in the fanfic-section at the time being, it might be because of the latest contest, but nevertheless it's a sheer joy to visit the section and read all the nice stories. You really are a bunch of goos serious writers and I hope you find it as fun to write as I find it to read...

Keep up the good work, all of you!

[Black Hand]

I apologize if my post came across as harsh. The fanfiction communities I'm used to had a strong underpinning of assuming that everyone's work was basically good, and therefore we tended to focus only on points that needed improvement.

If that is indeed your position, than allow me to apologize for misunderstanding it. There have been several points of frustration on this site recently, and I did indeed misinpret your post as one of them.

Contrary to what it may have sounded like, I am not making a 'call-to-arms' or try to sound as...ridiculous as to say 'i h8 n00bs'. Adaptation certainly takes time, I was new here once as well. Ive been biting my tongue with some of the things that have been infuriatiing me, save via Pm's with a couple of friends. It is because I think the people who say things like 'this is OUR site!!' or 'I hate noobs' are ridiculous, I didnt want to end up making a horses behind of myself by saying something, though admittedly I have.

As for me, I don't give critisicms because Im not qualified. I am uncertain as to how good work could be great, and okay work could be better. I believe that everyone is doing the best they can, with something that they like doing. And to share a talent with people, to open yourself to someone elses judgement, is one of the scariest things someone could do, and I dont think that budding talent should be trampled on by boorish cads who havent the slightest regard for feelings, it needs positivity, encouragment, before it can truly be shaped and molded by editing and consensus. People are not computers, and comfort, psychology, and attitude can make or break a writer in the beggining. If I hadnt recieved positive feedback in the beggining, I would have stopped writing, I would have.

At this point in time, I am confident enough in my writing to know that there are a few people who will love your work, a lot that might think its okay, and a few that will detest it with every fiber of their being, but in the end its whether or not the writer is satisfied with the work, not the audience, unless your selling a book of course.....

[kementari]

And to share a talent with people, to open yourself to someone elses judgement, is one of the scariest things someone could do, and I dont think that budding talent should be trampled on by boorish cads who havent the slightest regard for feelings,

Like you mentioned, I haven't exactly been here for very long, but I haven't really seen evidence of people who fit that description. Is the line between "constructive criticism" and "boorish cad" drawn at posts that don't include positive remarks, or at posts that include nothing but positive remarks? (I'm aware that the tone-free medium of the internet allows that sentence to be read in a snotty tone of voice; such is not my intent. I'm honestly curious what the expectations are. I'm already aware that further posts should include a positive commendation to the author for their efforts, instead of just assuming that such is understood.)

it needs positivity, encouragment, before it can truly be shaped and molded by editing and consensus.

For the sake of argument, I would respectfully disagree that "consensus" is the way to judge whether writing is good or not. It's usually easier to grow as an artist if you simply find someone whose writing you respect - someone who clearly has a lot of talent, practice, and education on the subject - and ask them to tell you what you can be doing better. (I've already approached several people here whose work I admire with PM requests that they examine my vignettes for this reason.) A bunch of people who know you well and are concerned about hurting your feelings could say "Good work, I LOVED it," but this consensus never helps you realize what's wrong with your style.

And everyone has something wrong with their style. Published authors, even millionaire published authors*, even millionaire published authors whose books are fun to read**, can have glaring problems with their work. It's silly, not to mention the greatest of self-important attitudes, to pretend otherwise.


And KitchenSink, I just realized yours was the post I read last night. Thorough analysis incoming! :3



*Extremely poor characterization, stilted character development.
**Re-(and re- and re-)use of stale plot devices. Overuse of false-document technique.

This post has been edited by kementari: Jun 4 2008, 04:22 AM

[Kitchen.Sink]

For the sake of argument, I would respectfully disagree that "consensus" is the way to judge whether writing is good or not.

I could not agree more. Write for yourself. Post for those like yourself. Whether others are pleased or whether they are peeved by your work, it should make no difference. After all, conventionally "bad" writing can be all some anonymous reader needs to brighten an otherwise dreary day. What does a mountain of criticism matter to the mind that sees the "good" within the "bad"? Take it all in stride. If one feels the criticism to be off-key, then, by all means, ignore it. If one feels it to be spot-on, then, by all means, adapt and grow by it.

This is by no means a challenge to the old order of this board. I will graciously abide by the rules. It is simply an effort to help those that are self-conscious about their work to put things in perspective.