Fanfic Writers' Virtual Water Cooler

[Falcon Horus]

I'm trying desperately to get my fics up over at AO3 (no Stargate fics yet, of course), but the waiting list is insane. I've been on it for about a month and it still says it'll be mid to late August before I get my invite. ::sigh::

I think I still have an invite code lying around... let me check.

Yup, I still have an invite code so if you want me to I could send it to your email. Just PM me your email addy.

[Starfist]

Hello all,
Well I apologise for not posting in here for a few days but my life, my real one, got a little busy.
But as promised here is the article that I promised.

Spoiler:

Science Fiction Fandom
A Light Hearted Look at the Species known as Fans.

I’ve been a Science Fiction fan for many years, for most of my life to be precise.
But it was at my first convention ‘Rec Con’, a Star Trek convention, in 1992 that my eyes were opened to the various incarnations Fans of the genre take.
I hope to describe a few here in this little piece.

We first have Fanus Normilias. This is a quite shy creature that tends to sit in the background and watch. Taking part only where necessary, normally found hiding in most towns and cities. Collects and reads SF and Fantasy.

We now have Fanus Geekus. This is a creature, which is found at most conventions, often at watering holes (The Hotel Bar). Openly displaying their Knowledge in trivia quizzes. Strangely absent when called to the mating rituals (The evening Disco). Collects and reads SF and Fantasy and openly displays them. This creature often specialises in a particular series. Has been known to be violent against other fans, if the general opinion does not match theirs. Thankfully that side of Geekus is seldom seen.

There is a sub species of Geekus. This species of fan is very rare but does exist.
Fanus Getalifeus. This creature seldom ventures out in daylight. Believes that what appears on screen is actually real life. Although appearances at conventions have been confirmed, they are strangely absent from most forms of convention ritual. With the exception of the video rooms and screenings. This form of fan is not limited to SF & Fantasy. This Species has been seen with regard to television soap operas.

Then there is Fanus Normilias Superior. This is a strange type of fan. It can be said this is an evolved form of the Normilias. Being not as shy as the Normilias. Far from sitting in the background, this creature is quite open about it’s interest. Like the Geekus takes part in trivia quizzes. And although it can be found at watering holes, it is also seen taking part in mating rituals. Has been known to mate for life. Often collects autographs of their idols. Collects and reads SF and Fantasy, and is not afraid to live in the real world.

From there we go to, Fanus Triviaus.
How can we describe this form of fan? This is very difficult for observers.
For this creature can be very deadly. It is quite possibly that the Triviaus is an evolved form of Geekus. Although it is speculated that it is another species of fan.
Triviaus is a regular attendee at conventions. Often attending one or more gatherings a year.
They are the ones who set many of the quizzes and have a broad base of knowledge. Like Geekus can be found near the watering holes. Triviaus can be seen at the mating rituals, often performing strange dances such as Star Trekkin’, Time Warp, YMCA and many others. Has been seen to mate for life. Triviaus collects and reads SF and Fantasy and openly displays its collection within its natural habitat. Has no difficulty in living in the real world.

Are there other species of fan yet to be discovered? We’ll just have to wait and see. I freely admit to not attending conventions in recent years. So have the described fans evolved?
We’ll just have to wait and see.

The article has been posted to other Sci-Fi forums. And I hope that you enjoyed reading it.

[Whytewytch]

I'm trying desperately to get my fics up over at AO3 (no Stargate fics yet, of course), but the waiting list is insane. I've been on it for about a month and it still says it'll be mid to late August before I get my invite. ::sigh::

ETA: After writing that post I went to check again and I've moved up to the beginning of August, but I'm just. so. impatient!

Then you have jerks like me, who've been members for months (thanks, SF_and_Coffee!) and haven't posted because they want to clean up the work first.

[Falcon Horus]

Well I apologise for not posting in here for a few days but my life, my real one, got a little busy.
But as promised here is the article that I promised.

[snip]

The article has been posted to other Sci-Fi forums. And I hope that you enjoyed reading it.

Brilliant!

[Whytewytch]

Hello all,
Well I apologise for not posting in here for a few days but my life, my real one, got a little busy.
But as promised here is the article that I promised.

Spoiler:

Science Fiction Fandom
A Light Hearted Look at the Species known as Fans.

I’ve been a Science Fiction fan for many years, for most of my life to be precise.
But it was at my first convention ‘Rec Con’, a Star Trek convention, in 1992 that my eyes were opened to the various incarnations Fans of the genre take.
I hope to describe a few here in this little piece.

We first have Fanus Normilias. This is a quite shy creature that tends to sit in the background and watch. Taking part only where necessary, normally found hiding in most towns and cities. Collects and reads SF and Fantasy.

We now have Fanus Geekus. This is a creature, which is found at most conventions, often at watering holes (The Hotel Bar). Openly displaying their Knowledge in trivia quizzes. Strangely absent when called to the mating rituals (The evening Disco). Collects and reads SF and Fantasy and openly displays them. This creature often specialises in a particular series. Has been known to be violent against other fans, if the general opinion does not match theirs. Thankfully that side of Geekus is seldom seen.

There is a sub species of Geekus. This species of fan is very rare but does exist.
Fanus Getalifeus. This creature seldom ventures out in daylight. Believes that what appears on screen is actually real life. Although appearances at conventions have been confirmed, they are strangely absent from most forms of convention ritual. With the exception of the video rooms and screenings. This form of fan is not limited to SF & Fantasy. This Species has been seen with regard to television soap operas.

Then there is Fanus Normilias Superior. This is a strange type of fan. It can be said this is an evolved form of the Normilias. Being not as shy as the Normilias. Far from sitting in the background, this creature is quite open about it’s interest. Like the Geekus takes part in trivia quizzes. And although it can be found at watering holes, it is also seen taking part in mating rituals. Has been known to mate for life. Often collects autographs of their idols. Collects and reads SF and Fantasy, and is not afraid to live in the real world.

From there we go to, Fanus Triviaus.
How can we describe this form of fan? This is very difficult for observers.
For this creature can be very deadly. It is quite possibly that the Triviaus is an evolved form of Geekus. Although it is speculated that it is another species of fan.
Triviaus is a regular attendee at conventions. Often attending one or more gatherings a year.
They are the ones who set many of the quizzes and have a broad base of knowledge. Like Geekus can be found near the watering holes. Triviaus can be seen at the mating rituals, often performing strange dances such as Star Trekkin’, Time Warp, YMCA and many others. Has been seen to mate for life. Triviaus collects and reads SF and Fantasy and openly displays its collection within its natural habitat. Has no difficulty in living in the real world.

Are there other species of fan yet to be discovered? We’ll just have to wait and see. I freely admit to not attending conventions in recent years. So have the described fans evolved?
We’ll just have to wait and see.

The article has been posted to other Sci-Fi forums. And I hope that you enjoyed reading it.

OMG, Starfist! That was a hoot! Can I post it to my blog on Friday (my "Fan" day)? I would give you proper credit, of course, under whatever name you like.

[SF_and_Coffee]

I got a real chuckle out of that article, Starfist. I've seen most of those varieties myself, and can even pinpoint which one I am (well, we all probably know which we are). Thanks for posting it!

[Amara D'Angeli]

Well, I did get all my stuff moved over (well, all my completed stuff - I've got a couple of fics that are on a semi-permanent hiatus). I didn't do any cleaning but I will if I catch something. It sure is a lot easier to edit your stuff on AO3 than on FFN! Thanks, Falcon Horus. All I've got to do now is finish a Stargate fic!

[Starfist]

Hi again,
Whytewytch yes you can post it to your blog. And you can use 'Starfist' for my credit.

I'm glad that those who have read it so far enjoyed reading it and had a chuckle whilst reading. I also know which label I fall under as well.

[Whytewytch]

Thanks, Starfist! And yes, I think I know which one I am, too.

[Falcon Horus]

Thanks, Falcon Horus.

You're welcome. Glad I could help...

[mathpiglet]

Psssttt! Hurry up and get thee to AO3 where the "cool kids" are hanging out these days!

I thought the cool kids hung out here!

[SF_and_Coffee]

This is the tree fort. AO3 is the library. We hang out in both!

[Amara D'Angeli]

Off the current topic...

Where does one go in this fandom to find a beta? Are they registered anywhere? I'm particular, I'm specific, and I need a beta if I'm going to make it through the current project I'm mulling over.

[selene0789]

I think there's a beta support type group over on FF.net. Not sure how it works-- I've never used one before-- but I know that's where several people have found theirs...

[Whytewytch]

Yes, amara, there is a beta resource on FF.net. I, too, am very fussy--be prepared for hours of research to find the right one. Some of the betas over there can't even spell! I usually go through to see if they:

1. Can spell
2. Know basic grammar
3. Are familiar with the characters
4. Are willing to beta the type of stuff I right

Then I go through and read a sampling of their work. If I don't like it, I'm done. I have yet to find a back-up beta. My primary beta meets all the requirements except for #3, but I've used her for many years and we have a good relationship.

ETA: If you need help accessing the beta resource, let me know.