At 09:21 AM 9/5/96 -0700, you wrote:

I've said this once, and I'll say it again, MAKE UP YOUR MINDS! I've 
already ended my story once, with a quick and clean ending, and some 
people got disappointed at me.

Jack: (nods to himself) OK, I know what to do now.

Jack,

As the Subject: line says...  Don't be swayed by negative opinions, keep writing
what YOU like to write.  I happen to like reading what you've written...

*****************************************************************

A fic is a fic is a fic - calling a fanfic by various labels does not in the
least detract 
from the effort put forth by the writer of same.  However, a critic who must
use a 
demeaning, not to say crass, tone in their review of a particular story does
not put
forth a good image of themselves, nor does it speak very well for their manners.
When doing a C&C/review of a fanfic, there is always a better methodology than 
insultingly commenting on someone elses' creative style, or their plotting
abilities.

The whole idea behind this ML, at least from my viewpoint, is helping each
other to
improve our abilities, and, obviously, to entertain each other.  By using
thoughtful, 
considerate advice when reviewing a fanfic (John Biles, for example, not
only writes 
fantastic fanfics, he also does great C&C), you will encourage other people
to continue 
their efforts, and they, in turn, will provide you with the same support
when you need it.
IMHO, in addition to enjoying the entertainment aspects of the ML, helping
each to 
improve our writing abilities should be a shared goal.

Gomen nasai to any offended readers...

After being up for thirty odd hours (finishing a software project for one of
my clients),
I get a little cranky, if not downright preachy; especially since it's my
birthday [51, sigh],
and I really did not want to play programmer all night, yet again!

Konnicha wa
johnd