Sigh.
Moving on...
This post is specifically about fanfiction.net. However, if you don't know what fanfiction.net is, do not fear! This should still make sense and even be applicable in other situations.
Words You Need to Know :
- Beta Reader: A beta reader is like an editor of fan fiction. This is anyone who is sent a story for the purpose of reading and reviewing a story before it is released to a list or archive so that the author can make improvements to the story before everyone else sees it.
- Fandom: The community that surrounds a tv show/movie/book etc.
- Fanfiction: a piece of fiction within a fandom utilizing characters and situations from a preexisting work including (but not limited to) books, television programs, films, and comic strips.
- Flame: A negative, hurtful comment meant only to anger or upset a person.
As a fanfic author, reviews are extremely important to me. I've been writing on fanfiction.net for about a year, writing for three different fandoms and I've noticed that reviewing is not considered an art.
I recently read a fanfiction with 4,000+ reviews. I kid you not, there were pages and pages of mundane comments like:
this is really good.
update soon!
this story is so cool!
i dont like it.
Haha! bob sniffed a cricket!
Then there were slightly more competent comments (with correct punctuation and grammar) like:
This is great! You've really captured the essence of the characters. My only complaint is that it's a bit short.
I don't like this. You make Bob look like a bad guy. Which, honestly, is completely far-fetched. Keep in mind, this is the same Bob who bought a new house to avoid killing termites.
(The reviews above are NOT real reviews. They have been paraphrased for the purpose of this blog post.)
It's a rare thing to find an in-depth, detailed review that covers the merits and faults of any particular fanfiction. Not to say it doesn't happen, but it certainly doesn't happen often enough. So how do you write one of these mystical reviews?
If You're Vague, Unicorns will die. Is that what you want?
Vague reviews are the epitome of failure. Personally, it doesn't matter if you're praising, criticizing, or flat-out flaming me, a vague review is discouraging, not to mention useless. It's fine to state that you dislike a story, but don't leave it at that. Give detailed reasons why! If you love a fanfic, the same concept applies. Without detailed reviews, it's impossible for a writer to truly improve.
Honesty tastes the best without any sugar.
If you're not honest, then what's the point? No sugar for me!
That being said...
Constructive=GOOD
I will admit, there are some pretty rancid fanfics out there, but most of the time there is--
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="385" caption="WHAT? What am I doing wrong?!"]
[/caption]at the very least-- one good thing about each fanfic. Pointing out the good helps soften the blow, but don't hurt yourself. If there's nothing good about the story, DO NOT make something up. You're not doing anyone any favors.
Make Suggestions
Sometimes, an author may not know how to fix an issue. Assume this is the case and make suggestions.
Is their grammar abhorrent? Tell them to get a beta reader, for the love of peanut butter!
Is their spelling contemptible? It's called a spell checker. If you don't have Microsoft Word or something of the sort, Google has a free spell checker!
No plot in sight? Beta Reader!
Flat Characters? Beta Reader!
World Hunger? Beta Reader!
You see, on fanfiction, a (good) beta reader pretty much solves all problems.
Give Examples
It's always great to give specific examples of what you liked/disliked. Did you think a line was HIGH-larious? Quote it.
Did you see some quotation issues? Specifically reference it.
It's extremely helpful.
Why Review?
Besides the fact that it's beneficial to the writer? It's beneficial to you.
Yes, you.
Reviewing improves your ability to analyze and proofread. By pointing out others' mistakes, your own mistakes become more clear.
Fanfiction.net (and it's sister site, FictionPress, a place for original fiction.) is a wonderful site. It allows the readers to directly influence what is being written. A suggestion from a reader could change the whole course of the story.
You should take advantage of this awesome opportunity to help your fellow writers.
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="228" caption="TAKE MY HAND! Or else."]
[/caption]Join me in my quest to make Fanfiction.net a better place.
Take my hand and join the review revolution.
Fine, you don't have to take my hand.
*cough*Germ freak*cough*
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