Oh Noes! Where's The SEX?! /panic

[Iggy_lovechild]

I was simply referring to the badly written PWPs I found; I've got an unholy knack for finding crap.

Join the club.

One of life's great mysteries: With yaoi/slash/boysmut being so popular right now, why is it so hard to find good, quality stories?

[Guest Alien Pirate Pixagi]

One of life's great mysteries: With yaoi/slash/boysmut being so popular right now, why is it so hard to find good, quality stories?

Easy. Same thing that happened to both the Naruto and Harry Potter Fandoms: It's SO popular and there are SO many writers for it that you get random brats who are like "Hey! I want to write a fanfic too!" and they really, honestly can't write.

Okay, that's not very fair. The issue really stems from the "Hey, that doesn't look too hard" philosphy a lot of these people tart with. Far too many people who start writing fanfics know little about the actual mechanics for writing a good story, or believe they don't apply.

And, really, why should Slash be any differant from any other fad? Homosexuality, right now, is very popular in NYC. Therefore, there are a LOT of obnoxious, overly flambouyant brats everywhere and they piss me the fuck off. The same happened with Goths and Punks and everything else that ever got popular, the most prevailent are the wanna-be's. Therefore, most of what you see are the obnoxious and pathetic.

It's why "Punk" got accosiated with "faker" or "poser." When the "Punk Scene" became mainstream, a shitload of kids were like "Hey, that's cool! I want to dress like them!" and yet, were not really into the culture that surrounded that particular style.

[Guest echtrae]

There is a lot of truth to what you say Pixagi. It is generally the ones that are attracted to something for the wrong reasons, that are the most annoying with that particular item and they are usually the ones that don't get it in the first place.

[Iggy_lovechild]

Okay, that's not very fair. The issue really stems from the "Hey, that doesn't look too hard" philosphy a lot of these people tart with. Far too many people who start writing fanfics know little about the actual mechanics for writing a good story, or believe they don't apply.

Yes, the problem is that people don't relaize that writing is a talent just as much as any art form. Sure, a person can be taught how to write well enough, but they're probably not going to have much style. I've read just as many stories (both fanfiction and otherwise) that have impeccable grammar and spelling and the like but the writing and characterizations are just fucking boring.

It seems easy to some because it's just words,I guess. People talk everyday, they type up e-mails, and IM each other, and so with all this daily contact with...whatever language they're speaking, writing seems a helluva lot less intimidating than drawing, painting, or singing.

[Guest Alien Pirate Pixagi]

Yes. but many fan fics have the same quality level as those e-mails, IM's, etc. that these people are writing, Iggy. In other words: childish, poorly written, stupid or boring. To me, the difference between a good writer and a bad is the difference between a painting by Rembrandt and a paint-by-number of some horsies in a field. One cannot help but be amateurish, becuase the person doing it cannot add a part of themselves to the painting. And that's what makes an artist in any art form - the ability to add a part of yourself - your energy, chi, mind, what have you - to your piece of art. That's what makes good stories like a writer's chikldren - it's a part of themselves put on paper.

Uh... that's what she's saying.

[NightScribe]

As Pixagi said

Easy. Same thing that happened to both the Naruto and Harry Potter Fandoms: It's SO popular and there are SO many writers for it that you get random brats who are like "Hey! I want to write a fanfic too!" and they really, honestly can't write.

And I've noticed, many times, that these "fanbrats" who think it's easy either:

a)get pissed at concrit for the thinly plotted/poorly written/formulaic/MS stories they write

b)will leave fics unfinished after 2 or 3 chapters

c)never write another one

What kind of sucks is that in the case of b and c, those fics are just hanging out there, so people will have a read thinking it's a short, completed fic and find it's incomplete crap. In the meantime, there's people sticking with it, putting in a lot of time, effort, and talent into what they're doing, and their fics sometimes get overlooked. Did I mention I hate those fanbrats?

[Iggy_lovechild]

b)will leave fics unfinished after 2 or 3 chapters

I fucking hate that. And you know the summary is some epic sounding story, too! Then you try to read it and it's one big old block paragraph or uber-short.

(Eheh, not that I should complain considering I have short chappie syndrom sometimes, but at least I finish my stories!)

*sighs* What is the world coming to? Seriously, it wasn't until I got deep into fanfiction that I realized how huge it was. At first I thought it was cool...until I saw how much crap chokes the truly popular fandoms.

[NightScribe]

I fucking hate that.  And you know the summary is some epic sounding story, too!  Then you try to read it and it's one big old block paragraph or uber-short.

Argh, I hate the one big block syndrome! And they're usually riddled with spelling mistakes, bad punctuation, lack of capitalization, ugh, I could go on. And I really hate when they can't spell a canon character's name right. I was trying to read an HP fic the other day, and they couldn't spell Lucius correctly. I mean, I know he's luscious, but that's no excuse to spell the name Lucious.

[Guest Alien Pirate Pixagi]

Argh, I hate the one big block syndrome! And they're usually riddled with spelling mistakes, bad punctuation, lack of capitalization, ugh, I could go on. And I really hate when they can't spell a canon character's name right. I was trying to read an HP fic the other day, and they couldn't spell Lucius correctly. I mean, I know he's luscious, but that's no excuse to spell the name Lucious.

There's a Harry Potter story I read where the author absolutly refused to write "Seamus" correctly, insisting to spell it "Shamus." It was SO annoying.

[Iggy_lovechild]

In a lot of anime fandoms it can get pretty ridiculous, particularily the ones with characters that have Japanese names.

I also hate when authors shorten a character's name like they would when talking online or use the ridiculous nicknames (yes, I've read IY stories in which a character has referred to Sesshoumaru as "Fluffy").

[Guest Alien Pirate Pixagi]

In a lot of anime fandoms it can get pretty ridiculous, particularily the ones with characters that have Japanese names.

I also hate when authors shorten a character's name like they would when talking online or use the ridiculous nicknames (yes, I've read IY stories in which a character has referred to Sesshoumaru as "Fluffy").

...

One thing that aggrevates the hell out of me is when the Author uses a nickname in anything other then dialogue when in a situation where the nickname is only used occasionally. When it's what the character is referred to most if not all the time, it's okay, but if it's something like "Sessy-chan," or "Voldy" it needs to stay out of non-dialogue areas.

[Iggy_lovechild]

*deadpans* Someday I'm going to write an IY fic like that, only with Sesshoumaru having the proper reaction to any character calling him "Sessy", "Sessy-chan", or "Fluffy": A long, painful eviceration.

[Leonhart29]

I was just reading over this discussion for the first time and I have to agree for the most part with all of you. As far as the "Let's get the lead out and have sex already" review... It's a pain in my back side. If I wanted to write smut and only smut that's what I would do - and I have on occasion, but plot always rears its nasty little, attention grabbing, shake you by the shoulders until your head spins, spoiled brat head eventually and ruins it (so to speak). But (bad grammar allert) I happen to like plot - it's more life like.

The other point I wanted to add too was the whole "please update" review. Listen, that's not what the reviews are for. I mean if you want to tack one onto the end of a "I loved it" or "I hated it" (why you would want to if you hated it escapes me, but I've seen it) then that's fine, but if the author has a lot on his/her plate and writing isn't their only responsibility there is no use making them feel guilty and turn into a micro manager (I'm thinking about going to rehab for that by the way).

[Guest Alien Pirate Pixagi]

I just had someone ask me for a pairing that makes NO SENSE in my mind. YARGH!

However, I am very proud of myself in that I replied to her POLITELY and didn't call her annoying. Not once!

[Leonhart29]

I just had someone ask me for a pairing that makes NO SENSE in my mind. YARGH!

However, I am very proud of myself in that I replied to her POLITELY and didn't call her annoying. Not once!

I just have to ask because you peaked my curriosity - what's the pairing?

[Leonhart29]

It's for Naruto, the girl writes and wanted me to wright GaaraNeji. She also wanted SasukeNaruto, but that's less annoying.

It pisses me off when people do that If you want that flippin' pairing, find a story with that pairing!

Or better yet - write it yourself. That's how I started writing - I wanted to read a certain thing, couldn't find it so I wrote it myself.

[Iggy_lovechild]

It pisses me off when people do that If you want that flippin' pairing, find a story with that pairing!

Eh, while that irritates me as well, I usually take it as a preverse sort of compliment. I figure that the reader trusts me enough as a writer to be able to make the couple interesting and believable.

Or perhaps they're just bugging me for the smut. If that's the case then grrr.

[Guest Alien Pirate Pixagi]

Eh, while that irritates me as well, I usually take it as a preverse sort of compliment. I figure that the reader trusts me enough as a writer to be able to make the couple interesting and believable.

Or perhaps they're just bugging me for the smut. If that's the case then grrr.

I usually take it as a "I like this pairing so EVERYONE MUST WRITE IT!"

It's just a step under flaming a person for writing a pairing you hate.

[EveKnight75]

swim-stacey, 2005-11-21, ch 3, reply

really good story

love the pairing greg/Marcia

can u make a story with this pairing please

If she hadn't added the fic to her "Alerts" list, I'd have to wonder whether she had any interest in the fic itself at all. I didn't reply to that comment. The pairing she asked for is within the fic, so it's not a totally moronic request.

I get plenty of people asking me when the sex is coming. I don't blame them because I've given the fics a high rating and the sex isn't there yet. I'm actually working on that right now. I'm one of those people who take a really long time to update. It doesn't mean that I've forgotten - I keep them up-to-date on the stuff in my personal life that slows me down. I'm just a bit OCD about my writing, that's all.

[Guest kirameki]

I usually take it as a "I like this pairing so EVERYONE MUST WRITE IT!"

It's just a step under flaming a person for writing a pairing you hate.

I have this one person on ff.net that seems to like telling me her ships. One of which obviously coincides with mine(as it's one of the primary pairings I fic), but when she's leaving a review about how much the one pairing is best it makes the bunnies flock to the pairing she thinks is only "not bad" instead.

And it is uber annoying that she didn't mention my fic at all. She's left me more than one review and none of them ever mention what she thinks of my fic. It's always about the pairing. Even when I write the one she likes. It's so baffling.

[Leonhart29]

A friend of mine asked me very sweetly if I would write a one shot for him, and he gave me all of the points he wanted - Het, pairing, time and place - the whole bit. What I want to know is this - if you can sit down and basically outline the story for someone else to write - why in God's name can't you do it yourself?

[EveKnight75]

A friend of mine asked me very sweetly if I would write a one shot for him, and he gave me all of the points he wanted - Het, pairing, time and place - the whole bit.  What I want to know is this - if you can sit down and basically outline the story for someone else to write - why in God's name can't you do it yourself?

"Because you're so much better with words than I am ."

Believe me, that's the answer he'd give. If it were me, I'd have to say flattery gets you nowhere. Especially because I've met too many kids who tried to use that tactic to get me to write their book reports or essays. It never worked because I wasn't stupid, naïve, or desperate.

On the other hand, if he truly does suck at writing, then maybe it's a good thing he's not attempting to write it himself. It saves the rest of us a headache.

The best solution: tell him to write it himself and you'll beta it.

[Leonhart29]

Good idea - I think that should be the topic of my next email.

Thank you.

[ChimaeraChan]

...I can't believe I read that whole post and no one had sex at the end! XD

Oh my, I do get a few of those, but usually in less annoying forms like 'omg, I can't wait till they finally hook up!' I just ignore them really, like all the other 'oh, have these two characters hook up' and the 'wouldn't it be cool if this happened next' comments. They mean well, but it's not their fic, so back off already. I think you have to remember that fanfics are predominately oriented around two (or more) favorite characters shagging like bunnies (which can be refreshing at times <3) so readers begin to expect it when cruising fanfics. It's a fanfic, the cannon plot has already been established, so let's have some sex already!

Oh, don't get me wrong, I love plot in all its many forms. It is absolutely impossible for me to write a PWP, I just can't not write plot and backstory, or some sort of explanation as to why these people are together--and omg but I love establishing relationships; that's half the fun. But when I'm looking around AFF I'm not necessarily looking for plot at the time... and I really don't expect it. ...I think I've become jaded about it actually. O_o I expect to find poorly plotted out fics. Even the ones that try tend to fizzle out halfway through. Sad, actually.

[Guest maiafay]

Just skimming most of the comments here, and there seems to be some discontent and confusion on the 'Adult' Fanfiction issue.

I have plot with porn...and have had both types of reviews at one point or another.

One was pissed because I had too much sex, and then others who whined and were impatient for smut. You can't please everyone, and I blame FF.net for the entire situation...

Before FF.net had their brain fart, it was a site you could find both types of stories. You had plot and smut, or smut with plot or no plot. Everyone was happy. Then, they got Disney-like, and employed the new rating system--which in turn, made FF.net a kiddy place, with very few who push the envelope on the rating system. Now, you have tons of plot, and hardly any smut.

Which brings us to AFF.

We have a different issue on AFF. People want smut, and not plot. Or, if they want plot, and a adult storyline, they must wade through the hundreds of PWP just to find them. A emphasis is placed now on the ADULT factor, and of course what do people expect when they see the word ADULT? They expect porn--not plot...leaving folks who have both dealing with the fallout.

I wish there was a way to divide the site, or perhaps make sections that cater to this problem. Have a plot +smut section, or PWP section and then categorize from there into fandoms. I know that's never going to happen, and this is why there are issues with people dissatisfied with what they find on AFF sometimes.

With both types of stories, you have to wade through the crap to find the gems. I like plot and epic storylines heavily laden with sex. It's just me. And yes, those who say plot does not equal good writing are correct--and equally, those who write PWP aren't always stellar either. No one should dictate on what kind of stories should go where. If you don't like PWP, then don't read them. AFF is their safe haven and they deserve to be there. Don't whine and say where's the plot? It's stupid to do so.

Likewise: if you don't like epics...then leave them alone. BUT don't insult the authors who take time and effort to write complex storylines w/sex and make them feel they are on the wrong site. This I DON"T agree with. And I caught that vibe while reading this thread from a few commenter's. I took offense.

I wouldn't post on AFF if this site ONLY catered to smut. I think perhaps even more clarification is needed on the front page besides what they have. They cater to ANY dark fiction that is adult oriented. Meaning epics AND PWP. This isn't a site ONLY for sex; this site is a refuge to those FF.net exiles who have nowhere else to go with their plot/smut or excessively violent fanfics.

Yeah, there's ficwad, and other sites, but they get nowhere near the volume of traffic like AFF does...so, I guess PWP and epics are stuck with each other and have to swim in the same muddy pool. Let's try to get along huh?