153429 réponses à ce sujet

[FernRain]

I'm eating dinner ATM, but if you still need more in, say, half an hour and are ok with carrying a complete noob (as in, 2 total attempts at DAMP), I'm down.

 

Okay! Out of likes.

[Eivuwan]

Can someone explain to me the etiquette around constructive criticism when it comes to fanfiction? I am still relatively new to the culture and don't want to offend people. Right now I am getting the vibe that criticism is not desired unless writers explicitly ask for it.

[TheEggCrusher]

Can someone explain to me the etiquette around constructive criticism when it comes to fanfiction? I am still relatively new to the culture and don't want to offend people. Right now I am getting the vibe that criticism is not desired unless writers explicitly ask for it.

Constructive and non-subjective criticism, as in the criticism should be more editorial rather than specific to your own likes/dislikes. Also, with any critiques, say how they might improve, so the the author doesn't feel bad after reading the comment, and can take the suggestions to help improve their writing.  

 

^just from experience 

[Eivuwan]

Constructive and non-subjective criticism, as in the criticism should be more editorial rather than specific to your own likes/dislikes. Also, with any critiques, say how they might improve, sot that the the author doesn't feel bad after reading the comment, and can take the suggestions to help improve their writing.  

 

^just from experience 

 

Hmm, I guess the hard part for me is the "non-subjective" criticism aspect. Editorial things are usually minor and easy to fix. The biggest way to improve is probably through the subjective criticism. You don't have to agree with the subjective criticism, but they are helpful in that they help you understand how your readers are reacting to your writing. Right now I am refraining from making any kind of critique because it seems that even my most tactful and carefully worded critique are being taken to extremes or they are misconstrue (and I give a lot more praise in the same paragraph that I give the critique.)

[Wynele]

Since I see that the Solas thread is awake and kicking I thought I would ask what people's thoughts are on what the Well of Sorrows will play in DA4. Either for Morrigan or Inquisitor because I am 100% certain the little help you get from it in Trespasser is all a smoke screen

 

Unfortunately, since it's an either/or (Morrigan or the Quizzy) it probably won't factor much.  Kind of like the OGB.  You'd think it'd be a pretty big fricken deal.  But, nah.  Not everyone did the dark ritual so the whole thing is just shrugged off.    

 

But, it all depends if Mythal is truly dead (maybe, maybe not) if she passed her power to Morrigan (hopefully not), who actually controls those bound to to well now, and what info the well truly contained.  For all we know it, it was full of Dirthamen's baby pictures and June's super secret Chocolate Lava cake recipe.  (Baking is so a craft)   As well as some mildly important historical stuff... you know, for reference.

 

June:  No, no NO!  You do not whisk your eggs!  You allow them to gently buffet within the gullet of an elder rage demon, then you add the fade touched vanilla!  And, if he asks.  No, Fen'Harel is not allowed to lick the bowls when you're done!

 

Hm.... yes...sidetracked

 

But, yes.  It seems like a big deal.  I'm actually curious if the other gods had similar wells.  or if not wells artifacts that serve a similar function.  Perhaps not an actual well but something that bound servants/slaves to their particular patron.  More so than just the vallaslin.  Vallaslin is for slaves.  Vallaslin + well (artifact) risen slaves.  Or those who were still slaves but held such important status that they were almost respected.

[TheEggCrusher]

Hmm, I guess the hard part for me is the "non-subjective" criticism aspect. Editorial things are usually minor and easy to fix. The biggest way to improve is probably through the subjective criticism. You don't have to agree with the subjective criticism, but they are helpful in that they help you understand how your readers are reacting to your writing. Right now I am refraining from making any kind of critique because it seems that even my most tactful and carefully worded critique are being taken to extremes or they are misconstrue (and I give a lot more praise in the same paragraph that I give the critique.)

I'll be a bit more specific with what I mean by non-suggestive: how does the dialogue flow? is the chapter easy to follow? Are any sentences clunky?

 

Now then, those criticisms are also very personal and are probably only truly appropriate for the assigned editor of the story. More general opinions like: "I was a bit confused here" would be fine, as well as any grammar or spelling corrections, but anything more I think is intruding on the author's safety in their own story

 

If the author says they want in-depth editorial and subjective corrections, then go ahead, but it's always best to be safe rather than sorry, especially since any comment that oversteps the writer's personal boundaries can be very offensive  

[MayriyaNoori]

*yawns*

 

okay....so here's what I have accomplished today.

 

Probably needs some actual editing, and I may even polish it up some more tomorrow but whatever. It's more or less done. We're getting into some real fluff people and I want to get a move on.

 

Like this is a cheesy chapter for realz.

 

And....relevant because I think there's mention of Solas....?

 

*goes to sit in Zevran corner of Blanket Fort*

[Cosmia]

Hi!
I don't know if anyone remembers, but I used to post in this thread a lot last November and December. I have not left the hellspiral this entire time, though less important things like graduating University have helped to make to make it manageable. However, with Trespasser it's come back full force and I recently bought a few t-shirts from the Bioware store. I definitely didn't cradle one of my new t-shirts while whispering "oh, my precious baby, my precious precious baby" and staring at the image of Solas...

[Eivuwan]

I'll be a bit more specific with what I mean by non-suggestive: how does the dialogue flow? is the chapter easy to follow? Are any sentences clunky?

 

Now then, those criticisms are also very personal and are probably only truly appropriate for the assigned editor of the story. More general opinions like: "I was a bit confused here" would be fine, as well as any grammar or spelling corrections, but anything more I think is intruding on the author's safety in their own story

 

If the author says they want in-depth editorial and subjective corrections, then go ahead, but it's always best to be safe rather than sorry, especially since any comment that oversteps the writer's personal boundaries can be very offensive  

 

I understand and will be more careful with my comments. It's just a little strange to me because the general rule of the internet or any kind of public media is that once you put your work out there, you should expect to be judged. If you can't handle it, then perhaps you should wait until you are mentally ready to publicize your work.

[Arshes Nei]

Hi!
I don't know if anyone remembers, but I used to post in this thread a lot last November and December. I have not left the hellspiral this entire time, though less important things like graduating University have helped to make to make it manageable. However, with Trespasser it's come back full force and I recently bought a few t-shirts from the Bioware store. I definitely didn't cradle one of my new t-shirts while whispering "oh, my precious baby, my precious precious baby" and staring at the image of Solas...

Haha. I like you

 

 

Edit: wait that sounded creepy. I mean it made me laugh

[Kadan]

Okay after you all are done reading Looking Glass (I am too as soon as I post this) Would someone mind reading my last chapter? ( I haven't published it yet) I like it, and I understand where it's going, but as a reader I want to know if I'm too vague, or if I've put too much in it.

I guess I got lost in the shuffle of the thread

[drosophila]

Can someone explain to me the etiquette around constructive criticism when it comes to fanfiction? I am still relatively new to the culture and don't want to offend people. Right now I am getting the vibe that criticism is not desired unless writers explicitly ask for it.

 

EggCrusher already made some great points. Just some things I'd like to add:

 

1) I usually start with what I like - a great line that caught my attention, something I really like about the writer's style, maybe they did some characters really well, etc. I point out as many strengths as I can, because a) for the writer, playing up your strengths can be as helpful in improving the writing as improving on your weaknesses, and someone else who writes might read that comment, notice the strength and compare that to their own writing. 

 

2) I can also point out how something made me feel. Wihout commenting about whether it's good or bad that I felt this way, just saying waht emotion it evoked in me. This can be feedback without sounding like criticism, because the writer would want to evoke a certain emotion and it can be helpful to know whether they did. (I have a bucket of tears for every time I write something that I want to have feels, only to be told, "This was so funny, LOL." But I'm really really grateful that someone read it in the first place, and that I know that.)

 

3) I write everything as if it is my subjective experience. You see how many I's I use everywhere in this post? It could be that I'm very self-obsessed, or it could be that I want to make it absolutely 100% that this is my opinion. (or both ) If the writer wants to take it, they can. If they don't, "drosophila doesn't know WTF she's talking about" is an easy way out. 

 

4) If something's missing, I can also phrase it as something I'm curious about. For example, I wrote this short thing with Sera, Solas, and Lavellan, but didn't want to spend a lot of time on it, so I didn't really put much of Sera in it when I should've. So if I were writing feedback for myself, I could say "I'm curious to know more about what Sera was doing and thinking when this was happening." It's helpful, because you point out what you want to point out, but it also implies that you're interested and curious about the fic. 

[MayriyaNoori]

Drosophila leaves pro feedback btw.

[TheEggCrusher]

I guess I got lost in the shuffle of the thread

I got home around an hour ago and didn't think to check!! (also didn't see your comment) 

 

edit: I just realized you meant you want a beta xd sure, yeah I'm up for it. do you want criticism, and if so, what kind? 

 

EggCrusher already made some great points. Just some things I'd like to add:

 

1) I usually start with what I like - a great line that caught my attention, something I really like about the writer's style, maybe they did some characters really well, etc. I point out as many strengths as I can, because a) for the writer, playing up your strengths can be as helpful in improving the writing as improving on your weaknesses, and someone else who writes might read that comment, notice the strength and compare that to their own writing. 

 

2) I can also point out how something made me feel. Wihout commenting about whether it's good or bad that I felt this way, just saying waht emotion it evoked in me. This can be feedback without sounding like criticism, because the writer would want to evoke a certain emotion and it can be helpful to know whether they did. (I have a bucket of tears for every time I write something that I want to have feels, only to be told, "This was so funny, LOL." But I'm really really grateful that someone read it in the first place, and that I know that.)

 

3) I write everything as if it is my subjective experience. You see how many I's I use everywhere in this post? It could be that I'm very self-obsessed, or it could be that I want to make it absolutely 100% that this is my opinion. (or both ) If the writer wants to take it, they can. If they don't, "drosophila doesn't know WTF she's talking about" is an easy way out. 

 

4) If something's missing, I can also phrase it as something I'm curious about. For example, I wrote this short thing with Sera, Solas, and Lavellan, but didn't want to spend a lot of time on it, so I didn't really put much of Sera in it when I should've. So if I were writing feedback for myself, I could say "I'm curious to know more about what Sera was doing and thinking when this was happening." It's helpful, because you point out what you want to point out, but it also implies that you're interested and curious about the fic. 

In this case, I completely agree with you!! As long as you make it clear it is your opinion, and have a friendly tone about what you say, then it should be fine, but never (imo) say anything that you, even for a second, think might be offensive. As I said, better safe than sorry!

 

Authors are very sensitive about their work, and I've seen how badly even one negative or too intrusive comment can affect an author. I understand that this is the big bad internet, but it's better to strive towards being one of the better and kinder commenters. there's enough nasty stuff out there already   

[Kadan]

I got home around an hour ago and didn't think to check!! (also didn't see your comment) 

 

I'm looking forward to it  will go read it right now 

I haven't posted it it's still in rough draft

[drosophila]

I got home around an hour ago and didn't think to check!! (also didn't see your comment) 

 

I'm looking forward to it  will go read it right now 

 

In this case, I completely agree with you!! As long as you make it clear it is your opinion, and have a friendly tone about what you say, then it should be fine, but never (imo) say anything that you, even for a second, think might be offensive. As I said, better safe than sorry!

 

Authors are very sensitive about their work, and I've seen how badly even one negative or too intrusive comment can affect an author. I understand that this is the big bad internet, but it's better to strive towards being one of the better and kinder commenters. there's enough nasty stuff out there already   

 

Agree 100%, be nice

 

Except to me. You can be super mean if you want to criticize me. I take heaps of very harsh criticism for a living. So don't be shy.

[TheEggCrusher]

I haven't posted it it's still in rough draft

yea, edited my post saying I just realized that x-x lol oops 

 

I'm up for being a beta if you want

 

top:

 

source: dagmarv 

[Cee]

Agree 100%, be nice

 

Except to me. You can be super mean if you want to criticize me. I take heaps of very harsh criticism for a living. So don't be shy.

 

She also has agents all over.

[TheEggCrusher]

Agree 100%, be nice

 

Except to me. You can be super mean if you want to criticize me. I take heaps of very harsh criticism for a living. So don't be shy.

Saaamee XD I usually have to tell my betas to be harsher with me. I want to improve in any way I can  

 

I see fanfiction, in part, as a way to improve my writing in a safe environment. That's partially why I threw my fic ideas at you guys yesterday. I was really happy when lots of you guys were so honest!! I've developed way better, more concise ideas now, that are far superior to what I had come up with previously.

 

I'm very grateful for this community. It's one of the only truly kind places on the internet I've ever been   

[Eivuwan]

*snip*

 

Authors are very sensitive about their work, and I've seen how badly even one negative or too intrusive comment can affect an author. I understand that this is the big bad internet, but it's better to strive towards being one of the better and kinder commenters. there's enough nasty stuff out there already   

 

I won't try to enforce my values on others so I am just going to refrain from critiques from now on unless it's asked for. However, I personally believe that this is something that writers need to get over/get help for if they are going to publicize their work. Loads of compliments helps with motivation, but constructive criticism helps with the quality of the writing. Being overly sensitive is just not a helpful trait to have for any life situation.

[Cee]

I understand and will be more careful with my comments. It's just a little strange to me because the general rule of the internet or any kind of public media is that once you put your work out there, you should expect to be judged. If you can't handle it, then perhaps you should wait until you are mentally ready to publicize your work.

 

Yes, I'd say that media is subject to criticism and commentary, but on the flip side, a creator has no obligation to accept or engage with unsolicited criticism. Or compliments. It works that way too.

 

Saying people should be "mentally ready" for unsolicited criticism comes off a bit harsh, IMO.  But again, that's where a creator can simply refuse to engage or disengage.

[MayriyaNoori]

Saaamee XD I usually have to tell my betas to be harsher with me. I want to improve in any way I can

 

I see fanfiction, in part, as a way to improve my writing in a safe environment. That's partially why I threw my fic ideas at you guys yesterday. I was really happy when lots of you guys were so honest!! I've developed way better, more concise ideas now, that are far superior to what I had come up with previously.

 

I'm very grateful for this community. It's one of the only truly kind places on the internet I've ever been   

Truth.

[drosophila]

She also has agents all over.

 

Do I have to worry about you betraying me, Cee? 

[TheEggCrusher]

I won't try to enforce my values on others so I am just going to refrain from critiques from now on. However, I personally believe that this is something that writers need to get over/get help for if they are going to publicize their work. Loads of compliments helps with motivation, but constructive criticism helps with the quality of the writing. Being overly sensitive is just not a helpful trait to have for any life situation.

I agree. I always try to look at my writing from a more professional, pragmatic point of view after I've written it in order for me to edit it properly and understand what can be improved, even if it might be hard. 

 

There are, however, a lot of new writers on fanfic sites in which fanfiction is their first experience in the publicizing/writing world. There are also just a bunch of writers who hold their stories very closely to their hearts, and are probably more easy to offend than they should be. 

 

I'm not saying the situation is optimal, but it's just how it is. I still struggle with criticism, especially from strangers, though I'm working at looking at everything from a strictly professional lens when it's needed. It's one of my biggest problems as a writer, though that can go for a lot of us I guess 

[Cee]

Do I have to worry about you betraying me, Cee? 

 

I just saw one of your agents near my sink. I am simply warning others to be vigilant.