Travis Butler wrote:

I honestly think that this is a bad idea, if it's truly intended as a
replacement C&C list -- and not simply an alternate way of distributing
fanfics. (I think the idea of an additional list for fanfic distribution
only isn't bad; I just don't want it to be the sole or even the main
avenue for C&C.) Critiques can and often do benefit from shared or group
criticism; witness the numbers of writer's groups, circles, and
workshops. Group critiques have a synergy lacking in solitary comments --
one person's analysis can spark an insight for someone else, or clarify
another's "there's something that bothers me here, but I can't quite put
my finger on it." In addition, the best critiques can serve as an example
for both other authors and other C&C'ers. Going to a system where all C&C
were mailed directly to the author would lose this element. 

	I know it is not a good idea, but given my lack of facilities that will be the 
best I can offer.  I suppose someone with the proper equipment can do a much better job 
than what I can offer.  You know, for the regular high school student I certainly will 
not be able to run a list similar to the FFML.  The only thing I may do is distribute 
fanfics and have the subscribers write back to the author.  Oh well, it is just a 
thought.

I'd feel much the same way about splitting this ML into a "social" and a
"C&C" list. Even a group C&C list would be sterile if strictly defined,
IMHO; the best writer's groups I've seen have had a "looseness" and
richness of topic, because almost anything can come up in the course of
writing or discussing writing. (The WRITING echo on Fidonet is one of my
favorites, for this reason.) And I think the social aspects/spam of this
list would lose most of its interest without the fanfics and C&C to fuel
it. 

	Sounds good to me.  Now all we need is someone to run the lists.

********************************************************************************
"RANMA NO BAKA!" Akane Tendo, Ranma 1/2

"Power only breeds war ... I wish I'd never been born." Celes Chere, Final Fantasy 3

Don Wang <dwang@sprynet.com>
RPG, strategy game, and Ranma 1/2 fan.