In response to your questions.


1. What does a good fanfic site need, in your opinion?

The most important thing is that stories are listed by author so that
it's easy to find other stories by an author you like.  By title is
also handy.

Also PLEASE some sort of listing so that in-team (inc. in-SGC)
romance stories are NOT just mixed in with all the other gen fics and
friendship stuff.  I don't mind tiny *hints* that there's an
attraction or romances with other people (when it's part of a bigger
story) but the sheer volume of full-on:
Jack "I love you!"
Sam "I love you too!"
Romance fics out there are unbelievable.  I'm not saying that they
don't have their place but just could they be put somewhere separate
so the ones that like them can find them but I don't have to sift
through them constantly.

I really like that 'Character' listing idea that someone had.  That
would be great!


2. How do you feel about receiving fanfic by e-mail (through a mailing
list)?

Maybe as an option but with choices like which type of fics you like,
otherwise you might as well just go on to the archive and save
getting you INBOX filled


3. What makes you choose to read a particular story?

By author if I see stories by an author I like.  If I can't find much
then I choose by the summary and the pairings.  I generally read most
stuff but I avoid S/J and Janet/D stuff.  Having read some of the
other responses to your questions I think I'm in the minority here
but I just think that there's too much of it out there.  Lots of
friendship building/destroying, some humour and a plot that reads
more or less like an episode and I generally like it.


4. What about beta-reading?

A list of willing beta-readers would be great and they should be
linked to writers who write the type of story they like to read.


5. Do you read fanfic online, or usually print it out?

Actually, I cut and paste to word-pad and read it on my PC (printing
would cost a packet and my internet bill is charged for how long I'm
online)


6. Do you recommend specific fics to a friend (or list)? Would you
use something like an auto-recommend e-card?

Yeah, that'd be a good idea.


And to your latest question...

Q. What's the best way to encourage constructive author feedback?
Just a link to e-mail the author at the bottom of the fic? A link to
a fanfic forum? Or a place to post comments publically and attach
them to the bottom of the fic? Something else entirely?

Feedback!  This is one of the best things about writing fics.  Link
to the author definately.  Sticking it to the bottom of fics would be
okay but I think it should be sent to the author as well as it's
easier to find your feedback in your inbox than going trawling
through your old fics to see if anyone's added anything.


See ya for now!
Eve

--- In gateworldfanfic@yahoogroups.com, "Darren <darren_s22@y...>"
<darren_s22@y...> wrote:
> "brendagracie <paintbyletters@h...>" <paintbyletters@h...> wrote:

> > Maybe this would be a good place to include a writing tips section -
> a section
> > that contains an FAQ - Frequently Answered Questions - from
experienced
> > beta-testers.
>
> Brilliant. So ... [looking innocent] would you like to write it? 8)
> If you've done a good amount of beta'ing, you sound like the perfect
> person for the job!
>
> Darren

I'd be happy to help, Darren. I'm sure that the bunch of us can build a
comprehensive and helpful FAQ. ")

Gracie

Hello,

Just joined and thought i would say hello... So Hello :)

J.

--- In gateworldfanfic@yahoogroups.com, Jack O'Neill <colonel_oneill@g...>
wrote:
> I don't agree with quality control. I think we should all be able to submit.
weather we write good or bad stuff. we all have individual tastes as to whats
good an bad.
>

I'm sorry, but I *heartily* agree with Seldear and the many others who have
made similar comments: there *needs* to be quality control. Gateworld a
quality site. Darren wants to enhance, not diminish its value. We're not talking
about storyline or characterization, here, we're talking about simple
grammar/spelling. (BTW, I believe you meant to put a comma, not a period
between submit and weather.)

Taste may well vary from one individual to the next, but I can't imagine who
would prefer to read several pages of misspelled words and poor grammar.
(BTW, it's whether, not weather) I know I certainly don't.

Any computer word processing program comes with a spell/grammar
checker; it's not that hard to learn to use. (BTW, always capitalize the first
letter of the word beginning a new sentence, and it's what's, not whats.... And
it's and, not an.)

"/

Yeah, I'm being a mean little p*** today. I'm not normally given to such
snarkiness, as those who know me will attest, but dang-it, I feel strongly
about this. Writing is a craft. If a person wants to be a writer - even a lowly
writer of fic - then, FCOL, learn to write properly. If folks absolutely want to
submit "bad stuff" (again, I am not talking about storyline, I'm talking about
presentation), then, by all means, do so. There exists plenty of sites willing
to
accept such ( or, that lack the will or ability to reject such....). I'm just
saying
that *if* there's a way to implement quality control, then Darren should look
into it. Please!

Gracie

Link to the authors email.



We once were divided
Now we stand united
United as one... Undivided.
                       - Jon Bon Jovi


"I think the UAV needs a swift kick in the CPU" - Jack O'Neill


--- message from "Darren <darren_s22@...>" <darren_s22@...>
attached:

_____________________________________________________________
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News, episode and character guides, articles, reviews,
forums, free e-mail and more at http://www.gateworld.net/

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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I don't agree with quality control. I think we should all be able to submit.
weather we write good or bad stuff. we all have individual tastes as to whats
good an bad.




=============
We once were divided
Now we stand united
United as one... Undivided.
                       - Jon Bon Jovi


"I think the UAV needs a swift kick in the CPU" - Jack O'Neill


--- message from "SelDear" <seldear@...> attached:

_____________________________________________________________
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News, episode and character guides, articles, reviews,
forums, free e-mail and more at http://www.gateworld.net/

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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

> "Celsitude" <celsitude@s...> wrote:
> > One of the hope's I had about the GW fanfic idea was that there would be
> > some form of quality control.  <snip> My suggestion is that each story
> > archived on GW be read at least once and "approved" for lack of a better
> > word by a beta or recommended by another reader.

From: <darren_s22@...>
> This would definitely require a dedicated *staff*! I'm currently
> setting it up to be completely open submissions -- once you click that
> "Submit" button, it's on the site and in the archive. I could be
> swayed ...

Lookit this way: Just about every other archive just takes what it's given.
Very few (if any) of them are selective about exactly what lands on their
front door - mostly because of the same reasons you've given: limited
resources and not enough time on the part of the archivists - we do have
real life to live after all...

However, I know that I have ceased to read anything that isn't written by
someone whom I know has a good grasp of spelling, grammar, punctuation and
paragraphing - or that one of my braver friends has dared to read and
actually rec'd. That was as a result of getting just *too* many fics where
there was no spelling punctuation grammar nor anything resembling a pragarph
and certainly no end to the sentences at all they just ran into one another
like a bunch of words as if the author hadnt take any care about their work
or presentation or anything to do with storly let alone give a damn that
their work was on diplsay...

As you see.

I think a major drawcard of coming to Gateworld for new stories would be:
a) all genres and all characters,
b) quality of English, even if you can't control quality of
characterisation - which tends to be subjective and a delicate topic anyway
c) constancy of definition so you have a good idea what you're getting - ie.
something labelled "team" really *does* mean all four members of SG-1
working together in the story.

If I knew a place that was friendly to the type of fics that I enjoyed
reading and where I didn't have to sift through the dust for the diamond (or
at least the cubic zirconia if all else failed) then I'd be much more likely
to visit there - and to rec it to my friends and to newcomers to the fandom.
With so many 'replacement' archives popping up after the announcement of
Heliopolis' demise, you're going to have to do something extraordinary to
get noticed and be considered unique - or else you'll just get flung in the
box of "ho-hum, another archive".

Gateworld Fanfic may prefer to be anonymous among the crowd - crowds are
safe and solid and secure, after all. My experience is that there's a
certain personal pride to be taken in being distinguished and different, but
that's just me.

Sel.
Bachelor of Iniquity, Terror, and Chaos (B.ITCh)
* * *
"Your methods are stupid!
Your progress has been stupid!
Your intelligence is stupid!"

--- In gateworldfanfic@yahoogroups.com, "Darren <darren_s22@y...>"
<darren_s22@y...> wrote:
<snip>
> Now, some general questions:
>
> 1. What does a good fanfic site need, in your opinion? Be as basic
> ("searchable archives") or as specific ("a guy named Sven picking his
> favorite every week") as you want. What are some of the better
> features of your favorite fanfic sites?

Searchable fields, including those that most fic archives require for posting
would be great, i.e.:
Title:
Author:
Status:
Category:
Pairings:
Spoilers:
Season:
Sequel:
Rating:
Content Warnings:
Summary:
Date Archived or Posted:

This would really help someone narrow down the search for a fic. Heliopolis had
a feature similar to this and that is one reason why it was my favorite archive.
These fields could be entered into the database on entry, thus greatly speeding
up the archiving process.

> 2. How do you feel about receiving fanfic by e-mail (through a mailing
> list)? Do you want the convenience of a steady stream of all sorts of
> fanfic, or do you only want to read it when you go online and hunt
> for it?

I've done it both ways and both have their advantages/disadvantages. It would be
nice if people could choose between the options.

> 3. What makes you choose to read a particular story? Themes or
> relationships that you like? Recommendation from a friend?

After having read so many, I have begun to start reading only those authors
whose names I recognize because I have really enjoyed their work. If there
happens to be a lull in the output from those authors (which, thankfully,
happens infrequently), or if I get a recommendation then I might venture out to
find work by new authors. Yes, themes and relationships are criteria for what I
read and yes, I do read based on recommendations.

> 4. What about beta-reading? Would it be helpful to come up with some
> sort of system that hooks up writers with beta readers based on their
> areas of interest, or is that something best left to writers?

As someone who has only started to beta read, I would appreciate a place to get
in touch with authors who are searching for a beta. It would be even better if
we could find each other based on the types of fic we enjoy reading/writing.


> 5. Do you read fanfic online, or usually print it out?

I never print it out...sheesh...that would be expensive. ;-) I do, however,
download to read, and only occasionally (the shorter stuff), read online.


> 6. Do you recommend specific fics to a friend (or list)? Would you use
> something like an auto-recommend e-card?

Occasionally I will recommend to friends or a list. Usually, I can't remember
the names of specific fics. The authors I enjoy (coincidentally, many of those
that Seldear mentioned) are prolific enough that I just can't keep them all
straight, so I enjoy them and move on (I try to send feedback, frequently). Of
course, there are some authors whose works I would recommend to anyone (can
anyone say Sally Reeve? ;-) ).

As has been mentioned before, the link to e-mail makes it easier to send
feedback. I think it is a good idea. Feedback is important to authors (at least
it was/is to me). Anything that makes it easy for a reader to send feedback is a
good idea.

"brendagracie <paintbyletters@h...>" <paintbyletters@h...> wrote:
> Fanfiction.net has a feature I really appreciate and use: Monthly
columns on
> writing - tips, musings, a betaperson's comments on fic picked from the
> archives, etc.

This is a great idea. I know that the pool of talent out there in
Stargate fandom ought to make it fairly easy to solicit guest
editorial pieces.

> I know I'm dreamin' here, but that's bound to happen when one
brainstorms.

Brainstorms are great! Throw out those wild and crazy ideas that
you've always wanted to see in a fanfic site. Who knows ... we may
just find a way to pull it off.

> Maybe this would be a good place to include a writing tips section -
a section
> that contains an FAQ - Frequently Answered Questions - from experienced
> beta-testers. Not rants, mind you, anyone can complain about how bad
some
> fic is. I'm pretty good at that, myself. "/ But, rather, common
> mistakes/problems that new writers are most likely to encounter and the
> tips/counsel betas usually give to remedy them: on POV, the overuse
of the
> passive form, characterization faux pas, etc, etc. It might save
betas a lot of
> headaches when faced with a 500k+ doc, if they can direct the writer
to a
> specific writing tip.

Brilliant. So ... [looking innocent] would you like to write it? 8)
If you've done a good amount of beta'ing, you sound like the perfect
person for the job!

Darren

"Celsitude" <celsitude@s...> wrote:
> For example, you could search
> by character  or characters and genre.  I would personally
appreciate it if
> fics had a listing for which character the story centers around or
if it's a
> team fic.

Done -- I've added a "Character(s)" category. Good call.

We'll get more into categories soon, once I finally let you all see
what I have so far. ;)

> Anymore - I just stick to personal websites.  I can't keep up with
the email
> lists and never know what quality the fic is when it comes into my
inbox.
> The option for an email list is nice, perhaps more of a digest list like
> Helio used to have.  The emails come out with a summary and a link
to the
> story.

I'd like more opinions here: Should the list deliver Fic By Mail, or
just a link to the story on the site?

And is it something that's automatic (you get every fic submitted to
GW), or something that the author has to opt in (archive and e-mail,
or just archive)? Why?

> One of the hope's I had about the GW fanfic idea was that there would be
> some form of quality control.  Call me snobby, but some of the fanfic on
> Helio was just awful and hard to read.  Fanfic is supposed to be
> entertainment for both the author and the reader, but it can also be
used as
> a learning tool for future writers.  My suggestion is that each story
> archived on GW be read at least once and "approved" for lack of a better
> word by a beta or recommended by another reader.  I realize this
might be
> difficult and might not be possible, but I thought I'd throw the
idea out
> there :)

This would definitely require a dedicated *staff*! I'm currently
setting it up to be completely open submissions -- once you click that
"Submit" button, it's on the site and in the archive. I could be
swayed ...

It's really two different philosophies: a smaller archive of better
quality material, or a larger archive where quite literally anyone
knows they can be published.

I'm currently leaning toward the latter, largely because I don't want
to have to bring on a big staff to manage this part of the site
long-term. My thought was that the best fic would be featured on the
front FanFic page, and the front page of GateWorld -- that's the
motivation for submitting a quality, polished story.


Thanks for the feedback, everybody!

Darren

--- In gateworldfanfic@yahoogroups.com, "Darren <darren_s22@y...>"
<darren_s22@y...> wrote:

>
> 1. What does a good fanfic site need, in your opinion? Be as basic
> ("searchable archives") or as specific ("a guy named Sven picking his
> favorite every week") as you want. What are some of the better
> features of your favorite fanfic sites?
>

*Definitely* a good search engine (Heliopolis has... had a good one).

Well-defined categories. What exactly ... uh, more or less... constitutes angst,
h/c, ship, etc?

Seperate areas, not only for Adult, but, PLEASE.... also for Romance. I have
nothing against romance, per se, but mostly I want to read team fic, and it got
daunting on Heliopolis when, out of fifty new stories presented, forty seven
were plot-poor Sam&Jack romances. I stopped going alltogether and mostly
just read what trusted friends recommended. "/

Fanfiction.net has a feature I really appreciate and use: Monthly columns on
writing - tips, musings, a betaperson's comments on fic picked from the
archives, etc.

I know I'm dreamin' here, but that's bound to happen when one brainstorms.
")
I'd LOVE it if there existed some sort of filter that could issue a warning when
submitted documents are full of grammar/spelling errors. <dreamy sigh>
Somewherrre, over the raaainbowwww....

Active moderation. This is a toughie, because you'll soon be overwhelmed by
the inevitable avalanche of fic that is bound to come pouring into your site.

> 2. How do you feel about receiving fanfic by e-mail (through a mailing
> list)? Do you want the convenience of a steady stream of all sorts of
> fanfic, or do you only want to read it when you go online and hunt
> for it?
>

No thanks! "~" No e-mail for me. I like to keep my in- box as clean as
possible, but perhaps you could offer the option?

> 3. What makes you choose to read a particular story? Themes or
> relationships that you like? Recommendation from a friend?
>

Beloved and trusted authors. But, I will give new stuff a go *if* it has a good
hook: that is, a great summary and a terrific opening scene. Next, it has to
have good characterisation and an intriguing plot. Bad spelling/grammar gets
sent to the trash, even if the story itself may be good. Bad S/G is like bad
oral
hygiene: there's just no good excuse for it. "~"

> 4. What about beta-reading? Would it be helpful to come up with some
> sort of system that hooks up writers with beta readers based on their
> areas of interest, or is that something best left to writers?
>

A beta pool might be a good thing, but I, personally hesitate to offer my
services anymore. I've been burned more than once by accepting to beta
baaad stuff.

Maybe this would be a good place to include a writing tips section - a section
that contains an FAQ - Frequently Answered Questions - from experienced
beta-testers. Not rants, mind you, anyone can complain about how bad some
fic is. I'm pretty good at that, myself. "/ But, rather, common
mistakes/problems that new writers are most likely to encounter and the
tips/counsel betas usually give to remedy them: on POV, the overuse of the
passive form, characterization faux pas, etc, etc. It might save betas a lot of
headaches when faced with a 500k+ doc, if they can direct the writer to a
specific writing tip.

> 5. Do you read fanfic online, or usually print it out?
>

I copy/paste into my text program. Sometimes I'll print a story out. I try not
to
read online (four kids and a hubby, one internet terminal).

Gracie

Hi,

I'm Layton Colt, a California girl. I started writing Voyager
fanfiction my sophmore year of high school, and then, last year, I
got hooked on Stargate. I'm a Daniel fan, some might say an
obsessive Daniel fan, but I love all of the characters. I usually
write team fics, though the focus is almost always on Jack and
Daniel's friendship.

--Layton--

I'll give this a shot.  I think I'm in a minority so far, since I don't
really write fic - I just read it :)

<<<1. What does a good fanfic site need, in your opinion? Be as basic
("searchable archives") or as specific ("a guy named Sven picking his
favorite every week") as you want. What are some of the better
features of your favorite fanfic sites?>>>

I like the idea of searchable archives.  Since I know nothing about creating
a search engine, I'll just describe what I think would be ideal.  Most
fanfic has a genre of sorts - angst, hurt-comfort, ship, slash - whatever.
It would be nice to be able to combine or exclude different genres when
searching - rather than just by pairing or character - although having that
option when searching would be nice as well.  For example, you could search
by character  or characters and genre.  I would personally appreciate it if
fics had a listing for which character the story centers around or if it's a
team fic.

<<<2. How do you feel about receiving fanfic by e-mail (through a mailing
list)? Do you want the convenience of a steady stream of all sorts of
fanfic, or do you only want to read it when you go online and hunt
for it?>>>

Anymore - I just stick to personal websites.  I can't keep up with the email
lists and never know what quality the fic is when it comes into my inbox.
The option for an email list is nice, perhaps more of a digest list like
Helio used to have.  The emails come out with a summary and a link to the
story.

<<<3. What makes you choose to read a particular story? Themes or
relationships that you like? Recommendation from a friend?>>>

I'll read any *type* of fic at least once.  I generally like gen stories
with slight ship leanings.  If I can picture the story actually happening,
then I make note of the author and look for more of their fics.  I'll read
almost anything that has been recommended by friends.  I'm lucky since most
of my online friends are excellent writers.

<<<4. What about beta-reading? Would it be helpful to come up with some
sort of system that hooks up writers with beta readers based on their
areas of interest, or is that something best left to writers?>>>

I have beta'd a story or two, and I don't mind doing it.  I'm one of those
unfortunate souls that can write technically - but have no creativity.

I think having a list or system that hooks writers and beta's together would
be nice, although most of the really good authors already have beta's that
they trust.  For newer authors - it would be a good idea to have a source
for them to use.

<<<5. Do you read fanfic online, or usually print it out?>>>>

Depends.  I've been known to do both.  That or put it on a PDA for reading.

<<<6. Do you recommend specific fics to a friend (or list)? Would you use
something like an auto-recommend e-card?>>>

Most of the time, when I read something I'll tell my online friends in a
chat - but not really on email lists unless someone asks.  An auto-recommend
e-card might be nice, though.

You asked another question in another email - but I'll answer it here:

<<<<Q. What's the best way to encourage constructive author feedback? Just
a link to e-mail the author at the bottom of the fic? A link to a
fanfic forum? Or a place to post comments publically and attach them
to the bottom of the fic? Something else entirely?>>>>>

I think the best way would be to split it up into two different things.  A
link at the end of the story is a good idea - it encourages people to send
the feedback as soon as they have finished the story.  I think posting
comments meant for the writer publically could be a bad idea, only because
each writer is very different on how they receive and react to feedback.  I
think comments directed at the writer should be public only if the writer
elects to do so.

I do however, thing a public forum - like a BB or a folder on GW - that
allows people to ask for recommendations is a good idea.  The writer could
post and ask for feedback or someone could post and ask whether this is a
story they should read or not.

I'll do some intro for me as well...

I'm Jen and I also go by Celsitude or Selkie.  I don't really write fanfic,
but I enjoy reading it.

I tend to read gen with ship leanings, but I'll try anything once.  However,
it needs to have good characterization and some form of punctuation and
spelling.  I'm pretty picky anymore about what I read and won't read.

One of the hope's I had about the GW fanfic idea was that there would be
some form of quality control.  Call me snobby, but some of the fanfic on
Helio was just awful and hard to read.  Fanfic is supposed to be
entertainment for both the author and the reader, but it can also be used as
a learning tool for future writers.  My suggestion is that each story
archived on GW be read at least once and "approved" for lack of a better
word by a beta or recommended by another reader.  I realize this might be
difficult and might not be possible, but I thought I'd throw the idea out
there :)

Jen
www.moon-catchin.net

Sel brought another question to mind:

Q. What's the best way to encourage constructive author feedback? Just
a link to e-mail the author at the bottom of the fic? A link to a
fanfic forum? Or a place to post comments publically and attach them
to the bottom of the fic? Something else entirely?

Darren

Date:  Wed, 05 Feb 2003 21:14:40 -0000
From: "SelDear" <seldear@...>
To: "Darren" <darren_s22@...>
Subject: Re: Opening Questions


All answers are personal opinions.

In gateworldfanfic@yahoogroups.com, "Darren <darren_s22@y...>"
<darren_s22@y...> wrote:
> 1. What does a good fanfic site need, in your opinion? What are
some of the better
> features of your favorite fanfic sites?

An ability to search by:
1. author
2. title
3. words in the summary
4. genre/category <- this is tricky since individual definitions of
categories (Action-adventure, drama, humour, romance, whatever...)
differ from person to person

A listing by:
1. author
2. title
3. new stories
(category/genre and 'words in summary' are probably too large to
properly be listed)

> 2. How do you feel about receiving fanfic by e-mail (through a
mailing
> list)?

I receive almost all my fanfic by e-mail, from the various lists I'm
on that encourage the posting of fic. Once it's read, I delete it and
if it's worht reading again, I keep note of the author and look for
it in an archive. Fic is read online for me rather than offline.

> 3. What makes you choose to read a particular story? Themes or
> relationships that you like? Recommendation from a friend?

The author is the primary drawcard. There are people whose stories I
will *not* read because I dislike or disagree with their
interpretation of the show and the characters. There are people whose
stuff I will read the instant it gets to my inbox because I know them
to be fantastic authors. Denise, Alli Snow, Suz, Jojo, AC, and Sally
Reeve are probably my 'I will read anything' authors. The only
qualification is Denise and her NC-17 Sam-Teal'c fic. And even then
I'll just skim it lightly instead of reading it in-depth.

Frankly, if there is no spelling, grammar, punctuation, or
paragraphing in the first page, then it goes into the trash.

If it features what I consider 'bad characterisation', such as
brute!Jack, girly!Sam, evil!Jonas, or wimpy!Daniel then it's out
unless it's got a *damn* good story and a *damn* good reason. (Teal'c
doesn't usually get characterisation at all in fics, thus the
omission.) Particularly in genfic, if I can't see or extrapolate the
characters doing those actions in the show with the due history taken
into account, then it's probably bad characterisation.

If the plot doesn't get me, or if things are decidedly implausible
(eg. Daniel being given something to do that is more likely to be
Sam's area of expertise) then it's out.

And if I find Jack or Daniel worship in it, then it's gone. Mostly
because I've had my fill of such fics, and frankly don't give a stuff
if the author is desperately in love with either the characters or
the actors and wants the world to know it in her fic.

My motive for reading is selfish: I want to be entertained. If it
fails to entertain me, then I'll just close it down.

> 4. What about beta-reading? Would it be helpful to come up with some
> sort of system that hooks up writers with beta readers based on
their
> areas of interest, or is that something best left to writers?

I found one of my betas via a list of beta readers and she was
excellent. An 'independant' beta can be an invaluable asset if the
author can take the heat of criticism without getting huffy - and if
the beta isn't there to impose her wishes on the author.

> 5. Do you read fanfic online, or usually print it out?

Online. See point 2 above.

> 6. Do you recommend specific fics to a friend (or list)? Would you
use
> something like an auto-recommend e-card?

I rec on my rec-page, in private chatrooms, and in the GateReview. I
take recs mostly from people whose opinions in fanfic I trust. I read
Brenda's "Hidden One" on Denise's rec since the fic looked WAY too
long for me to handle when it was posted to the lists - and enjoyed
muchly. (I don't think I ever FB'd to Brenda either! Sorry!) I read
another story at Denise's rec and gave up since it began going for St-
Daniel-the-always-right territory. ::tosses fic over her shoulder::
Next!

A ratings/comments system might be good - but some authors may not
want the praise-criticism of their fic to be put up online.

Some points of my own:
* It would be nice to have a way to link a button at the end of the
story to the author's email so the reader can send feedback to the
author. FB is warm-fuzzies to any writer, however hardened, and I'm
admittedly as slack as most people when it comes to sending FB. As an
author, I like getting FB in the mail so I can store it for later and
re-read it if I'm getting depressed.

* Will you be able to link a fic from your own page to GW Fanfic
instead of having to archive it all over the place?

* We're going to have to find either an acronym or a shorthand for
it. All my favourite archives have nicks. Sam-Jack-Directory (SJD),
Heliopolis (Helio), Virtual Season Six (VS6), Infinitely Better
(IB)... "GWFF"? "DubyaFic"? (GW - Dubya!) "Gatefic"?

Sel.

Date:  Wed, 5 Feb 2003 13:28:31 -0800 (PST)
From: "Jack O'Neill" <colonel_oneill@...>
To: "Darren" <darren_s22@...>
Subject: Re: [GateWorld FanFic] Opening Questions


In response to #1.
My fav thing about Helipolis was the 'new stories section' the fact
that new stories were listed with the newest at the top. making it
easy to quickly check for new stories.
I been reading Fanfic for ages, but only recnetly wrote an posted to a
few yahoo groups my first ever fic. So easy to submit would also be
high on my list.

Sorry, gang -- I set the group so that replies went to
the sender, rather than the whole list. I'll forward
what I've received so far (and I've already changed
that setting)!

Darren
--




__________________________________________________
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

In a message dated 2/5/2003 11:00:46 AM Eastern Standard Time,
darren_s22@... writes:

> Welcome, everybody! Wow, this is already a bigger turnout than I
> expected. Hope all 30+ of you are anxious to share your opinions. 8)
>

Hi Darren...always willing to share opinions <g>. I'll add in my introduction
here. I'm Judy aka Jmas aka JayEm. I write gen friendship/team fic under the
first name and slash under the second, between the two genres I've written
over 100 stories (twice as many gen as slash) in the SG universe since I came
on the scene four years ago. I've operated several large fiction lists in my
time and also work for the Stargate Fan website so I'm well acquainted with
some of the best gen (and slash) writers out there.


> (For some context, I am a writer and a Web geek ... but I have very
> little experience with fanfic. I've read a few, and maybe gotten as
> far as pondering a story idea or two. But I've never written any, and
> I'm not real plugged in yet to this part of Stargate fandom. That's
> why you're here! You're the experts.)
>
> Now, some general questions:
>
> 1. What does a good fanfic site need, in your opinion? Be as basic
> ("searchable archives") or as specific ("a guy named Sven picking his
> favorite every week") as you want. What are some of the better
> features of your favorite fanfic sites?
>

A good fiction site needs easy to understand accessibility; good, well
defined descriptions, warnings, and ratings; detailed searchability; easy
uploading, and a clearly defined 'mission' statement of what is and is not
allowed. I'm not a fan of recommendations on an archive site, unless your
reccer is a fan of all allowable genres then inevitably bias becomes an issue
and potential contributors get turned off...perhaps a BB to allow readers to
submit recommendations f you want to go that route?



> 2. How do you feel about receiving fanfic by e-mail (through a mailing
> list)? Do you want the convenience of a steady stream of all sorts of
> fanfic, or do you only want to read it when you go online and hunt
> for it?
>
I enjoy receiving fiction in the mail (as on the SGFic list), but do like to
see the subject line state the type of fiction it is so I can choose which I
want to read.




> 3. What makes you choose to read a particular story? Themes or
> relationships that you like? Recommendation from a friend?
>
All of the above. I'll generally try anything at least once.




> 4. What about beta-reading? Would it be helpful to come up with some
> sort of system that hooks up writers with beta readers based on their
> areas of interest, or is that something best left to writers?
>

Sometimes it's very hard to find beta-readers, especially for people who are
new to the fandom or even the process of fanfiction. Their first exposure to
the idea may well be your site or another archive. A list of beta readers
(and a description of exactly what one is) along with their
specialties//preferences is always appreciated.




> 5. Do you read fanfic online, or usually print it out?


Both. Usually read first online then print the best..what I term "keepers".

>
> 6. Do you recommend specific fics to a friend (or list)? Would you use
> something like an auto-recommend e-card?


Very interesting notion, I think most people would use such a service if it
were available.

>
>
> These ideas are just falling out of my brain as I type -- add to this
> list of questions if you can think of a good one. At this point,
> question #1 is the most important.
>
> In the coming days and weeks, I'll give you a peek at the site as it's
> being built, so that you can help decide just how it all works and
> what options / categories are available.
>
> Thanks very much!
> Darren
> --
>
Look forward to it. Good luck, Darren.

Judy


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Welcome, everybody! Wow, this is already a bigger turnout than I
expected. Hope all 30+ of you are anxious to share your opinions. 8)

Before we take a peek at the site in-progress, some opening questions.
Feel free to deviate from these as much as you'd like, to get your
ideas and opinions across. And definitely don't feel the need to
simply critique what I put forward -- brainstorming new ideas is
terrific, too.

(For some context, I am a writer and a Web geek ... but I have very
little experience with fanfic. I've read a few, and maybe gotten as
far as pondering a story idea or two. But I've never written any, and
I'm not real plugged in yet to this part of Stargate fandom. That's
why you're here! You're the experts.)

Now, some general questions:

1. What does a good fanfic site need, in your opinion? Be as basic
("searchable archives") or as specific ("a guy named Sven picking his
favorite every week") as you want. What are some of the better
features of your favorite fanfic sites?

2. How do you feel about receiving fanfic by e-mail (through a mailing
list)? Do you want the convenience of a steady stream of all sorts of
fanfic, or do you only want to read it when you go online and hunt
for it?

3. What makes you choose to read a particular story? Themes or
relationships that you like? Recommendation from a friend?

4. What about beta-reading? Would it be helpful to come up with some
sort of system that hooks up writers with beta readers based on their
areas of interest, or is that something best left to writers?

5. Do you read fanfic online, or usually print it out?

6. Do you recommend specific fics to a friend (or list)? Would you use
something like an auto-recommend e-card?


These ideas are just falling out of my brain as I type -- add to this
list of questions if you can think of a good one. At this point,
question #1 is the most important.

In the coming days and weeks, I'll give you a peek at the site as it's
being built, so that you can help decide just how it all works and
what options / categories are available.

Thanks very much!
Darren
--

GateWorld | Your Complete Guide to Stargate!
http://www.gateworld.net/

Hi everyone,

I'm saz(sazsme), I've been wandering around internet fandom for about
five months devouring every scrap of fanfic I could lay my mouse on.
I haven't got round to writing my own yet, but anythings possible :D

I'm watching series 6 on sky and I can't help but love spoilers. I
have a dog and cat which add to the meyhem of my world. I can't wait
for the fanfic section to be up and running.

Hey peeps,

I'm SelDear and I've been in the fandom for about fourteen months.

I write gen and ship fanfic of almost any genre: action-adventure, drama,
humour, romance, PWP, vignette. My best-known works are probably in the
Sam-Jack ship area, however I have written an assortment of other pairings
and write gen action-adventure and vignettes from the POV of a broad variety
of characters - including all members of SG-1, past and present; and various
minor characters.

I'm working on the VS6 - Virtual Season Six - a fanfic project which goes AU
from the events of Meridian and brings Daniel back to the team. It's being
put together by people from very disparate areas of fandom and writers of
very different genres, and is truly team-oriented with all four main
characters getting a workout. All the writers are fully on-board regarding
the series Season Six on TV and are enjoying the episodes they've seen so
far. Who knows? Jonas is such a favourite of the staff, he might be making a
comeback later on in the series.
(http://www.spacemonkeys-gate.com/vs6/main.htm)

Another project I'm working with is the Gate Review - a fanfic review site
set up to help readers find fic they like based on the opinions of people
from various areas of fandom and to help writers stretch themselves in their
writing. (http://www.gatereview.net)

Assuming I get something finished in time for the grand opening, I'll be
more than happy to give Gateworld Fanfic an exclusive.

Sel.
Bachelor of Iniquity, Terror, and Chaos (B.ITCh)
* * *
"Your methods are stupid!
Your progress has been stupid!
Your intelligence is stupid!"

Hey all...

I'm very happy to see Gateworld starting a new fic site...

I live in Oregon. Write some, mostly short, hopefully dramatic
fics.  Read lots, almost entirely sam/jack and Jack focused pieces
and any really good humor pieces.  I think I'm one of the few who
actually like WIPS.  I beta for a couple of other authors and am
always willing to offer feedback.  It's nice to meet you all and I
hope this group is really successful...

Emry

Hi,  I'm Lynn and unfortunately have not written any fan fic myself -
guess I am a little scared to get my feet wet :-)  I am a hopeless
Sam and Jack fan from the U.S, and cannot get enough of reading fan
fiction.

Hello to All!!!

Hi...
Another S/J shipper here from the NorthWestern U.S.  I've read oodles of fan fic
from Heliopolis and a few other places. I've read some gen, but mostly read S/J
fics. I even tried my hand a writing a couple. I find it easier to transcribe
the eps, though, and I do some of that for the SG1_Transcripts group.
I am an occasional visitor to the Gateworld Forums, and a member of several SG
related Yahoo groups. I'm looking forward to the Gateworld Fan Fic site because
the rest of Gateworld is so fantastic. :-)

Sarae

I would just like to say hi!!

                            James

Hey, folks;

I'm Gracie, fairly long-time member of the Forums and of a few groups here
at Yahoo. I'm looking forward to helping build a fic site from the ground up.
Anyway you can use me, Darren, please feel free. It'll be good to give a little
back. ")

<BG>

Hello everyone.  My name's Eve and I've just signed up to the group.
I'm 19 year old student from Scotland.  I've been writing Stargate
fics for about two years now.  I've written about 14 long stories as
well as some shorter ones and some poems and songs.  I write Gen fics
as a rule.  Oh well, that's me for now.  See ya!

Well, guess I'll go first.

Hey - I'm Vicki, I'm from England and I've been writing in the
Stargate fandom for almost a year now. Before that, I wrote for
Voyager.

I'm a hopeless shipper - Jack and Sam, with some Daniel and Janet. I
don't read slash; only the above het and general.

I sporadically (sp?) post to SamandJack, DanandJan and
fanfiction.net, and used to post to Heliopolis and I can't wait for
the new Gateworld archive to come out, as I spend loads of time over
there already, so once the archive's up and running I won't need to
go anywhere else!! :-D

Uh, that's all I think,

Vicki

Howdy, beta-testers!

Thanks for being a founding member of the new GateWorld FanFic group.
8)  If you've signed up, you've received the welcome e-mail in your
inbox ... ignore it for now! This will be a discussion list for the
coming weeks, to allow me to ask questions and you to offer your
opinions on the new part of the Web site.

GateWorld FanFic is already well under-way! The site will use the same
archive script many of you have come to know at Heliopolis -- though
we'll customize it to make it our own. ;)  I hope to spend the next
few weeks testing and incorporating your suggestions, and launch the
new section sometime in March.

Once the new section is up and live to the world, the nature of this
group will change. It'll exist for fanfic distribution only, not for
public discussion. (That's what GateWorld Forums at Delphi Forums is for.)

Now that you're here, how's about posting an introduction? Let
everyone know who you are, where you're from, what your fanfic
experience is (Stargate or otherwise), etc.

Thanks!
Darren

Hello!

Welcome to the GateWorld FanFic group at Yahoo! Groups. Please take a
moment to review this message.

The GateWorld FanFic list is for Stargate fan fiction distribution
only. When you upload a story to the archive at GateWorld.net, you can
choose whether or not you want your story to be automatically sent to
this list as well! Learn more at:

http://www.gateworld.net/fanfic/

Feel free to send your fiction directly to this list as a
work-in-progress! But when it's finished and ready for prime-time, be
sure to use the uploader on the site, rather than sending it to this
list yourself. That way, you'll be sure to get it into the GateWorld
FanFic archive on the Web site.

Members of this list should also feel free to reply to posted fic
(finished or in-progress) with comments and suggestions! Please reply
only to the author, however, and leave the public list itself for fic
only.

For public discussion of fan fic, your story in particular, or
anything else Stargate, head on over to GateWorld Forums:
http://forums.delphiforums.com/starguideforums

To learn more about the GateWorld FanFic group, visit:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gateworldfanfic

To see and modify all of your groups, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/mygroups

If you do not wish to belong to GateWorld FanFic, you may unsubscribe
by sending an e-mail to gateworldfanfic-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

Enjoy!

Darren
Moderator, GateWorld FanFic