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

[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 :-)