[ SECRET POST #5116 ]

[case]

⌈ Secret Post #5116 ⌋

Warning: Some secrets are NOT worksafe and may contain SPOILERS.


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Notes:

Secrets Left to Post: 01 pages, 10 secrets from Secret Submission Post #732.
Secrets Not Posted: [ 0 - broken links ], [ 0 - not!secrets ], [ 0 - not!fandom ], [ 0 - too big ], [ 0 - repeat ].
Current Secret Submissions Post: here.
Suggestions, comments, and concerns should go here.

Comments

[fscom]

03. https://i.imgur.com/VNfBvuh.jpg

[feotakahari]

I’m fine with a comm saying “we don’t want you in particular posting here,” and I think it’s kind of a dick move to ignore that. It’s not like Amazon or something where you’re losing your living if you get “deplatformed.”

[(Anonymous)]

I agree

And also, in the Amazon scenario, the problematic part is the bit where a single private platform can determine your livelihood in that way

[(Anonymous)]

They knew the rules of the community and they broke them on purpose, and it's not like the mods were asking for something unreasonable.

[rudehannibal]

BARGES ALL UP IN THIS THREAD

[(Anonymous)]

I think 2 and 3 are the same person and I agree wholeheartedly.

[(Anonymous)]

I have never once understood the idea that betas should be "required" or w/e, it just seems so stupid to me. And I really feel bad for ya, OP, for getting banned over something that.

[(Anonymous)]

It's probably an attempt to avoid stuff really riddled with grammar and spelling errors, but I do agree

[(Anonymous)]

As much as I sort of agree that I never really liked the 'betas are required' stance, OP knew the rules going into the communities. They played a stupid game and won a stupid prize.

[(Anonymous)]

I've missed for fic exchanges before and believe me, we don't require this just to be difficult. It's because if we don't insist that people at least get someone to proofread their work, we'll inevitably get fics full of basic spelling and grammar mistakes. It's as if people can't be bothered to run the damn spellchecker.

[(Anonymous)]

Same. I've read supposedly beta'd fic that was hideously OOC, and fic written without a beta that was both flawless technically and very much IC.

[(Anonymous)]

All writing can be improved by a competent editor. But those are thinner on the ground in fandom than a lot of people seem to want to believe.

The only time I ever tried having a beta, their grammar was worse than mine (I admit mine isn't perfect), they tried to convince me to use regionalisms/slang that didn't make sense for the character (think 1960s California surfer talk for a 1930s Chicago private eye), tried to force me to take the story in a direction I didn't like or want, and then threw a strop that I wouldn't credit them as a co-author. I ended up blocking them -- what a massive waste of time! I'd rather have slightly flawed work and enjoy making it than open myself up to dealing with an idiot like that again.

[(Anonymous)]

I didn't think that betas were that necessary? Then again I'm an impatient fuck since once I'm 'done' writing my fic I at least edit it when I'm posting it on AO3 then send it off.
Anyways they don't sound like fun people in the first place, but I wish you the best in your fandom endeavors OP!

[(Anonymous)]

Anne? Anne Rice? Is that you?

[(Anonymous)]

I think the biggest change a beta has ever made to my writing is, I changed a character's name once when they pointed out what it meant, which was kind of at odds with his role. Sometimes stuff was pointed out and same kind of thing... I just didn't agree with their POV on a character or whatnot.

I haven't had one for awhile (my beta journal that I let my friends go over was on LJ for instance, and I have a DW seed account, so... that long) and I dunno. It would be nice to have my friends still going over stuff before I post public, but they have lives. (By contrast, I have chronic illness. :P)

[(Anonymous)]

Eh, they deserved it.

Just get a beta.

Also, it's worth noting that the language used here implies that they write horrible OOC fic that every beta they've ever dealt with has told them is horrible OOC fic but their ~vision~ is perfect to them so they just ... don't use one.

And sure, whatever. People can write bad fic all they like. They can use awful storylines, really horrendous characterisation and that's not a crime. But if somebody is so dead-set on using an atypical portrayal of characters to the point where past betas have commented it doesn't say a lot for their skill with writing in general.

Here's the thing.

It's entirely possible to use a Beta who doesn't comment on undoubtedly bad characterisation or a crappy storyline that is at odds with the source material.

Use somebody who isn't familiar with your fandom. That way, they can deal with spelling, grammar and sentence structure and remain blissfully ignorant of bad character portrayals, thus allowing an authors dodgy vision to remain uncriticised.

The difficulty here is that you're unlikely to get an impartial reader in a fandom, but ... good grief.

It sounds like they wanted an excuse to ban them. If their work was up to par, either grammatically or in-character wise, they'd probably have coasted despite the rule. No community is going to ban a good writer for not having a beta, especially if they can edit their fic to a good standard without one.

Apparently OP couldn't.

[(Anonymous)]

Sorry OP, but if you think the rules of a particular community are ridiculous and you don't want to follow them, that's fair... but then don't join. Find a community with rules you can agree to adhere to.

Also, previous experience with bad betas are common. It still doesn't mean you no longer have to follow the rules, and frankly, what you said about your "vision" is a little red flag, IMO. I rarely beta for people, mostly because of authors who cannot handle even the mildest criticism because they think someone is attacking their personal style or their vision.

[(Anonymous)]

I think it's totally fine that you don't want a beta, and I have no beef with anything in this secret. In fact, the fuck-you pettiness is kind of refreshing to me. That said, personally I think you should just let them assign you a beta, and then just ignore as much of the beta's advice as you want.

Having someone to do SPaG checking is really never a bad thing, even if you ignore every other suggestion they make.

[(Anonymous)]

I've never used a beta either. I'm not sure how to find one actually.

[meadowphoenix]

okay but if you think betas help you with SPAG, which you say right in your secret, then....that is a "use" or "help" they provide so why are you being a ass about it? the requirements are for a beta not an editor. get a beta that does SPAG and nothing else. how did they catch you if you weren't having obvious problems a beta could solve?

[(Anonymous)]

You sound like a dick.

[rivulet027]

The part where you're talking about a beta not understanding your vision of the characters or story confuses me because if you're participating in a fic exchange you're creating a gift for someone else...so you're trying to write your recipients vision of the characters and story so that they'll enjoy their gift.

[(Anonymous)]

You sound like you're so far up your own bottom that I'm amazed you could reach out to create this post. Is it dark in there?

[(Anonymous)]

A community has specifically said that you're not wanted there, because you ignored their rules.

You're definitely an asshole for choosing to ignore that. I hope they find your socks and ban them.

I didn't think "I don't actually have a beta" was a big deal, but your reaction to being banned puts you firmly in the "they were right to ban you" territory.

Also, people who brag that they don't find betas helpful are nearly always stunning examples of Dunning-Kruger.

[(Anonymous)]

I see no problem with this. I've read excellent fic written by people without betas and awful fic by people who (claim to) have them. If a comm wants to have specific requirements regarding, say, length or spelling and grammar or whatever, that's fine. But then the rules should be about meeting those requirements using whatever tools or methods work for the author (including their own skills), not just "you must have a beta". Having a beta doesn't prevent bad fic any more than it ensures the fic will be better.