The first step in reviewing is accepting your request.

This sounds so basic and redundant to even point out, but something as simple as accepting or declining the request is something that seems to need some attention in the reviewing behaviour I have seen on AFF.

To put it into one short and succinct statement: If you know you can’t review a particular story properly and fairly, don’t accept the request. It’s as simple as that.

I’ll use myself as an example. I don’t write ; never have and never will. I don’t read stories, either, unless the is only a small part present in a story that I’m already reading and enjoying. I have absolutely nothing against (well, maybe, when the writer is twelve years old and clearly has no idea how it all works, but that is not relevant right now), but I would decline reviewing any story that is primarily -centred. The reason is simple: I wouldn’t be able to review it accurately or give it a justifiable review. If I don’t even read , how will I be able to grade it properly? I haven’t the slightest clue on what’s considered “good ” (unless it’s ridiculously crappy and unrealistic), nor would I know if the in the particular story I’m reviewing is “original” or “creative”. I also wouldn’t be able to give the author any words of advice or improvement; how would I be able to do that if I’m an “outsider” to this genre myself?

Another possible case is if you have some particular, personal dislike towards a certain group or idol. In all honesty and sensibility, a reviewer really shouldn’t let something like this get in their way of accepting requests, but if you really believe you’re not going to be able to even endure reading the fic, let alone review it, or you have the feeling that you’ll end up docking unjustifiable marks in the characterization section because of your personal bias (yes, I’ve seen this happen, as insane as it sounds), I would advise that you simply reject the request. It simply wouldn’t be fair on the author of the story.

There is absolutely no rule dictating that you must accept every single request, and it wouldn’t necessarily be rude if you rejected a few (but don’t do it too much), as long as you approach the situation in the right way.

If you run or work at a review shop, maybe put the particular genres or idols that you don’t and can’t review (though only do this if you absolutely cannot review a story involving them). Inevitably, some may find it strange of you to specifically point them out, but at least they would have understood and acknowledged it. That way, your requesters get a heads-up and you don’t come off as unreasonable and irrationally selective when you reject certain stories, which may then appear as though it’s based on a personal level.

If you’re just a reviewer who accepts requests sent to you personally, like me, you can simply explain kindly to the requester that you do not think you are capable of providing them with an adequate and legitimate review. They should understand, so long as you’re friendly and nice about it. After all, you’re not doing anything wrong or being disrespectful in any way, as some reviewers assume when they guiltily reject a request. It’s better to simply decline the request than to end up disappointing them by giving them an incompetent review.

Another thing I’m going to point out is based on personal experience. Some more experienced reviewers may already know this (and possibly shake their heads at my slowness), but it is simply not possible or practical to review a story that is a series of one-shots. One-shots on their own are fine, but I once had to endure the challenge of reviewing a story that I only found out to be a series of one-shots after I had begun the review. It should be pretty self-explanatory as to why it is not practical: all the one-shots are literally separate stories with different characters, plots and purposes. Reviewing them as a whole does not seem like a logical thing to do, in my personal opinion, and since I made the mistake of not contacting the person and telling them that it was virtually not possible for me to review their series of one-shots as one, I ended up giving them an inadequate review which consisted of many “I can’t really mark this section accurately because they’re all different for every individual one-shot” explanations. For those who ask for reviews for stories that are comprised of separate one-shots… I suppose it would be more reasonable to suggest the reviewer to request one particular one-shot and not “the whole thing together at once”. If you’re desperate for a review for every single one of your one-shots, then ask for however many separate reviews you need for each one-shot. I’m not too sure, but to me, it seems that there really isn’t another way around it. However, if you know of a way that these series of one-shots can be reviewed, please do let me know in the comments; I’d be very interested in finding out.

In conclusion, be clear of what you are and are not capable of reviewing before you make the decision of accepting a story to review. And remember, it’s fine to reject a request – sometimes it may even be the better decision.