Fanfic Reviewer Organisation - General Topic!

[Gavin Luper]

Good on ya for getting another review done, Ada.

*feels inferior*

List update time, then.

Full Length Fics To-Be-Reviewed:
The Pokemon Masters League (A Tribute to ASB), by Chris 2.0.
Yu-Gi-Oh: Virtual Disaster, by starjake.
Phoenix Saga, by Dr. McNinja.
Electric Buggy to Victory!, by Andrew.
Scyther's Story, by Dragonfree.
Digimon: Frontier Legacy, by mario72486.
Absolution's Reign, by Dragonstar1715.

Short Stories and other Short Fics To-Be-Reviewed:
Warped and Broken, by Weasel Overlord.
Werewolf: The Forsaken, by Mew Master.

Fics Currently Being Reviewed:
Philosophic Pabulum, by Plantae. (Dragonfree)
Spinner-out of Fate, by fireguardian. (mr_pikachu)
Divinity, by Bulbasaur4. (mistysakura)
Knights to Remember, by classy_cat18. (Gavin Luper)

[Bulbasaur4]

I'll take Phoenix Saga, mostly due to the fact that it should be a prompt review since I've read most of it already.

[Gavin Luper]

Bulbasaur4: Sweet. Updating again, then.

Full Length Fics To-Be-Reviewed:
The Pokemon Masters League (A Tribute to ASB), by Chris 2.0.
Yu-Gi-Oh: Virtual Disaster, by starjake.
Electric Buggy to Victory!, by Andrew.
Scyther's Story, by Dragonfree.
Digimon: Frontier Legacy, by mario72486.
Absolution's Reign, by Dragonstar1715.

Short Stories and other Short Fics To-Be-Reviewed:
Warped and Broken, by Weasel Overlord.
Werewolf: The Forsaken, by Mew Master.

Fics Currently Being Reviewed:
Philosophic Pabulum, by Plantae. (Dragonfree)
Spinner-out of Fate, by fireguardian. (mr_pikachu)
Divinity, by Bulbasaur4. (mistysakura)
Knights to Remember, by classy_cat18. (Gavin Luper)
Phoenix Saga, by Dr. McNinja. (Bulbasaur4)

[Bulbasaur4]

Finished it.

[Unsolved Puzzle]

could i plz have my fan fic "Urban Chaos" reviewed?

[Dr.McNinja]

Awesome review Bulba, it's nice to see someone take the time to give that much feedback, much less good feedback. Thanks a lot, and I've got lots of stuffs to make the Saga all the better.

[mr_pikachu]

Just finished reviewing Spinner-out of Fate.

I think I'll wait a little to pick another work to review. Still need to get everything running properly on my computer, and since I take forever on my reviews anyway... I really don't want to keep anyone waiting through the next decade.


EDIT: Thinking about it, it's a little weird that we had such a long downtime and then three reviews completed one after another. Kind of odd.

[Hinoryu]

I'd like my fic, Yu-gi-oh: Battle Earth, reviewed. I've finished the first 'arc' so I'd kind of like to see how well I opened it.

[Gavin Luper]

Yes, bizarre, isn't it Brian? But good. I've started reading A Doolittle of Pokemon now, so I'm making progress on mine at last.

List:

Full Length Fics To-Be-Reviewed:
The Pokemon Masters League (A Tribute to ASB), by Chris 2.0.
Yu-Gi-Oh: Virtual Disaster, by starjake.
Electric Buggy to Victory!, by Andrew.
Scyther's Story, by Dragonfree.
Digimon: Frontier Legacy, by mario72486.
Absolution's Reign, by Dragonstar1715.
Urban Chaos, by Unsolved Puzzle.
Yu-gi-oh: Battle Earth, by Hinoryu.

Short Stories and other Short Fics To-Be-Reviewed:
Warped and Broken, by Weasel Overlord.
Werewolf: The Forsaken, by Mew Master.

Fics Currently Being Reviewed:
Philosophic Pabulum, by Plantae. (Dragonfree)
Divinity, by Bulbasaur4. (mistysakura)
Knights to Remember, by classy_cat18. (Gavin Luper)

[Plantae]

I no longer desire to have Philosophic Pabulum reviewed, so please remove it from the list. I would like to add another story, though, to the short stories list: An End to Reason.

[eevee-shayna]

I know I just posted it, but I am very enthusiastic to have my latest short story Le Portrait de Petit Cossette, Book 3 reviewed by whomever. It's a little on the dark side but I think it would be an enjoyable read for any reviewer. Also, don't let its title discourage you. You don't need any previous knowledge of the anime it is derived from, or of the previous "2 books". TIA ^_^

[Gavin Luper]

Blorg. Activity!

Full Length Fics To-Be-Reviewed:
The Pokemon Masters League (A Tribute to ASB), by Chris 2.0.
Yu-Gi-Oh: Virtual Disaster, by starjake.
Electric Buggy to Victory!, by Andrew.
Scyther's Story, by Dragonfree.
Digimon: Frontier Legacy, by mario72486.
Absolution's Reign, by Dragonstar1715.
Urban Chaos, by Unsolved Puzzle.
Yu-gi-oh: Battle Earth, by Hinoryu.

Short Stories and other Short Fics To-Be-Reviewed:
Warped and Broken, by Weasel Overlord.
Werewolf: The Forsaken, by Mew Master.
An End To Reason, by Plantae.
Le Portrait de Petit Cossette, Book 3, by eevee-shayna.

Fics Currently Being Reviewed:
Divinity, by Bulbasaur4. (mistysakura)
Knights to Remember, by classy_cat18. (Gavin Luper)

[mistysakura]

Oh look, general comments belong here. I'm a bit concerned about the number of alternate fandom fics sitting on the list. Most of them have been added recently, but a couple have been there since forever. And looking at the reviewers list it doesn't look like a lot of them, if any, read alternate fandom. Which is a problem because the alternate fandom fics are already the ones getting the least feedback from readers. Also, most of these writers are fairly new and it would be useful to them to be reviewed to see how they're going, whereas with more experienced writers they already have some idea. Personally I don't really want to review these fics because I understand nothing about their fandoms and would thus maul the review (I probably wouldn't even understand what was going on half the time). So yeah, just putting that out for discussion.

[Gavin Luper]

That's a fair point, Ada. I actually feel the same way - I couldn't possibly review a Yu-Gi-Oh fic, for example, because I know nothing about those fandoms at all. And if most of the reviewers are in the same position, then I suppose we have a problem.

Perhaps we're in need of a new reviewer? Maybe someone who can cover YGO and alternate fanfictions mostly?

What does everybody think about this? Reviewers, readers, writers - please post your comments and thoughts on this in here, we'll see what the common opinion is before we do anything else.

[mario72486]

That's a fair point, Ada. I actually feel the same way - I couldn't possibly review a Yu-Gi-Oh fic, for example, because I know nothing about those fandoms at all. And if most of the reviewers are in the same position, then I suppose we have a problem.

Perhaps we're in need of a new reviewer? Maybe someone who can cover YGO and alternate fanfictions mostly?

What does everybody think about this? Reviewers, readers, writers - please post your comments and thoughts on this in here, we'll see what the common opinion is before we do anything else.

Somehow I had a feeling that a problem like this would come up.

The reason why I began posting my fanfic on these forums was because I thought I'd be able to get a good amount of feedback from those who commonly freqeuent the site. However, I've become a bit bothered by the fact that, after putting up four chapters, there hasn't been a single review. At first I thought that perhaps those looking at what I've written were drifters, or whatever term is used for those who read but don't respond. Then again, I suppose everyone is guilty of this to some extent. Now that this topic of discussion has come up, another possible explanation has come up.

From what I've seen, almost all fics posted here fall under two categories - Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh - and I'm sure a lot of people have had some level of exposure to both in some shape or form. Mine is based off of one of lesser-known seasons of Digimon (Frontier), and perhaps that is one explanation as to why I haven't been receiving feedback - because the regulars here don't know much about the show or Digimon in general.

As much as I'd like to help out, I'm not exactly the best critic out there. But I do agree that something should be done to amend the situation and help those like me who are aspiring to write extended pieces of fiction. However, assigning people to review fics listed here should not be one of them. After all, if someone is forced to review something they aren't particularly interested in, they may not do as good a job, putting less effort into what they say; even worse, this kind of feedback may hinder more than help.

In my opinion, if one is going to review a fic that is of a different fandom than normally seen here, the least that can be done is to do a little research; either going by what they can gather from the author him/herself or the info given in the prelude, find a website or two that provide the info needed to better explain whatever's going on in the fic or its individual chapters. As they say, a little information goes a long way.

That's my two cents.

[mr_pikachu]

Yeah, it makes things tricky... frankly, I could probably do YGO reviews; the reason I tend to abstain from them is because I already read some of those fics, so it wouldn't help the writers much to hear all the same things I've said in the past. But I do think there are one or two of us who could probably handle those on occasion.

As for other fandoms, that's an entirely different can of worms. I've seen fics collapse in the past simply because nobody here knew and/or liked the fandom in question. Perhaps we should at least make the main fandom of each fic clear on our list; that might increase awareness and thus prompt reviewers to look into those fics for a change. With them all meshed together as they are now, I think there's a tendency to say, "That doesn't sound interesting to me, but there are more familiar fics there" without even thinking about the larger issue.

[Crystal Tears]

That's a fair point, Ada. I actually feel the same way - I couldn't possibly review a Yu-Gi-Oh fic, for example, because I know nothing about those fandoms at all. And if most of the reviewers are in the same position, then I suppose we have a problem.

I actually think you (in a general perspective) could. Any story follows the same rules (grammar, spelling, etc.), and though it may be unclear at first, most of the time a story will open a larger window that’s as clear as day. I know some Yu-Gi-Oh stories, though they mention the characters from the show, go on to another plot that has little to do with the show. And most of the time, the cards that are used are explained, in traditional ‘oh god not more explaining’ manner. Or, some writers; I’ve seen Dark Sage do this, will post the card up and usually you can read what it does. I’m not saying this goes for all the stories, but people should try before they jump the gun at the title.

Yeah that’s… my two cents… >_> Bye.

[Phoenixsong]

Hm. At the very least, a reviewer more familiar with YGO might be a good idea. As for other alternate fandoms, yeah, well... mario72486 had the right idea with the research bit. Also, the reviewer could be brave and take the fic without understanding of the basis, but then explain that to the reader ahead of time so that, perhaps, the reader can provide synopses or character descriptions/backstories or something that can help the reviewer clarify. Lastly, unless this is against some sort of FFRO rule I am unaware of, can't the reviewer just ask the writer questions along the way? You know, PM them and say "I'm in the process of getting your review done, but there are a few things I don't understand. Could you help me out a little so I can better understand what's happening and better review your fic?" Sure, plenty of explanation can come out in the story itself, but I think asking for help doesn't hurt.

I admit that I am one of those who generally doesn't read fics from fandoms I am unfamiliar with or uninterested in. I hope that writers who experience this problem realize that it doesn't necessarily mean they're a bad writer or that it's any fault of their own. It's just that I'm entering college, working on my websites and my own fiction and a whole bunch of other things. I really don't have the time (or the attention span) to do the research I'd need to understand, say, a Digimon fic, no matter how masterfully written it may be, when I can read a Pokémon fic of equal caliber and actually grasp what's going on (if all I'm doing is reading casually, I mean. For example, had I had more time, I would have done some research into Digimon for the May contest because I had to review it and a better understanding would have helped). I think that this is the way that most of Fanfic feels about Alt Fandom fics. It's sad, and I'm sorry I can't comfortably read every fic out there, but that's just how it is. When you post an alt fandom fic on a forum that is technically dedicated to one fandom, you take a huge risk that no one will understand the fandom your story is based on. Not that I mean to discourage people from posting them here, it's just that they need to understand that that's the chance they take.

[Dragonstar1715]

Well for anyone thats gonna be reviewing mine, the story of the game is pretty self Explanatory in the fanfic so anyone should have no problems understanding mine.... I hope

[mistysakura]

Yeah, actually come to think of it, if we did a bit of research we could probably manage to review alternate fandom fics. I think that part of the probelm is that we lack confidence in taking on a fic if we don't know how we're going to go reading it. Backing out of reviews = not good. Phoenixsong's is a good idea; the writer and reviewer could work together to make sure the reviewer understands stuff. Yeah, character descriptions and synopses are good (this goes for sequels of Pokemon/original epics as well).

I think one of the main problems is that we can't be bothered, which isn't a very good excuse, but we do come here to read fics we're intersted in. On the other hand, being part of the FFRO carries a responsibility to provide reviews to whoever wants them. I can't speak for everyone, but my reason for not taking up alternate fandom fics is that I'd rather someone else who could review the fic properly do it, rather than me giving it a subpar review when I could be doing a higher quality review elsewhere. But I suppose if this attitude means that no one ever takes the alternate fandom fics, something's going to have to change. Either existing reviewers will have to take them on, amke some effort to do research etc., or we'll have to recruit new people.

[mario72486]

Yeah, actually come to think of it, if we did a bit of research we could probably manage to review alternate fandom fics. I think that part of the probelm is that we lack confidence in taking on a fic if we don't know how we're going to go reading it. Backing out of reviews = not good. Phoenixsong's is a good idea; the writer and reviewer could work together to make sure the reviewer understands stuff. Yeah, character descriptions and synopses are good (this goes for sequels of Pokemon/original epics as well).

I think one of the main problems is that we can't be bothered, which isn't a very good excuse, but we do come here to read fics we're intersted in. On the other hand, being part of the FFRO carries a responsibility to provide reviews to whoever wants them. I can't speak for everyone, but my reason for not taking up alternate fandom fics is that I'd rather someone else who could review the fic properly do it, rather than me giving it a subpar review when I could be doing a higher quality review elsewhere. But I suppose if this attitude means that no one ever takes the alternate fandom fics, something's going to have to change. Either existing reviewers will have to take them on, amke some effort to do research etc., or we'll have to recruit new people.

Having both parties, per-say, work together to make a review sounds plausible. That way the writer can better walk the reviewer through what they are trying to get across in their piece, and the reviewer can give clearer, more thought-out (er...) thoughts on the work. While I understand that some people may be afraid of reviewing something that is out of their expertise, one must admit - isn't that what movie critics do all the time? They aren't just reviewing one type of movie, after all. They probably watch every movie released during the year and review each and every one of them.

Another idea that comes to mind: instead of just one member of the group review a fic, why not have more than one? A bit more complicated, yes, but it may help out in the long run. This way, readers get more than one view of a fic, and the writers will have plenty of feedback to work with in terms of improving their skills for the future. We see this all the time in the major fics posted here, and look how much those fics have improved with each passing chapter.

[Dragonstar1715]

I'm wondering when someone's gonna review mine...

[mistysakura]

Dragonstar1715: I sympathise. We're just ridiculously slow.

I'd like to request a review for Glitter, my one-shot. This is the first time I've asked for the FFRO's services since... 2003. Wow.

[mistysakura]

What makes me want to pick up a guy and shoot the keyboard? Well, for shooting the keyboard, I'm afraid I've never felt like doing that. Aside from keyboards in foreign countries with the punctuation marks in weird places. Now, for the picking up a guy part... various reasons not to be disclosed

Okay, so I guess this is a complain about fanfic annoyances/ life in general topic? Firstly, having no time to write sucks. Secondly, writer's block sucks. Thirdly, being blocked on the wrong project sucks. (I was so hyped to write a song when I didn't have access to the piano for a month... and now I'm stuck with one, the inspiration's gone. Great.)

For people not reading my fics, well I'm pretty sure people read my fics. They just don't reply, that's all. Which is true for everyone's fics, actually. I know because... more reasons not to be disclosed why don't they reply? Because they can't be bothered? Because they're too busy? Eh, it sucks, but I accept they have no obligations to help someone halfway across the world whom they don't know. No, it's not a great feeling to feel ignored because no one's reading your stuff, Houndoom Lover. Not sure what I can do to help you change that, but I did notice you said people aren't reading your fics because of the way you type. The forum does have spell check, I believe (although its reliability is rather dubious). Oh yeah, the other thing you can do is not insult fics about young love and hot nights; they could've been your first reader

Okay, so what fanfic-related annoyances do everyone else have?

[Dragonstar1715]

How long has it been since someone has reviewed something here? I mean its been like 3-4 months since the last review was put up

[mr_pikachu]

We're coming up on two and a half months. And it does go a bit slow, but that's largely because we try to give extremely detailed reviews so that the writers can actually make use of what we say. Couple that with the time required for reading (especially when earlier fics provide necessary background; Gavin, for instance, has been going through two fics just to get to Scattered Lights) as well as various difficulties with technology and life, and sometimes a review takes a fair amount of time to complete.

...Not to mention that we occasionally end up procrastinating a little. ^_^;

[Dragonstar1715]

Well I'm just hoping that I can get my fic reviewed soon, just so I know what people think about it

[mistysakura]

Okay, I'll bite. I'm taking Digimon: Frontier Legacy. ...yeah, I'm weird.