Authors on AFF - Flattering them and Criticizing them.

Warning: wall of text, turn back if you don't like it or you don't care.

I'm sure that most of you would have gone past several fanfics that make you go 'This part isn't right', or 'this overall plot is too (insert word of choice here)'. There may even be fanfics that make you go 'Um...I don't think...the author has put effort into this'

Basically, I was browsing through AFF today, and to be honest, I haven't actually found one fanfic that is particularly interesting with minimal mistakes. I hardly browse through the Jongkey section, let alone read other fanfics, either afraid that I might take an idea, or just feel bad for my OTP with the fanfics on this site for that genre (I am sorry. But honestly, some of them just aren't up to scratch). I, myself, hardly proof read my fanfics (Bad habit, yes I know), and I know that is hard to please every single reader out there. Thus, you may think that I am in no position to talk.

Have any of you wanted to post a comment on where to improve for their fanfics, their grammar, spelling (Major mistakes), etc, but didn't have the guts to do so?

Well, I know I am one of those people.

Personally, I have to admit, I am afraid of getting bashed after posting a honest critisism. I don't have many friends on this website, since many of my RL friends don't even know that I write fanfiction. Thus, if I do somehow get into an argument over one of my 'critisism comments', I'm afraid that I will not have anyone there to back me up.

It's just that, I really can't stand people flattering authors with comments like 'OMG I love this fanfic so much, you really should add (this) and you should make a sequel!', or..."OMG YOU ARE THE BEST WRITER ON THIS WEBSITE! WRITE MORE, I CAN'T GET ENOUGH!"

Yes, I know that I do this sometimes, but that's just me not trying to be rude. I apologize in advance, but half the time when I write such comments, I don't even mean it. Sometimes, I just wish that people (me included) need to step up and tell the author about things that don't fit their fanfiction. If no one does...Then they may continue to repeat their mistakes.

I guess the comments will probably be like this:

"SO WHAT? JUST BECAUSE YOU WRITE FANFICS TOO DOESN'T MEAN YOU CAN DO THIS!"
"WHAT? MY (Insert Grammar/Spelling/Plot/Characterization here) IS NOT GOOD? WELL, TOO BAD. MY OTHER READERS AND SUBSCRIBERS DON'T SAY ANYTHING ABOUT IT!"

"Oh? Well I don't see any fanfiction under your stories tab that is flawless. Why don't YOU go improve YOUR grammar?"

It has been one of my greatest goals on AFF to read one of the best JongKey angst fanfic out there. However, I have yet to achieve this goal.

Too Long; Didn't read

Do you have the guts to criticize someone's fanfic THROUGH COMMENTS?
If so, teach me how you do so. Teach me to push down my pride.

-Thank you-

P.S: I am deeply sorry, and I apologize to any author who has fanfiction that I have commented on. From now on, I will try to be honest, and I will refrain from using flattery. Please do bear in mind that this is not hate, but all I really want is for people to understand that their fanfiction is not indeed perfect, and will always have some flaws (Of course, me included)

Being a and angst writer, I am extremely picky about these two genres. So, if your fanfiction consists of either of these genres (and so happens to be Jongkey, since I only browse this genre), please do ignore my comment if I had posted one, and pretend like it was never there. I know that I am immature for writing such comments to flatter people for them to think good of me, and I just wish that all of you will forgive me for such childish acts.

One day, when I decide to leave AFF (Which will be soon), I will look back, and most likely regret all those flattery comments that I have posted. However, I would just like to make the most of the period of time that I will be staying on this website.

I am deeply sorry for what I have done.

Thank you for reading this (or not, your choice really)

~Kuroba
~

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winterflowr #1
LOL If the grammar isn't too great, or if there is too many mistakes, then most likely I won't continue reading. Sometimes if I know that the author wants you to help edit and stuff, I'll give her a couple tips, but never much.

There's a writer on a RPG site that I visit often--She asked for people to point out anything she should improve on, so I gave her a couple in-depth tips--and she was super grateful, and asked me to continue doing that for her. I still do, and it makes me so proud to see her improve so much. Sometimes I wish that more authors were that open, but it is pretty nerve-wrecking to even post a story.

Jongkey? I can check for you...but my OTP in SHINee is 2Min 0.0
ChaoticDarkAngel #2
My writing is not perfect I can tell ya that -_- I like it,when people point out my grammar mistakes I have an LD so it's hard to understand grammar sometimes but I work at it. Spelling,not too much of a problem but if it's a word I don't know and want to use I'll use the thesaraus on here to help me :) I plan to be an author someday so I would like it if someone pointed out my mistakes. I cry though,if someone insults my writing by just saying 'you and you'll never get better,blah,blah,blah'...that kind of criticism I don't take because how is it helping me right? Even if they tell me my flaws after saying that,that kind of criticizing I can't take...I know,I know: I sound like a huge wimp and crybaby for saying that. I'm just sensitive -_-
MerleAmarius #3
You know, I wonder about a "fan" of mine....she writes such long flattery comments..and then I feel good about myself and realize....that my story is crap. So, why can't anyone just give me advice or maybe help me out a little? :| I'm thinking of choosing a beta. I do really wish you don't leave this site. The comments I have written on your last stories and all are about the story itself. I do NOT look at a story for its grammar as long as I can read it clearly and from what I like, your stories facinate (sp?) me. Thank you for finding my story and if it isn't to your liking I'll re-vamp it, the first chapter had soul...the others were funny...but not as to what I wanted. Now I see that the comments upped my pride,but my quality of work KIND OF . :U
stay fresh
-merle
ShInEeChIcK259 #4
I totally get what your saying I've done that a couple of times, I try to be as honest and nice at the same time as I can because I believe 'the truth hurts but lies worse' but I guess it's only me since most of the time I find that my comments have been deleted....oh well their loss...btw have you read 'making an exception' it's supposedly a really good jongkey fic....supposedly since I haven't started it yet but alot if people say it's good
dream_keeper88 #5
Hehe, then that makes me what... courageous? Nah. It is just that I would like to help the author by giving honest comments. There are times when I see them deleting my comments no matter how I worded it so that it wouldn't sound very harsh.

What I do is point out the good points before the bad and then end it with an encouragement.

for example:
I find the plot of your story interesting. Just need to watch out on grammar and spelling mistakes and the details you put in the previous chapters. I know you have lots in store for this fic and I hope to see more.

or:
I dropped by because of the title. I think you got the spelling wrong. The title is what draws your readers in. I hope this helps. [I actually had the guts to do this]

oftentimes, users would advertise on my wall [on of my pet peeves] but I indulge in giving them the comments they were asking for.

It goes along the lines of:
The plot is cliche. Don't worry, most fics have the same plots anyway. Just add some twists of your own, make it interesting and not drifting away from reality. The character profiles in the foreword is a turn-off. You should be able to show your readers what your characters are like as you tell us your story. The links of photos should not be there as well. Describe it. Pay attention to spelling and grammar. I don't expect it to be perfect but at least take time to edit it. Hope this comment would help. Enjoy writing!

And I don't know how I stumbled upon your profile.
silentescapade #6
My writing is so not perfect. Everyone has some kind of flaw in their writing. Anyway, I don't really mind if someone posts criticism as a comment on my stories. I never take it harshly, no matter how mean they sounded. I feel like my writing IS bad, so I can easily take it from other people. I usually don't write comments that constructively criticize, mostly for the same reason as you. But, whenever I find a story that doesn't really go for me, I leave. I hit the back arrow, and browse for more. I am truly a very picky reader. It takes me a while to find a really good story when I browse. Although, if I remember correctly, "Chained" was the first story I EVER read on this site. I'm really glad it was, because it's one of my favorite stories. =)

...Soon? The day that you decide to leave AFF is SOON? AH! Oh no! You're not serious, are you?!...Okay, I gotta calm down. Everyone has to leave this site at one point. I will leave probably in...6 years? XD We'll see.
OtakuKuroba #7
@Caline, I'll go check that out, since it's recommended by you :)
caline #8
Ohh. Most of my subscriptions are flawless. I'm extremely picky with what I read, and only choose the best of the best. I recommend 'This Time of Night' by Jiayun, and every fic by creecree. They have beautiful, unique plots and perfect grammar.
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