"I suck...but read this anyway...."

[roxy]

You know, as (frequently) unsure as I can be about whether something I wrote stunk on ice or not, I'd only share that feeling with ya'll here in my little Story Corner. If I'm posting at a community, out of the comfort zone of talking to my friends, than no matter what I wrote, it's a fucking stroke of brilliance. So what if I cried all night, ripping my garments and bemoaning the hideous ficbaby staring up at me from it's electronic cradle, as far as the rest of the world is concerned, it's beeeyoootiful! and they should kiss the baby.

I'm saying that to say this--please don't preface a story with "this probably sucks and it's no good and this is wrong and that is wrong" and blah and blah. Listen--most folks will not click on that. *I* won't click on that. I don't know you, why shouldn't I believe you--"sucks hunh? Thanks for looking out!" You see? And a person that might have read it will miss out on something that spoke to them. It might have been great, but we’ll never know. Believe me, I understand the impulse. No one wants to be raked over the coals, especially first time out. But people are mostly very kind. If you really feel the need, just let your audience know it’s your first time, and that you’re nervous. That’s it. Post that sucker and then quietly sit back and sweat blood like the rest of us do. Even the really amazing writers of unbelievable talent sweat some. Probably. I’m sure they do. Sometimes.

A lot of folk have commented on this kind of annoying and off-putting habit. I just thought I’d throw my two cents in. Remember, little first timer—NO one is going to eat you up, or come to your house and mock you. You were brave enough to share your vision and that’s very, very cool! If you feel even the slightest like adding a “please forgive my suckiness”—go immediately to the nearest kind hearted person who will pat you and hold your hand until the feeling passes. And then—post that story!

Comments

[mercymydarling.livejournal.com]

please don't preface a story with "this probably sucks and it's no good and this is wrong and that is wrong" and blah and blah. Listen--most folks will not click on that. *I* won't click on that.

Word.

[valentinemichel.livejournal.com]

You make all kinds of sense, Ms. Roxy. *g*

That said, somebody must be reading those "OMG, I SUCK! BUT PLZ REVU!" fics. I don't have actual proof other than the warnings seem like a strategy, and strategies get jettisoned if they're unsuccessful in cyberspace. OTOH, successful strategies have the stickiness of velcro.

Me, I just put stuff up when I feel like it. Read, don't read. And if I don't get responses, well, I'm less likely to put the next thing up. It's pretty simple really. I'm not going to whine about it. Life's too short, you know?

[averaird.livejournal.com]

Oops, I've been doing a lot of flailing lately about my fics, but only on my own LJ. I certainly would never post anything to a community that I wasn't totally happy with, or as least as happy as I ever get about anything I write.

I must admit to waiting until someone comments on a fic before I link to a community, but that's so I can make sure that it **isn't* complete nonsense before I invite other people to read it. If it goes down like a lead balloon I can quietly forget I ever wrote it, and hope everyone else does too :)

[roxymissrose.livejournal.com]

But see! We are completely of one mind here-we are the brain twins on this subject! *biggrin*

[roxymissrose.livejournal.com]

I see what you mean about the lj velcro. Very true.

Me, I just put stuff up when I feel like it. Read, don't read. And if I don't get responses, well, I'm less likely to put the next thing up. It's pretty simple really. I'm not going to whine about it. Life's too short, you know?

This is a very mature and grown philosophy. Unfortunately, I'm all about the whining. Just semi-quietly. *GRIN*

[roxymissrose.livejournal.com]

*nods* Right?

[averaird.livejournal.com]

Hah! I've never had a brain twin before! Is it painful?

[roxymissrose.livejournal.com]

Heavens nooooooo! just ask Lex!!

[beet]

Yes!!

and if the author has said something like that, even if I do try to read it, in the back of my mind I'm looking for flaws - both the ones pointed out AND others.

Critiquing your own work NOT a good way to introduce your story! (Or your fan art. I've seen the same thing happen there.)

[frelling-tralk.livejournal.com]

Someone on my flist was confused about a YouTube video recently when the person was saying "Oh this is such an awful video lolz, I just stuck any old clips in there at the end". Umm why are you sharing it then???

I'll read a story, or check out a video, if the person just says they're a bit nervous, would love feedback on whether it's any good. But if they straightout tell me that it's bad, I'll take their word for it that they haven't put the effort in to make sure that it's not bad

[sadiethenymph.livejournal.com]

"and they should kiss the baby."

This made me laugh. Hard. I don't know why, but I thought I'd let you know :D

[stewardess.livejournal.com]

Excellent advice. I have never read a story that was introduced with a load of apologies. It makes me cringe, and I hate cringing.

I agree that saying, "This is my first story in this fandom, and I'm nervous" is fine. That statement, after all, is a fact. Saying "this story is baaaad!!" is an opinion.

*kisses the beautiful baby*

[miche-connor.livejournal.com]

I try not to be scared. Really. But then, I think, "What if they hate it? What if they don't love me anymore?" and then I post it anyway and try to hide my insecurities and low self-worth (I know that's what it is)behind a care-free and happy facade.

And then, invariably, someone says, "HAH! That made me laugh," Or "I liked that!" and I am care-free and happy.

One thing - I do beg for comments. Beg. Plead. Beat about the head. *lol*

[roxymissrose.livejournal.com]

That's so true. I'm more than willing to overlook the boo-boos, but if that's your intro, I'm more likely to be irritated because I'm figuring you *knew* that lumpy phrase or outrageous misspelling was there and couldn't be bothered. (*koff* have done that too)

[roxymissrose.livejournal.com]

Thank you--yes, I think I even saw that and had the same reaction. It's one thing to be shy and nervous, but that's just ridiculous.

[roxymissrose.livejournal.com]

Heeeeee! I'm tickled that I made you laugh!

[roxymissrose.livejournal.com]

*pats the baby See? You isn't ooogly...*

It makes me feel bad for the person who posts a story like that. I just want to write them and beg them not to do it anymore.

[roxymissrose.livejournal.com]

Oh Go yes to everything you say! I'd hate to reveal the full extent of my neediness! It would be frightening,lol!!

[beet]

Sometimes it's not even that someone couldn't be bothered, but that they just don't know how to fix something they know is a problem.

*Still* not a good reason to highlight it. You never know - maybe it's not as obvious as you think it is, and by pointing it out, you have ensured that everyone will see it and be bothered by it.

*nods*

[maigie2010.livejournal.com]

I just spent my entire Sunday enjoying and savoring The Boys of Summer. I am rendered breathless. This was a story magnificent in scope, painted over a series of years. The depth was unbelievable. The fact that you pulled all your subplots into a wonderful and satisfying conclusion was fantastic. I truly enjoyed this story. BRAVA!!!

[roxymissrose.livejournal.com]

Oh my...this was the very first thing I read this morning--what a *fantastic* way to start the day! I'm thrilled that you enjoyed it and even happier you took the time to tell me--that means *so* much! Feedback on a labor of love is like champagne and chocolate and...other wonderful things! *G* Thank you!

[ender24]

i am late, but jeez, i just had to concur this.
i really, really like fics, but this introduction? makes me cringe to point, i leave some fics unread.

[roxymissrose.livejournal.com]

Oh yeah. it doesn't do any one any good, and it won't get you a cookie, either.