Am I mean?

[azurite]

Remember Sempaiko? Remember "Cast Away With Seto Kaiba"? I like the story, to a degree, but as with ALL fics I read, most especially those of my OTP (Seto x Anzu), I am of course going to review with concrit. Since when do people have to get so damn worked up over something that's basic to all writing? Well anyway, I used Sempaiko's art for one of my iconfiend100 icons-- a tribute of sorts to the story, because I *DO* like it. I know it can be better, though. Anyway, I checked the story today, and when I got a Review Error saying I'd already reviewed, I decided to check the page for my review.

Instead, I found these: beautifulgirl101 - Love your story. It has suspense and good romance. This chapter was very good, write more. I've been reading your story from the beginning and I have to say it is well written and very vivid. I could actually see what was happening, like it was a movie or something.

Don't worry about that Azurite person. I think whoever she/he is, is wrong for getting angry with you saying she/he's a great writer and you wanting to get to one thousand reviews. That's just pretty childish to me with her/his behavior.

Another thing, I don't like what she/he is doing, is trying to look for corrections and trying to tear apart your story. So what if you have some errors? NO one is perfect and she/he has no right to be doing that. It should be up to you to fix your own errors and write Tea's name how you feel like to.

She/he could also just tell you about it in a good way instead of checking each chapter for errors, like her/his story is any better than yours.

She/he has the audacity to take the time and check each of your chapters for errors. Yea, she/he may have 856 reviews on counting for her/his Yu-gi-oh fic. So what? That doesn't make Azurite a better writer than anyone.

I think she/he is way out of place to be doing something like that. She/he should e-mail you or ask you for your e-mail and relay this information to you, instead of trying to humiliate you infront of your fans. Besides her/his story ain't all that good anyway.

This is long enough. I just thought I should tell you this, sempaiko because I don't want you to stop writing again because of perfectionists like Azurite, people who have nothing better to do in life than critize other people's stories. Well, keep writing and you'll definitely get another review from me!!

Bye

cutehelenjames - Firstly i would like to say that Azurite has gone too FAR its beyound pathetic.. you by all means were only complimenting her on her story...there is nothing wrong with that..but one thing she is too silly to realise, by pointing out errors in your fics (which she must have looked at every word carefully for spelling mistakes or typos) she is actually giving you more reviews, closer to the big 1,0! she is complaining about it but yet its ironic that she is helping you get more reviews!

Secondly i would like to point out that although she has more reviews than any SetoxTea(oops i spelt it wrong:O!) it does not give her the right to think that she is better than any other author, in fact by her immature behaviour and *censer* comments makes her less of an author because i think she cant take it that someone is catching up with her in the review counts...and heavan forbid there might be a better story than hers out there!:O (i think yours is so much better)

Thirdly...i would think that since she is a fellow author on FanFiction i would have thought that she would be more civilised...but obviously not...as my friend says...'she is so up herself it's not funny' true so very true...and she also needs to know that she is not the best author around on fanfiction, she isnt perfect nor should she think it, she also shouldnt think that she is right about everything...because she is not..
although she seems to be throwing in compliments in your story i dont think its the point...she shouldnt make people feel bad about their fics and crush their self esteem.

i am done here!

hopefully this helped you (and my other one)

PLEASE KEEP GOING WITH THIS STORY! dont let azurite get you down...keep going! its brilliant!

sayonara^^

cutehelenjames (i do have an account, i have already reviewed this chappie^^)

i hope this helps in the slightest way...and ignore the comments made...but just remember she is ironically helping you get closer to 1,0 reviews^^lol

cutehelenjames

cutehelenjames - i know i have already reviewed this chapter but i thought one more review wouldnt hurt...one more review closer to one thousand, right?

i have read the review that Azurite left you and quite frankly i thought it was quite rude...if you said something like that about one of my fics i wouldnt be angry...i would be happy that someone appreaciates and likes what i wrote...you dont have to feel guilty about what you wrote because me and my friend (that i showed this to) thought it was a very nice compilment on Azurite's fic.

i am not flaming or bad mouthing Azurite...i am just showing my support...because it is one thing writing a nasty review, but another leaving a nasty comment on her website when you were giving her a thought out and sincere compliment...

I hope that this situation hasnt put you off from further updates of this fic...because this is one of my favorite stories on fanfiction! so thinkof your fans that love this fic because you know deep down that you have the support from all of your fans...

Anyway i am reviewing anonymously because i have already reviewed this chapter...but i thought that this is one more review to help you get to the big one thousand;D

please update soon and dont be put off by what has happened...

once again i am not in ANY way bad mouthing Azurite...i am not that type...but i do think that this needs to be said...i apologise if it causes offense since you are a fan of her work...

anyway please update it soon!

one of your loyal reviewers

cutehelenjames (if you want to email me use the link on one of my signed reviews)

see you in the next review^^

sayonara^^

Loathe as I am to say it, this hurts my feelings. Yeah, the two people might be annoying people who have no concept of rules, guidelines, the fact that FFnet is NOT a democracy, the COPPA age limit of signing up for sites, the idea of publishing anything for public exposure (most especially on the 'Net), and that review count really does NOT matter in terms of fic quality... I mean, I could go on.

I know I'm not supposed to take stuff like this personally, but... Ow, it really does hurt my feelings.

I re-read my own review. I don't think I was mean, though I was a bit reactive to finding out Sempaiko wanted to compete with me to be the first Seto x Anzu fic to hit 1000 reviews. Like I said to her though, I could care less. Yes, when I hit 1000 reviews, I will thank everyone, I will be happy, and I might even make a cute little banner image, but that's it. 1000 is a number, nothing more. Chances are, 80% of those reviews were anonymous one-liners that meant next to nothing to me. I RARELY get reviews that really impact me, that make me think, that force me to try and improve my writing. But those are the kind that, while they can be harsh, I love them.

So now, to address the two reviewers, even if they'll NEVER see this...

I would like to know why my getting upset over being an unwilling, not-notified participant in a so-called CONTEST to get the most reviews is more childish than the whole "race to 1000 reviews" in the first place. Why do the number of reviews matter? Isn't it more worth it to get 1 good, thorough review than 10 pointless "plz update!" ones?

As for looking for corrections, I never did anything of the sort with the intention to tear apart Sempaiko's story. I am not a flamer, I do not "flame for a good time." If I had bad intentions toward Sempaiko or her fic, why would I bother wasting my time reading each chapter so thoroughly, anyway? Most people have a hard time even FINDING an editor or beta-reader for their fics! I am willing to be that person for Sempaiko if she so desires, and even point her toward other willing people/places! I hope she continues to write CAwSK, because I enjoy the story very much (and I love the art, too)! But as with all things in life, they can be better than they are! Why not strive to be better? It's not PERFECT I'm looking for, it's GREAT, it's EXCELLENT! I want to see people making an effort with their fic, and not disrespecting the fandom, the characters, the fanbase or fan's intelligence, or the site on which they post!

I gave my reviews to her because, as I said, I don't care about review count. If Sempaiko gets 1000 reviews on her story before I do, WHO CARES?! I don't. Let her. I will not cry over it. That's why I don't mind reviewing (and signing my reviews, on top of that) even if it bolsters her review count. By the way, review count tallies up ALL reviews, signed and anonymous, from all chapters. Is it really fair that some people will leave a signed review and then an anonymous one, just for the sheer purpose of getting more reviews? That's not fair to authors like me, who don't get doubles of reviews. I might get plenty of anonymous reviews, but no one outright says "Hey, I'm reviewing twice just to bolster your review count!" I wouldn't want someone to do that, ANYWAY!

For the umpteenth time, I don't care who has the most reviews. I really don't. Ergo, it doesn't bother me that Sempaiko is a few hundred reviews away from WDKY's reviews, or that both of us are bordering on 1000 reviews for the stories as a whole. I have NOT once thought that I am a "better author" or something like that, just because of the number of reviews I get. I'm relatively sure there are plenty of other non-SxA (usually yaoi) fics out there that have more reviews than WDKY, and I will be the first to point out that many authors of the Yu-Gi-Oh fandom, regardless of their pairing preference, don't give a rat's ass about FFnet's rules, the English language, or respect for the fandom.

Yeah, I get a bit bitchy about people too lazy to type "Téa" just because IT'S SO DAMN EASY TO DO! And everyone knows, her name is Tay-uh, not Tee, like the stupid hot drink! You don't get that pronunciation if you don't use the e-acute! It's simple, everyone! Simply hold down the ALT key on your keyboard and hit 0, 2, 3, 3 on your Numerical Pad to the right of your letters! TAH-DAH! éé!!!! Her name is not "Tea." Never has been, never will be. AND SHOCK! Yes, I was once guilty of not having her name corrected in my fics. But I DID correct them all, and now I think my stories read better, because people don't see her name and go "wait a sec, is that a name or a drink?" Because it HAS happened before! Authors do NOT have any say over canon facts like names. If people are allowed to complain about fantwits writing "Seto Kiaba," then I can complain about disrespecting the dub canon by calling Téa "Tea."

Oh, and I would like to ask any of those readers who judge me based on my reviews to someone else's story if they've ever even read my fics? How the hell do they know if it's any good or not? I've never even seen any of them bother to review and say what they thought! Oh wait-- I bet you they COULDN'T, because they're not 16 yet, and thus shouldn't be reading my MATURE fic! :P Sempaiko's fic can appeal to the younger set, mine is written with people with a greater respect of adult situations in mind!

And you know what? I'm sorry if people think I've crushed anyone's self-esteem. I'm not a perfectionist though, and I don't think I'm better than anyone else. In fact, one of the things people point out to me is that I often put myself down! I procrastinate! I constantly worry and fret, and that's why I take betaing and editing so seriously, because were I to subject my original work to the masses without editing, I think people would HATE it!And when I do feel the need to point out someone's weaknesses or errors, I do make sure to point out the good things, because almost every story HAS them! CAwSK has an incredible amount of originality, surprise twists, (fantastic art!!!) and emotional scenes! I like it a lot!

I just wish these people could understand that.

They called me 'pathetic' though. That... really, really hurts.

Comments

[kitesareevil.livejournal.com]

Bad, Andi-chan, bad! Pointing out that you can tell the difference between "Tea" and "Téa!" (Having not seen Yu-Gi-Oh, I can honestly say that it makes a huge difference in how I see her name) How horrid of you! And those incredibly fixable spelling errors! *rolls eyes* Though, I checked the story and it looks like it's just the fanbrats, not the author? Or did I not check enough? *shrugs*

I'd be hurt if someone said those things about me, too, so don't worry, you're not alone. I have to say that I envy the author, she's getting this lovely concrit and doesn't seem to care! ;_; If it were me, I'd jump and pull my hair out because oh my God, I can't believe I typed that wrong! Or that didn't come off the way I wanted it to to people!

Dear fanbrat, bite me, ne?

[winterwing3000.livejournal.com]

To be truthful, I'm thoroughly disgusted with their reviews. Obviously, they haven't heard of the quote, "You can't judge a book by its cover". And putting words into your mouth isn't exactly "civilised" either.

I always thought that writing fanfics was for a sense of enrichment and sharing ideas with the many readers out there. But for next generation, I guess not.

Don't worry, Az! You're always one of my favorite writers in the whole world. So don't let those 'immature brats' get to you. (Even tho', they're getting me all riled up ><) *hugs*

[svelterose.livejournal.com]

I don't agree with the reviewers tactics; it just sounds like people who are just trying to sooth their friends and the only way they can do that is by disagreeing with you. I mean, it's the same thing the last two repliers of this post did (also what I'm doing now).

In any case, be soothed by the fact that they don't know you so they can hardly be given the right to call you 'pathetic'.

[mklutz]

That's because ficbunnies don't understand constructive criticism. If they did, ff.net probably wouldn't exist.

[clarify.livejournal.com]

*hugs* I know how you feel. Despite the several reviews for School Daze, rarely do I get one which I really honestly give a damn about. I'm shocked at those reviewers, and even more shocked that people would make it a race to get more reviews.

[rhapsody-dragon.livejournal.com]

I'd like to thwap those reviewers upside the head for even daring to call you pathetic, especially since it's one of the most untrue things about you. It's not every day that you get someone with your writing skills to critique your work... They should take it as a gift! (Like I did when my newspaper was critiqued for free. They normally cost $90!) I think with con crit, yeah you get a little huffy about it (at least some of us) but that's only because of the shared trait among humans where we hate admitting we made a mistake.

Seems these people just forgot the part where you grin and fix that mistake, taking with you some valued information for next time.

>.> And seriously, you'd be one of my first choices for a beta.


:S I hope these silly people will stop with this, because it's just showing how disgusting FF.net is becoming.

(And hey-- would I even try to make icons and help beta WDKY if it was just another wimpy fangirlyfiction competing for reviews? ;P)

*sigh*

[azurite]

I don't want to be a hypocrite and judge them before I know them or their "true story," but yeah, my feelings are hurt. And what if they are just silly little 13 or 14 year olds? I was in that position once, too. And taking crit is hard-- from parents, teachers, and especially absolute strangers.

And nothing pisses me off more than people who claim to be experts because they've got a BA/MA in English, or they studied Japanese for XX years, etc. etc. I honestly believe that much of what you learn in school applies to writing fanfiction (in terms of structure, spelling, etc.) but everything else is common sense, learned through trial and error. But if people aren't receptive to concrit, what hope is there for the future?

And yeah, FFnet really is degrading, which is sad. It used to be the hub of millions of people and their stories, and now it's got so many errors and problems and disrespectful "fans" that I don't even browse the engines anymore. Yes, I still find a rare gem every once in a while, but...

>_> Well, anyway, I do appreciate it. I do especially love the icons and the work you've been doing for WDKY. I stand my ground in that I don't care about the number of reviews I get, just the quality. I like to know people are reading my story and enjoying it.

[guardian-kysra.livejournal.com]

I'm afraid I couldn't read past the second review that you've reproduced here, I was so livid. However, I really think you shouldn't let it get to you, because after a few moments of thinking it through, I realized it was a waste of time and energy getting worked up over a coupla ignoramouses (ignorami?). YOU know what you meant (and I've read the review in question, you were succinct and helpful not mean at all), you know you're a fantastic writer, we - most of us if not all - know you deserve every positive review you've gotten. This is not worth your time worrying over.

*hugs*

^_^

[azurite]

Thanks-- I do know it's a waste of time to get worked up over what people far away and years younger than me think-- I write for myself before I write for the fans, after all. Nonetheless, I always thought the fic-writing world is one where I wouldn't get judged so harshly without people getting to know me (or what I write).

Thanks. (Oh, and OT, but the fact that you responded reassures me that you have not been blown away by 208 mph gale force winds currently tearing apart the Gulf Coast of the Southern United States. I'm glad you're okay.)

Re: ^_^

[(Anonymous)]

Not blown away YET anyway. We're only getting bands right now. I'm located on the west side of the storm and if you're gonna be this close to the projected path of the eye, the west side is the place to be - more wind but less water. Water is what we fear down here. We won't be in the thick of it till around 7-8 (no hurricane ever hit during the Daylight hours - I have no idea why).

In any case, we're about to leave for 35 miles north (not a big difference from staying home but every little bit helps!). So, I'm not sure when I'll be able to get online again >-<

Damn this thing. Crap! I'll be in touch - sooner rather than later hopefully! (Thank God I bought some shrimp boots finally!) *hugs*

Mea culpa

[geniusgirl.livejournal.com]

This is all my fault. I should never have mentioned the damn girl. You wouldn't have had to stand that abuse.

I love getting your reviews, cum “filler” or not, because you always have something helpful/nice to say. You’re not the one who’s pathetic; they are because they seemed to have failed basic comprehension in grade school. I’m assuming they read your review and your intended manner and obviously carefully chosen words just flew over their empty little heads. Never mind them.

If anyone’s been crushing anyone’s self-esteem, it’d be me, calling sempaiko (who is actually rather nice) a “little twit” for starting this race. But harsh reality and PMS don’t mix well, do they?

And yes, they’ve probably not read WDKY or any of your other stories so they’re just swinging in the dark hoping to hit something. All I can tell you is this (though my aunt would kill me if she ever knew I said it): Fuck them. They’re not worth the time, energy or emotion.

Morons, I tell you!

[janimelee.livejournal.com]

Yeesh, give me a break! How childish can you get? I confess, I have the same typing problem with Téa's name. Azurite, you are not mean. All you did was offer a some advise and the little prissy-pants got bent out of shape just because they took your info the wrong way. Ignore them.

A reviewer of my Ronin Warriors fic found mistakes and pointed them out. She also offered to be my beta-reader, which she now is and I am grateful.

Ciao!

Re: Morons, I tell you!

[azurite]

*nod* I didn't exactly bother to seek out their names and emails, but I did write to Sempaiko, who was very courteous and responded to me within a day. She told me she actually emailed them and told them that the matter of "her vs me" and my reviews were between me and her, not the fandom populace, me, and her. I really appreciated that, so I hope it gets resolved by the time she releases the next chapter of the fic.

Re: Morons, I tell you!

[(Anonymous)]

With an apology at the very beginning.

Re: Morons, I tell you!

[bianca-maxwell.livejournal.com]

You go Azurite! I love your stories; you're one of the few authors I go to read Seto/Anzu. Don't listen to them, they're probably jealous that they can't write like you can. I don't say that to many people. You voiced your opinion, they can't accept what you said, f*** them.

That's my thought anyway.