I like very clear labels on fics. Knowing if it's a wip or not, especially if I don't know how often the author usually updates, is vital because I don't like to be disappointed. The fic might get updated once a year or get abandoned so I'll rather wait until it's finished before I start reading. I think many writers should wait until they actually finish the story before posting it anywhere if they're not sure how committed to it they will be. Sometimes it feels like people have to post it online right away because they want to get comments saying: "Omg, more please!" without even being sure they know where the story is going or if they will have enough motivation to finish it. Of course there is plenty of writers who post wips and update them regularly and also finish their stories as well. I often check what else the author has published if I haven't read anything by them before- noticing that the author has 4 other stories going that haven't been updated for months/years doesn't really encourage me to start reading.
It's nice to have an idea about the length because sometimes I'm in the mood for something long and sometimes I'm after a quick read before bed, for example.
Pairing is quite crucial but it's just basic courtesy to mention, ya know... since people ship different things.
Oh, also... in slash fiction I'm grateful to know beforehand who's the bottom in the relationship (if it isn't an equal one). Depending on the pairing it can save me a lot of time and frustration since sometimes I have my own ideas about the ideal dynamics and can't get into a story that mixes it up, no matter how well it's written.
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mmmag
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Date: 2009-03-14 09:49 pm (UTC)It's nice to have an idea about the length because sometimes I'm in the mood for something long and sometimes I'm after a quick read before bed, for example.
Pairing is quite crucial but it's just basic courtesy to mention, ya know... since people ship different things.
Oh, also... in slash fiction I'm grateful to know beforehand who's the bottom in the relationship (if it isn't an equal one). Depending on the pairing it can save me a lot of time and frustration since sometimes I have my own ideas about the ideal dynamics and can't get into a story that mixes it up, no matter how well it's written.
I hope this rant is useful in some way.:S