Fandom Poll and Discussion: The Fundamental Fanfiction Exchange Thread

[themostepotente]

Since fanfiction exchanges seem to be so big in fandom, I thought I would do a huge discussion to gauge everyone's opinions on them. The two biggest Potterverse exchanges -- merry_smutmas and reversathon -- were huge successes and this year will mark the third round of merry_smutmas, now in full swing.

First off, I'd like to start by applauding the efforts of gmth hostess of merry_smutmas, fluffyllama hostess of reversathon, lysrouge and lizardspots hostesses of hpvalensmut, starrysummer hostess of hp_springsmut, and underlucius hostess of the first annual harry_holidays. I know it can be very time consuming, and without the cooperation of its participants, quite hectic I'd imagine.

I, for one, am a big fan of fic exchanges and have participated in four since I joined fandom. I regret passing on this year's reversathon, but I hope to participate next year and happily enjoyed the entries of those that did.

And this year's merry_smutmas looks to be the biggest and baddest yet!

So without further adieu, I bring you the ultimate fan fiction exchange thread: part poll and part discussion. Looking forward to everyone's thoughts and input!

[Poll #561327]

And what's a TMP discussion without a few essay-type questions? *G*

1.) Are you generally satisfied or unsatisfied with the fics you submit? Explain.

2.) How do you think the drop-outs (last minute or otherwise) and the complainers (those who are unsatisfied with their assignments and bitch to the hostess) should be handled?

3.) What are your thoughts on pinch-hitting? (Writing a last minute emergency fic)

4.) And lastly, what has been your favorite fic exchange and why?

--P

Comments

[hilarita.livejournal.com]

1) Usually slightly unsatisfied. My first few were panicked efforts close to the deadline, and they weren't very good. Later on, I've written stuff that I'm more satisfied with, but have worried about whether it really meets the request.
2) Handling drop-outs by having pinch-hitters seems good. I've no idea about complainers, since I've never been one.
3) It's a good idea. I'm in theory up for doing that sort of thing, though most deadlines have come when I've been too busy for a fast turn-around.
4) Snarry Detention ficathon. It was the first when I did a decent job.

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

Sometimes you can't meet as many requests as you'd like, and that's okay.

[a_belladonna]

Are you generally satisfied or unsatisfied with the fics you submit? Explain.

Generally I've been satisfied with what I submitted. Especially my entries in hpvalensmut and the "In Like a Lion"-ficathon at pervy_werewolf.

How do you think the drop-outs (last minute or otherwise) and the complainers (those who are unsatisfied with their assignments and bitch to the hostess) should be handled?

If you don't have a very good reason to drop out, you should be ashamed of yourself, and not sign up next year. If you're not satisfied with what you receive, you should keep that to yourself. (And perhaps not sign up the next time.)

What are your thoughts on pinch-hitting? (Writing a last minute emergency fic)

I've never done that, but I volunteered to do so for merry_smutmas this year. I think they're doing a great job. :)

And lastly, what has been your favorite fic exchange and why? I don't know, I've liked all those I've participated in. :)

And you forgot one thing when making this poll: In the last question you could have included the fanartists...
I've only written one fic for a ficathon, I drew for all the others...:)

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

You're right. My bad. I should have included more artist specific questions.

[seventines.livejournal.com]

1. Generally satisfied. Although I've just looked back and found that for some bizarre reason, they've all been het, which I wouldn't choose to write if it wasn't requested. The hp_springsmut fic is probably one of my all time favourites now, although it caused me huge angst at the time.

2. I agree with ,lj user=bethbethbeth> above, when she says that she joins for the opportunity to write, not so much to receive. It's lovely to get a fic written for you, but I wouldn't be completely devastated if I didn't. So I suppose the answer is (a) forgive readily because I don't know the reason behind the drop-out, and (b) not have much patience with complainers because if they didn't want to be flexible, they shouldn't have signed up for an exchange.

3. Pinchhitters are great. Also, I think some people thrive on pressure and produce really great stuff at short notice, so in a way, even better work comes out of it.

4. hp_springsmut, I loved all the fics and I loved writing for it. And I love starrysummer. Love all around :-) I'm really looking forward to harry_holidays now too, because I have the best assignment. And it's not het ;-)

[starrysummer.livejournal.com]

♥

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

You're the second person glad she wasn't assigned het for harry_holidays. *chuckles*

[reddwarfer.livejournal.com]

1. I was satisfied with the fics I wrote. I actually thought that they were some of my best work.

2. Drop outs should, unless for a very good reason, be not allowed to participate in future events. For complainers, if their problem is legitimate, meaning their fic was god awful, then an attempt to get a back up writer should be made, if it was just a matter of taste, tell em to deal.

3. I have pinch hit before. I wrote two pinch hit stories for HPVamp, which I was not a part of the original drive, and one pinch hit for nimori's Half Baked Patchwork Fic. I think that it is a necessarry and sometimes thankless job, but the mods are very sweet about it. I didn't receive anything for my troubles, nor did I think that I should have, it was doing something for someone whom deserved a fic since they had done so themselves.

4. I don't have a favourite fic exchange. I like them all.

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

I didn't receive anything for my troubles, nor did I think that I should have, it was doing something for someone whom deserved a fic since they had done so themselves.

That's very admirable.

[midnitemaraud-r.livejournal.com]

There were no ticky boxes for "OMG! I just signed up for my first fic exchange!merry_smutmas rox! Ticky!!!!" I'm very disappointed. *dramatic sigh*

Actually, it should be a box for "OMG! I just signed up for my first fic exchange!! - Please to be taking me to hospital because I'm going to die!!!"

Well, okay, it's not that bad either. I'm a teeny bit nervous, but I remember reading the fics from last year - it was when I first joined LJ fandom, and it looked like so much fun! And my two cents on pinch hitters: They are awesome to step in like that and they deserve extra love for it!

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

You'll love fic exchanges. They're addictive :-)

[bell-witch.livejournal.com]

I can really only comment on the one fic exchange I finished, as Harry Holidays has only just given out assignments.

And, I suppose the hp_rareficathon might not even be considered a fic exchange, except that's how it was run.

I also don't know what you consider 'way early'.

Still, it might just be the qualities of that exchange, but I only got one comment on my story. Granted, it was from the recipient and she liked it, so that's all that matters in the end. Whoever was writing for me never posted.

So, question 1. I was satisfied with the story I submitted, despite the griping I did while writing it. The recipient liked it, which--as far as I'm concerned--is the whole point. Since she did, then I'm satisfied as well. I did the best I could to give her something she'd enjoy.

2. Drop-outs would vary, although last minute drop-outs would annoy me. I can see why mods might choose to not allow those people back in again (or at least make them miss one). That is, unless they have a valid RL reason. Unexpected illness/family problems crop up. Writer's block also happens, but you should let the mod know as soon as possible if you think it's going to keep you from finishing on time/at all.

I suppose there will be people unhappy with their assignments, but you are given choices, and you did volunteer to write something under as yet unknown parameters. I can't imagine there's anything I couldn't come up with 1000 words on. (After doing proper research.)

3. I've never had to pinch-hit, so I can't comment. As a writer, I'm happy to know there are people there if I have to wimp out. (I'd rather be late than wimp out, though.)

4. So far, I'm liking the way Harry Holidays is being run more than the rare pairs one. While underlucius has never modded an exchange before (and there have already been some mistakes), she seems more on top of things than the other mod. I don't know who that was. Then again, maybe it's just because I've done this once before and am paying more attention this time.

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

I can't imagine there's anything I couldn't come up with 1000 words on. (After doing proper research.)

For the most part I'd agree.

[grasshopper.livejournal.com]

I really really want to participate in an exchange; I love the idea of having fic (and smutty fic, at that) written just for me. However, there's no way I could just be assigned something and be inspired enough to write it. I really can't write on demand, and it's anybody's guess as to which pairing/theme will interest me at any moment. And I'd hate to disappoint someone by signing up and then not following through.

Challenges, though, where you can claim a prompt rather than having it assigned to you, are more my speed.

--Garland

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

I love the idea of having fic (and smutty fic, at that) written just for me.

Really brings back memories of being excited on Christmas Eve, doesn't it? Knowing they'll be something waiting for you.

[underlucius.livejournal.com]

this is quicker than using webmail.

I'm shattered. pixel's dissapearance/probably death has knocked me sideways, and i got too drunk last night, so I'm off to bed.

Hope the beta job was ok - look forward to commenting on the fic. Very novel concept.

xxx

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

Honey, I am SO sorry about Pixel. That would devastate me too.

And I'm such a loser, I accidentally deleted your beta. Resend when you can, please.

[musesfool.livejournal.com]

1.) Are you generally satisfied or unsatisfied with the fics you submit? Explain.

Satisfied. Very, very satisfied. Of course, I tend to really like everything I write. I even like the many pinch-hit, last minute stories I've written.

2.) How do you think the drop-outs (last minute or otherwise) and the complainers (those who are unsatisfied with their assignments and bitch to the hostess) should be handled?

Make their names public and ban 'em, baby.

I've run the multifandom Remix for three years now, and I also ran the Remus Remix and the Ocean's 11 ficathon, and people who bail without notifying the mod ahead of time, or people who just disappear and don't answer the email? And people who bail after the deadline and they've been given an extension? Should never be allowed to participate again. And should be mocked publicly, because that's like participating in a gift exchange in real life and walking away with your gift and not putting anything into the grab bag. It's rude and ought not be tolerated.

Complainers... I think it depends. I've been the whingy participant once, even though I hated doing it, but I just couldn't write the thing I was assigned. It was the one thing I hadn't ever thought to specify in my sign up, you know? It's why I very rarely sign up for ficathons I don't run, or where I can't choose the challenge. On the other hand, I have no patience for people who specify they'll write "anything" and then come back and say they'll only write X or Y and that's not what they were assigned.

3.) What are your thoughts on pinch-hitting? (Writing a last minute emergency fic)

I am an excellent pinch hitter, as long as the fandom and pairing is something I'm interested in. I also think pinch hitters are angels of fandom who don't get enough credit, because most of the time, they don't get stories written for them, and yet they're capable of turning around good stories in very short time periods for other people.

4.) And lastly, what has been your favorite fic exchange and why?

takethehouse was a blast, and it nearly doubled the amount of fanfic in Ocean's 11 fandom, and I adore yuletide and shackinup_sesa, and the Fantasy Fests (both pornish_pixies and erotic_elves) are fun, but my heart belongs to We Invented the Remix...Redux (http://remix.illuminatedtext.com/), beacuse it's my monster baby.

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

I am an excellent pinch hitter, as long as the fandom and pairing is something I'm interested in. I also think pinch hitters are angels of fandom who don't get enough credit, because most of the time, they don't get stories written for them, and yet they're capable of turning around good stories in very short time periods for other people.

I did a pinch-hit last year knowing I wouldn't get anything in exchange, and it didn't matter to me. It was a nice surprise when I did. Sounds totally sappy, but it's very rewarding to do something like that for someone who wouldn't get a story otherwise.

And dude, I totally forgot about Remix Redux too. Now, I really suck :P

On a totally unrelated note, I really enjoyed your Snape/McGonagall fic :-)

[isiscolo.livejournal.com]

I have pinch-hit for merry_smutmas and for sga_remix, and I have to say, I enjoyed writing those stories so much because I was incredibly inspired. Maybe I just lucked out.

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

Your presence shall be missed again this year, Isis.

[catrinella.livejournal.com]

I've done a number of exchanges in other fandoms. merry_smutmas will be my first HP exchange, and I think Gina is already sick of me. ;-) (here through daily_snitch, btw.)

1.) Are you generally satisfied or unsatisfied with the fics you submit? Explain.
If the match was good, I am happy. I don't mind being asked to stretch a bit, as I like a challenge, but I once got a match where I think the host simply mixed up the list without reading the requests and strengths first. I did my best, which was merely adequate. My gift fic was painful to read, as the writer clearly had no interest in my requested topic.

2.) How do you think the drop-outs (last minute or otherwise) and the complainers (those who are unsatisfied with their assignments and bitch to the hostess) should be handled?
Complainers - in 95% of cases, suck it up. It's a challenge. If you want to write a specific fic, write it. Post it elsewhere. Don't bitch because you can't use your One True Idea for this exchange. In the other cases, reassignment or help with brainstorming, or gentle mediation between giver and giftee, can do wonders.

Drop-outs - as others have said, it depends on the reason. Disappearing is just bad form, and should result in bans (with room, of course, for immediate disaster - fic never comes first in those cases).

3.) What are your thoughts on pinch-hitting? (Writing a last minute emergency fic)
Love it. I'm already mostly done with my Smutmas fic, so I'll be open for pinches in both Smutmas and harry_holidays if needed. I like deadlines and challenges. That said, as a recipient, I appreciated knowing that someone pinch-hit for me. It made the gift a bit more special.

4.) And lastly, what has been your favorite fic exchange and why?
A very small one in the Tick fandom almost ten years ago. I can't find that story any more (egad, it was typed, but it was perhaps the funniest thing I've ever written.

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

Mostly done with your Smutmas fic? Wow. Gina will love you for that :-)

[lore]

1.) Are you generally satisfied or unsatisfied with the fics you submit? Explain.

Generally, unsatisfied, but only because I look at what everyone else is producing and feel inadequate and sorry for my recipient. I think if I had written and posted the same stories just on my own, I wouldn't feel so bad about them.

2.) How do you think the drop-outs (last minute or otherwise) and the complainers (those who are unsatisfied with their assignments and bitch to the hostess) should be handled?

Honestly, I think exchange mods should have a sooper sekrit community they can join and trade the names of people who flake out and why. I totally understand about RL issues (I'm avoiding some now by writing this), but I would want to know if someone did it before or had a pattern of it.

Some girl I stressed out about writing for flaked out on the exchange, but it was a small, more personal group who was doing it, and I doubt any of the bigger exchange mods would have noticed. But I see this girl around posting, volunteering for other exchanges and having the general respect of her peers, and I wonder if she's cleaned up her act or if she's just quietly fooling everyone.

3.) What are your thoughts on pinch-hitting? (Writing a last minute emergency fic)

I think they are all amazing people, but I do wonder if they would sometimes write longer or more involved stories if they were given the same kind of time everyone originally had. I also think they should be given some sort of special consideration the next time the exchange is run or the next time the mod runs a different exchange.

For example, the merry_smutmas pinch-hitters are being offered paid LJ time for their trouble this year. But I think a better reward, or maybe a more motivating one, might be having an automatic spot on next year's exchange list, because competition to sign up for that exchange is so high. Kind of a "Hey, you did me a solid, now you have a solid 'in' for next year, if you want it." Or, they could take the LJ time. ;)

Man, I'm presumptuous. I'm really just using Smutmas as an example, because it's the one that's been on my mind and has the most competition for places in the exchange. I don't know why I think about these things, I would never be brave enough to try and sign up for it. Anyway....

4.) And lastly, what has been your favorite fic exchange and why?

I'd have to say Dear Santa, the smaller, more personal exchange, which is why I'm not linking it. I had all the highs (omg I received such an excellent story) and lows (the bailing girl and the utter inadequacy of my own offering) there.

love, lore

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

Honestly, I think exchange mods should have a sooper sekrit community they can join and trade the names of people who flake out and why. I totally understand about RL issues (I'm avoiding some now by writing this), but I would want to know if someone did it before or had a pattern of it.

I'm all for this idea even though I don't mod.

[spessartine.livejournal.com]

Sorry, random post!

spotlight_stuff: because hotmail hates me, and we can all discuss/question/do modly-type things there. You should have an invite on the way!

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

Wow -- that was a fast invitation issue!