Reading Fanfic: Does the reader have a role in the writing process?

[violetrose1922]

Apparently, my chosen way to celebrate finally being on summer break is to spend way too much time reading Big Bang stories. I am in total awe of everyone who takes on the challenge of writing such a long story since I have no ability to write anything creative. This has made me think a lot about what kind of comments authors really want to receive about their stories.


I feel reasonably certain that thoughtful comments about what specific things made me enjoy a story are the best. I try not to just say "I loved it," but to tell precisely what made me love it. But do authors really want criticism? When I read a story that either doesn't "get to" me or that I think is badly written I never say anything.

The not getting it is totally me-I don't think the author needs or cares to hear why I just couldn't get into it. That is all about my personal taste. I hate those type of comments to stories-mostly because I find them very self indulgent.

But what about the ones that I want to love, and just can't because of they way they are written? Assuming that I could actually find a way to suggest improvements (big assumption, perhaps) do people really want to hear that? And, since I do not write myself, I am not that sure what the real job of the beta is. Should they just read for typos and incorrect word usage, or should they do more? Editing is hard-I have done a lot of it, but never of fiction. I guess pointing out glaring grammar or typing errors is OK, but I usually don't even do that. So if I wanted to provide real hard feedback, is it best to do it in a PM? Is that overstepping?


I guess I am reacting to the vast difference in stories since I have read so many this week. If I spent as much time as these authors have writing their stories then I would think that they were committed enough to writing that they really wanted to get better. But I don't know if it is the job of the average reader to jump into that process.

Comments

[blueeyedliz.livejournal.com]

I think there are different types of beta. There's Alpha-readers who (I think) are meant to give concrit based around plot and character development...then there are betas who only focus on spelling and grammar mistakes.

It's not always nice to get negative comments because more often than not, the version of the story that has been posted will be the 'final' version. The one that has already been edited, chopped and changed until the writer was fully satisfied.

It's important to remember that you won't like every writer's style and there are some who you'll want to avoid simply because you don't share their vision of the show or interpretation of the characters.

Most fanfic writers are not professional and write at a level which is to the best of their abilities. I know I make loads of mistakes but then, I've never professed to be anything other than someone who writes for my own entertainment and that of my flist.

Having said that, I always appreciate suggestions given to me in a comment but if someone really wanted to rip one of my stories apart I'd much prefer a PM.

[violetrose1922.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the beta info. I had no idea how that worked. I didn't mean to imply that I would ever tear apart a story. That is why I never actually make critical comments, fiction is so personal that I can't imagine telling someone their vision was wrong. I just wondered if writers ever really want comments that are more hard-hitting. I am not even brave enough to try and write fiction...

[blueeyedliz.livejournal.com]

Awww no worries, hon. I wasn't suggesting that you'd be mean enough to rip a story into bits.

I honestly think I would like some hard-hitting comments, I could definitely benefit from constructive criticism...I think you have to be thick-skinned though and not take anything too personally. Some writers might see it as a put-down but I know I need the improvement.

[silverraven.livejournal.com]

Blueeyedliz is correct about the different types of betas. The writer and beta should always discuss beforehand just want the writer is wanting (sometimes all they want is just a spelling and grammar check) and what the beta can do (some are bad at grammar but can spot even the tiniest plot hole).

I would think that they were committed enough to writing that they really wanted to get better
I'd think that too but there are times when that isn't the case. Some writers don't want to get better. There are several writers I can think of that almost always post loooong fics that are all filler and no meat. I just always hit the back button. Some writers really don't want any kind of criticism, they're in it for the fun and I don't want to ruin that.

For myself, it depends on the kind of comment. Real *constructive* criticism would be awesome. Just plain 'this fic sucks' or 'I hated Character A in this' would be sad making.

[violetrose1922.livejournal.com]

I think I will always be a wimp about constructive criticism unless personally asked ;) I would hate to actually hurt someone's feelings on something they worked hard to complete. I have been trained on giving constructive feedback, but don't think it is possible for that to come across online.

I guess I get frustrated as a reader when a story has great potential and it just doesn't live up to it. I hate it when books and movies do that also. this was just something I was thinking about in my reading marathon.