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

[florahart]

1. Yes, though I am usually a big old wreck about it.

2. I think drop-outs depend on reason. I mean, like, if RL dropped something crazy a week before the dealine, see, I'm the kind of writer (in all contexts) that needs the press of the dealine to make sense. So probably I don't have most of a fic ready a week ahead. Rarely do I do something I feel good about from an assignment without that press there. So I'd think that was different than me getting my assignment and hating it and being all WAH about it for 2 months and then bailing November 5 on my November 16 deadline. You know? But I also think it's really, really up to the mod to have rules and stick to them or not. Smutmas is the one whose rules I'm clearest on atm, and it says if you bail, you can't play next time. That's fine, and I also expect if I got hit by a car a week before the due date, Gina wouldn't probably ban me next year. Or she might, and I would not complain about that because I did read the rules.

3. I don't mind pinch-hitting (see comments above on pressure need). I love that people are willing. I love also that people are willing to really try to stalk journals and find out what people would like and get in the spirit of making it a gift. :D

4. I don't have a favorite. I liked things about lots of them!

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

I think Gina would excuse your getting hit by a car, dear. *G*