Mixed bag today. We get one of those “I know I just told you you were wrong and dumb but I’m totally not arguing with you” people, and a few more mild responses.
A response to your review at https://www.fanfiction.net/r/13063134/
Thank you for the review. I feel you should know that my partner and I were warned about you and your comrades within minutes of us posting our fic, and given a list of names, and were told to block you because otherwise we would be the victims of bullying and harassment. I have to say, if this is bullying, I’m unimpressed. Though I will have to respectfully disagree with your criticisms.
Firstly, I understand that the technical definition of a drabble is one hundred words, however I believe language is always evolving. In many of my experiences, drabble often means “short one-shot, less than 5k.”
I also have to disagree with leaving all pokemon species uncapitalized. I encourage you to look at any pokemon page on Bulbapedia, As well on your topic of keeping the word pokemon uncapitalized, that is incorrect according to canon information. On the official Pokémon website Pokédex (I capitalize because it is a name) it has the word capitalized in Pokédex entries. (Note: I also just checked, and they do capitalize pokemon species names as well)
Except we already have a term for that: “short story”. The term “drabble” is important because it means something specific. A story with an exact wordcount is a writing exercise with a specific purpose. I think removing that information is not a good direction for language to evolve in.
Capitalization arguments go here: https://www.fanfiction.net/topic/11834/55376155/1/Capitalization-Thread
~Kas (also previous correspondent)
~Kas
Excuse me, that’s really rude of you to say. I did indeed listen to your argument, and I noticed that it was something already addressed in the thread, so I directed you there. Your argument is in fact the very first one addressed in the FAQ. For someone who claims that thread is “aggressive”, you’re being unnecessarily hostile.
[And on the drabble front, honestly it is a stylistic choice. I’ve been in fandom for years and it’s a widely accepted term, far as I can tell, for “short fic”.]
And my argument was that it was not a stylistic choice. If a lot of people are using a word wrong, that doesn’t make them right. I said why I think it’s important to keep the terms separate. Can you listen to *my* reasoning, please?
Words change and evolve all the time and I don’t think a fight over the accepted use of drabble is going to really change anything in the world. You may call it as you wish, and we will call it as we wish. If you don’t like it, then avoid us and our stories. Your reasoning is your reasoning and I will not deny that you have your own points, but the biggest point of our reasoning I can give you is that we don’t care. At all. We are here to share our stories and do not need your ‘critique.’
-Kit
You really don’t see the irony here?
For future reference, the next time you don’t want to argue about something, *don’t argue in the first place*.
You have received a message from:
LoreilDarksky00
https://www.fanfiction.net/u/2146602/
Reply link: https://www.fanfiction.net/pm2/post.php?rid=243368074#new
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Subject: Keep reviews to the actually story, not veiled threats about what will happen if I don’t do what you want
A response to your review at https://www.fanfiction.net/r/13063150/
I forgot about the [world] option, I’ll update it soon.
I’m not writing about an OC. I’m exploring ‘what if’ possibilities; it’s a valid method of practicing, which is what plenty of fanfictions are meant to do. I have plenty of OC stories, but as they aren’t characters from already created series they are thus not going to be on this website. If you actually read the story and summary carefully, you would know that there are elements of time travel, which is what caused the changes you seem to dislike so much.
As for capitalization, in all forms of media that are /canon/, official subtitles included as well as the games, Pokemon’s species, occupations, and some locations including Gyms are capitalized. I am simply following that format. As for the ‘chuckled’ I will go back and edit that when I have time.
Not the thing Ash should know or care about? I’m sorry, are YOU writing this story? No. Honestly, you are doing the same thing you ‘warned’ me those other users are doing. Also, I’ll be reporting your review as the first line …
This message has been truncated due to length. To view in full, please visit site.
So it looks like this person may have been cranky about the warning? We shall see how they react to Blaze.
A response to your review at https://www.fanfiction.net/r/13063547/
I don’t know why you took it upon yourself to do any of that but thanks I think
Where they promptly posted this:
Forum: Complain About Farla
Topic: NaRe Review FAQ
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https://www.fanfiction.net/topic/11834/24493256/8/#173826773
Reply:
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Poster: Kellan26
Before you criticize others
look at your own work dude!
Theres two words connecting without a space!
go read then come back to others works
thanks
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You have received a message from:
Kellan26
https://www.fanfiction.net/u/7959348/
Reply link: https://www.fanfiction.net/pm2/post.php?rid=243370402#new
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Yeah I could care less what you think of my story
You are entitled to your own opinion so keep bullying people for not meeting your standards
See ya
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Then they blocked me.
Hello! Thank you for your review on my start ”Team Outcast”. I would like to know which statements are considered vague so that I can improve them at a later date (currently restricted to mobile). The chapter was a prologue, so in your advice should I mix together the first chapter as well to extend it and make it more ‘story’?
And just a comment on not capitalizing Pokemon and the likes — I was under the impression that that was how it was supposed to be? I will do some research, but as it stands I think I will keep them capitalized.
Thank you kindly for your review. I hope to hear from you soon. Cheers.
Well, as I said, the reasoning is that they’re common nouns, and common nouns aren’t capitalized. They’re only capitalized in official media because they’re registered trademarks. This thread covers more details: https://www.fanfiction.net/topic/11834/55376155/1/Capitalization-Thread
[The chapter was a prologue]
A prologue is in-universe, though. I could be wrong, but it sounded more like you were commenting on Pokemon and stories from an out-of-universe perspective, like the blurb on the back of a book.
[I would like to know which statements are considered vague so that I can improve them at a later date (currently restricted to mobile).]
It’s… pretty much all of it, sorry. The wording is very strange and awkward throughout. I recommend getting a beta reader; I think you’d need to tell someone exactly what you meant for them to give you a better idea of how to phrase it.
A response to your review at https://www.fanfiction.net/r/13064281/
Hey. First of all, thanks for the review. I will now proceed to respond to each part of your review in full.
1. Capitalization of Pokémon Names
It’s personal preference. Don’t get so preachy.
2. Grammar Issues
I am aware of the grammar issues. I’m proficient enough that I can avoid most of them, because I’m human and by definition imperfect. I do like to run the whole thing through Grammarly, but there’s two problems there A. I’m a college student scraping by, so I don’t pay for the premium service, and B. When I bring it from FFN to Grammarly and back, it fucks up the page breaks and italics, which I’d rather have even if it means I have to deal with a couple of grammar issues. I’m also way to lazy to copy it by hand.
3. Battles
I’m definitely going for a darker tone here, so the battles will definitely be bloodier. This battle was carefully made because I wanted to demonstrate how dangerous they CAN be. In-story, Baobab mentions off-hand that Thalia’s “blood was up,” meaning that she was going to be more aggressive. It also showcases Veronica’s naivety- she didn’t realize what was happening, and Thalia might not have pulled back. Baobab realized this. He’s also a bit zany, so he might not end up making the right choice.
And also, how ethical are Pokémon battles, anyways? It is essentially a Bloodsport, after all. And who’s to say that these Pokémon really have a choice?
Also I really love Scolipede, and a lot of the other Gen V Pokémon.
5. Story telling
As I mentioned, this story is very much inspired by the time I spent playing through Dark Souls. Most people assume, “Oh, Dark Souls, it’s hard, git gud, lol.” But it has a very interesting way of world building through dialogue and item descriptions rather than flat-out exposition. Exposition’s kinda dull, anyways, especially if done poorly.
This world is a classic example of my favorite fiction trope- magic and science together in one world. This world is a lot more advanced than the games or any other medium, evidenced by the fact that there’s off-hand mention of airships, holograms, oh, and I don’t know… Veronica’s metal arm, maybe?
About Trainers’ choices, I find it unrealistic that every single person starters with one of the same twenty-seven Pokémon, no matter what. Baobab’s selection mirrors that perfectly- he has two starters that have hung around for too long, as well a Pokémon he caught himself. It’s a common fanon that the starters are endangered species, which doesn’t make sense when compared to the Dex entries, (but then again, nothing does,) so I ditched it. So offense against Croconaw.
6. Summary
The reason I spoiled Veronica’s death is because it’s kind of a double hook- first of all, it tells you a bit of plot early, in case Veronica and her personal struggles don’t seem interesting, there’s something else for the fans. And secondly, if you’re scrolling through the plethora of samey stories and see the word “killed” in a summary, you might take a second look. [potential plot details redacted] Also, there’s the fact that I think that’d be a bit much to ask people to read ten thousand words in one chapter, and the chapter rounded off pretty well.
I am glad to hear that you’re interested. You’re welcome to stay and chat, if the story really interests you.
[It’s personal preference. Don’t get so preachy.]
No, it isn’t. They’re common nouns, and common nouns aren’t capitalized. That is grammar. Obviously I can’t force you to do anything, but if you want to break grammatical rules I would like to know why it makes for a better story. Color outside the lines, yes, but do it because you’re drawing a new picture, not because you’re scribble-checking to see if the ballpoint pen still has ink.
[Grammarly]
Grammarly is actually for formal papers, not prose. I’ve heard it makes a lot of mistakes. It would probably be a good idea to find a second pair of eyes if it’s not catching these errors.
[And also, how ethical are Pokémon battles, anyways? It is essentially a Bloodsport, after all. And who’s to say that these Pokémon really have a choice?]
Ah, so you will be engaging with this question? Excellent. I’m only concerned when authors don’t seem to realize these are things worth engaging with.
Scolipede is indeed excellent.
[The reason I spoiled Veronica’s death is because it’s kind of a double hook- first of all, it tells you a bit of plot early, in case Veronica and her personal struggles don’t seem interesting, there’s something else for the fans. And secondly, if you’re scrolling through the plethora of samey stories and see the word “killed” in a summary, you might take a second look.]
Yes, this is accurate. If you feel like it’s not spoiling too much, it’s all good. It’s nice to see a story actually putting thought into the summary and how to hook readers.
I think I may give the story a follow, actually. I’m not usually that into Pokemon mixed with high fantasy, but I’d be willing to give this a try.
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Reply link: https://www.fanfiction.net/pm2/post.php?rid=243382672#new
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Subject: re: Your review to Waste of my time
A response to your review at https://www.fanfiction.net/r/13064317/
There really was no need to rewrite all this in a PM…
Also, thanks for the constructive critism. I’ll be sure to take it into account. But I disagree with the ‘compromised’ thing.
A few hours after I had posted my story, a guy Pm’d me about bullies in the Pokemon community. Then a few hours later, you reviewed.
He gave me the names of…Was it…I think eight different authors?, and he really made it sound like you were terrible people. Like real jackasses. I don’t know what you did to them, but I suppose it’s not my concern.
I ended up giving him a little lecture about constructive criticism, and how you shouldn’t call someone a bully just because they don’t compliment you.
But if you truly are shoving your opinions down people’s throat, just downright criticizing and bullying the authors on this site because they’re views don’t align with yours, then please. I implore you to stop.
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And then they blocked me so I can’t actually do that. Why do people keep starting arguments they don’t want to follow through on?
The Average MailmanA response to your review at https://www.fanfiction.net/r/13062268/
Thank you for your review! While I appreciate you taking the time to drop your thoughts off (your paragraph about dialogue and how to handle it is informative), and you are certainly entitled to your opinion, I will not be seriously considering your points. If you’d like to continue to review the stories we post, you’re welcome to do so. Fair warning that I will not be considering your opinions beyond pure grammatical and English issues, which is helpful of you to point out.
Take care!
Someone also contacted me to hear my side of the story, and ended up deciding Blaze was wrong and they’d be fine with a review.
Hooray, someone used common sense!