Reviews and Summertime: The Fic

OK, so I wrote a review for a story the other day that Anne linked me to. It was horrific- a graduation day speech by Hermione which liberally borrowed from the Gilmore Girls and Sweet Valley High. I left a review saying what I thought was wrong with it and such, you know constructively. I do try incredibly hard to rein my hard self in and remain calm, polite and constructive. In cases like these, I even get people to read said review first so that they can tell me if they think anything is too harsh/over the top... Anyway, I had no response from the author (in fairness, her first fic, I believe) but I happened upon the review board earlier and found this:

I do not want to critic you, [Author Name deleted for sensitivity/whatever], but other reviewers.
Just because the story may not have been the best, doesn't mean you need to point out every little incorrection. Next time you should say, "You could use a beta-reader," but not, "It's Sinistra, not Sinatra. I did this myself once and felt bad after I did it. None of you may read this, but I felt I had to say it.

To [Author Name] I thought it was a great story no matter how Americanish it was. WHO CARES? It's your first story for crying out loud. I thought your ideas were great. I hope this does not sound mean to anybody, but like I said before, I felt it had to be said.

*bashes head against desk, sticks pins in eyes, listens to Phil Collins until brains dribble from ears*

Why the fuck do I even bother? No wonder I hardly review. Question: is 'incorrection' even a word?

Moving on....

This is my mad attempt to write a self-insert/whatever that is any good, or at least mildly amusing. Comments would be hugely appreciated, especially as I haven't had it betaed. Rushmead is a town of my creation based on huge personal experience.

Lemme know what you think...

( Summertime, and the living is easy... )

Reviews and Summertime: The Fic

OK, so I wrote a review for a story the other day that Anne linked me to. It was horrific- a graduation day speech by Hermione which liberally borrowed from the Gilmore Girls and Sweet Valley High. I left a review saying what I thought was wrong with it and such, you know constructively. I do try incredibly hard to rein my hard self in and remain calm, polite and constructive. In cases like these, I even get people to read said review first so that they can tell me if they think anything is too harsh/over the top... Anyway, I had no response from the author (in fairness, her first fic, I believe) but I happened upon the review board earlier and found this:

I do not want to critic you, [Author Name deleted for sensitivity/whatever], but other reviewers.
Just because the story may not have been the best, doesn't mean you need to point out every little incorrection. Next time you should say, "You could use a beta-reader," but not, "It's Sinistra, not Sinatra. I did this myself once and felt bad after I did it. None of you may read this, but I felt I had to say it.

To [Author Name] I thought it was a great story no matter how Americanish it was. WHO CARES? It's your first story for crying out loud. I thought your ideas were great. I hope this does not sound mean to anybody, but like I said before, I felt it had to be said.

*bashes head against desk, sticks pins in eyes, listens to Phil Collins until brains dribble from ears*

Why the fuck do I even bother? No wonder I hardly review. Question: is 'incorrection' even a word?

Moving on....

This is my mad attempt to write a self-insert/whatever that is any good, or at least mildly amusing. Comments would be hugely appreciated, especially as I haven't had it betaed. Rushmead is a town of my creation based on huge personal experience.

Lemme know what you think...

( Summertime, and the living is easy... )