The Windlilys wrote:

Example of #1:  (IMO) Chiesai, a fanfic that had some
excellent character writing, some deeply moving scenes, some
nice romance, and a plot that was utterly crap.  Despite
this, I'm beginning to like it because the charaterization
*is* so good.

I take it this is the fic that started your tirade last week? Now, is 
the plot crap because it's a genre you don't like (ie. Swords and 
Sorcery) or are thier gaping plot holes, continuity problems, ect? Yes, 
the ending sucked, but oh well.

Yea, but I like it a lot more now that I've reread it.  And I definitely
like the other one I've read (Nightshadow?).  Sword and sorcery was
part of the problem (and I do like Anne McCaffrey, but that's about it.)
I just don't feel it's a genre that lends itself to Ranma.  However,
my point was that this fic was one I would reread *despite* the plot
problems I had with it.  I also hated your villain.  But, once again, 
those are my prejudices rather than writing problems.  I apologize for
the "utter crap" bit.  I just had a bad opinion of the fantasy parts (which,
admittedly, drove the plot).  The characterization, though, is great 
(a *realistic* Nabiki/Kuno romance!!!).
 

So, I'll give you a topic:  which is worse, plot problems but
exceptional characterization, or a great plot but bad
character writings?  Discuss.

I'd have to say a great plot with bad characterizations. That is what 
hooks readers into any story and fan-fic in particular. The best plot in 
the world will not keep readers if within the first few paragraphs 
(pages if it's long) the reader goes...yeck! this isn't *insert 
character* at all.

I agree.

--Sean Gaffney
--"You git!  I thought you were dead!  Git git git!" - Benny, No Future