Dear ff.net writers,

[cortana]

Please use proper punctuation and grammar when writing your summary.  Please don't tell me how much your summary sucks, but your story is good (because I won't believe you). Please don't use internet slang (i.e. sux, thx, pls) in your summary (I get enough of that on Twitter). And really, it wouldn't hurt to reread your summary to make sure there are no spelling mistakes because, well, it kind of makes you look like a chump.

Written in Love and Frustration,
Me

Comments

[jeyla4ever.livejournal.com]

You know these little tidbits are helpful. I hope I don't make these mistakes, but if I have, I'll certainly be more careful.

I've seen some really good JT writers *since that's the only fandom I frequent* and I've seen how they make so many spelling and grammar errors. It does take away from the flow of the story. Hence I ask in Beya for Beta but I only got one volunteer. :(

[yappichick]

I *cannot* stand a story that is plagued with with frequent spelling/grammar errors. (Or a story that is incorrectly formated--ick!) Having a mistake every once in a while, ok...I mean, we're all human, but seriously...if you can't even bother to type out a decent summary, why would I think you're going to do a better job writing the story?

Well, see, to me, as a Beta, I'm kind of picky. (Hence why I didn't sign up...plus the fact that I am so bogged down with Big Bangs and such right now) I have to know that the person A.) can actually write a cohesive plot and B.) doesn't mind criticism. And, of course, each writer wants a different level of betaness.

I don't mind pinch betaing a story for like a big bang or something, but to agree to be a person's beta for all of their story is kind of like getting married. You are committed, baby, LOL!

[jeyla4ever.livejournal.com]

*g* Completely understand. Maybe others felt like you do and I should rectify that.

I guess what I was hoping for was a group of betas, that when someone needed a fic to be looked at the beta's listed can choose to either look at it or not. I would not ask nor do I expect that you or any other beta "marry" that person or even commit for good on doing so in Beya. *g*

You are so right. Over the years, I've been so blessed because the beta's that I've had have been exactly what I'm looking for...Don't just tell me what's wrong, show me or fix it for me type of Beta is what I look for. And you are so much one of the best on that for me!

So, please don't feel that I meant the comment above as anything but....I guess it's only because I have seen new JT writers that are making these mistakes that even I pick up and I by no means am a writer like you and the others...so, yeah..it's much needed.

I know that Fanfic has betas in their site and I'm sure there must be something in L J, too but I guess I wanted something exclusive.

Thoughts?

[yappichick]

Well, thanks. Like I was telling one of my buddies, there are times (most actually) where I enjoy betaing more than writing. I blame it on my love of editing. ROFL But when I have multiple stories, especially if they are different fandoms, my poor little blonde brain gets confused which is why I limit the number of stories I beta. ROFL

You know, when I was running the big bang I found that people offered to be a beta when they knew about the story. I had a "beta reader request" post and found that about 95% of the people had a very fast response to their request. (Alternatively, I have done it the opposite way with the beta readers saying "this is what I'll read" and people claiming them and it only worked for about 50% or so).

So, maybe you could have a Beta Reader Reuqest post (you know, have it linked on the front page of Beya so that people don't have to go wading through tags to find it) and then people who want a beta can know where to go. Or, you just allow beta request posts and then delete them as the request gets filled. I know, it's always so much "fun" trying to figure out how to best figure out a solution. LOL