This is a different kind of challenge. I was just over in Gatchfanfic and I check out the Top 20 lists sometimes. I was shocked to see I'm the leading reviewer. I'm a horrible reviewer. I only review about a third of the fics I read. So here's the challenge. Everyone go over and review at least 5 fics. They can be ones you read in the past or more recently. Don't be shy. A simple 'I liked your story' will do. I'd love for someone to knock me off the top.

Do chapters count or just stories?

You make a good point, Becky. I know I used to be terrible about it. Now I try to review a fic when I read it, so the author will know that someone has been paying attention!

I used to review every time I read a fic...but I've been really bad about it lately...I think you must've knocked me out of the #1 position, Becky!

Okay, Becky, you're right! I just responded to the challenge.

Can we review over at FF.net as the challenge, too? I am not a member over at Gatch, so I can't review over there... SJ

How about when we do read a really good one we then recommend it over here? I'll start a thread for it. There are so many good fics that it would be great if we could get more readers for them.

Originally posted by SJ_SwanJun I am not a member over at Gatch, so I can't review over there...

Actually SJ, I believe you are... http://gatchfanfic.com/viewuser.php?uid=38

It's a gorgeous fic!

Great idea, Becky! I know I'm in the top 20 reviewers which surprised me - considering I only found the site a few months ago (and didn't think I had reviewed all that many!).

I used to review in another fandom quite a bit, and wrote, too. And then I started admining in that fandom; after writing writing anywhere between 6 to 12 letters on any given day telling people exactly what they needed to do to get their story posted, I figured that if they got a letter from me saying their stupid story was posted but clean up your damn spelling and grammar now, they didn't need me to review it as well. Hence I just stopped reviewing altogether unless something just really stood out.

Great idea! I try to submit my reviews every time I read a new fic ... the problem is that I do not have enough time to read a lot of fics at all, at least until I have some ample time and read a bunch of them altogether! And I also cannot find enough of that time to enter the Gatchfanfic site so often! But I do try my best in reviewing as I know how much it is important for an author to have some feedback after having made the effort to share his/her work! Thanks for pointing this out, Becky! And, Maddy, yours is also a great idea!

I'll see what I can d0 to work on this challenge. I have been posting a lot of reviews in the art gallery recently. And after noticing I am also in the top 20 I am wondering if the art gallery reviews are also included in the review count.

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by SJ_SwanJun I am not a member over at Gatch, so I can't review over there...

Actually SJ, I believe you are... http://gatchfanfic.com/viewuser.php?uid=38

While that is my fic from many years ago, (2002, maybe) that was part of the library before the change to the new set up... It must've been added at that time. I think if you do a search under GroovyKat, you may be unlucky to find the original Rebellion, too... That is a fic I lost a long, long, long time ago... I don't believe I have ever actually signed up (or the rest of my work would be there) But thankee for reminding me I have that fic.... I just might have to scoot it over to FF.net.. SJ

Yeah! I made the top 20. Sorry Marie, I think you're the one I bumped.

SJ's fis are well worth reading for those who haven't. My own personal favourite is "I Hate Flowers". One of her latest ones is a real tearjerker - at least I cried and cried when I read it. SJ - the diary one that you did - I was looking through some old e-mails the other day and I found the e-mail where you and I were discussing your plans about it!

Well I have taken up your challenge Becky. I do have to say part of my reason for not posting at the Archives is because I tend to post comments over at FF.net, or here, so I tend not to post again over there, or I feel I am saying the same thing for the author to read over and over again.

Originally posted by amethyst Do chapters count or just stories?

It doesn't matter to me, Amethyst. I've done reviews for separate chapters of the same fic.

Originally posted by Transmute Jun You make a good point, Becky. I know I used to be terrible about it. Now I try to review a fic when I read it, so the author will know that someone has been paying attention!

That's my point, TJ, to let the authors who put all that hard work into their fic know we've read it.

Originally posted by SJ_SwanJun Can we review over at FF.net as the challenge, too? I am not a member over at Gatch, so I can't review over there... SJ

That's up to you. I read more in Gatchfanfic than FF.net, but when I do read over there a fic that isn't in Gatchfanfic, I try to review it.

Originally posted by Madilayn How about when we do read a really good one we then recommend it over here? I'll start a thread for it. There are so many good fics that it would be great if we could get more readers for them.

That's a great idea Maddy. I also forgot one thing. It's also the author's responsibility to acknowledge the reviews.

Originally posted by clouddancer I'll see what I can d0 to work on this challenge. I have been posting a lot of reviews in the art gallery recently. And after noticing I am also in the top 20 I am wondering if the art gallery reviews are also included in the review count.

I don't know Cloud. I know the Top 20 list was set up by Catherine Rees Lay. I have no idea how she did it.

I've lefta good share of reviews over the years I've been around the fandom. Usually if I read a story I will review it... The only very few times I haven't is when something really didn't sit right with the story at all, or I got to end and it just fell flat for me, and I felt the review wouldn't be honest at all, just a polite... "Thats nice." I would say thats only happened to about 3 fics.

I just did some reviews in the Art gallery as well and my review count did not go up. So I guess they do not count.

For anyone new who's looking for great ficcies to read Springie has a fantastic collection at both F.Fnet and Gatch archives!

Awww...thanks for the plug, Ebony! If you like fluff...my stories are full of it! I just read Green's "Cookies"...and cracked up! I highly recommend it for a good laugh! I need to get back to reading and reviewing again...I've been missing out!

Originally posted by Springie Awww...thanks for the plug, Ebony! If you like fluff...my stories are full of it! I just read Green's "Cookies"...and cracked up! I highly recommend it for a good laugh! I need to get back to reading and reviewing again...I've been missing out!

And thank you for the plug, Springie! However, I will challenge you as Fluff-queen. I know your stories have far more substance than mine! If you wish to retain said title, the only way you can is by WRITING! Hint, hint, prod, prod...

Pleasure Springie! I have a lot of faves amongst your stories and your stories are the reason I gave writing fanfiction a go in the first place.

Originally posted by amethyst Yeah! I made the top 20. Sorry Marie, I think you're the one I bumped.

Hee, hee ... don't worry! I'm not a winner in this challenge but I'll surely try to make up for it as soon as I have more time! I'm not seeking excuses but I so cannot find time to read fics as much as I can, guys, and also any other extra thing! I'm literally gripping only to this site as an extra just because it's so much fun for me and I so like all of your company! Work has increased considerably for me ... I don't want to grumble but I so need some more spare time! And yesterday I had to quit being on the computer because I literally felt like throwing up whenever I forced myself to read anything or type words on the keyboard! These are definitely not some of my healthy days! Sorry for my opening up ... it's usually not my nature, but I'm so frustrated right now as I wish to do loads of things, and even if the urge is there, my body cannot respond to do likewise! Painkillers are not enough! I just wish to feel good in the inside just as I look from the outside! Green ... I'm itching to read "Cookies"! I can think of what is in stall and I'll surely like it!

Green...you crack me up! I gave up writing fics, but you may see a lil' ficlet from me sometime...I just don't have it in me anymore since I started drawing. You know what they say, a picture is worth 1,000 words? I'll be continuing the fluff in my pics... Oh and as far as more substance...no way! You are an extremely talented writer, and I'm looking forward to seeing more from you in the future!

Really, Ebony? That makes my day! You are such a talented and creative writer, and I'm so glad you've shared your talent with us!

Gatchamarie, I'm so sorry to hear that you're not feeling well! Don't apologize for opening up...we're here for you! Hope you're better soon! *sending virtual chicken soup your way*

Gatchamarie - feel better soon! I'd send some cookies, but, um.... Springie -

Gatchmarie, I'm so sorry to hear you're feeling unwell. I hope that life sorts itself out for you. I know exactly what you mean when you're saying you need some spare time - and I have to admit my disappearance from these boards was because I had just too much else to do.

Becky, this was just the kick in the pants I needed to get over my bit of shyness and let some fantastic authors know how much I've been enjoying their fanfics. Thank you for starting this thread. Gatchamarie, I hope you feel better soon.

Marie, I'm sorry to hear that your health problems have returned, I hope you are feeling better today. Please let us know if there's anything we can do!

Gatchamarie, I hope you are feeling better soon.

Marie, take care of yourself. It won't be long before you are bumping me as soon as the asylum catches up with me and turns my life upside down or right side up (not sure which it is right now) again. Green, while I've not read everything yet, from what I've read, there's not a lot of fluff. Humor and smut, yes, but your characters are too well developed and your stories have too much imagery and thematic undertones to be considered fluff.

I thank all of you with all my heart! You're so dear!

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Please let us know if there's anything we can do!

The only fact that all of you are part of my world is enough! And this site really helps to shift thoughts and aches aside even if for the shortest of time! Gatchaman is really my hero!

Marie, take care of yourself. I know how hard it can be sometimes. This site is a haven.

I hope you're feeling better soon, Gatchamarie! We'll understand if you need to step away for a while. And I can attest to the fact that, if you do, everyone will embrace you when you come back.

Originally posted by Hinotori And I can attest to the fact that, if you do, everyone will embrace you when you come back.

I don't have any doubts about that! And I'm doing my best to even just peek in or add some comments and contribute! There's so much fun here! But, thanks! Unfortunately, mine is a chronic thing and I have lots of ups and downs! The ups are always good because I'm an energetic and bubbly person in myself but the downs are miserable because this person cannot stand to be tied down and doesn't want to show it or accept it! At least, here is one of those places where I can get distracted from everything and forget! A great thank you to all!

You are most welcome Gatchamarie. This is a great place to feel up when you are down. There is always something going on that makes you feel good or to give you a good laugh when you need it. At least that is what I have found.

Same here!

Hey Marie, you CD and I are all tied with 8 more reviews to the next person.

Really? I just post reviews I don't check stats - unless it is pointed out to me. Although I do occasionally check to see what my story stats are. Not that I remember them from one time to the next. I like FF.net because I can check at the end of the month and see how many people clicked on my story for the month. (Notice I say clicked on - not read.)

Thanks for the info, Amethyst! I'm afraid that these days I'm going to stay a bit behind with the reading and the reviews! If only I could do magic I could just snap my fingers and all my work would be done in a poof ... only that way I could have some extra time to read at hand! Moreover, the kids are the whole time with me enjoying their Easter holidays!

Yeah, I hear that. My kids have spring break next week and if the weather doesn't turn too sour, we'll be spending most of the week in the Shasta foothills at my in-laws. With no internet.

I was thinking, I am going to be disappearing for 3-4 days over the Easter Weekend and I was not looking forward to coming back to 400 posts, in the Gachamaniacs Thread alone. I have already decided if that is what happens I am going to stop checking in to that IF, as I will not be able to catch up.

Have a good time over easter Cloud and Amethyst. Don't worry about the Gatchamaniac thread- I suspect that there may be a lot of posts, but it's like Days of our Lives - you can miss quite a bit and we'll still be at the same party!

Enjoy your Easter holidays, Amethyst and CD ... and all the others! A break from everything is a need! I'm not going anywhere for the holidays ... sob ... I also have to cater for the Easter lunch, but I love to do so! And as my DH has a long weekend starting next Friday up till next Monday, then we'll do our utmost to spend most of our time with the kids and taking them around, weather permitting!

Thanks All! I'll be around through Monday morning, sometime. Probably won't leave until around 10 or so. Need to drop on off for a scout trip at the same time and drop my mom's car off for servicing. I'd be cool if my in-laws lived closer to Redding, then I might get some sort of wireless hotspot, but no they're closer to Burney in the hills. Oh well, the kids and the dog will love it.

A lot of people will be busy this weekend, I think. I'm actually going to WonderCon, so I'll be busy for Saturday at least!

To all that will miss out on the action over the weekend - I have been keeping the IF in a separate file so if you let me know where you were up to, I can send you just the newer stuff - it'll make it easier than wading through all the pages to find the last post that you read. Enjoy your time off! I would grumble about having to work, but I just came off 3 weeks holiday.... *sigh* Doesn't mean I'm happy about it...

Thanks for your thought, Green!

Hey - anything for my fellow birdies