285 réponses à ce sujet

[volus4life]

Finally put up chapter 4 of my Grunt fic! Link is in my sig! :-)



GRUNT IN AFTERLIFE, OMG WHAT GONNA HAPPEN.

[Severyx]

Terror_K wrote...

Neutral Ground wrote...

I think a lot of time people avoid stories focused on ocs and exploration of the ME history because frankly, there's very little readership for that sort of thing: most people on Fanfiction.net just want to read pairing stories and have done with it.  The idea of reading about new characters who they've never used in a videogame probably bores them.  I guess that's my general frustration with fanfiction XD

Yeah, I've noticed this too. People seem to prefer reading the familiar for the most part and these fics tend to get the most attention and reviews. I personally prefer to read more original stories myself (I honestly don't really care about other peoples' Shepards, and I don't really get why anybody would care about mine) that can add to the existing canon without interfering with it (if possible) like Drew's novels, and that's how I also prefer to write.

I think Digression was pretty well received by those that did read it, though since it's been completed after two years of writing there's only been one review*, which is kind of disheartening and kind of puts me off wanting to put any effort into another story now.

* = as in there's only been one review since its completion, while there have been more during its writing.

Yeah, I got a similar warning about the 'stigma of original content' on a fanfiction site from one of my first ever reviewers. I was kind of hoping that it was only a personal view on how the general public leaned. Turns out it's true, though. It can be rough seeing a fanfic about Shepard and Co. sitting right next to yours get twice as much attention despite it having only been out a fraction of the time. I typically just chalk that up to me being a new writer and all, but I know full well I'm not the only OC writer who has to deal with this. That's just the way the game is played, though, and I'm not letting it stop me. As long as at least one person comes back for more and enjoys it, that's all I need. Granted I write because I like to do it, but the attention/reviews/etc aspect can suck you in. :| What good is your hard work if there's no one to experience the result?

In the end, I'm still going to write and I'm still going to push on. It's just nice to have others along for the ride.

Don't let it sink you, Terror_K! I have genuine respect for all OC writers, and would hate to see any of them brought down by the number of reviews they have. I haven't read Digression yet (waiting until I finish Going Dark before I read any fanfics at all), but I fully plan to once I'm done with my current project. I've heard good things.

[Terror_K]

Severyx wrote...

Yeah, I got a similar warning about the 'stigma of original content' on a fanfiction site from one of my first ever reviewers. I was kind of hoping that it was only a personal view on how the general public leaned. Turns out it's true, though. It can be rough seeing a fanfic about Shepard and Co. sitting right next to yours get twice as much attention despite it having only been out a fraction of the time. I typically just chalk that up to me being a new writer and all, but I know full well I'm not the only OC writer who has to deal with this. That's just the way the game is played, though, and I'm not letting it stop me. As long as at least one person comes back for more and enjoys it, that's all I need. Granted I write because I like to do it, but the attention/reviews/etc aspect can suck you in. :| What good is your hard work if there's no one to experience the result?

In the end, I'm still going to write and I'm still going to push on. It's just nice to have others along for the ride.

Don't let it sink you, Terror_K! I have genuine respect for all OC writers, and would hate to see any of them brought down by the number of reviews they have. I haven't read Digression yet (waiting until I finish Going Dark before I read any fanfics at all), but I fully plan to once I'm done with my current project. I've heard good things.

Best of luck to you. I'm actually currently helping another writer with a story of theirs that's also an original piece. Digression apparently inspired them to write, and I was going to help other authors and take a break from writing anyway so it worked out.

I think I'll give Going Dark a go too. Like you I also haven't read much up until now because I was concentrating on my own work, but now I'm going to explore other original works out there I think. And I'll be sure to give you some feedback on it when I do too.

[ElectricZ]

Neutral Ground wrote...

I think a lot of time people avoid
stories focused on ocs and exploration of the ME history because
frankly, there's very little readership for that sort of thing: most
people on Fanfiction.net just want to read pairing stories and have done
with it.  The idea of reading about new characters who they've never
used in a videogame probably bores them.  I guess that's my general
frustration with fanfiction XD

Severyx wrote...

Terror_K wrote...

Yeah, I've noticed this too.
People seem to prefer reading the familiar for the most part and these
fics tend to get the most attention and reviews. I personally prefer to
read more original stories myself (I honestly don't really care about
other peoples' Shepards, and I don't really get why anybody would care
about mine) that can add to the existing canon without interfering with
it (if possible) like Drew's novels, and that's how I also prefer to
write.

Yeah, I got a similar warning about the 'stigma of original content' on a fanfiction site from one of my first ever reviewers. I was kind of hoping that it was only a personal view on how the general public leaned. Turns out it's true, though. It can be rough seeing a fanfic about Shepard and Co. sitting right next to yours get twice as much attention despite it having only been out a fraction of the time.

I can think of two reasons for this stigma. The first one is simply exposure and how FFN works. Like any other FFN author I pretty much live off of number of hits and number of reviews. I'm not a very prolific writer, but I'm working on my 5th story now and it's allowed me to get a feel for how posting a story or new chapter shakes out.

Basically, the initial popularity of a story is determined by the two characters you list as the primaries. The chance someone is going to read your story is directly related to the popularity of the characters you list in these fields. Pick Tali or Garrus, you're good. You've got a built-in fanbase. Pick Jacob and Udina, not so much. This will also determine how often people see your story when they search for specific characters.

Couple that with what I think of as the "First Page Half Life" and you have a pretty good idea of how well your story will do. Basically, most people scan the first default page and that's it. I pay close attention to the traffic on my stories after I post a chapter, and the number of hits spikes when it's first posted, then drops of significantly when it drops off to page two... and then levels off to a trickle once it sinks further. At this point, if you're not writing about popular characters that will show up in searches, all you really have going for you is word of mouth.

So basically any stories based on original material are going to get lost in the shuffle pretty quick unless you update regularly.

That's my experience anyway -- I'd love to see results from someone who has got a lot more stories provide a bigger sample.

Of course, it's part of the nature of fanfiction. People want to read about the continuing adventures of their favorite characters. Otherwise, they'd probably be seeking out completely new material to begin with. OC's in fanfiction are a tough sell just because the fans of the original material just aren't looking for it.

Personally, it's why I write fanfition. I want to keep playing Mass Effect, but Bioware apparently isn't going to cater to my needs and give me fresh DLC every day. I'm basically making my own and sharing it with everybody else.

I'd say unless you're in it just for the ego trip, keep writing what you like because you like it. And if you want a little more of a spotlight, crank out some "popular" fic from time to time. If people like it, they'll hit your profile, favorite it, and spread the word. And keep writing what you want because you can!

[Severyx]

I'm new to FF.net, but I have been noticing some of these trends. I very much figured that word of mouth was going to be the major player in my story's popularity, so frankly I'm happy to have any readers at all. Fortunately, it is possible to occasionally grab a reader that isn't much for OC and hook them into it (one of my reviewers admitted as much). I just hope that people who enjoy my story (or any OC in general) do mention it to friends and whatnot. It's too bad that there's no 'Original Content' section in FF.net for those who want to easily find stuff like this or try something new. It would at least make searching stories not directly based on main or secondary characters easier to access.

[Terror_K]

See, I always figured that people would actually want to read more original stuff for the same reason I prefer it: because that way any reader can just insert it into their canon without issues, so long as the writer of said story adheres to proper established canon. If they buy and read the official books because it adds without interfering and looks at the Mass Effect universe outside of Shepard and his/her squad, then why wouldn't they also want to read other authors doing the same thing. Now granted, the official novels do (in most cases) tie more into the main game narrative more than an original fanfic would, but I feel the principle is the same, and I'm kind of shocked that it isn't actually. As I said before, I don't really care about other peoples' Shepards, so why would they care about mine? Also, when a writer takes and existing character they may not always do something with them that a reader will like, while an original cast is an original cast and the writer has full control over them, so you're less likely to find backlash and contradictions.

I guess people must read Mass Effect fanfics for different reasons. I read (and write) it to add more to the universe and expand it without interfering with too much of what's present. A lot of people obviously just want to read the familiar, even if it runs a high risk of being unfamiliar.

Modifié par Terror_K, 08 février 2011 - 01:08 .

[mllrthyme]

I think OCs are great although I can understand why they are less popular than fics based on familiar characters. While the writer may have more freedom to create a new cast of characters and make them his/her own, the reader has to relate with both the characters and the story. If neither resonate with the readers, the fic isn't going to receive much attention, which sadly, is usually the case with an OC. I find this disturbing because there are quite a few very talented writers out there and I believe original works don't get nearly as much credit as they should. Even less popular plotlines, like origin stories, are left unrecognized because they are "unfamiliar," or don't continue a popular character's adventures. With all the fic out there, it's nice to read something new and inventive, and still within the universe of interest.

[ElectricZ]

Don't get me wrong -- I have nothing against original works... I mean, that's what most writers aspire to write, ultimately. I just think that by its nature, fanfiction does not encourage or promote OC works in an established universe when it comes to the vast majority of the fans doing the reading.

That's not to say someplace like Fanfiction.net couldn't. Severyx has an excellent idea for adding a category or special place for it to make them easier to find, because they don't show up when people do a search. It could be as simple as adding "Original" to the list of characters in the drop down box. I don't know how responsive FFN is to suggestions but it couldn't hurt to fire it off.

Modifié par ElectricZ, 08 février 2011 - 06:52 .

[Severyx]

As a quick sidenote: Dangit, you guys went and made me do it. I sent off a suggestion to FF.net to add a way for people to search for original content. Here's hoping. For now: Chipping down that darn writer's block. DX

[mllrthyme]

XD ^ Nicely done. Here's hoping something comes from it.

[ElectricZ]

Severyx wrote...

As a quick sidenote: Dangit, you guys went and made me do it. I sent off a suggestion to FF.net to add a way for people to search for original content. Here's hoping. For now: Chipping down that darn writer's block. DX

Attaway! You'd figure they'd listen because it's a) a good idea, and it's the writers who keep their website going. Again, all they'd need to do is add "original" to the dropdown box for characters.

Good luck on that writer's block. For me, I either write on something else, or just have to walk away until it goes away on its own.

[Terror_K]

I wonder if adding "The Illusive Man" and "Mordin" as characters will help at all with mine, despite the former only appearing in about 0.05% of the story and the latter only being casually mentioned a few times...

[ElectricZ]

Terror_K wrote...

I wonder if adding "The Illusive Man" and "Mordin" as characters will help at all with mine, despite the former only appearing in about 0.05% of the story and the latter only being casually mentioned a few times...

Depending on how old you are you might remember the gimmick tv producers used to use a lot when introducing a new series... "With a special guest appearance by..." when they would bring in a big name popular star of another show to get fans of the original to tune in, hoping they would become fans of the new show.

You just need to figure out how to get the Illusive Man to smile in freeze-frame during the opening credits.

[Severyx]

Haha. If that's the case, then I can tout
"With special guest appearances by Han'Gerrel vas Neema, Admiral of the Migrant Fleet! AND. . . The Illusive Man, pro human black ops genius!'

Naw, I don't want to do that. As I understood, those sections were for 'major' characters in your story rather than short appearances. I don't want to give false impressions. I want fans of Mass Effect to discover it on their own, but I certainly wouldn't mind making it a bit easier to discover. :I

Modifié par Severyx, 09 février 2011 - 01:44 .

[gwanko vera]

well there are a few really good mass effect stories that i have read on fanfiction.net
the first one is an alternate history one for mass effect. where humans evolved fundamentally different technological before finding the prothean ruins on mars. the author does a good job of showing a kind of technology that while powerful is not overpowered. the name of this story is Mass Effect: a new past.
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6548550/1/
then another mass effect fan fiction that has caught my eye is Mass effect echos. is follows a new crew of a secret alliance crew that is trying to gather lost technology from extinct species that could be dangerous. i personally while enjoying the story have had some trouble with the way the author jumps from part to part. but the idea behind the fan fiction is pretty good.
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6196473/1/

Modifié par gwanko vera, 09 février 2011 - 03:53 .

[skcih-deraj]

Got a Beta a couple months ago and he beta read the first chapter. I haven't heard from him since. I get in contact with another one December and I send two more chapters.  I recently heard from the guy early Febuary and he says he didn't get them.

So I resend them.  It is now late Febuary and I've lost patience sadly.  

(here's a link to said story)
http://www.fanfictio...ffect_b_b2187_b

If you like whats there let me know (please reveiw) and if your interested in giving a new chapter a look over PM me.

[RhiGibson]

I'm happy to be a Beta for anyone who needs it.

[pacer90]

I love OC works, I read them all the time but I rarely review, due to the simple fact that I cannot make good judgement on what they want the characters to be.



I know there are far less reviews, hits and visitors for OC work, but to be honest I'm usually far more impressed by what OC pieces put out. Established fan bases and favouritism aside it's a simple fact that most OC work is thinly veiled self insertion with little context or exposition, which results in ****ty writing and little reader connection. Going Dark and Digression? Great pieces of work that I will continue to read as far as the writers go. They get it, and when I work up the cahojnes to put my OC work to the net I'll consult those writers on tips.



To the good OC writers I say thank you for braving the little fan fair that you experience to put the work into stories that are truly unique. It's really refreshing! keep it up.

[Severyx]

Thanks for the good words, Pacer. It's always great to hear from the readers, and even moreso when they like the stories. I'm always willing to give advice based on what I've learned, though I can't guarantee I'll be a lot of help since this is only my first shot at writing and my 'veteran status' hasn't been self-approved (and likely won't be for quite a while).

As I mentioned before, I generally give OC writers (as in genuine original content, not self-inserts with modified plotlines or other easily spotted pseudo-OC styles) kudos. It's not easy bringing new things into a world of established canon, and even harder to do so while remaining in agreement with said canon. Self-inserts are not inherently wrong/bad, I just tend to not like them. Personal opinion.

So once again, thank you for expressing your opinion on the works you've read. (It's what we made this thread for! ) And don't be shy about posting reviews. In my case, I'm just happy to hear from the readers - period. Their opinions, thoughts, excitements and confusion allows me to better understand how the masses are taking in my work, and I can often pick out areas that I might need to elaborate on later for clarification or spend a bit more time detailing. Among other things, of course, but the bottom line is that I just like to hear from you readers.

As a brief sidenote - for those waiting for the next Going Dark chapter. . . It's coming! Slowly. . . I've just been a bit distracted with trying to finish out some games before the March/April gaming madness. Portal 2 anyone?

[patocerda]

Bump, for any one interested !

[fainmaca]

http://www.fanfictio...nto_the_Unknown

Announcing a new update to my fanfic, Into the Unknown. Chapter 19 is now live, bringing to total word count to 215,000 words.

Please, let me know what you think, either there or here.

[skcih-deraj]

I'm suprised its been a month without any activity on this thread? Well Ive got a request...
I can't decide at this point in the story to keep Tali in or not. (she doesn't die or anything... as far as I know)
She has a choise between staying with the Migrant fleet or going back on the Normandy. She even says she's not going back and I think in the situation I have her in she wouldn't  leave the fleet. But I can write it either way and I'm not sure what to pick. The chapters in question are 7-9.

My question should I keep her absence permenent? Or does she come back? I can't decide.   (http://www.fanfictio...ass_Effect_2187

While your there please review if it drives you to do so.

[Severyx]

I'm glad to see people still coming here despite the obvious lack of activity (I usually don't bump threads I start, otherwise this thread would be a tad more active). I've pointed out before that I won't be reading other fanfics until my story is done for many reasons, but I'll take a shot at your question based on what I know about Tali's character.

As far as I can tell, the only reason Tali joined aboard the SR2 in ME2 to begin with is her friendship with Shepard. (S)He seems to be the only thing the lovable quarian will put above the interests of the Migrant Fleet in terms of loyalty and priority. With that in mind, if there's any reason for Shepard to be involved in her decision, she'd probably pick Shepard over the Migrant Fleet UNLESS she's currently in the middle of an assignment, which she'd probably finish out first like with Haestrom. If Shepard isn't really a factor, my guess is that she would remain on the Migrant Fleet.

I realize that every person has their personal take on the characters, but that's what I've seen in her established canon personality. I take it your goal is to preserve Tali as she is presented in the games. This is all also assuming this is during or after said events on Haestrom. I apologize if this is not the case in your story and I just ranted off out of context information due to not reading your fic. Again, it's nothing personal, just a few choices that are helping me finish out my own original story.

Hope this helped!

Modifié par Severyx, 28 avril 2011 - 12:13 .

[themark443]

My views on OC's are probably in the minority. As much as I love the Mass Effect series, I see no harm in adding OC's. I think it puts a breath of fresh air into the universe. I'm already doing it with one of my fics where I took a colonist/sole survivor who's friends with the default Shepard (spacer/war hero). The response has been better than I expected.
I even did a fic surrounding the first contact war. It's fairly short and not as popular, but I don't mind. I just like writing.