Fanfic Frustrations
Jun. 24th, 2012 12:13 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
superbadgirl1) Author's Personal Beliefs Don't Jive
I really hate when I find a story I enjoy, then make the error of reading the author's profile only to learn they're kinda homophobic. No, author, it's not necessary to state how you will never, ever, NEVER write slash because you're a Christian. Just don't write it, okay? No blood, no foul. No one had to see your arse hanging out about this topic that actually has no relevance to the work you produce. Also, newsflash, author, Christianity does not prevent acceptance. If anything, I always thought it was supposed to encourage it. By choosing to use a fanfiction site to thump that particular Bible, you look like a dick. Finally, one can be a Christian and not only accept and support and enjoy fic about those not of the heterosexual bent, but also be gay oneself. LORDY, LORDY, SAY IT AIN'T SO!
Ugh. I am so disappoint, because I really enjoyed the writing until I looked at the profile and now I feel like I can't read more of that author's work.
2) Wildly OOC Characters
If you have to make all other characters act like strange people who aren't recognizable to those on the screen simply to make your favored character sympathetic, you aren't doing it right. Having everyone act dickish to build your character up is lazy writing, and is unnecessary. The character speaks for him/herself and doesn't need any of this kind of help. Unfortunately, the thousands of hits and hundreds of reviews/kudos you get make it seem like this kind of writing and character assassination is more than okay.
There's no accounting for taste, I guess, but I hate that you seem to be rewarded for this.
3) Some Epithets Are Better Than Others
Haole isn't a particularly nice word. It has some unkind meanings, if you take my meaning. So, why do all of his friends casually think of Danny Williams as "the haole" in your stories? Why is this the epithet you choose to use to end a dialogue tag when he's speaking? Why does the narrative voice call him haole more than it refers to him by name?
Epithets in general are annoying, but when they're slurs it's even worse. Use epithets in moderation if they're non-offensive, avoid them completely if they are. Jeez.
4) Your Life Story In Fanfiction
I'm sure your trip to XXX was wonderful for you. I didn't need to read it recreated with fictional characters, because it's kind of self indulgent and also kind of boring. I'm not saying you shouldn't ever write based on real-life events. Just, maybe consider not announcing at the start of the fic that you're basically chronicling your own holiday.
I really hate when I find a story I enjoy, then make the error of reading the author's profile only to learn they're kinda homophobic. No, author, it's not necessary to state how you will never, ever, NEVER write slash because you're a Christian. Just don't write it, okay? No blood, no foul. No one had to see your arse hanging out about this topic that actually has no relevance to the work you produce. Also, newsflash, author, Christianity does not prevent acceptance. If anything, I always thought it was supposed to encourage it. By choosing to use a fanfiction site to thump that particular Bible, you look like a dick. Finally, one can be a Christian and not only accept and support and enjoy fic about those not of the heterosexual bent, but also be gay oneself. LORDY, LORDY, SAY IT AIN'T SO!
Ugh. I am so disappoint, because I really enjoyed the writing until I looked at the profile and now I feel like I can't read more of that author's work.
2) Wildly OOC Characters
If you have to make all other characters act like strange people who aren't recognizable to those on the screen simply to make your favored character sympathetic, you aren't doing it right. Having everyone act dickish to build your character up is lazy writing, and is unnecessary. The character speaks for him/herself and doesn't need any of this kind of help. Unfortunately, the thousands of hits and hundreds of reviews/kudos you get make it seem like this kind of writing and character assassination is more than okay.
There's no accounting for taste, I guess, but I hate that you seem to be rewarded for this.
3) Some Epithets Are Better Than Others
Haole isn't a particularly nice word. It has some unkind meanings, if you take my meaning. So, why do all of his friends casually think of Danny Williams as "the haole" in your stories? Why is this the epithet you choose to use to end a dialogue tag when he's speaking? Why does the narrative voice call him haole more than it refers to him by name?
Epithets in general are annoying, but when they're slurs it's even worse. Use epithets in moderation if they're non-offensive, avoid them completely if they are. Jeez.
4) Your Life Story In Fanfiction
I'm sure your trip to XXX was wonderful for you. I didn't need to read it recreated with fictional characters, because it's kind of self indulgent and also kind of boring. I'm not saying you shouldn't ever write based on real-life events. Just, maybe consider not announcing at the start of the fic that you're basically chronicling your own holiday.
