mastergraywolf (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
mastergraywolf) wrote2013-05-26 04:03 pm
mastergraywolf) wrote2013-05-26 04:03 pm
Entry tags:
Use of words and way of approach
Bear with me. It's another ramble, I didn't clearly check grammar of everything looks consistent...ironically. Italics are quotes.
Rules and Guidelines of FF.net
Tumblr: CU
EncycloDrama: CU
Huffingtonpost: The Book Burning That Wasn't: Thousands of Works of Fiction Destroyed and No One Pays Attention
Fictionratings.com
http://fucriticsunited.wordpress.com/
- "Bullying and harassment under the guise of constructive criticism?"
- They are a group of supposed "Critics" that will delete stories in which they deem "inappropriate".
- They apparently ruin the definition of the word "Critic" since, according to authors, critics are supposed to point out some flaws in a story and suggest ways for improvement.
The actions of CU are seen as so terrible that they're compared to Westboro Baptist Church (which, quite frankly, is MEGA AWFUL! So bad that even the KKK don't like them) and described as the kind of people who "throws nuns into traffic". That terrible? Westboro?!
Too many people care about recognition.
There are some things I'm surprised to see, like how authors respond to negative reviews or being told that they're against the rules. Negative reviews don't have to come from CU or similar communities you know.
Then there's satisfaction if you point out a critic's hypocrisy? Like in misspelling and grammar errors for example? Seems pointless if the critic's a writer as well.
If this continues, there will be no room in mental improvement or empathy for neither both author or critic. If you get a negative response, how about not responding the same way?
So what's the problem with writers who gets their work flagged or receives comment about rule breaking. Self-entitlement? In the freedom of writing? Are rules too restrictive, too much, or unnecessary to wrap one's head around? People's offensive barriers are too thin.
"I can do this because I see others do it and their story remains"?
Is it "harassment" when you're told something you don't want to do, can't do this or that, many times (because you keep doing it), like a bunch of children?
ESPECIALLY because you've progressed so far in the story and received so much reviews (especially good reviews), that it's 'too late" to edit? When you get many "your fic is awesome" reviews virtually all the time, you can't really handle the opposite too well.
Does a person consider how to reply back? If the assailant offends you, calls you names like "idiot" or being passive-aggressive BEFORE YOU DO, then it's an attack. This is bully like behavior.
When actually provoked me to ramble on this is seeing someone complain about "their lives sucks and he/she writes to get out of depression" and "removing them/flaming makes them want to commit suiside" (and it was spelled "S-U-I-S-I-D-E"), or along those lines. That doesn't mean that you're above rules or blind to it. It means you're still a writer in spirit.
Why do successful people commit suicide?
Here's an example or impoliteness. I can't take this too seriously, but it's the same attitude: Reviews for The Perfect Jewel.
The problem with CU is that the more fanfics/stories that get deleted, the more successful they'll feel. Frankly, I think they nitpick at many things, are incredibly strict, and can flag a story for infringing just one minor rule such as typos or wrongful titles when it seems harmless (least to me). Some have different interpretations than others on how the rules are followed, such as good grammar and what is a "script" or "interactive" story. The above mentioned review has horrible grammar and spelling. You don't want to write like that, despite writing from your heart and being proud of it, or despite trying to write.
The painful part is that if you're still learning or just starting out in writing, or if English is not your first language (ESL), then will it get flagged or deleted for looking "non-fundamental"?
EVERYONE IS STILL LEARNING! MUST CONTINUE LEARNING!
And the negative reactions just makes CU laugh and stereotype authors, hunt through the categories (Ie: Homestuck, misc, pokemon, naruto, etc) that are most inclined to receiving stories and reviews.
Authors, personally, I think it's your job to set an example for yourself and your story. There is always room for improvement.
I don't believe that CU's goal is to delete "bad stories"; many do fall into the category of rule breaking, or "writing freedom radicalism", but there are more communities out there who band together to flame in reviews and to harshly criticize (or flame) authors.
Eliminator,
LU (Literate Union)
Defenders
I got one fanfic or two deleted long ago without warning. No review, no message, no hints or tips.
When you're told some advice or maybe something to edit, please take it or wonder over why someone would tell you what they tell you.
=============
I can understand that these rules are to provide comfort for the reader. Here are the current guidelines of FF and FP, which you are required to see BEFORE uploading a new story:
Note: My comments are in bold. There is some repeating.
Start:
1.) Spell check all story and poetry.
(MAKE it so that you can read it! To the best of your ability)
2.) Proofread all entries for grammar and other aspects of writing before submission. 'Hot off the press' content is often riddled with errors. No one is perfect but it is the duty of the writer to perform to the best of his/her ability.
(In basic writing, stories or essays, you always look over your work so that you can revise it. It's fundamental; no, or rather, it's very wise)
3.) Respect the reviewers. Not all reviews will strictly praise the work. If someone rightfully criticizes a portion of the writing, take it as a compliment that the reviewer has opted to spend his/her valuable time to help improve your writing.
(Here is where we find a problem, this and #4. How do you see "improvement" and "respect"? Even if there's no name-calling, negative critique can be taking out of context)
4.) Everyone here is an aspiring writer. Respect your fellow members and lend a helping a hand when they need it. Like many things, the path to becoming a better writer is often a two way street.
(With this in mind, I posted three quotes of Isaac Asimov on my profiles:
"We don't reject writers; we reject pieces of paper with typing on them."
"Don't stay mad and decide you are the victim of incompetence and stupidity. If you do, you'll learn nothing and you'll never become a writer."
"Don't make the opposite mistake and decide the story is worthless. Editors differ, and so do tastes, and so do magazines' needs. Try the story somewhere else.")
5.) Use proper textual formatting. For example: using only capital letters in the story title, summary, or content is not only incorrect but also a disregard for the language itself.
(Again, like #1 and #2. Will a story get deleted if the title is not capitalized? Capitalizing after a period is almost an instinct. What I still have trouble remember is commas after quotes/dialogue)
Start:
1.) The chapter system is not to be used as placeholder for non-story content such as author notes. You can add short author notes to the beginning or at the end of stories but never as individual chapters.
(I've seen this so many times. Is this a problem?? Never done it before. Besides, I've always connected the word "chapter" with something a part of the story. It's not a preface. There's "chapter 1", "Chapter 2", etc. The only sad part is that you can't upload prefaces.)
2.) FanFiction is not an archive for non-fanfiction literary works. Please visit FictionPress to publish your non-fanfiction literary works.
(Perfectly fine!)
3.) Do not upload chapters, series, or segments of a story as separate entries. In order to submit a 5 chapter story, for example, use the 'Create Story' page to submit chapter 1, and then use the 'Edit/Upload chapter' feature in the left menu, after login, to submit chapters 2 through 5.
(Perfectly fine. Why do this deliberately anyways? For more views? One story should keep its content together. Unless there's a sequel, prequel, etc. AKA: Different story.)
End
Start:
1.) Non-stories: lists, bloopers, polls, previews, challenges, author notes, and etc.
(EASY! When they mean entries, they mean as "separate chapters". There is already a poll system. Author notes was mentioned above in FF Content Guide BASICS. Polls, bloopers, lists are not stories. Bloopers is exclusive to radio and tv. Mistakes = comedy. Comedy stories are acceptable of course. All your mistakes, to best of ability, should be removed from story. If you add it, then it might be an imitation of the chapter/story with slightly different content. Or it'll just look like one liners.
Example of bloopers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7ghDhpCLKM&feature=youtu.be)
2.) One or two liners.
(Not a story)
3.) MST: comments inserted in between the flow of a copied story. MST probably stands for "Mystery Science Theater". If it doesn't, heck, it makes me remember easier ^^;
4.) Stories with non-historical and non-fictional characters: actors, musicians, and etc.
(This is also on FICTIONPRESS. That includes 1-D, boy bands, Justin Bieber, Presidents, etc. I mean, what the hell? Boy bands? Why? Now I can understand the frustration of NOT making non-fiction. Like, do you want to make an autobiography of you meeting 1D in concert for example? You want to make a tribute to your friend fighting in war, you want to mention a political figure, etc. That's the worse part.)
5.) Any form of interactive entry: choose your adventure, second person/you based, Q&As, and etc.
(Similar to #1)
6.) Chat/script format and keyboard dialogue based entries.
(Similar to #1. I did it once, and I think I deleted it before any flagging. Can't remember. Personally, I thought it looked terrible. It's not writing, it's lazy. Also, very internet-ish.
NARUTO: Hi Sasuke *laughs*
SASUKE: *The Uchiha frowns* What do you want idiot?
It's best used as a tool for drafting! To get thoughts together, planning and creating ideas)
End
Actions not allowed:
1.) Multiple entries of the same material. There can only be one copy of any unique story on the entire site. No exceptions.
(Mentioned in #3 of content basics. Understandable)
2.) Rewriting names of characters/locations of one story in order to upload to multiple categories.
(A mix of #3 and maybe plagiarism. Of course, plagiarism is only when someone else takes your story content, but it's the same technique. And why do this anyway?)
3.) Copying from a previously published work (including musical lyrics) not in the public domain.
(Songfics and quoting other material like from another book, songfics definitely. I think parodies come in this too. Essays? Just, just avoid copying? Let's stick with that. Quoting idioms, metaphors, any king of sayings or dictionary definitions should do well yeah?
Now, songfics. I don't know. In many cases, like MST, you insert the lyrics in between the story to embellish it? But it kind of makes it look ugly.)
End
General Rule:
1.) Entry title and summary must be rated K for all audience. No exceptions.
(No problem. Aren't the majority are? Well...Here's some).the haunted vagina Not a big deal yeah?
2.) Entry must be given the proper rating. No exceptions.
(No problem. Still working on it. Sometimes, I am not sure.)
3.) Entry must be placed in proper category. No exceptions.
(Still working it because I'm often uncertain on this? Another blog entry on this?)
4.) Chapters of the same story are not allowed to be submitted as separate entries. All chapters/segments must be grouped together using the 'edit/upload chapter' feature in the left menu.
(I saw this before. Yes.)
Then maybe the hatred should be directed towards these rules and FF.net itself?
So, for those who don't like following these rules, and especially make stories that are like script-based or songfics, do you think it's alright to place yourself at a low level and get extremely angry to reinforce writing freedom?
Rules and Guidelines of FF.net
Tumblr: CU
EncycloDrama: CU
Huffingtonpost: The Book Burning That Wasn't: Thousands of Works of Fiction Destroyed and No One Pays Attention
Fictionratings.com
http://fucriticsunited.wordpress.com/
- "Bullying and harassment under the guise of constructive criticism?"
- They are a group of supposed "Critics" that will delete stories in which they deem "inappropriate".
- They apparently ruin the definition of the word "Critic" since, according to authors, critics are supposed to point out some flaws in a story and suggest ways for improvement.
The actions of CU are seen as so terrible that they're compared to Westboro Baptist Church (which, quite frankly, is MEGA AWFUL! So bad that even the KKK don't like them) and described as the kind of people who "throws nuns into traffic". That terrible? Westboro?!
Too many people care about recognition.
There are some things I'm surprised to see, like how authors respond to negative reviews or being told that they're against the rules. Negative reviews don't have to come from CU or similar communities you know.
Then there's satisfaction if you point out a critic's hypocrisy? Like in misspelling and grammar errors for example? Seems pointless if the critic's a writer as well.
If this continues, there will be no room in mental improvement or empathy for neither both author or critic. If you get a negative response, how about not responding the same way?
So what's the problem with writers who gets their work flagged or receives comment about rule breaking. Self-entitlement? In the freedom of writing? Are rules too restrictive, too much, or unnecessary to wrap one's head around? People's offensive barriers are too thin.
"I can do this because I see others do it and their story remains"?
Is it "harassment" when you're told something you don't want to do, can't do this or that, many times (because you keep doing it), like a bunch of children?
ESPECIALLY because you've progressed so far in the story and received so much reviews (especially good reviews), that it's 'too late" to edit? When you get many "your fic is awesome" reviews virtually all the time, you can't really handle the opposite too well.
Does a person consider how to reply back? If the assailant offends you, calls you names like "idiot" or being passive-aggressive BEFORE YOU DO, then it's an attack. This is bully like behavior.
When actually provoked me to ramble on this is seeing someone complain about "their lives sucks and he/she writes to get out of depression" and "removing them/flaming makes them want to commit suiside" (and it was spelled "S-U-I-S-I-D-E"), or along those lines. That doesn't mean that you're above rules or blind to it. It means you're still a writer in spirit.
Why do successful people commit suicide?
Here's an example or impoliteness. I can't take this too seriously, but it's the same attitude: Reviews for The Perfect Jewel.
The problem with CU is that the more fanfics/stories that get deleted, the more successful they'll feel. Frankly, I think they nitpick at many things, are incredibly strict, and can flag a story for infringing just one minor rule such as typos or wrongful titles when it seems harmless (least to me). Some have different interpretations than others on how the rules are followed, such as good grammar and what is a "script" or "interactive" story. The above mentioned review has horrible grammar and spelling. You don't want to write like that, despite writing from your heart and being proud of it, or despite trying to write.
The painful part is that if you're still learning or just starting out in writing, or if English is not your first language (ESL), then will it get flagged or deleted for looking "non-fundamental"?
EVERYONE IS STILL LEARNING! MUST CONTINUE LEARNING!
And the negative reactions just makes CU laugh and stereotype authors, hunt through the categories (Ie: Homestuck, misc, pokemon, naruto, etc) that are most inclined to receiving stories and reviews.
Authors, personally, I think it's your job to set an example for yourself and your story. There is always room for improvement.
I don't believe that CU's goal is to delete "bad stories"; many do fall into the category of rule breaking, or "writing freedom radicalism", but there are more communities out there who band together to flame in reviews and to harshly criticize (or flame) authors.
Eliminator,
LU (Literate Union)
Defenders
I got one fanfic or two deleted long ago without warning. No review, no message, no hints or tips.
When you're told some advice or maybe something to edit, please take it or wonder over why someone would tell you what they tell you.
=============
I can understand that these rules are to provide comfort for the reader. Here are the current guidelines of FF and FP, which you are required to see BEFORE uploading a new story:
Note: My comments are in bold. There is some repeating.
Start:
1.) Spell check all story and poetry.
(MAKE it so that you can read it! To the best of your ability)
2.) Proofread all entries for grammar and other aspects of writing before submission. 'Hot off the press' content is often riddled with errors. No one is perfect but it is the duty of the writer to perform to the best of his/her ability.
(In basic writing, stories or essays, you always look over your work so that you can revise it. It's fundamental; no, or rather, it's very wise)
3.) Respect the reviewers. Not all reviews will strictly praise the work. If someone rightfully criticizes a portion of the writing, take it as a compliment that the reviewer has opted to spend his/her valuable time to help improve your writing.
(Here is where we find a problem, this and #4. How do you see "improvement" and "respect"? Even if there's no name-calling, negative critique can be taking out of context)
4.) Everyone here is an aspiring writer. Respect your fellow members and lend a helping a hand when they need it. Like many things, the path to becoming a better writer is often a two way street.
(With this in mind, I posted three quotes of Isaac Asimov on my profiles:
"We don't reject writers; we reject pieces of paper with typing on them."
"Don't stay mad and decide you are the victim of incompetence and stupidity. If you do, you'll learn nothing and you'll never become a writer."
"Don't make the opposite mistake and decide the story is worthless. Editors differ, and so do tastes, and so do magazines' needs. Try the story somewhere else.")
5.) Use proper textual formatting. For example: using only capital letters in the story title, summary, or content is not only incorrect but also a disregard for the language itself.
(Again, like #1 and #2. Will a story get deleted if the title is not capitalized? Capitalizing after a period is almost an instinct. What I still have trouble remember is commas after quotes/dialogue)
Start:
1.) The chapter system is not to be used as placeholder for non-story content such as author notes. You can add short author notes to the beginning or at the end of stories but never as individual chapters.
(I've seen this so many times. Is this a problem?? Never done it before. Besides, I've always connected the word "chapter" with something a part of the story. It's not a preface. There's "chapter 1", "Chapter 2", etc. The only sad part is that you can't upload prefaces.)
2.) FanFiction is not an archive for non-fanfiction literary works. Please visit FictionPress to publish your non-fanfiction literary works.
(Perfectly fine!)
3.) Do not upload chapters, series, or segments of a story as separate entries. In order to submit a 5 chapter story, for example, use the 'Create Story' page to submit chapter 1, and then use the 'Edit/Upload chapter' feature in the left menu, after login, to submit chapters 2 through 5.
(Perfectly fine. Why do this deliberately anyways? For more views? One story should keep its content together. Unless there's a sequel, prequel, etc. AKA: Different story.)
End
Start:
1.) Non-stories: lists, bloopers, polls, previews, challenges, author notes, and etc.
(EASY! When they mean entries, they mean as "separate chapters". There is already a poll system. Author notes was mentioned above in FF Content Guide BASICS. Polls, bloopers, lists are not stories. Bloopers is exclusive to radio and tv. Mistakes = comedy. Comedy stories are acceptable of course. All your mistakes, to best of ability, should be removed from story. If you add it, then it might be an imitation of the chapter/story with slightly different content. Or it'll just look like one liners.
Example of bloopers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7ghDhpCLKM&feature=youtu.be)
2.) One or two liners.
(Not a story)
3.) MST: comments inserted in between the flow of a copied story. MST probably stands for "Mystery Science Theater". If it doesn't, heck, it makes me remember easier ^^;
4.) Stories with non-historical and non-fictional characters: actors, musicians, and etc.
(This is also on FICTIONPRESS. That includes 1-D, boy bands, Justin Bieber, Presidents, etc. I mean, what the hell? Boy bands? Why? Now I can understand the frustration of NOT making non-fiction. Like, do you want to make an autobiography of you meeting 1D in concert for example? You want to make a tribute to your friend fighting in war, you want to mention a political figure, etc. That's the worse part.)
5.) Any form of interactive entry: choose your adventure, second person/you based, Q&As, and etc.
(Similar to #1)
6.) Chat/script format and keyboard dialogue based entries.
(Similar to #1. I did it once, and I think I deleted it before any flagging. Can't remember. Personally, I thought it looked terrible. It's not writing, it's lazy. Also, very internet-ish.
NARUTO: Hi Sasuke *laughs*
SASUKE: *The Uchiha frowns* What do you want idiot?
It's best used as a tool for drafting! To get thoughts together, planning and creating ideas)
End
Actions not allowed:
1.) Multiple entries of the same material. There can only be one copy of any unique story on the entire site. No exceptions.
(Mentioned in #3 of content basics. Understandable)
2.) Rewriting names of characters/locations of one story in order to upload to multiple categories.
(A mix of #3 and maybe plagiarism. Of course, plagiarism is only when someone else takes your story content, but it's the same technique. And why do this anyway?)
3.) Copying from a previously published work (including musical lyrics) not in the public domain.
(Songfics and quoting other material like from another book, songfics definitely. I think parodies come in this too. Essays? Just, just avoid copying? Let's stick with that. Quoting idioms, metaphors, any king of sayings or dictionary definitions should do well yeah?
Now, songfics. I don't know. In many cases, like MST, you insert the lyrics in between the story to embellish it? But it kind of makes it look ugly.)
End
General Rule:
1.) Entry title and summary must be rated K for all audience. No exceptions.
(No problem. Aren't the majority are? Well...Here's some).
2.) Entry must be given the proper rating. No exceptions.
(No problem. Still working on it. Sometimes, I am not sure.)
3.) Entry must be placed in proper category. No exceptions.
(Still working it because I'm often uncertain on this? Another blog entry on this?)
4.) Chapters of the same story are not allowed to be submitted as separate entries. All chapters/segments must be grouped together using the 'edit/upload chapter' feature in the left menu.
(I saw this before. Yes.)
Then maybe the hatred should be directed towards these rules and FF.net itself?
So, for those who don't like following these rules, and especially make stories that are like script-based or songfics, do you think it's alright to place yourself at a low level and get extremely angry to reinforce writing freedom?