![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Entry tags:
I'm sorry, I guess I missed something
But since when did "original pairings" come to mean "better stories?"
I make an effort to avoid being overly negative on this lj (God knows there's enough of that already), so I'm probably going to regret saying all this shit later, but is that seriously a prerequisite for a good story these days? An "original pairing?" That's interesting, because I thought there might be other qualifying factors, like a strong narrative, or a nicely paced plot, or, hm, maybe well-developed characters, perhaps?
This isn't just an issue I have with fandom. This is an issue I have with any film, any book, any TV show that goes out and says, "I'm gong to do something different and original!" and then winds up sucking because you dumbass writer/director/producer-type decided that so long as you had an "original" concept, you didn't need to focus on any other aspect of the film/book/show that might actually make it palatable and worth my time.
Originality is an excellent thing, don't get me wrong, but it is not the sole basis on which you can (or should) judge the value of a creative work, especially when it comes to anything involving writing.
Of course, what makes something "better" is subjective. But to be that dismissive and arrogant about it? Frankly, I find it pretty fucking aggravating. And pretentious. Get off your high horse and just do as you do. I don't have a problem with which characters you want sucking each other's faces, so maybe you should quit copping an attitude about the rest of us.
W/E, just W/E, you guys. I'm having the painters in soon, so I'm allowed to be moody >8C
I make an effort to avoid being overly negative on this lj (God knows there's enough of that already), so I'm probably going to regret saying all this shit later, but is that seriously a prerequisite for a good story these days? An "original pairing?" That's interesting, because I thought there might be other qualifying factors, like a strong narrative, or a nicely paced plot, or, hm, maybe well-developed characters, perhaps?
This isn't just an issue I have with fandom. This is an issue I have with any film, any book, any TV show that goes out and says, "I'm gong to do something different and original!" and then winds up sucking because you dumbass writer/director/producer-type decided that so long as you had an "original" concept, you didn't need to focus on any other aspect of the film/book/show that might actually make it palatable and worth my time.
Originality is an excellent thing, don't get me wrong, but it is not the sole basis on which you can (or should) judge the value of a creative work, especially when it comes to anything involving writing.
Of course, what makes something "better" is subjective. But to be that dismissive and arrogant about it? Frankly, I find it pretty fucking aggravating. And pretentious. Get off your high horse and just do as you do. I don't have a problem with which characters you want sucking each other's faces, so maybe you should quit copping an attitude about the rest of us.
W/E, just W/E, you guys. I'm having the painters in soon, so I'm allowed to be moody >8C
no subject
I have this one cousin who said that "Sokka and Katara look good together" and I'm like FUCK OF COURSE THEY LOOK THEY'RE RELATED and she was all "Well I say that they look good togther and w/e I don't care if they're related." Then she goes off into this tirade about how people should respect other people's opinions and goes off babbling about this story where the two of them find out that they're not related in the first place and get married and have babies and shit.
Um, fuck you?
There's a difference between "originality that's worthwhile" and "originality that's just crazy." If there is a good OC with enough character development that's being paired up with a character that has a canon 'soulmate', I might praise. But if the character was made just for, oh, I dunno, self-insertion/Mary Sue purposes? That's bordering on me killing somebody.
And making new pairings/characters is kinda okay with me, just as long as the greatness/awesomeness of the story isn't based solely on the pairing/character alone. I mean, I don't like Mojo/Blossom, but if it's written well then hell yeah I'm gonna recommend it. But if it's Reds (which is my FAVORITE OF ALL FAVORITES) and 'riten badli!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!' then fuck no.
And seriously, people really need to understand that not all crazy plot twists works for all stories. Like she was dead in the beginning and alive at the end (unless you can make it work for you, then kudos).
So yeah, I agree with this post.
no subject
I honestly don't think not reading a fanfic based on pairing is that awful. If you don't like a pairing that is one thing, but if a pairing turns your stomach and the mere picturing of certain characters together would effect your review I don't think anyone should be forced to read it to be known as 'a true fan'. No one should have to do anything as a reader, just like in real life no one *has* to read every sort of novel...
no subject
And yeah, I get that. But majority of, let's say, PPG/RRB fics are based solely on the pairing (they usually don't care for writing style, good grammar, and believable plotlines). And there are average-written stories in the PPG fandom that are, well, not as stimulating as others. That's why I find it hard to look for good fics in there because they're all so average. (But when I find one I'll be all HELL TO THE FUCK YEAH and throw a party because I love parties :3)
no subject
OH GOD YOU MAKE ME LAUGH. And your icon is pretty fucking awesome, too.
Crazy plot twists, while crazy and awe-inducing when done well, still need to fit into the plot in a way that feels organic and makes sense when you go back over it in your head. They can't just come out of nowhere. And they can't just be inserted into your story in order to give it a hook or make it interesting. I mean, if your only idea of a compelling story is one with a crazy plot twist in it... you suck, probably? idk.
no subject
Part of my disappointment in PPG fandom is that this freedom of ideas (which, really, don't even need pairings if you don't want to) is not used as often as it could be :3
no subject
no subject
no subject
Poor Narrator. It's like The Powerpuff Girls' Best Rainy Day Adventure Ever all over again, but in every single fanfiction. :'(
no subject
Not exactly 'suck', more of 'dude u srsly nid 2 get out moar.'
I like plot twists - if and only if they're in the story effectively. They have to be properly placed, as well as that - and I cannot stress this enough - the plot twists have to make sense. You can't just throw one in there just because you want to and not plan it beforehand.
Kind of like making babies.no subject
no subject
no subject
So no, this particular comment wasn't in response to fic.
no subject
no subject
I never actually write what I do to make a statement against other pairings..I might highlight why the others don't work in my AU, but that is more to flesh out all sides of a canon character than put down anyone else...
no subject
This post was instigated by something I read in another writer's profile. To my knowledge and memory, you have never claimed "original pairings" made for "better stories." (Which I do appreciate and thank you for.)
no subject
All things considered, what one replier said to your post here, I don't feel that Hibbles (while a smaller ship) is in the camp of stories commonly so out there that the good stories are crazy/hard to understand :\. Just..I think writing requiring a bit more thinking than most is a good thing, not something lesser where people go 'It was good, but I had to think, so it was only so-so, and has to have been a shining example of writing for all time to even be at the level of other stories' :P
no subject
Did somebody say this? I don't think that
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
My opinion in summary: agreed. Original =/= good. Also, what is and isn't "original" is highly debatable. Also, the Repo!remake is fail. Related issue, methinks.
no subject
RIGHT
no subject
I very much like this line of yours.
no subject
Powerpuff-wise:
I think it may seem like the non-ruff(which I don't understand, please acknowledge the fact that the boys exist and are probably a part of Mojo's/Him's life) is better because typically the writers are more mature and are willing to accept critique. Most of us have really bad attitudes though, which ruins the story for me. I don't want to know that this chapter is dedicated to rrb/ppg fantards. Yes, you were being a snotty little jerk in your review, I can see why the teenaged girl sent her attack-dogs at you.
Can you sense my anger?! I want to tell them this, but then they either get pissed or get pissed with a really good argument. I just want to shake them and yell, "Kids watch this cartoon! Some of them also have internet! I don't care that it's a critique, Sugarcoat it a little!" And this mostly stems from the fact that I've had 'civil' conversations with some of the fanbrats they are complaining about(most of the time they're just defensive) and I used to get really mean reviews. These reviews also seemed to stop when I started to write outside my rrb/ppg bubble...
I've decided I don't really care if they think I'm a decent writer. Not that it matters, you either have to be a brilliant, talented rrb/ppg writer or a mediocre 'original pairings' one to impress them.
Real-life:
Also agreed. I don't have a rant for this one(thank god) so I'm just going to use a few examples.All of them are obviously my own opinions.
Avatar(the one with the blue cats): Not the most original plot in the world, but I though it was great. First of all, it was beautiful. That matters even though everyone says it doesn't, it really added to the experience. The characters had a lot of personality, maybe not a realistic personality, but personality.I was happy at the end. I'd definitely see it over and over again.
Pixar movies: Original and awesome. Come on, everyone I know likes at least one Pixar movie. I don't need to explain the genius <3.
The Princess and The Frog: Original spin on an already good story. And I really disliked it. It was good in some areas, but it really lost it's Disney charm. I rely on Disney to make fairy tales interesting and beautiful, not screw with them and make their own damn movie.
I actually had a couple more paragraphs I wanted to write, but I think this comment is already as long as your original post. Pfh.
no subject
And for your real-life relations, I also agree. Some people said Avatar was a horrible movie, but I liked it. I got a bit dizzy though, I watched it in 3D. @.@ And for the Pixar movies thing? I COMPLETELY AGREE. No one makes a movie about talking toys! Or talking fish! Or a fucking rat that can cook! Or cars that can talk! Although honestly I think DreamWorks Animation is dwarfing Pixar as of the moment - I mean, A PANDA THAT DOES KUNG FU! THAT'S JUST INCREDIBLE!
So yeah, I have this thing for both Pixar and DreamWorks that they have really good films that are also original (and are all of them original? I'm not sure - I think some of them are) and also captivating.
See that? Captivating. There isn't much of that anymore, fanfiction-wise and real-life wise.
no subject
Dreamworks certainly is getting better and better. Pixar will always be my baby though, I don't care how many more hits they make, I will always love them!
Captivating is the perfect words. Animated movies are getting better and better, I'd rather watch UP than Avatar anyday.
no subject
And UP was awesome. Russell was so cute. <3
no subject
OH FOR FUCKING SERIOUS. "Yes, I am a mature fic writer, so I'm going to be a dick to a bunch of thin-skinned teenagers! Haha, they are so immature!" FUME. Self-awareness, much?
Good arguments? What good argument could anyone possibly have for yelling at a thirteen-year-old over the internet? Is there really some sort of valid justification for telling a non-fully grown adult that their writing sucks and made you want to vomit? Oh my God, I wish I could reach through the internet and bitch-slap your ass. (Not yours,
Hearing that just reeks of, I don't know - people working to reinforce their smug self-superiority. Well, if belittling kids on the internet makes you feel better about yourself, have at it, you giant bag of dicks. Ugh. You have a right to be angry, because man, does that piss me off.
you either have to be a brilliant, talented rrb/ppg writer or a mediocre 'original pairings' one to impress them.
I definitely think PpG/RrB fic is held to higher criticism than other pairings because the pairing is synonymous with "shit." Unfortunately. And untruthfully.
Avatar was beautiful. It was stunning to watch, and I saw it in one of the 3d's (I think it was RealD? wtf/e). The depth of field was absolutely amazing. The story... okay, I only had a problem with the story in that I figured out everything that was going to happen, like, a quarter of the way into the movie. Which is okay, I do that with a bunch of other films. Predictable is fine, it's okay if we've heard this story before. But... agh, Cameron's characters! They were so boring and flat. I had no sense of what really drove them or made them care about each other, except in the most general way that those traits can be associated with those types (cocky young hero, headstrong princess, disapproving fiancee, crazy soldier, etc.). And the movie as a whole would've bugged me less if it hadn't been lauded for its writing. Visuals, yes. It looked like the film equivalent of gold. But nominated for a WGA award? With that script, that dialogue? Cameron, you named the unobtainable resource unobtanium. You really named it that. You named it unobtanium. I just, oh God, ow. OW. I was baffled at all the non-visual accolades the film was getting, but then again, I didn't really see a lot of films this past year, so I have no idea what it was up against. (And judging from my reaction to this one, maybe that was a good thing.)
Pixar movies, even their weakest ones, still tend to be light years ahead of other films. I mean, Pixar's practically become its own class of movie, where the only way its films can be judged is against each other.
PatF was overall a bit of a letdown for me. It felt like it was trying a little too hard to be Disney's comeback movie. A lot of the visual gags felt pretty forced, and oh God, I hate, hate, hate soft shadows done in After Effects. YOU HAVE AN ENTIRE TEAM OF ARTISTS WORKING ON YOUR FILM. JUST DRAW THE GOD DAMN SHADOWS, DON'T HAVE A COMPUTER PROGRAM DO IT FOR YOU. Eeeyaaaaagh.
... Dude. I think my comment almost beats your comment in terms of length. (Ultimately, thank you for being a sane person.)
no subject
By good argument, I mean one that's logically sound, but has absolutely no infusion of emotion. Kids are emotional, nowadays more than ever. As a thirteen-year-old myself, I know how to treat quite a few of the fanbrats. But about two or three years ago(when I was writing on ff.net illegally...shhhh) it really hurt to get flames. They made me grow up, but they certainly aren't going to make everyone do the same.
I want to tell them to freaking think back to when they were teens, it's like they already forgot all the emotions, hormones, popularity, and pain that goes along with it. Belittling someones hobby or talent will never be the right thing to do. If they can't be kind in their reviews or even acknowledge that they can be dicks, then I'm not even sure if they should be reviewing in the first place.
I saw Avatar in Imax. It was amazing, but I swear I still have a migraine. It's really hard to make a surprising story in Hollywood nowadays, comedies are getting better plot lines and characters than the dramatic movies. Actually, I saw a lot in the characters. Then again, I see a lot more than I should in everything. I did see the genral personalities(cocky hero, princess, etc.) but there was a lot of underlying hints and tricks that were really clear to me. But yeah, it definitely didn't deserve awards outside of visuals.
As I said before, Disney was just trying way too hard to make and original movie. The Princess and the frog was a great story by itself, Disney added so many unneeded aspects to it.
Long comments are fantastic~
no subject
no subject
no subject
Okay, yeah. My mind is blown. Wow. Wow.
I cannot find an appropriate icon for this. I am so ashamed.
no subject
Don't be mind-blown, everyone always says I'm an nineteen-year-old trapped in a younger body.
...Unless that's not what you're talking about, pffffhhh.
no subject
And yep; two wrongs don't make a right. Fighting fire with fire is never the best solution. Look how that ended with Mojo Jojo :P It metaphorically and semi-literally blew up in his face.
And if you do respond to immaturity with immaturity...basically, you get a vicious cycle known as "drama."
no subject
THIS.
no subject
I remember being completely baffled by people posting pairing fics to a community or another and feeling the need to add in, "I know [this other pairing] is popular here." Yes? And? So? It's self-pitying comment mongering, in that case, (I was especially disinclined to be sympathetic because the pairing they were writing for was the canon one, and it was creepy and sexist) and just ugh. Liking a different pairing does not make you a special snowflake, it does not give you any edge, it is not any better than popular and/or canon pairings.
no subject
And I don't get why people flame other people's fics just because they don't like the pairing it's about. (Mind you, it's almost always about the pairing.) I get bashing for incredibly mind-fucking, eye-bleeding repulsive grammar/spelling disability/massive plotholes. But just the pairing? Ugh.
I just feel bad for whoever they're flaming because it's them who have personal opinion, not the flamers. And for me, having personal opinion (and fighting for it) is very, very awesome.
no subject
Especially because it gives some of us a bad name...A friend once remarked to me that "oh, you don't like canon right" and I was like NOOO THAT IS WRONG D:
Just because some of the pairings I like a lot aren't canon doesn't mean I dislike canon - it just means I see more potential for the characters in those relationships than I do in their canon counterparts. And I can like both at once, too...XD
People who don't like something because it's popular baffle me entirely. I mean, so what? It means you'll have more people to discuss it with, which can't suck that much.
no subject
You get my point!
no subject
Oh Jesus Christ yes. Just post your fic and let it speak for itself. At least then you might be able to get me to read a bit of it before I figure out whether it's worth my time.
no subject
(a) NO ONE WILL READ YOUR FIC IF YOU TYPE LIKE THAT. THAT'S MURDER TO THE EYES.
and (b) If I'm a reader, and I don't like the fic, I'll flame. I don't care what your summary says.
I do appreciate pardons, though. Like, (c) "[insert summary here]. Sorry, I'm not good with summaries. :P" or warnings like, (d) "[insert summary here]. WARNING: Sexual innuendo and references to rape." because:
(c) the fic still has a chance with me. If it looks like it has good spelling, etc., then I might just actually read it.
and (d) now I know what to expect. I hate it when the summaries don't have enough warning.
I guess this is unrelated, but I'm just throwing it out there. :]
no subject
I also hate it when people start proofreading/revising their stories after they post it, and rewrite their summaries, "Lol, just fixing some mistakes I found. No new content." ~pulls hair out in frustration~
Also, if they put in a "CHAPTER [number] NOW UP!" SHFIOJDSOFIDJ Ugh. I know you updated your story! Otherwise, it wouldn't have magically popped up on the front page of PpG fanfics! :O *GASP* OMGZ NO WAYZZ!!1!!!ONE!!!1!!!2!!!ELEVEN!!!
no subject
The rule "if you focus on one thing too much, the other things will fall flat" can play into this as well.
ALSO.
"Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it." -C. S. Lewis
Maybe trying so hard to be original isn't the best idea after all... Of course, I'm not shunning originality; I'm just saying it shouldn't be the number-uno priority.
I think some readers/watchers out there don't really care for all the technical stuff (e.g. character development, grammar, climax, the way the story is played out, et cetera), either. Therefore, they would only focus on originality. However, this does not make the "originality is the only thing necessary; everything else is shuck" logic okay. You do have people out there who appreciate the technical stuff. Plus, acknowledging and using core aspects (AKA technical stuff) shows that not only do you have intelligence in the field, but also that you put hard work into your story and don't care whether or not people notice the little things.
Long comments are awesome.
no subject
And I agree with your last paragraph. Originality is a good thing, because it gives an artwork/story/whatever it's character, but honestly if all one cares about is originality, it's not going to seem original because the author didn't play it out in a specific way - ignoring grammar mistakes and plot holes and incredibly bad spelling. Those things help build up the originality, and yes, they're also signs that the author thought their story through.
And honestly, for the sake of lack of fics in a certain fandom or something, I will ignore minor mistakes when reading a fic if I think the plot is good, but if there is one big giant gaping abyss of nothingness that is a plot hole, then I'll start ranting.
no subject
I remember when I had a really, really thick head and ignored the technicalities. Now, my eyes are more opened, and I start picking out the little things.
Agreed. If it's nothing major, I just ignore it (because a friend and I have found some minor plot holes in some PpG episodes).
I remember watching a super terrible movie not too long ago. One of the things that enraged me so was a giant plot-hole. A girl drowned her grandmother's antique car in quicksand. It was completely submerged in quicksand and everything. But she and her friend only talked about for five minutes after it happened...then it's no longer mentioned in the plot. The parents don't punish her, the grandmother doesn't care about losing her only car, and no one even mentions it after the girl gets home. Excuse me, but isn't nearly destroying/losing a car, not to mention an antique one, a big deal? How was it so easily forgotten?
no subject
no subject
no subject