GP FILE 27 Jul 98 
 SUBJECT: Joshua Seames 
 AT: 12:44 
 
 Joshua Seames wrote :

At 12:57 AM 7/27/98 -0400, you wrote:

Lucas Scarpati wrote:

You have kind of missed the entire point of the FFML entirely.
It's function is to HELP writers as well as entertain readers.
Even if his work wasn't all that good, I think each reader is obliged to
at least tell the writer what possible problems...if you're feeling
the urge to be helpful yet trying to entertain others, MST it if you'd like.
But, I've always thought MiSTing authors should at least give reasons
for what didn't work out. 

Actually if someone's writing isn't good, that is *exactly* when to offer polite C&C. 
If there are mistakes and whatnot in the style, point them out, correct a little grammar 
if you don't know the characters, don't just sit there, say nothing, and then complain 
about it when it doesn't improve 5 posts later.

And don't C&C on the storyline itself. Some people are going to like a storyline, others 
won't. Its unfair to ask a writer to change his story around to make you happy. (that was 
to everyone, btw.)

I'm just a little peeved that everyone's so willing to attribute
everything to the series in which he was writing.  Surely the quality of
the work must have some effects on whether people drop in a comment?

Several reasons: His mail server ain't working, people are lazy,
or they didn't bother to read it. Could be more.

Well I know that Gensao's homepage has it listed as a fic with the Operative in it, so 
many people think its an Op-central fic and assume its going to be mediocre without even 
reading it, but I can tell you that while he is a character in the story, it does not 
focus on him. It is also not a self-insertion/self-glorification fic. The Deevra in that 
story is a member of a hunted race who has suffered greatly throughout his life and who 
even now is looked down upon because of what he is. His authority is constantly 
questioned, he is berated in one scene for his sense of humor, he gets into arguments 
with his staff, and doesn't get along too well with his ship's AI system. He doesn't come 
in and solve every problem all at one, In fact, based on the inside information I know 
about the story, I don't think Deevra's the one who ends up solving it at all. Neither is 
the Operative.

The battle scenes are very well-written and based on what I've seen the characterizations 
look like they're well done. There was some minor grammatical problems, and a few little 
odds & ends, but I send Ryan a private C&C regarding those.

 
Lt. Trakal
Operative of the Galaxy Police SIU