Subject: Re: [FFML] I don't get it!
From: Joshua Seames
Date: 7/27/1998, 12:44 PM
To: fanfic@fanfic.com

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

  Ranma is basically the magic word around here, so don't be surpised if
your idea went unnoticed. And don't give up on the 'fic. It could be a
winner!


Aaaack!  I can't take it anymore!  Okay, first let me say that I really
do respect Ryan Norman.  I corresponded with him about his proposed
Ranma fic, and he seemed to have a lot of interesting ideas.  I'm sure
he'll be a great success in future authorial endeavors.  But.....

Has it occured to anyone that the reason he didn't get many responses to
his Tenchi fic was because PEOPLE DIDN'T LIKE IT VERY MUCH!?

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. 



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.


Isn't it just barely possible that the fic was read, people found it
mediocre, and so didn't bother commenting on it?

Now God knows I'm no greater author myself.  I'm not attempting to put
Ryan down in any way.  If someone wishes to post a detailed analysis
explaining why they loved "Circumstancial Evidence", please do so!

I just question whether his fic being non-Ranma is the primary reason
for lack of comment.  Ryan says that his Ranma idea got more response? 
I say that's to be expected.  A really cool idea can inspire one to
speak a lot more than a so-so fic can.  If he posted a neat Tenchi idea,
I bet that would get some responses as well.

Again, it is not my intention to insult Ryan or his writing.  If this
thread has got you curious, why don't you check out his fanfic,
"Circumstancial Evidence" and decide for yourself.  It's on the Tenchi
fanfic archive at
http://members.xoom.com/gensao/fanfic.html

They just posted two new chapters.

-- 
Matthew Campbell 
E-mail me at mgcampb@clemson.edu

     -_^ Joshua-kun ^_-
       *Joshua Seames*
        j_kun@lni.net
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