Comments re: introductions

[msmustang]

So as not to clog up the Intro thread, comment here if you notice you have something in common with a new member or members.

[msmustang]

I would wish for all authors to have the gift of spelling and grammar; I would wish that reviewers would have a greater vocabulary extending past "zomg" "I luved this!" and "update soon!"

Rowan, I think I love you.

That's SO how it is. I'm a teacher IRL, so the grammar thing just GRATES on me. It's not so much that I can't stand to read the bad grammar stories: if in the first paragraph the author misspells "Elric" I just skip it, it's not a big deal. It's when someone else corrects ME that I get irritated. It's one thing if it's like, "hey, loved your fic, just FYI there's a typo here..." and then they go on to write you an actual review. That's fine. But if your only comment is a grammar criticism, that really pisses me off.

I mean, I'm sorry, but in a medium where most of the people have just barely passed the class on How to Use The Shift Key, YOU are going to correct ME?? I'm just like... look. I don't mean to be a snob here, but I read and write in six languages. You want to tell me I overused this or that word? You sit through my graduate class in Latin Prose Composition, which one of my friends once described as "being repeatedly kicked in the balls for two and a half hours." Then we'll fucking talk. *growls*

I NEVER correct grammar in comments. Never. Unless I know the person and I know that English is not their first language and they are trying to learn it and have specifically asked me for help. I would most certainly never leave some inane grammar comment on a fic that was obviously written by a native speaker who obviously isn't someone writing for the first time. Isn't the whole point of the fandom to encourage each other? How does that encourage anyone, exactly?

And with the "ZOMG!" responses, it's like... Am I the ONLY one in the universe who knows how to write a decent review? I'd rather have "OMG teh smex...!" than nothing at all, but I mean, how about telling me how it actually made you feel? Or commenting on the characters? Or SOMETHING? It's one thing if it's crackfic, but when I've just poured my whole heart out to you, all you can say is "OMG so kewl"...?

And you know, I get that everyone doesn't have time to sit around and write a novel in a comment, but what I REALLY hate is when I bleed all over the page, and your only comment is "you spelled X wrong" or "I like your icon" or "plz update soon". It's hurtful, it really is. Especially if it's someone I've left really nice comments for. It's like, thanks a lot...!

And re: updates, I've had people like, YELL at me about that. Look, I have a Real Life, okay? RoyxEd smut is not the extent of who I am! Please get over it! It's particularly annoying with WIPs. I don't update fma_faithless that often, because 1) I have a life 2) I write other fic 3) my Muse is capricious. I can't force it; it comes when it comes. Why is it we all have to be constantly online all the friggin time in order to get any respect around here?

That's the other thing: the authors who get all the comments on LJ are the ones who are on 24-7. Why should THAT be the criteria? That's really just irritating. I know it makes sense, like, okay, they're on more often so more people see them and they make more LJ friends and whatever, but... I can't be online 24-7. My back problems prevent me, for one, and for the thousandth time, I HAVE A LIFE!! Why does that condemn me to an eternity of "plz update" and "ZOMG" and "you overused this word" ??

Wow, didn't realize I had that rant coming on...!

[msmustang]

first: *hugs dusky* welcome to the board...!

re: bitterfig

One of my stories was "rec'ed" on a web-site called god awful fan fiction and I really dislike it that places like that exist.

Are you serious? That's awful! I didn't realize there were places like that. Why are people so damned negative?! I mean, I understand being occasionally pissy - I'm no Angel, believe me - but to be so mean-spirited as to just totally dis people like that...? What a bunch of cynical assholes!

My fandom philosophy is pretty much "live and let live". If I start reading a story and I don't care for it I move on.

See, I'm the same way. I don't leave negative comments. If I don't like a fic, I move on. It's simple, people! What kind of asshole sits around looking for fics he/she can rip to shreds for fun? GAH, I hate other people sometimes...!

There's no need to try and make yourself seem clever by denigrating someone else's efforts.

*nods* That's exactly it. I mean, you don't even know the other person whose fic you are commenting on. They could be a young girl writing for the very first time, or someone who gave up writing and is tentatively sticking their foot out into the waters to give it one more try, and your fucking assinine comment could shut them down as a writer forever! You know what I have to say to those people? Go fuck yourselves! Shove your fucking lame ass comments where the sun don't shine! (can you tell I recently got some irritating comments of my own?)