Keeper of the Superfluous Es!

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

I'm generally unsatisfied with every fic I write, and exchanges are no different in that respect. I think that exchanges are very much harder to write for - instead of writing something you yourself would like to read, you're writing something someone else would like to read, while still making sure it meets your own standards. It's an incredibly difficult balance. But it's fun, though. It is. Fun. I'm now printing this comment out so I can read it when I'm hitting the home stretch of my Smutmas fic and hating everyone. *g*

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?

Drop-outs should be banned from the next one, absolutely. I've run one exchange fest myself (hp_remix), and unfortunately I set it up so that any sort of change in numbers resulted in pure unmitigated apocalypse. Unless there's a seriously, really, undeniably very very good reason why they're leaving the mod in the lurch, death unto them (or fandom death, which hurts more. *G*). Luckily for me, this fandom is full of beautiful shiny people who are willing to pinch-hit at the very last second with the silliest of prompts.

I don't understand people who complain about their assignment, I really don't. I understand seeing one's prompt and panicking. I understand the incredible crush to the ego that is realising you can't write a particular character for shit. But I don't understand complaining, especially publically. It's ungracious. Plus, these fests are challenges. The point of a challenge is to be challenged. Write the fic as best you can! And then you'll know for next time.

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

Pinch-hitters should all be praised from the mountains, and showered with grapes and nubile young things. St fluffyllama, especially. *g*

That said, I can't trust myself to volunteer to pinch-hit. It takes either a month of solid, unending writing or screaming panic to get me to finish a fic, neither of which are ideal conditions for pinch-hitting. I'd love to be that helpful, but I can't just sit down and write a fic, and I admire and envy anyone who can.

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

Mine. *g* Actually, no. Running an exchange comm is done out of love for your fandom, and it takes a whooooole lotta love to survive the trauma. Absolutely merry_smutmas. There's a reason Gina's modding style is borrowed 'round the fandom, and it's because it's successful. It's really well-run and a positive experience for the writers and artists, too.