some thoughts are best left unwritten
Aug. 23rd, 2002 12:08 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
iceinyourmusic - and it had already become obvious to me that my new friend was a cryptical midget short of the full David Lynch picture, if you know what I mean.
But who am I quoting?
I keep thinking that I should sign up for one of those Volunteer Beta Listings. Because I'd like to be Doing Things for the Fandom instead of just lounging on the terrace and enjoying the view. Because I could, easily, I could make the time, I would have the energy, and I'd like it. Because I like to think I'm fairly omnitolerant, these days, as far as pairings and categories go. (Gimme that Riley/Wesley and I'll beta like there's no tomorrow, I tell you.) Because it's what I'm Here For, right? But - of course - I won't. Because factswise (count it) - I'm not much good when it comes to checking the canon as far as anything but the first two seasons of BtVS goes; no good when it comes to giving concrete suggestions, or when it comes to helping someone who still needs basic hands-on guidance over the rocks; not very much good when it comes to not snickering at unusually badly spelled Mary Sues; not very much good when it comes to being cold and honest to strangers; no good at all (and this is really what it all always comes down to) - no good when it comes to checking the language, because I either don't know or don't have the nerve to mention because the odds are that I don't know.
"Please note: I'm not a writer myself, I'm not really qualified to do anything, and I don't really speak English, but I'd be totally happy to take a look at your story as long as you are so good that you won't need any real help with it."
La, la. I have made a form of art out of "I would, if I could, but I can't, so I won't, but I would, I really would, honestly, and don't you feel sorry for me, now?" Or maybe a game? A fun game. No expensive supplies required, and you even get to cheat all the way. (Both winners and losers get hot chocolate afterwards.)
Hmm.
And there are so many things I need to do before The Trip. Once again, I'm baffled by my ability to procrastinate until it all comes tumbling down on me. How can there be so many things? Gah.
But who am I quoting?
I keep thinking that I should sign up for one of those Volunteer Beta Listings. Because I'd like to be Doing Things for the Fandom instead of just lounging on the terrace and enjoying the view. Because I could, easily, I could make the time, I would have the energy, and I'd like it. Because I like to think I'm fairly omnitolerant, these days, as far as pairings and categories go. (Gimme that Riley/Wesley and I'll beta like there's no tomorrow, I tell you.) Because it's what I'm Here For, right? But - of course - I won't. Because factswise (count it) - I'm not much good when it comes to checking the canon as far as anything but the first two seasons of BtVS goes; no good when it comes to giving concrete suggestions, or when it comes to helping someone who still needs basic hands-on guidance over the rocks; not very much good when it comes to not snickering at unusually badly spelled Mary Sues; not very much good when it comes to being cold and honest to strangers; no good at all (and this is really what it all always comes down to) - no good when it comes to checking the language, because I either don't know or don't have the nerve to mention because the odds are that I don't know.
"Please note: I'm not a writer myself, I'm not really qualified to do anything, and I don't really speak English, but I'd be totally happy to take a look at your story as long as you are so good that you won't need any real help with it."
La, la. I have made a form of art out of "I would, if I could, but I can't, so I won't, but I would, I really would, honestly, and don't you feel sorry for me, now?" Or maybe a game? A fun game. No expensive supplies required, and you even get to cheat all the way. (Both winners and losers get hot chocolate afterwards.)
Hmm.
And there are so many things I need to do before The Trip. Once again, I'm baffled by my ability to procrastinate until it all comes tumbling down on me. How can there be so many things? Gah.
no subject
Date: 2002-08-23 03:58 am (UTC)As for the beta - thingie: hush, child.Anyone should fall onto their knees and thank you for beta:ing. So there :p
But don't sign up for one of those lists - most authors there won't be worth it. Better to make friends with an author you like - sound familiar? ;)
I admire all betas, but I am selfish and as soon as I get some sleep you'll have the Project to beta, hehehe...
/T, who is *squee* writing this from her Linux harddrive, that she installed herself!!!! and is feeling like a Geek (a very happy Geek)!!!
no subject
Date: 2002-08-23 05:23 am (UTC)Well, duh, of course. I totally get this. People should be lining up, and there should be falling onto knees, and possibly also gifts (nothing fancy - I'm a simple girl with simple needs - but something nice and little - flowers, chocolate, jewellery, maybe concert tickets?) just to show that people care. But, sweetie - as much as I love betaing fer ya, I still never need to do things like canon, basic mechanics or language there. ;)
(Really, though, if I were to be doing things for the Fandom, shouldn't I be trying (in vain) to rescue the most unworthy and dreadful ones who just can't find a beta reader anywhere, instead looking to beta for more already-darned-fine writers who really don't need any more betaing (which would mostly fall in the category of doing things for Me)? Shouldn't there be Suffering and Pain involved in Volunteering? How else am I ever going to get into Fan!Heaven? and get my fan!angel!wings? *sob* Right. Am calm, aloof grown-up. Must work on suppressing the remnants of upbringing again.)
writing this from her Linux harddrive, that she installed herself
You soo cool. :)
no subject
Date: 2002-08-23 08:39 am (UTC)still cool,
t.
no subject
Date: 2002-08-23 08:46 am (UTC)*sneeeze* *cough* *hack*
[takes tissue from Leea *honk!*]
Re:
Date: 2002-08-23 08:59 am (UTC)