When Original Isn't Good

[willow_25]

I've been reading fanfic, in various incarnations and fandoms, since 1997.  I've seen lots of really amazing work, by incredibly talented writers; some close friends.  I've also seen writing with so many typos, gramatical and punctiation-al errors, that it was truly difficult to read, and detracted from the plot.  Then, there are stories with unoriginal plots or plots so close to cannon as to be almost indistinguishable.

When I like something, I respond with criticism and comments.  When I don't think the writing is up to par, but the plot is good under all the crap, I offer suggestions and/or assistance as a beta reader.  When it's just shit, I tend to keep my mouth shut.  Because, well, I hate flames myself, so I extend the courtesy of not flaming others.

I've noticed that when I post work, I get only a few reviews.  And, I wonder why that is?  Is it because I tend to stay away from the cliches of fanfic?  Is it because I suck and no one wants to flame me?  Do I suck at summaries, and people just don't read, or care if I finish another chapter?

I don't mean to put this on those who read here, because you are mainly friends who put up with my ranting about my stories out of courtesy, and not people who are eagerly awaiting my next chapter.  This is not directed at any of you, so don't feel berated.  I'm just kinda wondering.

Someone at the Spuffy Realm told me I had a very original viewpoint (she was reviewing FAA), and I have to wonder if that's part of the problem.  Fans spend years getting to know the characters on screen, then if they read fanfic, especially if it's genre/pairing specific, they get lulled into a path.  To Spuffy fans, Angel is either a dick with no redeeming qualities, or just an ex-boyfriend better forgotten.  Dru is a nutcase ho-bag, but she was the first love of Spike's life.  Buffy has always been clueless, so will always remain clueless.  Spike was a punching bag, and will go back to being a punching bag if Buffy offers.  I just don't think everything is that cut and dried.

And maybe I say this as a former X-Files fan; because, after all, if there was a show that desperately needed fanfic, it was the Files (Where did that baby come from again?) but I like the idea that there was more going on with Buffy and Spike than we saw on the show, and that we would see a different relationship if they both grew up a bit and told people about that stuff.  So sue me.

Comments

[ozma914.livejournal.com]

It's true that some people have their specific pairings, or their specific interests, and no more; but I think the biggest problem is that people are simply overwhelmed and have little time to read, let alone review.

I don't read nearly as much as I'd like, and although I try to review every story that I do read, don't always get time to. In addition, there are some times when I simply have nothing to say beyond a "Yay, you!" And while I know the writer would appreciate that, I start to bore myself with the same thing over and over. And, I get lazy ... like many other readers to.

So I think it's a combination of all those things that makes our numbers, as writers, look discouraging.

Yeah, um...

[willow-25.livejournal.com]

I was in a royal depressive snit when I wrote that, brought on by my extremely high level of excitement at actually finishing something, and the utter lack of response to the something. I went really overboard. I'd just delete it, but I guess everyone I could have pissed off or offended has alreaddy seen it.

Re: Yeah, um...

[ozma914.livejournal.com]

I can't imagine that you pissed off or offended anyone -- at least, not anyone who's written anything. We've all been there, after all. And nobody knows depressive snits like I do! Hang in there.