I'm considering whether to reply to her questions.
In general, fandom seems to have a low tolerance for beginners. Which is odd if you think about it because we were all beginners at one time.
No, fandom has a low tolerance for incompetence... and we were not all incompentent at one time. At least, not in public. Not an expected praise for it.
Jdsampson seems to think fanfic is "art," and that, like a child's scribbled "it's a horsie, mommy!", it should all be praised and encouraged regardless of talent or skill. Those of us who think writing is a craft aren't interested in praising stories that lack eighth-grade writing skills. (I have a sixth-grader at home. Fanfic that writes at her level makes me wince and shudder.)
Praising incompetence? No. If the newbie in question is not a "snowflake" type, and doesn't collapse under criticism, it's easy to gently point out areas for potential improvement without saying "oh this was great!" when it wasn't.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2007-06-25 07:31 pm (UTC)In general, fandom seems to have a low tolerance for beginners. Which is odd if you think about it because we were all beginners at one time.
No, fandom has a low tolerance for incompetence... and we were not all incompentent at one time. At least, not in public. Not an expected praise for it.
Jdsampson seems to think fanfic is "art," and that, like a child's scribbled "it's a horsie, mommy!", it should all be praised and encouraged regardless of talent or skill. Those of us who think writing is a craft aren't interested in praising stories that lack eighth-grade writing skills. (I have a sixth-grader at home. Fanfic that writes at her level makes me wince and shudder.)
Encouraging newbies? Sure; laudable concept. We should encourage them to develop their skills. Tell them that they've picked a lovely plot idea, or an interesting pairing, or a unique AU, or whatever. Or tell them they're hitting ideas so well-known and loved they're part of fanon... don't need to say "damn, this is a cliché," if it's one that people enjoy if it's written well.
Praising incompetence? No. If the newbie in question is not a "snowflake" type, and doesn't collapse under criticism, it's easy to gently point out areas for potential improvement without saying "oh this was great!" when it wasn't.