That Is Not My Job

One thing that constantly seems to be a problem in the fandom is RUDE readers, RUDE people on forums, RUDE reviewers, and RUDE authors. I, for the life of me, can’t figure out why.

Nobody has to write for you or has to help you. Nobody on here is getting paid to write you a story and nobody is getting paid to beta your story. They are doing it during their free time. They do have their own lives and other responsibilities. I often hear betas complaining about how rude authors are to them. Betas are offering you their time and skills, so you should be nothing but thankful.

We are in no way obligated to communicate and be friends. We could all just write and read. There doesn’t have to be awards, contests, podcasts, websites, blogs like this, or even reviews. But what fun would that be? The whole fandom is better when we all just get along. Behind the screen is a real person with feelings, so watch what you say and save the drama for your mama.


Amethyst Jackson: Many fandom participants do forget that everyone works for free here, we have limited resources, and we all have other major endeavors in our lives - whether that be school, work, motherhood, or any number of things. For me personally, I find it frustrating when people complain about slow updates rather than asking nicely, or when readers critique overly harshly. Unfortunately, I don't get to write nearly as much as I would like, and I don't have an editor to check my facts. I would encourage people to be more supportive and less nitpicky.


VampGirl: The Twilight fandom has exploded, and we need to remember that these people do this all for free and have busy lives as well. I know it's frustrating. Believe me, I know it can be excruciating waiting and waiting to get a chapter back. But they're only human.


ObsessingOverEdward: My biggest gripe about the rudeness in the fandom is not from the readersbecause I try to give them the benefit of doubt when they review and say WTF? They don't usually know where the story is headed and when we throw zingers (or cliffies) at them then it's to be expected. It's what we work for as a writer, to instill some kind of emotion into the reader. It also doesn't help when they then have to wait for the next update, LOL.

I've only had a few flamers, but thanks to my awesome beta Mskathy, I tend to ignore them. Kathy has talked me off the ledge many times. I usually write a scathing remark back, to get it all out of my system, and then delete it before sending. For a new reader/reviewer I highly recommend reading WTVOCarticle on "The Lazy Yet Discerning Ficster" blog about reviewing etiquette, if you have any questions on what's appropriate. http://discerningficster.blogspot.com/search/label/Fandom%20Etiquette

My biggest issues are with authors that feel the need to make snarky remarks about other authors or their stories on public threads or podcasts. Words hurt, even though we try to buck up and ignore them, it still bugs you when you put a ton of time and pour out your emotions into your story only to have it slammed by someone that should understand the energy you put in. The backstabbing and snottiness in the fandom from other authors can get to be tiring. Most are amazing and wonderful ladies but there are a few that like to cause drama wherever they go.

My thoughts are, that not all stories will appeal to all readers so if you don't like a story then move on, but there is no reason for catty remarks because an author doesn't write a story like you would have liked to see it written.

Betas

Part 1: Being A Beta

As a beta, I would say I am qualified to cover this topic. When you are beta there are so many things you have to pay attention to. First of all there is the grammar. You need to fix every missed period, misplaced comma, and mispelled word. Nobody wants to read anything where there are constant errors.

Another thing betas have to look out for is awkward phrasing and dialouge. Is the author's writing going to make the reader trip? The story should flow smoothly. The best way to edit dialouge is to read it aloud. Does it sound like something they would say?

Once all of the techincal stuff is done you still have more work to do. Does the author have good chacterization? Does the author's plot make sense? Do the pairings work with the story? Does it follow the book if the story is supposed to be canon? As a beta, you need to make sure the story isn't crap. Nobody is going to care what the grammar is like if the story itself sucks.

Also, when you are done tearing the author's work to bits and pieces (which will most likely happen) try to find something positive to say. Don't lie, but if there was something you liked let them know.

You need to be reliable. The readers want the chapters as fast as possible, so try not to keep an author's story for too long. Also, the author needs time to deal with your suggestions and fix her chapter accordingly. You should return the chapter to the author within 48 hours of recieving it.



Part 2: Finding A Beta

As an author, you should have a beta for every story, even it's just a one-shot. Just because you beta for other people doesn't mean you won't miss something in your own work.

When you are looking for a beta you need to pick someone who is going to be brutally honest. You need to make sure they are totally honest, so that way you know your story is the best it can be. You don't want someone who is going to lie to make you feel better.

That brings me to the topic as using as a friend as a beta. This could go one of two ways. It could work out really well because you are such good friends that you can be honest without eachother and nobody will have any hard feelings or you will both be walking on eggshells and your story won't be the best it could be.

One thing a lot of authors do is have their work checked over by two or three people. Any more than three people is just ridiculous because your work shouldn't have that many mistakes in it. Having mulitple betas also helps if one or two are busy whenever you need a chapter edited.

Part 3: Beta and Author Interaction

This is probably the most difficult part. A beta doens't want to step on an author's toes by trying to write her story for her. There is a thin line between helping write the story and trying to write the story yourself.

While a beta should be available and reliable they don't have to jump through hoops for the author. They have volunteered their help, the beta's don't work for the author's. So all you author's out there that demand they have their chapter back in the next four hours because you promised you would post need to shove it. It's not the beta's fault that you just got it the way you wanted and just sent it to them.

While an author and their beta don't have to be best friends they do need to communicate with eachother. They need to be comfortable talking about where the story is going. And of course smaller things too. Like if the beta is going to get wasted for her 21st birthday and won't be available for a few days then the author should know not to send her chapters. The last thing a beta wants is for an author to chew her out for not returning the chapter she never knew was in her inbox.

An important thing to remember is to be honest. If a beta (or author) isn't working for you let them know. Not every beta is going to work for every author and vise versa. If you think that it isn't working let the other person know. My most important message goes out to the betas out there. If the shit sucks, it sucks. Don't keep betaing something that is horrible, let the author know that you don't think the story is working and try to re-write it with her.

Here's a question and answer from the Ask WTVOC collumn over at TLYDF (The Lazy, Yet Discerning Ficster).

Dear...You,

I am betaing for a girl and I want to tell her that her shit sucks and to go re-write it, but I never do. I just fix the grammatical errors and send it back to her. If I was friends with her I would say exactly how i felt, but I don't know her. How do I word it in a nice way?

Peace & Cookies, Confused Beta

Dear MastaBeta:

You had me at cookies.

Look, here’s the thing. Constructive criticism means both good and bad, said in a way that isn’t all OMG YOU SUCK HARD GET OUTTA MAH FANDOM.

Lemme ask you this-

Why do you beta something that sucks?

I already know the answer. You’re too nice.

You can either keep being nice, saying nothing, and letting a piece of your spirit die every time you get that email in your box-

Or… you can say, “Look, I like you and your writing, but I feel like your work is taking a direction that isn’t working for me. Can we rework this part?” Always couple with something positive, else she feels horrible.

The thing is this- do you want to subject everyone else to schlock just because you’re too nice to say anything?

Don’t be a pushover. I know, I know. Easier said than done. But if she’s worth anything, she’ll appreciate some help. She might even suspect that you’re pandering to keep her happy.

And if she gets mad, offended, snaps back, defensive… well, you’ve just unsaddled a burden, no?

And hope she isn’t a fan of your dirty uncle.

Just… honesty is great, but be kind. Betalings have feelings, too.

-wtvoc

Betas are an important part to the writing world. Readers would have to suffer some major errors if it wasn't for them. Author's are obviously important. The betas would have nothing to do if the authors weren't writing. The whole process works better if everyone stays honest and nice.

If you don't feel like dealing with all the drama that comes with betas and betaing go on over to Project Team Beta (link somewhere to your right).

~Alyssa~

The Age of Edward Contest

I have recently heard of a contest going on the fandom. If you haven't guessed already it's called The Age of Edward Contest. It's being hosted by americnxidiot, Dollegirl, Kitschisme, Rosette-Cullen, Stacy . Bumblebee, and Vixen1836. You can find more information out from any of them.


The Age of Edward Contest will feature quality stories throughout various historical eras, ranging from ancient times up until the modern era. The contest began on June 1st and will close on July 15th. Winners will be announced July 31st. The hosts will be serving as judges.



Winners will each win a prize!! Don't pretend you don't care because we all know you do.


1st place: Edward Cullen Action Figure and a signature banner
2nd place: Custom made t-shirt with your choice of Twilight related phrase and a signature banner.
3rd place: Twilight related gift and/or Edward paraphernalia and a signature banner.




Rules:
1. ALL entries MUST be all-human/alternate-universe
2. ALL entries MUST be one-shots
3. ALL entries MUST include smut/lemons, and therefore MUST be rated M
4. ALL entries MUST be 3,000 to 12,000 words

This all of the basic things that you need to know. Find more information here: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5079452/1/

What We're Reading

A lot of people find it hard to find good stories among the thousands that are now in our fandom. Below is a list of good stories we are reading right now:

british-bella/francesb001:

1)Falling Into You by Aliasfan266 - Basically Bella is a bit of a rebellious teen and so Renee puts her foot down and sends her to rehab, where she meets her therapist and surprise, suprise, he is Edward Cullen. The story only has 6 chapters (including the prologue) at the moment so the story could generally go anywhere. In the summary, the author says 'Dr. Edward Cullen who as her psychologist decides to try different means of therapy on her...', which sounds ominous, but I am DYING to know what happens. I cannot recommend anything more at the moment.

2)All Work and No Play by herinfiniteeyes - this is rated M. It's a teacher/student story, which normally I do not read but there is something about the way that she writes that means that it is believeable. The story started off as a one shot but she continued it. Edward is a teacher who offers to help Bella out when she takes on college level classes at the local college, while still in high school. Of course sparks fly and they end up together but again, this story is in it's early days so it could really go anywhere, which at the moment is them going to Dartmouth together.

3)Aye Aye, Captain by Freesias and Strawberries - Bella is sent to a military school after years of bad behaviour. The main twist of this story that makes it one of a kind is that the military school is all boys bar Bella, and two other girls. Here, Bella is a lot more OOC than most stories, but it works because of the plot.

ohmahgawditsnicole:

1)E Pluribus Unum by Rosette-Cullen - Bella got kicked out of her house by Charlie, and she's living with her college boyfriend, Edward. Everyone at school thinks she's a slut, but they just don't understand her relationship with edward. It only has about 5 chapters so far, and it actually sounds way better than my summary made it seem.

My smile is my tears:

1)Just The Three Of Us by kuntrygal - Edward and Jasper are together, but only in the privacy of their own home. While out one night they meet Bella. They both have an attraction to her and she has an attraction to both of them, so it ends up becoming a three person couple. I'm not describing it very well, but the three of them have an instant, intense connection. Trouble arises throughout the story and you are always begging for the next update.

2)Shadowboxer by nobloodnofoul - This story is pretty popular now, but I first started reading it when only a select few knew about it. It is phenonomal. Bella and Edward meet in the strangest way, but they end up getting together. They go through a lot because of his profession and her past. There are so many emotions flying around that you get whiplash, but it's all worth it.

3)Someone To Save You by EmmaEdholm - This story has an intersting plot that makes you wonder why you didn't think of it first. Edward finds homeless, runaway Bella asleep, trying to cover herself from the cold. After he sees her, he realizes he can't just leave her there, so he takes her home. When Alice and Emmett find out Bella and Edward get sucked into a giant lie that they each secretly begin to hope will turn into reality. You can practically feel Edward and Bella's confusion and emotions in this story.