Poll for Fan-Fic Writers

Just curious as to what other fan-fic writers do/think

Do you go back and re-read your own stories?
Yes.

Do you have a beta?
Yes, the wonderful Space - now I have only used her for one story I am STILL working on(Buffalo Soldier -was that a shameless plug of what???), other stories that pop up in between I proof read on my own.

Do you post chapters based on number of reviews?
Never!

Do you proof-read your own stories?
YES!

Do you ever wonder WHY some people write?
Yes. Most of the fan-fic stories, like 95% are worthy of read, but then there are some that should never have made it past the person's imagination.

Have you ever written a story, posted it and then deleted it because you didn't like it?
Yes..

Is BONES the only fan-fic writing you do?
Yes.

Do you offer constructive critiques?
Yes and sometimes I beta some future chapters to get them "on a better track" and then they take off on their own. Seeing someone actually USE your suggestions to better their story is a awesome feeling.

Have you ever "flamed" a writer?
Once. The story was beyond crazy. Only one chapter was posted and then they disappeared.

Good Questions Snoop!

Here's how I answered:


Do you go back and re-read your own stories?

Umm...yeah. *she says sheepishly*

Do you have a beta?

Depends on the story. But when I do, it's Ana G.

Do you post chapters based on number of reviews?

No. In fact, this is my big fanfiction pet peeve!

Do you proof-read your own stories?

No.

Do you ever wonder WHY some people write?

Yes. There's room for growth in writing to be sure, but basic grammar is always necessary.

Have you ever written a story, posted it and then deleted it because you didn't like it?

Nope.

Is BONES the only fan-fic writing you do?

Yep! It's only Bones, baby!

Do you offer constructive critiques?

Sometimes although I have a hard time wording them.

Have you ever "flamed" a writer?

Never.

Awesome poll, Snoop. I just lurv to 'talk writing'.....

And this is how I answered.....

Do you go back and re-read your own stories?

Yeppers. All the time. The reviews too...especially when Frankie and I are on the outs. Does wonders for our shared neuroses...

Do you have a beta?

Yes--and thank the powers-that-be for Wills and her advice--not to mention patience with the aforementioned neuroses...

Do you post chapters based on number of reviews?

Nope. I'm with Willi on this one. (Not that I'm not thoroughly addicted to those lovely little reviews though....)

Do you proof your own stories?

Like a madwoman. Right up until I hit the send button.

Do you ever wonder WHY some people write?

No...because....well, I know why I write, so I get the compulsion to put the pictures and thoughts and what-ifs on the page. Doesn't mean some stories don't earn a raised eyebrow....but then that's what the back button on my browser comes in handy.....

Have you ever written a story, posted and then deleted it because you didn't like it?

About the closest I get to maternal instinct is the way I feel about my stories...so no....just couldn't do it.....though that damn 'Booth in a Box' story came close....every family has its black sheep I guess!

Is BONES the only fan fic writing you do?

Yes. Though I have tried to venture into 'original' fic .....

Do you offer constructive criticism?

When I beta? Absolutely. I would appreciate the same...and it's much easier with a beta-writer set up. Which is probably why my go-to advice is to suggest a beta....

Have you ever flamed a writer?

Never have. Never will.

Though I have to own up to 'flaming' a particularly harsh, judgmental and spectacularly ill informed 'flamer' a time or two....

Great poll, thanks for posting it.

Do you go back and re-read your own stories?
yes--I have my faves, too, you know

Do you post chapters based on number of reviews?
nope

Do you have a beta?
No, never have, though I do occasionally have someone look at my stuff before I post

Do you proof-read your own stories?
Always--4 or 5 times

Do you ever wonder WHY some people write?
frequently--not everyone who writes should

Have you ever written a story, posted it and then deleted it because you didn't like it?
no, but I have discarded a story without ever posting it

Is BONES the only fan-fic writing you do?
no, I write Buffy/Angel stories

Do you offer constructive critiques?
most of the time, if I think the writer might be interested in improving

Have you ever "flamed" a writer?
no, though the recipients of my reviews have at times responded as though I had flamed them

Good poll!

Do you go back and re-read your own stories?

Yes, I do! And I'm not shy about it. I love reading the jokes I came up with, the story lines... the imagery...

Do you have a beta?

I voted no because I'm not quite sure what that is.

Do you post chapters based on number of reviews?

Absolutely NOT. It's my huge fanfiction pet peeve, too! Nothing is worse than waiting ten billion years for the next frickin' chapter!

Do you proof-read your own stories?

Yes! It's one of those few things I'm good at lol.

Do you ever wonder WHY some people write?

Oh absolutely!

Have you ever written a story, posted it and then deleted it because you didn't like it?

Yes I have!

Is BONES the only fan-fic writing you do?

Only BONES for me!

Do you offer constructive critiques?

Yes. I try to when it comes to mind. Or if it's something really obvious like writing "Brennon" instead of "Brennan." Most of the time I just encourage and write what I like. But sometimes constructive critiques an be the best kind of critique.

Have you ever "flamed" a writer?

No. Never.

Do you go back and re-read your own stories?

Nope, unless I have waited so long to update that I have forgotten what happened or if I can't remember something that had happened earlier in the story. I don't like re-reading my own work.

Do you post chapters based on number of reviews?

No

Do you have a beta?

yes, Space, and she is wonderful and I love her.

Do you proof-read your own stories?

I go through them quickly before I send them off to Space.

Do you ever wonder WHY some people write?

Um, yes.

Have you ever written a story, posted it and then deleted it because you didn't like it?

No

Is BONES the only fan-fic writing you do?

Yes

Do you offer constructive critiques?

Sometimes. I try to offer advice as much as I can...

Have you ever "flamed" a writer?

No.

Do you go back and re-read your own stories?
Sometimes. I went back and read my early stuff to see how horribly I'd embarassed myself.

Do you post chapters based on number of reviews?
Never. This is a terrible thing to do. I usually post on a schedule.

Do you have a beta?
Yes. I never post something that hasn't been edited. For my most recent story I had two people edit it.

Do you proof-read your own stories?
Most of the time I proofread before I send it to the beta.

Do you ever wonder WHY some people write?
Yes. There are some people who simply have no desire to follow any of the basic formatting rules, no desire to improve and lack creativity. They should find other people to torture.

Have you ever written a story, posted it and then deleted it because you didn't like it?
Never.

Is BONES the only fan-fic writing you do?
Yes. When I'm bored with writing Bones fanfics, I'll probably start on something original. When I originally decided to write fanfic, it was because fanfic provided known characters and environments and that makes it easier to start writing and to get some practice. Once I'm done with writing for Bones, I'll take the writing experience and try something bigger, something different... i.e. something that takes more work. In the mean time, it's nice not to have to make up histories for the characters or rules about how the world works, or whatever...

Do you offer constructive critiques?
I try to. If I haven't got any, then I say what I like or what I'm hoping will happen next.

Have you ever "flamed" a writer?
No, although I got flamed for giving some constrictive advice. It wasn't even anything difficult... it was just a basic 'look for a beta and use normal formatting' kind of a deal. The formatting was so bad I couldn't figure out where one sentence ended and another began.

Do you go back and re-read your own stories?
I have, but then it makes me realize how much they suck.

Do you post chapters based on number of reviews?
No, but only 'cause I didn't get a whole lot of reviews 'cause I suck.

Do you have a beta?
No, but I have been one. Apparently I can't write, but I can edit.....who knew???

Do you proof-read your own stories?
I did.

Do you ever wonder WHY some people write?
Oh yes, I have read some stories and shook my head the whole way through.

Have you ever written a story, posted it and then deleted it because you didn't like it?
Yes, I deleted all mine from the old ABY, but somehow one got posted over here. If I could figure out how to delete them from Fanfic.net I would.

Is BONES the only fan-fic writing you do?
It was.....

Do you offer constructive critiques?
I have tried, but then people read my crap and they ignore my advice....see the Beta question.

Have you ever "flamed" a writer?
No, I would never do that, and I always review...no matter what!! I have been flamed and it sucks......

Bella

SNOOP!!

Thank you so much for the instructions on how to delete my stories on Fanfic, I totally appreciate it!!

Bella

Do you go back and re-read your own stories?

On occasion, when I haven't posted in a while, or if I can't remember what the thing is about. Or if I want to "relive the good old days..."

Do you post chapters based on number of reviews?

See, sometimes I *say* I do, but I don't. My posting depends on my muse, unfortunately.

Do you have a beta?

No. And I desperately need one, because I often string together words that don't make sense.

Do you proof-read your own stories?

In an extreme, grammar-Nazi type way. But I NEVER end up catching all the mistakes!

Do you ever wonder WHY some people write?

No. I think some people are not good writers, but I don't question why they write, because I understand why *I* write. I assume that everyone writes for some of the reasons that I do--for fun, in reaction, or because their passionate about it.

Have you ever written a story, posted it and then deleted it because you didn't like it?

Yes.

Is BONES the only fan-fic writing you do?

In the beginning it was. But I've grown.

Do you offer constructive critiques?

I try. Usually I end up squeeing too much to help, though.

Have you ever "flamed" a writer?

No, and I never plan too.

Might as well post my comments, too...

Do you go back and re-read your own stories?

Some of them. Or some of the chapters, at least.

Do you have a beta?

Not an official one, though blc has kindly looked over the things I've sent her way.

Do you post chapters based on number of reviews?

Never. I write for my own pleasure; posting it for public consumption is still fairly new to me. But I have recently discovered exactly how addictive those notices in my inbox are... And worry about maintaining the bar that seems to have been set.

Do you proof your own stories?

Absolutely. Good practice.

Do you ever wonder WHY some people write?

Maybe not why they write, but why they post. Not very nice, I suppose, but when I find someone with no grasp of the characters, world, set-up, not to mention basic grammar and spelling (if English is their 1st language), or story-telling at all, I have to wonder why they post.

Have you ever written a story, posted and then deleted it because you didn't like it?

No.

Is BONES the only fan fic writing you do?

No. Though the other stuff hasn't been posted. I also have some original fiction to work on as well.

Do you offer constructive criticism?

I have. I don't review as much as I maybe should, but I've never told anyone I think their stories is a flaming piece of ... er, never mind. You get the picture. If I don't like it, I just back away as quietly as I came.

Have you ever flamed a writer?

Nope. See above.

Hmm, my own results:

Do you go back and re-read your own stories?

Yes, semi-frequently to see how they hold up over time. Sometimes something looks good at first but doesn't wear well in the long run.

Do you have a beta?

Not an official one, though my gf proofs my work.

Do you post chapters based on number of reviews?

Never. Holding readers hostage based on reviews is silly IMO, I write for my own enjoyment, if I get five real reviews I'm happier than twenty "That was great!"

Do you proof your own stories?

Absolutely.

Do you ever wonder WHY some people write?

Agree with Dawnsfire, not why they write, everyone needs a creative outlet, but why do some folks post when they don't honestly put much effort into their work. I've read some works by very enthusiastic writers for whom English is not their native tongue and yet their stories, though sometimes hard to read, are compelling and well thought out. I've also read some stories by writers native to America who just leave me wondering why they posted it. I mean, I get why you wrote it, but why post it?

Have you ever written a story, posted and then deleted it because you didn't like it?

No.

Is BONES the only fan fic writing you do?

No. Chuck is my other ficdom.

Do you offer constructive criticism?

Almost exclusively unless I'm so blown away by the story that I become a helpless fanboy. That happens from time to time, but I only really have to watch it with blc who's writing I find practically flawless. .

Have you ever flamed a writer?

Nope. I've been harsh in my constructive criticism but never flamed. Flaming serves no point, constructive criticism is to help the writer become better.

RM

Do you go back and re-read your own stories?
Yes. I don't write often, and i never posted them here, but i do re-read my stories... i love myself.

Do you have a beta?
I guess if you consider my sister?

Do you post chapters based on number of reviews?
yes, to me the readers are what give me the drive to keep writing, 99.9% of the time I write off the top of my head and the readers are the ones that get me to write more.

Do you proof-read your own stories?
Yes, as i go along, I do to make sure I'm still following the story line and to make sure I have my grammar right and proper punctuation and such.

Do you ever wonder WHY some people write?
Yeah. Some times people have good ideas, but lack creative expression in that they use hardly any imagery in their story, they resolve conflict too fast and they don't leave the reader wanting more. I strive on cliffie's, my motto is keep them guess they can't leave. It also bothers me when people have conversations and don't start new paragraphs for each piece of dialogue. They have good intentions, I just think some people aren't made for writing. It's cool though.

Have you ever written a story, posted it and then deleted it because you didn't like it?
I've written a chapter of something and deleted it, but not really posted it. Sometimes, I find myself in a rut where the chapter COULD have been better but I couldn't think of what I could have done to make it more exciting or more sentimental or whatever I was going for.

Is BONES the only fan-fic writing you do?
I have written a Gilmore Girls fic, but never posted it. So yes.

Do you offer constructive critiques?
I try. I don't want to sound like I'm a know it all, and sometimes people take what I say to heart when I don't mean for it to be, I just want them to recognize that they made a mistake, especially if it's consistant. I hate it when people constantly misspell the same word, especially If I tell you how to spell it properly. It's a pet peeve of mine.

Have you ever "flamed" a writer?
I don't know what that means? Like did I ever slam someones writing? I try not to be mean, really. But i've said somethings that could have been misconstrued and I don't intend to sound that way. I just can't stand it when people write poorly or they come across like they haven't taken a 9th grade English class. I mean basic grammar should be learned before you enter 6th grade, and you should be able to properly structure a story.

Do you go back and re-read your own stories?
Yes. Have to check from time to time, if I am getting better with my writing. If I would realize that I am getting worse, I'd stop writing all together.
Do you post chapters based on number of reviews?
No! I post even if I only got one review......although I have to admit that I tend to be faster, the more people review.
Do you have a beta?
I was looking for one, but didn't find anyone, before I wrote the first time. So I posted without a beta-reader and I still don't have one.
Do you proof-read your own stories?
At least twice. Sometimes I still don't get all typos, but I think you should at least try to find as many mistakes as possible.
Do you ever wonder WHY some people write?
YES! Some people just don't have talent to write. Maybe they can sing or dance or something else, but not write.....I hate it when you can't follow the plot, because the grammar or the spelling is too bad.....or even worse, if there is no recognizable plot at all.
Have you ever written a story, posted it and then deleted it because you didn't like it?
I only post if I am sure, that it is okay. I write a lot more, than what actually makes it online.
Is BONES the only fan-fic writing you do?
Until now it is the only one I ever posted, I also do NCIS and CSI:NY stories though, but those never made it to a real post.....
Do you offer constructive critiques?
Yes. I think that it helps me, if someone points out what I could improve or if he/she thinks, that the people are going to become ooc, so I try to help as well. But of course in the end, everyone has to decide on his/her own what they want to write.
Have you ever "flamed" a writer?
No. If the story is so bad, that I have the urge to flame, I just don't read on and don't review.