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

[mad_maudlin]

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

You ask me this question and mind immediately jumps to the Percy Ficathon last year. It was structured as an exchange, and I absoltely despised the story I submitted for it--I was sure the person I was writing for would hate me because it was so bad. But with time and a few stunny reviews, I've managed to come to an understanding with the fic--don't necessarily like it, but I can sort of see why other people do.

In general, even when I've been unhappy with a challenge (ie forgot to specific something I didn't want to write) I've managed to satisfy myself with the fic. Or find satisfaction in it, anyway.

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?

Word to what others have said; if the drop-out is for a legit reason, give the person a pass, but if it's just for laziness or overwork or whatnot, the dork needs to be dealt with harshly. Tell complainers to write what they're given or drop out, with the understanding that they won't get any fic in return (warn writers that reassignments may occure on short notice).

Actually, what really bugs me are the people who pull a vanishing act--sign up and never post anything, never respond to the mod's prodding, just kinda disappear. It's like, hello, way to commit...

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

Pinch hitters are wonderful people and I wish I could write fast enough to be one of them.

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

I'd say the Percy ficathon--it was a learning experience for me, I got great Percy/Penny (so rare!) and some absolutely brilliant people wrote some absolutely brilliant fics. Even if the modding was a little rough (and that's no fault of icarusancalion) I think the end experience was all around good.

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

Actually, what really bugs me are the people who pull a vanishing act--sign up and never post anything, never respond to the mod's prodding, just kinda disappear. It's like, hello, way to commit...

Happened to me at hp_springsmut last year. Luckily, I received something from underlucius. I love her writing, so I'm sure I got the better deal.