Elsa Bibat wrote:
Third rule of C&C, knowing when to go public. I've noticed that
public C&C is on the down slope. Hell, the only people who
consistently do it anymore are D.B. Sommer and Gary Kleppe.
No offense, but if you think this then IMO you haven't been paying very
clse attention. What about (off the top of my head; I'm probably
forgetting and fatally offending someone who should be included, but oh
well...) Reid Carson, Alan Harnum, Ronny Hedin, David Johnston, Doug
MacDougall, Bert Miller, Phil, D. F. Roeder, Vince Seifert, Grayson
Towler? Don't any of these count? Okay, some of them are more regular
than others, but all of them post thoughtful public C&C from time to
time.
Well, one must also note the state I'm always in when I'm writing these
things. ^_^
The names Kleppe and Sommer are probably the most recognized in the
C&C department, that's why they popped up in my head, but after a few
moments of contemplation after sending this out, I realized my error.
I am sorry if I have caused anyone offense. Gomen Nasai ! <bow>
The halcyon days of public C&C were when the Fab Four: The
Eternal Lost Lurker, Chris "God-Boy" Angel, Andrew Huang and
Christian "Flashman" Rogers, MST'ed the fics that they liked.
Normally MSTs are thought to be derogatory in nature, but these
guys raised MST/C&C into an art form. They entertained while they
C&Ced the fic and praised it all the while. Well, most of the time.
That's one of the things I miss in the FFML.
As someone who was around then, I have to disagree with you. I remember
the MSTs from the "halcyon days," and they contained very little
substance as far as actual criticism of the fics. I hope the "Fab Four"
doesn't think I'm picking on them here -- it wasn't just them, it was
most everyone doing MSTs at the time. Very rarely if ever did any of
those MSTs tell an author, here's a serious problem with your fic, and
here's what I suggest you do about it. Mostly what they had to say
amounted to nothing more than "I liked the fic."
Ah, well, this is my opinion of course. ^_^
Anyway, these MSTs helped a lot in introducing me to some fics I wouldn't
have read back in the old days. And as always, looking back on things always
gives them a rosy tine to them.
For my money, the golden age of C&C is right now. I doubt there's ever
been more thoughtful, high-quality responses -- both public and private.
I didn't say anything about a golden age, monsieur.
I just mentioned a high point, not a golden age. I'm a firm believer of the
fact that there will never be a "Golden Age" in whaetever human
endeavour, either in the humanities or in the sciences. I just miss reading
witty banter once in a while.
Anyway, I have to agree with you. Nowadays is a time of pretty good
C&C, and I can only hope it get's better.
Anyway, maybe I'll bring it back since I've got tons of free time.
Please do. But remember, as with the fics themselves, it's quality that
matters, not quantity.
A phrase I often quote when discussing reports, papers and boyfriends. ^_^
Gary
Thanks, Gary ! It's nice to know someone's actually reading these things.
^_-
Ja mata ne !