Question for both writers and non-writers

[pez]

If you are the writer: How do you feel about people mentioning other people's fic in their comment to you, such as "I liked him since I read [fic by other writer] and in your story, [positive or negative comment]."

If you are making a comment: Do you mention works by other writers in your comment? Why, or why not?

I'll probably tell you my opinion on this, later.

Comments

[quatorze.livejournal.com]

Umm, no I don't. I might think "oh, this is unusual" but even then it's mostly in comparison to the bulk of other fanfics I've read.

The reason is that even when I'm reading fanfics written basically about the same characters, I nevertheless see each writer's stories as set in their separate universes. If the story is consistent within its own universe, and doesn't clash far too badly with my own canon-based idea, and additionally appeals to me in some way - then it's a story I like. And if I don't like something, then it's most definitely a sum of things, not simply because I'd like some-other-writer's take on the character better.

I guess that's why I can honestly say that I like many different people's way of depicting the same characters, too!

[quatorze.livejournal.com]

...and this was said as a reader, btw, as I couldn't write fanfics even if I tried!

[factorielle.livejournal.com]

As the terrible feedback slut that I am, getting someone else's fic mentioned in a first review would probably annoy me a lot, because it steals the spotlight from ME MYSELF AND I OMG.

If this happens in a comment war conversation between reader and writer, then I think it's acceptable, as long as it's either one of those fics that it's safe to assume everyone has read, or there's a link to go with it; and there's a real point to mentioning it. If it's just to say "oh I like him because I've read that fic", then it's more rude than anything. I think.

[sharona1x2.livejournal.com]

I'd be less likely to mention a specific work, and more likely to mention a specific writer, if I were going to do it at all. It's usually in a statement such as, "I really like your story. Not many people other than Author A write about this character." Then I go on to gush about how much I like the fic I just read, because I only do positive feedback.

To me, it's not comparing the two authors. It's my way of saying that I would love to see the person I'm commenting to writing the character more, and to point out that if they have an interest in the same character, they might want to check out the other person's work.

I think this is going to be one of those cases where different authors are going to have different feelings about it. ^_^

[chinawolf.livejournal.com]

Unless I really think it is a big compliment to be compared to some other author, I don't think I would draw comparisons. But, if it is a comment about a character exactly like you posted above, I think it may just point out that the reader doesn't usually like the char, and only gave them a chance because their favourite author wrote them. E.g. I was all 'whatever' about D1 before I read your versions of them, about Yukimura before I read him in SR or Vampy, whichever came first. I doubt I would put that into a review of someone else's fic, though.

As for why I wouldn't mention it, it's because I am reviewing that particular work, and to the author. Would I post a review about a fic on my LJ, to the world as is, I would not shy away from comparisons to other writers, so that those who read my post can get a feel for what to expect, and if a comparison to another writer lends itself to that purpose, so be it. But as I said above, unless I am pretty sure it can only be seen as a favourable comparison (and how is that possible, everyone as different opinions of everything), I try not to compare a writer to someone else while I am reviewing.

[spiritaway.livejournal.com]

Hmm.. I never compared or mention any writers in any comments since I think every writer has their own style and I dont know (my own opinion for myself^^) I think its quite rude to do that. If I dont like the character in A writer I just stop reading it.. full stop ^__^

[scribblemoose]

It's never happened to me, but I don't think I'd mind. It would depend very much on the tone and content of what they said, but I wouldn't object on principle.

I've never done it myself when giving feedback, and can't imagine when I would, because every writer's different and I can't think how it would be useful to draw comparisons.

Interesting questions. :)

[fic-faery.livejournal.com]

It happened to me once, and while you sort of want the reviewer to just focus on what you wrote it wasn't really that bad. Because the comparison was made to a story that I had read and liked and so it was somewhat flattering.

But still I think you should review the story and author you are reading, because you never know if the author has read that fic or if they have if they agree with the character interpretations.

I might find it, not really insulting, but a bit annoying if someone said my character reminded them of so and so's character while I'm here thinking that the two are nothing alike.

But now you have me wondering if I've ever commented like that in one of my more fangirly moments... -_-;

[yuki-scorpio.livejournal.com]

But now you have me wondering if I've ever commented like that in one of my more fangirly moments... -_-;

Actually, you have ^_~ But don't worry about it, there was no intention to insult and I wasn't insulted at all. I'm just... wondering why people do it.

[fic-faery.livejournal.com]

hahaha brillian *sticks a hypocrite sticker on forehead* well let's see.

When I review I compare two authors/stories together because... errr well it should be a sign of flattery, to be compared to something else that I liked? -__-; (God this would probably be easier if I remembered doing this...) I mean from the reviewer's perspective it's great when you find another story that you enjoy as much as some other fic/author and I guess sometimes you just want to share this excitement with the current author you're reading?

I would hope that nobody would ever have the audacity to mention someone else's fic in a comment and then go... 'but they did it better then you' after it. Cause that would suck.

*waits for you to say I actually have**laughs* This is why I need to upgrade my memory.

[yuki-scorpio.livejournal.com]

'but they did it better then you'

XDDDDD No no, you haven't done that. Don't think anyone would do something like that (or so I hope)! And your comment wasn't making a comparison, anyway.

A lot of the time I think it's just like you said, wanting to share something... just like talking to a fellow fangirl, but then the entire context gets forgotten, or something like that :D;;;

[fic-faery.livejournal.com]

You know, it would be horrible, but I think it might be funny to see a comment like that. Because how many people would actually have the nerve to post it?

Yeah, after reading my comment it was a bit fangirly, but as a reviewer, I certainly still see it as a compliment, because reading your story only solidified the love of Sengoku that some other person had started for me.

But I can definitely see from a writer's pov that you might go, 'why the hell is she mentioning this fic' or 'but I don't even like that person's Sengoku' or something like that.

It certainly made me think quite early in the morning, that's for sure.

[maeran.livejournal.com]

*sneaks into your journal again* Hmm. As a writer, it depends on what mood I'm in at the moment. As a commenter, I try not to do that. The point is that I liked the fic I'm commenting on, not another writer and/or fic, no matter how much I may have liked that one. *sneaks off*