Subject: [FFML] Re: [spam-in-cheek] The Need to Post Again...
From: "Benjamin A. Oliver" <boliver@email.arizona.edu>
Date: 6/16/2006, 2:59 AM
To: ffml@anifics.com
CC: aerolbj@i-next.net

Elsa Bibat Wrote:

Okay, so I don't have Alzheimer's, I just got lazy so a big shout-out to Ben
Oliver, Morgan Hudson, Mark Mackinnon, Rick Lawson (who wrote that funny
little BSG/Ranma spamfic), DB Sommer (who I really should be sending lots of
ego-stroking for the marvelous Avenging chapters) and Adrian Tymes (who
should be declared the official FFML Kami for managing to write the most
wonderful spamfics about totally random stuff).

Arby(pops up):  Speak the ArbyFish's name and he shall appear!  Here, lookit
this! (holds up a mushroom)

Ben:  But... nobody said your name!

Arby:  Oh, well, they would've if they'd thought to do so, y'see.


Ahem, well, I've loved getting what commentary I can on the FFML, and I'm
gratified to see the recent burst in posting.  The sleeper has awoken!

...or at least squinted in the dark and rubbed 'is eyes for a minute!

Alas, I haven't commented on Megane's stuff, or DB's stuff (who is still quite
nice enough to toss me a bit of commentary), and Mr. Tymes's stuff (such prompt
and pointed satire!).

Anyway, opinions about what made the FFML great... well, it was a combination of
great writers and great commentary.  Plus, the random discussion that sprang up.
 I think a fair bit of leeway is good when it comes to post; we're quite lucky
when such discussion creeps up, though I agree it can get out of hand (say, a
thread lasting longer than a week with nothing constructive added), but I've
never been responsible for modding stuff ('cept my comic forum, but that's
mostly been deleting spam posts).

Anyway, it's the kind of life I'm seeing take place here that makes me think
it's worthwhile to post on the FFML.  It's a good reminder that people are
reading even if they may be mostly the quiet sorts.

Opening up the FFML to pure Harry Potter fics or strictly USA cartoons probably
isn't the answer; we're seeing the answer arise in front of us: simply giving
us a chance to see something to talk about and participate in.  On the other
hand, it's a different world when it comes to anime and manga nowadays than
when I started putting together fanfics, so perhaps I'll leave that to the mods
to hash out.


...and I suspect what's been keeping me from commenting on stuff is what's been
gnawing at a few other people.  Life goes on and responsibilities pile up.  I
was 17 when I started fanfics, and now at 26 there are other pressures. 
Besides, video game technology has advanced to the point where lots of hours
get poured into that.  Oh, and there was that masters degree--oh!  And the
webcomic and trying to make a game adaptation........

I guess we all sort of get busy with our own things and forget to comment.  I
hope big ol' discussion threads like these about the fate of the FFML will
remind us to at least send a *nudge*nudge* and a *wink*wink* to fics we see
that we like.  And honest seekers looking for C&C may find it here as well, but
long gone are the times when I've been able to manage a line-by-line commentary
on something.... ('Cept Aaron Bergman's stuff, which he comes to me personally
for and loves to have me rip to shreds 'cause he wants to be professional
someday.)  Ah well, keep up the good discussion!  Perhaps it will breed more
fanfics and commentary of those fanfics. :D

--
Benjamin A Oliver
boliver@email.arizona.edu

Master of Science in Management Information Systems
Eller College of Management
University of Arizona

Writings: Fan Fiction
http://boliver.florestica.com/

Webcomic: Nuke 'Em 'Till They Glow!! The Early Years
http://nettg.com


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