Think Before You TypeBut the fact of the matter is that people are having these ‘off days’ more and more often.
More and more substandard stories are being posted, more sues are popping up every which way, and there is a rift forming between the ‘good’ authors and the ‘bad’. Try to put some thought into your characters! If you’re making an original, try and think. People aren’t perfect, neither should your characters be. Flaws are important! Mary and Gary Sues are horrible things, and they can be prevented if a little more thought was just put into their creation! There are ways to easily--though not infallibly--test whether or not your idea would be a believable character.
But worse than the falling standard of the stories are the reviews.
Come ON, people. Yes, we authors ADORE it when people leave reviews. And it seems popularity is based somewhat on that count. But we’re all missing the point--they’re reviews. Reviews are supposed to tell the author what you liked, what you didn’t like, what you thought was off, what you think of this character’s reaction, or this character’s thoughts, what your favorite parts are and guesses for the future or would-be scenes. And what’s with all of the ‘update plz!’? We KNOW. We’ll update as soon as we can. More often than not, the author is contentedly typing away on their computer, and see that a review alert will pop up. They stop writing and head off to check it, only to see that it contains one or two words. And they stopped writing for however many minutes that took, just to see. (And if they’re courteous, even stopping to type up a review reply to patiently (or not so patiently) tell the reviewer that they ARE hurrying to update soon.)
The fact of the matter is, quite simply, that we ALL need to put a little more thought into what we type. Stories and plots have been getting shallower and shallower, because it seems that the readers just can’t read foreshadow or see hidden and ulterior motives and thoughts behind radical actions or ideas. YES, this isn’t English class, and you don’t have to evaluate everything you read. Just think about it, for five seconds, before typing up that review. Put a little thought into it. I bet that the answer would come to you, as to why that happened, if the story you’re reading has the answers. If not, then you’re probably not supposed to know yet. That’s how stories work.
So please, just please, think before you type.
Type what you liked about the chapter or oneshot. What you didn’t like. What had you in hysterics, what had you in tears. What the general theme of it was--was it sheer desperation that drove the characters forward, or was it love that compelled them to seek each other out? What did you think about the beginning? The ending? What was your favorite phrase, or piece of dialogue? How could the story be better? What are you glad the author didn’t put in? Did you like the couple? Did you think it was believable? What would make it more believable? What suggestions do you have for future chapters or the plot? What would you like to see in future chapters? Heck, you could even pick out your favorite character and psychoanalyze him or her.
Authors thrive off of reviews, yes. But reviews should be reviews. Not one or two words, or even one whole line. A paragraph is usually a goldmine for the writers of today. Try to spread the wealth around."
This is my new standpoint.
We all need to think more about what we type. Yes, this was written for fanfiction.net, but it doesn't have to apply to just that. It can apply to fictionpress, and even deviantArt.
It's not about whether you write or draw, or just like to remain a reader. If you're an author, put some depth into your stories. Foreshadow. Give ulterior motives that you don't come out and say. Put a little mystery into your works. If you're a reviewer, please, just...try. Tell us authors what you think of our work!!
I think everyone needs to grow up a little and put a little thought into this world of art and literature.
I'll probably be posting an art-version of this sometime, just to try to expand the awareness.
RELATED
A Compromise by =cozmictwinkie (for all those of you who just like to fave but never comment or review)
Mary Sue Litmus Test (it's a test that can help you with original characters. it's not perfect, nowhere near, but it helps from a guiding standpoint.)
The Plot Thickens by Noah Lukeman (a real-live book, it helps create characters, work out a plot, and can be a real lifesaver with budding authors. but yet again only guidelines.)
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ALWAYS RECRUITING.
PLEASE JOIN.
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And above all else...
PLEASE THINK BEFORE YOU TYPE!!!
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Devious Comments
Gaaah, I always try hard to give a well-rounded review. Or, rather, I did when I used to frequent FF.net. Sheesh, it's been so long since I've been there...I've kind of shifted away from fanfiction, I guess, since I'm into writing original fiction now more. -_-;; I should really go back to writing a Pokemon story, though. Those were a lot of fun, especially since now I write more (so I could actually, you know, UPDATE IN A TIMELY MANNER).
But oh my god, those sues...Jenta seemed to be a magnet for 'em, too. RP sues (THEY DESERVE NO CAPITALIZATION) seem worse to me now than fanfic sues. Why? I dunno. Probably cuz I usually ended up writing half their story, putting in some actual effort into the "background characters", and watching them be all, "use fire spin".
If you remember names, you know who I'm talking about. Actually...wait...there was more than one...
Ahahah, I wonder if I'll actually ever revive Jenta? I miss my darlings (read: the NPCs). But, I have to say, although I miss all the characters and places I made for it, I don't always miss all the people. Sometimes I do...but sometimes...hahahah, suckerrrrrrrs I have left you. >:3 It's like they can't exist without me. I AM GOD.
*dissolves into hysterical laughter*
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...42. That is all. *nod nod*
This is all way passed the point of truth. Mostly all I get as a review on my stories in FF.net is 'udpate PLZ!' '
But even reading this, I'm guilty of putting up short reviews, and even a couple '
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"Lest we live to do what's horrible,
you should always try to see the good in one's self."
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"Lest we live to do what's horrible,
you should always try to see the good in one's self."
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"Lest we live to do what's horrible,
you should always try to see the good in one's self."
I cannot honestly thank you enough for joining this movement--this revolution. It will only take the masses to change any of these sites, be it fanfiction.net or deviantart.com.
I can only ask that you do indeed think before you type, and try to tell others about this. They don't have to join, or even 'support', but if we all put a little more thought into our work the world will be a better place. :D And I'm done sounding like an idealist now.
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[think again]
It's not just about reviews, though, and not just about the stories...it's both. >< We need to raise the bar back up, back when we were both budding writers and all of the other veteran authors seemed so good...years and years ago...>.>; We need to be those veterans now and set a good example for all of the creators of tomorrow.
Yeah, rp sues are getting more and more horrid, too. XD;; But to some degree, a lot of rp characters need to be sues. To some degree. It's almost a survival-of-the-fittest thing...><;;
Yes I remember who that was... D|
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[think again]
--
"Lest we live to do what's horrible,
you should always try to see the good in one's self."
[link]
--
"Lest we live to do what's horrible,
you should always try to see the good in one's self."
But that's not a link to it...x.o; That's a link to the login page...
--
[think again]
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