I'd just like to say thanks for the fave authors notifications I've gotten over the past few months. Gogirl it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside when someone does that. This thread isn't really about me...if there's any recognition for a story/piccies authors please feel free to say your bit.

Ebony, you deserve it! You are a wonderful author!!! that it feels good to see a 'favorite author' notification.

Well, I like any fic in which Ego gets a role a bit more significant than being remembered once in Ken's swearings! And I like TJ's smuty sense of humour. And Ebony's fluffy ficlets. And Fb's and Tengu's. I think I like them all!

It's about exactly two years ago now that I first decided one day to look up that old show, Battle of the Planets, on the internet. I then discovered the existence of Gatchaman, began ordering the ADV episodes, and soon began seeking out and reading all the Gatch/BOTP fanfiction that I could find. I have to laugh now, remembering my lurking days, when I was reading so many great fics by authors here, at the Archives or ff.net, but I knew nothing about any of you, and I certainly never dreamed that some day, thanks to gatchamania.net, I would get to know my favourite authors!

Originally posted by lborgia88 I have to laugh now, remembering my lurking days, when I was reading so many great fics by authors here, at the Archives or ff.net, but I knew nothing about any of you, and I certainly never dreamed that some day, thanks to gatchamania.net, I would get to know my favourite authors!

I felt the same way when I first started posting. LB! I was so in awe of some of the authors!

I still am in awe of some of my favourite authors.

I still have quite a few favorite authors, too! I really should update my list and add some of the great ficcies I have read more recently. You're all at the top of my list!

I just keep saying it and saying it and can't say it enough - I still feel star-struck when I think about hanging out here and chatting with the Smut Sisters, the Goddesses of Gatchaman, and the Eagle Writers -- all of these wonderful and inspiring authors whose work I was reading long before I was brave enough to poke my nose into it on the board. Oh, and then there are the Artists whose work just continues to blow me away. Discovering that aspect was as exciting as reading my first Gatch fics this summer. What a powerful community there is here in cyberspace and I am so happy to be part of it. Now that I have figured out how to mark favorite authors/stories, and learned how much it means to writers to get comments and reviews, I am trying to be cognizant of it whenever I read a fic.

I was the biggest lurker out there!! I was a fan of Tj and Springie long before I ever spoke to them... I remember one story on F.F that Springie hadn't finished posting and I hung out for the rest for weeks....(One last kiss.) I joined the site just to leave her a review....then it took weeks for the site to register me and I forgot!! LOL

Awwww...Really??? I never knew that! It especially feels good to know that you liked my writing, baybee...maybe one day I'll get back into it!

Originally posted by Springie Awwww...Really??? I never knew that! It especially feels good to know that you liked my writing, baybee...maybe one day I'll get back into it!

Ahem... I believe you have that Condor smut fic to finish...

Originally posted by gogirl212 What a powerful community there is here in cyberspace and I am so happy to be part of it. Now that I have figured out how to mark favorite authors/stories, and learned how much it means to writers to get comments and reviews, I am trying to be cognizant of it whenever I read a fic.

And might i just add that we now have another wonderful author in our ranks! GoGirl has published a wonderful fic! If you guys haven't checked it out, you should! The Rebirth of Hope, by GoGirl

Originally posted by Transmute Jun GoGirl has published a wonderful fic! If you guys haven't checked it out, you should!

I did -it was so good! I'm really hoping that she too will discover that you can't write just one fic, and that she will be addicted now...

Yayyy GoGirl!!! Congratulations on posting your very first fic! I hope we will see many more from you. You're an excellent writer with wonderful feeling and insight to the characters. (now that you're "published", watch out for a certain Swan and a certain pokey stick........)

Originally posted by Hinotori (now that you're "published", watch out for a certain Swan and a certain pokey stick........)

Oh come on! Ebony isn't that bad!!!

Oh GoGirl...that was beautiful! (I wanted to leave you a comment on FF.net, but it wouldn't let me...technical difficulties I guess) Please tell me you'll write more...you have such a way with words...your ficcie was very touching...Keep up the great writing!

I loved that Gogirl ... it was beautiful. I hope you continue with your writing, you did such a great job at describing everything.

There's one thing I truly adore about this site and the fic-reading peeple here is that they can appreciate the story and the effort, and not make sniper comments about grammar and typos. I love raw work, personally. I don't have a beta reader :sob sob: so I can only post the raw versions of my work. I never get comments about how I spelled a word wrong or put a comma in the wrong place. You all just love the story ... That makes it worth it. Now that isn't to say that a polished piece of work isn't as sensational ... I wish I could post more polished works, but the raw stuff is the initial energy of the writer. Beta reading and corrections can really change a fic. I love you guys and your work, personally. As I have said many times I am not in to Gatchaman -- but you guys suck me in to that universe. There really isn't a lot of BotP stuff out there ... My problem is when I write I don't read so I miss out on the new postings. If I do hop of and read something mid-fic I always get sidetracked and end up not finishing my own stuff because my energy gets sucked in to the work I just read and I lose it on my own ... Not necessarily a bad thing ss I tend to get long-winded and stupid. Obviously Springie and TJ are in my love-list. Maddy is another, but I just don't see enough from her. Every time I read something of hers I am so thrilled and want more more more!!!!!! Hint hint, Maddy .... Best fun, however, is writing with them. I am always so humbled when I have the opportunity to round robin or IF with one of them .... I actually learn so much. Buffy and Yuki are my absolute loves in this world. I miss them both so incredibly... Now we want to talk artists and I definitely have to say Springie. God I love her work .... Love love love. There have been other writers who started and then stopped so abruptly. Lola is one ... Ste is another ... I have browsed and found a lot of fics make me feel like I am reading essays rather than a story. These writers are prolific and very well known and admired ... But I simply can't find the want or need to seek out more of their stuff, nor associate with them. Oh, Ninja Sam is another fantastic writer. I loved Lyon, too. BluJay was a delight to write with. I miss the days when we would all get together and write a long and fun fic ... Sighhhhh Maddy, babe? Feel like starting up a new If -- or something now I have time? I miss Fluffy ... Anyhoo ... That's enough from me ... I am so full of it, eh? Just know that I am your squealing fangirl and just wish I was like you all!!!!! SJ

Can I just say first -- I can't believe I actually did it!!! Thank you all so much for your kind words and good spirits - I never, ever could have written anything or found the courage to share my fic without all that I learned from each of you and the supportive community of writers and artists that exists here. Don't worry lb - the writing addiction has taken hold. Now I have the problem everyone else seems to have of more then one story started and no time to finish any of them -- but I feel very lucky to have such troubles. SJ - I love your list of authors and thoughts about writing. You are a true treasure.

Oh Gogirl, I just read your fic and absolutely loved it!! And, of course, I left one of my typical long-winded and pointless reviews back at FF.net. (I'm Groovykat over there) Swoon. Looks like we have a new and exciting writer on board, kiddies!!! I demand more, dammit! SJ

SJ! We can never have enough fics! I am glad we have such an active and supportive community here, because it means that we can generate so many more wonderful stories!

Originally posted by Transmute Jun SJ! We can never have enough fics! I am glad we have such an active and supportive community here, because it means that we can generate so many more wonderful stories!

[FONT=comic sans ms]Im agree, I wish I could have the art of writing...like you...I like your stories...even tht I haven't read all of them...[/FONT]

Originally posted by Ladygalactor777 Im agree, I wish I could have the art of writing...like you...I like your stories...even tht I haven't read all of them...

Thank you, LG, that is great to hear! FWIW, I wish I could be an artist like you! I am terrible at drawing... I've had traumatic experiences with it too. I just stick to fic writing (which takes so much longer...) and hope that no one gets too upset at my lack of contributions to the artistry department.

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by Ladygalactor777 Im agree, I wish I could have the art of writing...like you...I like your stories...even tht I haven't read all of them...

Thank you, LG, that is great to hear! FWIW, I wish I could be an artist like you! I am terrible at drawing... I've had traumatic experiences with it too. I just stick to fic writing (which takes so much longer...) and hope that no one gets too upset at my lack of contributions to the artistry department.

You do contribute to the artistry department... just with words

And, TJ, I think that your animations qualify as visual artistry!

Who needs pictures when you write such beautiful words TJ. You bring everything to life with your words. And I agree with LB, your animations are a fantastic addition to our visual department.

Really????? to everyone!

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by Ladygalactor777 Im agree, I wish I could have the art of writing...like you...I like your stories...even tht I haven't read all of them...

Thank you, LG, that is great to hear! FWIW, I wish I could be an artist like you! I am terrible at drawing... I've had traumatic experiences with it too. I just stick to fic writing (which takes so much longer...) and hope that no one gets too upset at my lack of contributions to the artistry department.

[FONT=comic sans ms]hahahhahaha...writing is another form of art...words are so powerful...[IMG]http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/9071/galmark5nv8.gif[/IMG] [/FONT]

SJ...your sweet compliments always make my day! You are an amazing writer and artist...I am glad that you are getting back into it now! And TJ...where would we be without your gorgeous fics? ITA that your animations are awesome, too...and what about your wonderful ER summaries? Fabulous!

LG, I have to say I am so impressed with your piccies! You are very talented...have you taken art classes or does it just come naturally?

I'm just glad that here we have such a wonderful group of artists and writers who are talented at so many things! It just gives us all that much more to enjoy!

LB- I'm way behind in my reading....But I'll be reading your latest addition to Guieve soon...

GG way to go!!! I left you a review!!!

Originally posted by Ebonyswanne GG way to go!!! I left you a review!!!

You have to watch out Ebony, I read GG as GatchGirl not Gogirl. You might need to find another short form for Gogirl. LOL Are you the one who starts all these short forms for our names? The reason I am CD.

It was Springie who started calling me TJ. But I am responsible for LB. I don't know who started CD.

Originally posted by Transmute Jun But I am responsible for LB.

Laughing... there was a time when I considered changing my user name to something more Gatch-like, but I've used "lborgia88" for so many different things now, and I get confused if I have too many log-in names to try to keep track of... I like "LB"!

Originally posted by Ebonyswanne LB- I'm way behind in my reading....But I'll be reading your latest addition to Guieve soon...

Take your time -it's not going anywhere, and I'm currently nowhere even near done the third fic!

Congratus, GoGirl! I have a list of fics to read - but first have to get my other stuff in order. And talk about Swannies with pokey sticks! Yup, SJ, am doing some planning. I have 2 weeks off over christmas, when I plan to do quite a bit of writing. Funnily enough, I fell in love with Ste and seemed to loose a lot of writing impetus. No. Am not giving up Ste. I think we are lucky in this fandom that the writers are all more mature, so we don't see some of the plain bad writing that I've found in the HP fandom (my other big writing effort). It's funny - in this fandom, there are authors who's stories I dislike, but I like their writing. Is the sign of a very good writr that you can appreciate their talent, but not like a (or several) stories. :d Of course, we all seem to form a Mutual Admiration Society too!!

I suppose it is Maddy, I like it thats its not a big fandom like HP. I write for a hobby... Maddy do you do some form of writing for work? It sounds like you have writing experience outside of fandom.

I have mentioned this before, but I think part of the reason most of the Gatch/BOTP fanfic is good is because we are all so attached to the characters. I think in the bigger/more trendy fandoms, people are into it, but not as personally involved with the main characters. There's a difference in perspective that occurs in those situations.

Yup, Ebony. I do a little writing for work (mostly procedures and manuals when required). But my main outside fandom writing is non-fiction. I've been the Embroidery Editor for Bellaonline.com (Embroidery Site @ Bellaonline.com) and have also written for Suite 101.com (Maddy's articles at Suite 101 I must admit to being more reliable with my Embroidery articles (at least one a month) than anything else - because I have a schedule I have to keep there. On the whole - I'm an unashamed writer-holic. TJ - you're right in your comment about being attached to the characters. In the HP fandom, ther are some sub-fandoms where the fans are truly attached (I'm part of one of those - we're known as Puppyshippers because we're all passionate about Remus & Sirius as a couple *Waves Wolfstar Flag* and so there tends to be a lot more depth of writing in that area as well). A true fandom that survives and thrives has fans who are attached to the characters, rather than just an interest in the show/book/movie/game. I suppose it's why we do write fanfic - to flesh out from what we've already been given and to explore the what if's.

Originally posted by Madilayn I suppose it's why we do write fanfic - to flesh out from what we've already been given and to explore the what if's.

You know this hits the nail on the head for me with regards to fanfiction and the nagging nannies of the "canon" and "No AU Thank you" covens. Fanfiction is all about what if. It is about our own interpretation of the show and what WE read between the lines -- which is extremely different from person to person. Fanfiction is an exploration of what we got and what we want. Canon is important to a degree -- as are characterizations -- but what is wrong with taking it up a notch and adding our own spin to it. Yeah, I have Jason as a smoker -- so what? No he didn't smoke on any series, but to me the cigarette fits as a rebel. No Jason wasn't a womanizer, but to me it made sense as a famous racing personality. Face it, sports stars and the such do bed-hop. Some writers have encountered such groups as the one I won't mention, that frown upon deviation from pure canon. As a result they struggle so hard to make sure that they conform completely to it, that their energy gets completely zapped. Add to that the consistent complaints about whether or not a comma was in the right place, or whether any of the team actually used the term "Prin" for Princess, amongst other things, and what happens? The writer loses steam real fast or they simply give up because they can't write the story they want to write because of the limitations. That tends to bug me somewhat -- especially when these same types of people so readily accept Yaoi or absolutely far out fantasy type shit (like mythical creatures and shit) or whatever. Like, there was never any of that shit in the show either ... So ya know what? If you can take Ken and Joe bumping uglies in the night, then you can damn well take Jason having a cigarette... So sometimes, if you encounter a bad fic or supposedly bad writer, it might not actually be them -- it might simply be the fact that they are trying so hard to please the readership that they aren't pleasing themselves in the process ... (oh that sounds dirty) Basically, my thoughts are, you can love the characters as much as you want -- but if you find yourself tied to conformist writing behaviour, then you just may come out of it looking somewhat sub-par... So write what you want and how you want. Love how YOU saw the characters, not how everyone else saw them. Write exactly how and what you feel and ya know what? That little piece of fiction will blow the rest of us away. The naysayers are but a few ... We hungry are a hoarde ... Yeah, consider this confirmation of my LOVE of the raw piece of fiction. I feel the love more inside an unbeta'd story than I do that polished/tweaked/changed/conformed piece. Yes, I reiterate that I love the polished ones too ... But I'll take those first few raw fics and snuggle up to them as I watch that new writer grow and develop with continued energy to finally produce those perfect and polished little gems! And am I making any bloody sense at all?????????? Ignore me. I'm jacked off that someone here at the office got pissy at me because I wouldn't talk to her during my observation of my two minute silence. SJ

Originally posted by SJ_SwanJun So write what you want and how you want. Love how YOU saw the characters, not how everyone else saw them. Write exactly how and what you feel and ya know what? That little piece of fiction will blow the rest of us away.

I think that is the most important point in writing, because you can tell when someone is enjoying what they are talking about and when it's just forced.

Franky, if it's just forced and I'm not enjoying it, I don't write. I write for ME, not for anyone else. That being said, there's nothing like a nice ego stroke when you discover that someone else likes your work too. But I write for ME. I post for my friends who like to read my stories. That being said, I find it necessary to use beta readers. Often I get good storyline feedback, and many of my fics have improved significantly because I have received and adjusted for such feedback. Beta readers also find grammar and spelling errors as well, although not all of them. I make far too many typos for all of them to be caught. That being said, I've gotten feedback before that I don't agree with. As long as it was offered in good faith, I thank the reviewer/reader/beta'er and just ignore it. No need to get offended as long as the intention is good. (And yes, I know that's easier said than done.)

TJ - I think that we've all gotten feedback we don't agree with - hell, I know I've given feedback that the author didn't agree with (huggles SJ). But then - that feedback has also taught me something about my writing and how it's perceived, and I value it. The only feedback I don't value is when it's obviously a rant with nothing constructive about it (yup - got that too - in fact it was a copy and paste from a "What is a Mary Sue" article). Let's face it - even big name paid authors get negative feedback.

Maddy! There is no one out there who is such a good author that *everyone* likes their work. FWIW, I love your stories! My only complaint is that your best ones are unfinished...

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Maddy! There is no one out there who is such a good author that *everyone* likes their work. FWIW, I love your stories! My only complaint is that your best ones are unfinished...

Can I say that that is my only complaint as well? We really have to find a way to get Maddy motivated again. Hmmmm, would sending you an Eagle be motivation or would it bee too much of a distraction?

I can't write a story that i no muse for....I struggle with it and then it ends up on trash pile.... No one see those stories!!! I may not be the best writer out there but I try and have fun doing it. I just love the birdies and writing them into a story is another way to appreciate them. mmm I have one unfinished story...I'm almost at the halfway point on the last story...I'll be writing again to night if the kids go to bed on time. On feedback; ITA Maddy, you know if the person is just trying to give you pointers or just be snobby about things like spelling or grammar. (Hahahaaaa I had one comment like that and the review has errors all through their review. If your gonna pick at those things get it right in your review.) TJ will tell me all the time when betaing if she feels an area can be worked on or is just out of line with the story. I don't mind, it all helps.

Originally posted by Ebonyswanne IOn feedback; ITA Maddy, you know if the person is just trying to give you pointers or just be snobby about things like spelling or grammar. (Hahahaaaa I had one comment like that and the review has errors all through their review. If your gonna pick at those things get it right in your review.) TJ will tell me all the time when betaing if she feels an area can be worked on or is just out of line with the story. I don't mind, it all helps.

It's a fact that when someone corrects you on your grammar they will inevitably make several of their own. I remember one such thread on the failblog site that was, perhaps, the funniest damn thing I had ever read in my life. It started as a grammar burn and ended up with over 500 comments with people correcting other people and making mistakes and ... shit, you just had to be there .... Constructive crits don't ordinarily bother me (and I get a lot more than people see or know about), but only so long as as it is to give you guidence -- not just to tell you it sucked. The only reason I got somewhat miffed with one Maddy wrote me some time ago was that I was so utterly confused by it and had to question whether or not she was merging my fics with other people's and simply stating that the theme was already done and over done. It turns out she was right and I was absolutely in a rut ... I took a break from writing as a result to try and tempt the muses into giving me something different to play with. Of course them my muse would only offer me smutty ideas ... oh curse this muse of mine. Grammar and spelling - yeah, well I know I suck at it, but is it that bad that it is impossible to read it? No, I don't think so. I challenge the next person to question my grammar and spelling to ante up and beta read the damn thing! I've had comments that a procedural fic was "too predictable for a whodunit" ... Well it wasn't a whodunit as much as it was a how theydunit ... Reviews make my day, they really do, but I don't necessarily hunger for them as I'll write regardless. I get peeved and generally will not review a fic if the author threatens not to continue if you don't review them. If someone wants to get analytical and give me a thorough critique of bad, I usually prefer them to do it privately, to give me a chance to mull it over and actually ask their guidence as to where I went wrong and how might I fix it. That has worked wonders for me in the past. I had one scathing review and because it was done privately, I was actually able to communicate with them and repair the story completely. I still keep in touch with that reviewer and respect her for having enough respect for me not to post her complaint publically. Because you know. Once someone sees a bad review they'll generally leave you one too -- just so they look to agree -- or whatever. I would love to have a beta reader on board because I feel I have grown past the original energies of newness and am ready to create something more polished. Yes, I love raw from others, and beg and plead for more like that ... But I've been writing BotP now for, wow, six years?!?! I'm ready to step it up a notch. Oh and Maddy ... WHO sent you a link on Mary Sues? I will so go and kick their sorry asses... SJ

Being a brand spanking new fic writer I don't have anything to contribute but I do want to say how much I am enjoying reading all of your ideas about writing and crits. It is a very valuable conversation to be privy to. Since I respect you as writers, I respect also your opinions about the hows, whys, and whats of the writing and the crit process. It helps me understand myself better.