Yeah, sometimes, the nature of the request itself is difficult for a particular author, or the request was specifically for something that another reader didn't like as much.
For me, I almost always like feedback, except for in these exchanges. There are a couple of reasons. First, I CAN'T edit. I don't have control over my own fic, once I submit it and it's posted. And I can't harass the moderator to alter or re-post my fic for me. Second, exchange fics aren't done out of pure inspiration. The fics are done for a purpose, with requirements, on a deadline, and that's not always a person's best writing environment, if you take my meaning. For some people, it brings out their best writing. For others, it's tougher. Some people were writing nearly a half-dozen fics for this holiday exchange season, between multiple fandoms. I'm not, but I know that would stress me out! And finally... you don't know who you're reviewing. We might judge a very good author more harshly than someone who is newer and just stretching their quill. If we leave harsh concrit for a newer author's story, without her even being able to identify herself and enter a dialogue, it's not a good way to gently encourage new authors. Yes, it's true that many people on these exchanges are experienced fandom writers, but not all of them. There are times for concrit, and there are times to grin over what people have put forth as their best effort. Sometimes, it's just nice to smile and appreciate.
And then... we have 11 other months to merrily rip each other's fics to shreds. :D
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Date: 2006-12-10 01:48 am (UTC)For me, I almost always like feedback, except for in these exchanges. There are a couple of reasons. First, I CAN'T edit. I don't have control over my own fic, once I submit it and it's posted. And I can't harass the moderator to alter or re-post my fic for me. Second, exchange fics aren't done out of pure inspiration. The fics are done for a purpose, with requirements, on a deadline, and that's not always a person's best writing environment, if you take my meaning. For some people, it brings out their best writing. For others, it's tougher. Some people were writing nearly a half-dozen fics for this holiday exchange season, between multiple fandoms. I'm not, but I know that would stress me out! And finally... you don't know who you're reviewing. We might judge a very good author more harshly than someone who is newer and just stretching their quill. If we leave harsh concrit for a newer author's story, without her even being able to identify herself and enter a dialogue, it's not a good way to gently encourage new authors. Yes, it's true that many people on these exchanges are experienced fandom writers, but not all of them. There are times for concrit, and there are times to grin over what people have put forth as their best effort. Sometimes, it's just nice to smile and appreciate.
And then... we have 11 other months to merrily rip each other's fics to shreds. :D