|
|
Post by thelastsonof84 on Dec 18, 2005 11:30:43 GMT -5
Indeed. I can't exactly say much in regards to writers taking their time with a fanfic. For one reason or another, I took far, far too long to update my last one. Though it does make me reconsider posting one chapter at a time and just wait to post the whole thing once it is all said and done and written.
Truly, the only things I look in a fanfic are:
1. Characters.
Well, this obviously has less to do with the writer than anything else. But rarely does one seek out a story involving characters they have very little interest in. I mean, hey, my main interest in Kim Possible is Drakken and Shego... so of course I'll be seeking out fics that are about said characters.
2. A hook. Generally have to have some kind of catch that makes the story stand out and demand to be read. Granted, one can take an old idea and make it worthwhile, either by strong characterization or putting a new spin on it.
3. Spelling and grammar. No surprise there. Though I can live with a mistake every now and then. Nobody is perfect, not even Microsoft Word. Lord knows I've kicked myself when I look over one of my stories at a later date and find a mistake that leaves me slapping my forehead and wondering how it slipped by me in the first place.
4. Characters in character. Granted, as said by many others in this topic, if you can show how the characters evolve and change into something they were not before, all is well.
|
|
|
|
Post by Scoutcraft Piratess on Dec 18, 2005 12:15:06 GMT -5
And another peeve I've thought of... is actually in regard to fic reviewers: I once wrote a Harry Potter fic that was religious-based. I'm Mormon, so I made a few characters Mormon, parodied it all with a Mormon comedy, and even left a warning that probably only Mormons would get this. And many Mormons read, most thought it funny, and they left their reviews. And all was okay. And then some chick leaves a review and basically criticizes my story based on the fact that she doesn't like my religion. I mean, she didn't criticize grammar, story, or anything! Just the religion! And I found that extremely immature. Good grief.
So that's a pet peeve: leave reviews based on the flippin' story!
|
|
|
|
Post by Panther on Dec 18, 2005 12:48:41 GMT -5
I once read a fanfic where everybody that reviewed it only talked about how "OMG WTF GROSS!11" they thought it was, and it got flamed by a lot of people. Nobody whatsoever actually said anything about the fic itself.
|
|
|
|
Post by thelastsonof84 on Dec 18, 2005 14:12:16 GMT -5
That's quite depressing, to be honest. Doesn't do the author a lick of good, either.
|
|
|
|
Post by surforst on Dec 18, 2005 17:03:15 GMT -5
I once read a fanfic where everybody that reviewed it only talked about how "OMG WTF GROSS!11" they thought it was, and it got flamed by a lot of people. Nobody whatsoever actually said anything about the fic itself. I've seen those types of stories. There was one where Rufus did something very illegal with Kim (mind you it was rated M) and every reviewer basically told the author to go seek mental help. The story itself wasn't that good (I was disturbed mind you) but the reviews had me rolling on the ground. One reviewer told the writter to show this story to his shrink so they could go over the clear issues the writter had. It's funny how the reviews can actually be funnier then the story. Anyway things I don't like. 1. Horrible spelling and gramar errors. I might make mistakes but at least I use the God given tools called spell check/grammar check. Something that drives me insane though is this 'i'. Put it in upper case or I'll hunt you down! 2. Script form. I don't read these nor will I ever. Most people who do this are too lazy to write an actual story and if they can't be bothered to write then I can't be bothered to read it. 3. Pairings I can't support. Since I usually only support K/R and Ron/Bon that takes out a good amount. If the story is good though I'll read it anyway. I don't read Kigo/Drakim/Rokken because of the obvious age difference. I'd say R/S but I'm actually reading a rather interesting story at the moment involving that. Every single character is suffering from obvious mental disorders. It's fun to figure out which. 4. Boring stories. If I can't get interested in it I don't read it. Simple as that. Anyway despite all this I still encourage everyone out there to try their hands at writting. You can't improve if you don't try. Unless you refuse to put the 'i' in uppercase when it is be itself. Then you can just die! Maybe that's a little too angry sounding but I'll ignore that for right now. |
|
|
|
Post by Ezbok58a on Dec 18, 2005 18:02:52 GMT -5
I am guilty for not updating a story of mine.
I don't know if its writters block, or loss of interest, but I have 3 stories in my head. And the one that isn't finished is not one of them.
Although after reading this thread, I will update it with a message that I didn't forget about it, but it probably won't be updated for a long time.
I remember the Mature Fic that Surfrost is talking about, and I believe I was one of the reviewers on it to. But the story was basically reading a adult movie, something very disturbing, but the reviews were hilarious!
|
|
|
|
Post by lonestarr357 on Dec 18, 2005 19:56:56 GMT -5
3. OOC. Now I'm not always completely in character and I'm all for expanding the characters, whether it be them growing older or perhaps being in situations you wouldn't see on the Disney Channel. However there is a limit. I'm following a story and I have no idea who the author is off the top of my head but Kim and Ron are really out of character. At least in my open. This story is part of a trilogy. It can be found on fanfiction.net and is called equal romance I believe. Now minor SPOILERS FOR THE STORY HERE................................................................................ In the story, Kim and Ron are hit with a wish granting ray. They don't know what it does and at some point while holding hands, Ron wishes that he could hold Kim's hand forever. His wish is granted and they are stuck holding hands. Throughout the story they fall in love and get together. Then Ron suddenly realizes that he can here Kim's thoughts. Well at the end Kim realizes the same thing and she misinterprets Ron's thoughts. Kim thinks that Ron did the whole thing on purpose and that he only wants her for sex. Her suspicions are confirmed when a condom falls out of his pocket. Now in the second story, Kim thinks that Ron is constantly trying to rape her. That is definetly out of character for both Kim and Ron. I think that's pretty much it. Mother of God, I thought I was the only one utterly frustrated by this story. And here's the funny thing: it's going to be K/R! Could you die? |
|
|
|
Post by Quin Separable on Dec 18, 2005 23:11:45 GMT -5
Ok, I'm definately guilty of not finishing stories. Well, actually, that's really only one story that probably will never get finished...maybe two.
But everything else you guys have mentioned, I agree with. Especially with the script-format. I've actually read one that could have made an excellent short story!
And one thing I have to add to the list:
Author notes right smack dab in the middle of a scene. Drives me insane! Well, more insane. The chapter will be reaching its height and suddenly: (A\N: I really didn't intend for this chapter to be this way, but my BF thought it would be better this way) and now suddenly that heightened suspense you were trying to create is lost. Author Notes should come before or after the chapter. Not that hard to do at all!
|
|
|
|
Post by Ezbok58a on Dec 19, 2005 1:15:12 GMT -5
I usually have my notes before I start the chapter, and a small note after the chapter. What is the story with the Wishing thing? It seems kind of funny, wrong and potentially aggrivating for me but funny  |
|
|
|
Post by Eddie Butler III on Dec 19, 2005 2:22:28 GMT -5
Equal Romance by Ayotte
|
|
|
|
Post by surforst on Dec 19, 2005 6:35:01 GMT -5
Hey speaking of not finishing stories I went looking through some of my old ones. Finally found the sucker. www.fanfiction.net/s/2632891/1/This is what happens when you don't review! Anyway I did this to bring up my biggest annoyance. 1. Readers who don't review. It only takes a few seconds and it makes the authors day. Except when I review I tend to tick people off. Especially that one where I'm convinced Ron's girl (note: Not cannon character) is evil. Still think she's evil despite what the author claims. Anyway I got a personal system myself. If a story fails to attract attention I end the sucker before I waste more time on it. If it's not interesting enough for the masses then I messed up and should rethink my story ideas. I think it working so far because it tends to weed out stories while keeping me writting on ones I should. At least that's what I feel. |
|
|
|
Post by Scoutcraft Piratess on Dec 19, 2005 10:56:08 GMT -5
That's why everyone should join the review revolution!!!! You may learn about it at my profile: www.fanfiction.net/u/97017/ It is a vow that you will review what you read!!! Everyone join! I still keep what I say about scripts: some stories are simply meant to be scripts. Sometimes you have simple, dialogue-based humor that gets lost in story format! |
|
|
|
Post by captainkodak1 on Dec 19, 2005 11:19:38 GMT -5
Reviews?
If you don't review doesn't make me stop writing. I work on the story till I finish it. Sometimes I hit a mindblock. But I try and finish a story no matter the number of reviews.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sorsha on Dec 19, 2005 13:31:33 GMT -5
But reviews can be so helpful... even when they're not, but just vague little things. But they're encouraging.
Oh, I hate people that try to go all "artistic" with their writing, and fall completely through.
|
|
|
|
Post by captainkodak1 on Dec 19, 2005 14:21:38 GMT -5
I agree that reviews are very very helpful. Some have given me wonderful ideas for improving the story if not starting another story. I also watch the hit count. I can tell how many are reading the story. I made mention of the reviews as some say if they don't get so many reviews then they won't continue the story. I don't do that. I write for the enjoyment of writing and writing for others. Many of my first stories barely got reviewed. It took time for me to build up to the point where I started to recieve 15 to 20 even 30 reviews per chapter. I just keep hammering away at it.
And I'll say this cause there seems to be a wealth of stories now so full of angst that you can barely read the story without some hate-filled dialouge being spouted by kim and/or ron. I know not all relationships are perfect but really folks. I also realize the all fluffy lovey dovey stories get a little old too. But give me a break.
OK that said Ive said to much. Flame away. I apologize to any and all I may have offended. I just really care alot about the relationship between Kim and Ron. Take it easy everyone. Merry Christmas and Bless you all.
|
|
|
|
Post by Scoutcraft Piratess on Dec 19, 2005 15:29:57 GMT -5
I do hate to say this... but sometimes you don't get reviews... for the simple reason that no one wants to read your story. I didn't get steady reviews until I wrote one fic that for some reason attracted lots of readers. And some of them stayed on. Kind of nice to have a following.
It is just good for one's confidence when you have knowledge that people are at least reading your story--something that reviews show. The hit list... that shows that people are clicking onto the link with your fic. There's no surity there.
|
|
|
|
Post by Scoutcraft Piratess on Dec 19, 2005 17:54:32 GMT -5
And... (wow, I keep thinking of these) I hate fics that introduce and detailing describe Kim and Co. I mean, if I had no idea who they were, why would I be reading the fic?
|
|
|
|
Post by Ezbok58a on Dec 19, 2005 19:46:48 GMT -5
And... (wow, I keep thinking of these) I hate fics that introduce and detailing describe Kim and Co. I mean, if I had no idea who they were, why would I be reading the fic? Do'h! I just did that in my newest fanfic, And I really want people to review when they read, my police story has over 400 hits and only 3 reviews! And I just posted that it won't be updated in a while (lack of Ideas, I think  ) If I can take the 30 seconds after reading a chapter, or story to review it, then why can't anyone else? I am glad that I do have certain people that are sticking with my stories (surfrost is one of those, which I say thanks to). It makes me feel special that I have followers, lol. |
|
|
|
Post by surforst on Dec 19, 2005 21:12:55 GMT -5
I am glad that I do have certain people that are sticking with my stories (surfrost is one of those, which I say thanks to). It makes me feel special that I have followers, lol. Yes I enjoy reading your story about Kim being a synthodrone. ;D I figure if this is the case then the story is a bad one. Instead of keeping it on life support and not learning anything I end it. I go back to the drawing board and rethink things. The only stories I don't consider failures with low reviews are one-shots. People are too lazy to review one-shots if they know the author won't write another chapter. Besides most of my oneshots are just a way to write down a crazy idea. |
|
|
|
Post by The Marvelous Me on Dec 19, 2005 22:10:12 GMT -5
3. OOC. Now I'm not always completely in character and I'm all for expanding the characters, whether it be them growing older or perhaps being in situations you wouldn't see on the Disney Channel. However there is a limit. I'm following a story and I have no idea who the author is off the top of my head but Kim and Ron are really out of character. At least in my open. This story is part of a trilogy. It can be found on fanfiction.net and is called equal romance I believe. Now minor SPOILERS FOR THE STORY HERE................................................................................ In the story, Kim and Ron are hit with a wish granting ray. They don't know what it does and at some point while holding hands, Ron wishes that he could hold Kim's hand forever. His wish is granted and they are stuck holding hands. Throughout the story they fall in love and get together. Then Ron suddenly realizes that he can here Kim's thoughts. Well at the end Kim realizes the same thing and she misinterprets Ron's thoughts. Kim thinks that Ron did the whole thing on purpose and that he only wants her for sex. Her suspicions are confirmed when a condom falls out of his pocket. Now in the second story, Kim thinks that Ron is constantly trying to rape her. That is definetly out of character for both Kim and Ron. I think that's pretty much it. Mother of God, I thought I was the only one utterly frustrated by this story. And here's the funny thing: it's going to be K/R! Could you die? I just can't wait to see how this its gonna turn out if the author ever finishes it. From the time Kim mistakes the meaning of Ron's thoughts to his entering into a coma is just completely absurd. The only reason I'm reading it is that the story is pretty good, its just that OOCism that irks me. |
|
)
