A valuable use of my time

[bennet_7]

Dear FanFiction.net writers,

Informing me that you suck at writing summaries in the summary is no inducement for me to read your fic. In fact, your inability to write a good summary (which need only be a single sentence stating that "[Character A] and [Character B] go on [adventure] or do [activity]") makes me doubt your ability to write a lengthy piece of fiction. It's like a swordsman saying "Let's fight but you should know that I have a weak knee and frequently drop my guard". It's like going to a job interview and explaining why you aren't qualified to do the work. It's like saying you're good at something and then providing evidence that you aren't - no, wait, that's not what it's like, that's what it is.

With no love,

Me




Also: what the hell is up with LJ? Un-customized comment pages are screwed up, icons are disappearing, my nav bar has changed colour without my express permission, and fonts are changing to ones with serifs. SERIFS!!! ON THE INTERNET. THAT IS UNHOLY.

Comments

[deevee45.livejournal.com]

Hah! That reminds me of the worst summary I've ever read (I posted it on my LJ once): "Summary: This story is about Veronica marrying Duncan, and want (sic) they went through. This song’s called Oh Mother, by Christina Aguilera, and it’s told through there (sic) daughter Harmony’s eyes. Slight AU. Veronica never went through everything that happened in the show. This story takes place before Duncan broke up with him (sic)."

[bennet-7.livejournal.com]

That is both brilliant and terrible. The VM fandom did produce some clunkers back in the day.

[gypsy-sally.livejournal.com]

I am constantly baffled by some of the things ff.net writers put in their summaries, but that is by far the worst. I will skip a 'suck at summaries' fic EVERY. TIME.

[bennet-7.livejournal.com]

It happens so, so often - how can people think it's a good idea? I'm also amazed when people ask for suggestions on where to take the story in the summary.

I like to think that they are the fourteen year olds.

I haven't seen too many orbs in fic lately but a new trend in words has cropped up: characters' lips "crashing" or "smashing" against each other in a kiss. It doesn't sound passionate - just painful. Makes me think of teeth knocking together and split lips.

[gypsy-sally.livejournal.com]

Lips crashing/smashing: SO totally a Harlequin/paranormal romance thing. At least we know what these kids are reading. It definitely explains some of the fic they produce. (I read para romance, too, sometimes, but I like to think that I look for the classier, more well-written examples of the genre. ;p )

[ginger001]

Oh my! The summary thing is so true!!! I couldn't have said it better! You made me laugh!! ;)

I try to find fics everywhere else but when the only place where I can find them is there I sighed deeply and try to find something worth reading... having a laugh when I read the summaries that are really good <-- irony

[bennet-7.livejournal.com]

There is some good stuff on FF.net but there is a lot of crap to wade through to get to it. I think LJ generally has better quality fic but sometimes fandoms don't take a hold here and the only place to go is FF.net.