kathmak ([info]kathmak) wrote,
@ 2005-09-15 21:48:00
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Current mood: weird

My First Flame!
For those of you who read and write fanfic, you will understand and hopefully be able to sympathize with this entry. Anyone who doesn't won't. Okay, so on with the story. Earlier this week I got a very nasty, mean-spirited review of one of my fics. I was literally left speechless by what this wench said (and believe me, I am not left speechless very often). I am not suggesting that my stuff is perfect, because I am usually my own worst critic. Constuctive criticism is one thing, but this went beyond the pale. We write this stuff for enjoyment, not because we are trying to make a living from it. This bitch was acting like she was a critic from the New York Times or something. I think what hurt me the most was the condescending way in which this person "lectured" me about the characters that I feel such affection for. Who in the f*ck is she to tell me that I don't know who these characters are, what drives them, what they love, etc. It just really bothered me. I know I shouldn't let it, but it did. I wanted to bash this person on the head with a heavy object, lol. Fortunately, a few wonderful friends stepped in and helped convince me not to just chuck it all and throw my computer out the window. A small part of me still does feel sad and afraid to write anything more, though. It's just not worth the emotional stress, ya know? Sigh...but I can't let this worthless piece of dirt ruin something that I like to do. Why should she win?

On a lighter note, I was contacted this week by the company that turned me down for a job several months back. Interestingly enough, they now have an opening in their Cleveland office and they want to interview me. I couldn't believe it. This is the same company that didn't even have the courtesy to tell me that they had hired someone else for their last opening. I would love to be offered that job, and then tell them, "Sorry, I've accepted a position somewhere else." We'll see what unfolds.




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[info]skypilot_dlm
2005-09-16 02:32 am UTC (link)
Hey. As you know I too write fanfic and I can sympathize. You do know, however, that this person is a bitter little fuck-twit whose only pleasure is flaming actual good fic writers, right. Yes in the grand scheme of things fanfic is definitely not worth the emotional stress, not when there's real life to worry about. But as you said, those of us who do do this, do it for enjoyment-- that goes for reading as well. I happen to enjoy your fics very much and would be utterly crestfallen if I never read another word from you. On the other hand, I know if this happened to me (it just might, you never know, lol) I'd feel the same. Like you, I am my worst critic. Just know, that the fuck-twit is just one person, and a lot of us do like your stuff! :-) *huggles*

On the job note, wouldn't it be wonderful if you could tell that company to fuck off, hee hee. ;-)

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[info]kathmak
2005-09-16 02:41 am UTC (link)
*Huggles you back* Thanks. (Fuck-twit, hee hee) You're right--RL is stressful enough as it is. Fanfic is supposed to be good, healthy escapist entertainment (well, at least to some people it is).

I hope it doesn't happen to you. You're too nice of a person to go through all of the self-doubt and all of that other crap that this has caused.

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[info]un_crayon_rouge
2005-09-16 08:39 am UTC (link)
Well, you know I write fanfic too, and I totally sympathise. I have gotten some nasty reviews, but nothing like what you describe. Anyway, I heartliy agree with [info]skypilot_dlm: fuck-twit!! These people totally miss the point of fanfic, which is mainly to write things that make us happy, so they can happen in our heads like they never did in the show, and maybe make other people happy too, people who want the same kind of thing to happen, or at least are openminded enough to allow for the possibility. People who think all fanfic should aim for a Pulitzer are sad sad people indeed. They don't deserve your being distressed, and they certainly shouldn't make you unsure about your writing. They are the ones that don't get it!!

And yay for the job-opportunity. It would be so cool if you could do that. On the other hand, if it's a job you really want, take it, pride be damned. My two cents.

Btw, I re-watched "Provenance" and "Providence" the other day and decided to make a mini-challenge for myself and make 25 icons. Suggestions are welcome! :-)

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[info]kathmak
2005-09-16 07:49 pm UTC (link)
You're right, Anna. Thanks for the little pep talk, I appreciate it! About the job: there was a time that I really wanted to practice that kind of law, but since then I have had two other interviews (in academia), and I really think I want to get into that. Plus, I have a very good feeling about my chances of getting at least one of those two jobs. So at least I have some hope!

Love the icon, by the way. Very cool! And I will let you know if I can think of anything for your icon challenge!

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[info]mercscilla
2005-09-16 04:49 pm UTC (link)
I second all of that said above cause I got one or two really nasty reviws too *sigh* Ignore them cause they totally miss the point of fanfics! *hugs*

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[info]kathmak
2005-09-16 07:51 pm UTC (link)
*hugs back to you* Thanks, so you know how I feel. Fortunately there are some smart people out there who realize that fanfic is good escapist entertainment. Just enjoy it, for heaven's sake! ;-)

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[info]mercscilla
2005-09-16 07:54 pm UTC (link)
Without fanfics we would never get the hot and sweaty DDR sex we so desperatly crave *grins*

And for the record: I LOVE YOUR STORIES!!!!!!

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[info]kathmak
2005-09-16 08:00 pm UTC (link)
*blushes a bright red* Thanks, Mercy, you totally made my day! And when might I see some DRR fic from you? Have you written any?

Yes, we definitely need more DRR smut...there is just just not enough of it out there!(Speaking of which, I have a lovely John and Mon smut piece that I hope to finish one of these days. Hope you'll like it, hee hee.)

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[info]mercscilla
2005-09-16 08:03 pm UTC (link)
*shuffles feet* Well, let's say that my mind is still young but one day I'll write! I swear!

I will like it. As always *hugs* SMUT ALERT!!!! YES!!!

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