Date: Thu, 28 Jan 1999 01:05:09 -0500
To: Algerhorn@aol.com
From: "Bastet's Chosen" <matthew.lewis@yale.edu>
Subject: [FFML] [essay] Writing and Source Knowledge
Cc: ffml@fanfic.com

Arrgh!!  You had me nodding all through this essay, and then we hit the 
speed bump at ninety-five+!!

	Don't write Ranma if at all possible.  The list is full of Ranma fics, 

so

they tend to get the least consideration before one pushes the delete 

key.

You know, I swear that there are two separate versions of this notion, 
on the same list:

1)  New Ranma and Sailor Moon fics never draw "name" authors.

2)  Only Ranma and Sailor Moon fics have enough readership to get useful 
C&C.

Does anyone find it odd that _BOTH_ of these viewpoints get posted with 
the regularity of an intestinal-flu victim's trips to the bathroom?  

Does anyone fail to understand why I used that particular analogy?

There are two things that draw C&C:  Quality of writing, and author 
recognition.  If you want to affect these factors, there's two ways of 
going about it:  Improve your writing (proofread, get prereaders, get a 
few reference guides and useful programs), and build up your recognition 
(by writing a lot, and by writing a lot of C&C).

My full, less hysterical version of this rant has already been submitted 
to, and accepted for, Elsa Bibat's Strange Walk page.

OTOH, everything else in Matt's post should be copied and posted on the 
wall of wherever you work.  It's excellent advice

--Freemage
  Who's declaring a self-imposed rant ban for the next week and a half.

Of course, if you're only familiar with Ranma, or a Ranma idea catches 

you

and won't let go, then by all means write it.  Just don't expect a
recognizable name to C&C it.  It is much easier to gain attention and
recognition in another series, or with an unusual combination of series
(Like, say my El Hazard - Bubble Gum Crisis fic "The World of Balance 

and

Ruin"  Of course, I'm sure my wonderful writing style helps  ;-)  )

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