Writing (and hate)

Checked that new hate community (fanfic_hate). Was mildly amused by the sheer amount of hate that people can summon up for something so easily ignored (as there are certainly stories and authors on there that I agree suck, but wouldn't dream of hating, because, well, the 'back' key exists for a reason). On the other hand, it's probably cathartic for people to get the hate out of their systems. Unfortunately, I suspect that, as happened with TWoP, this may end up only breeding more hate. It's a thin line.

I looked in vain for some hate for my writing. Sadly, I don't appear to be on there (will let you know if I spot myself), as it's hard to be overrated when your average level of feedback is under ten comments (This is, I'd like to point out, not actually a complaint. I'm not the queen of feedback myself, and if I'm not willing to extend, it isn't sporting to be disappointed in not receiving -- this is my General Theory of Feedback.).

My biggest pet peeve in writing, the one thing that bugs me more than anything, is symbolized by something in the recent Harry Potter movie, actually - ( Spoiler for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (movie) )

Or, to put it another way, bending characterization in order to service a favored character. This is something that I always try to guard against in my own writing, but it's a common problem.

I'm not going to name names, because, honestly? This happens a lot. You love a character, therefore everyone else must or they will suffer (or be shown to be an asshole or (more commonly in slash) a bitch).

This covers quite a bit of territory. Generally, though, the rule that I work by is simple -- when writing as a character, be that character. You have to know them, live in their skin. And not only that, you have to remember how other people treat them. Not how you want them to treat them, but how they actually do treat them. Then, you have to filter that through the perceptions of the character that you're working with.

We all see each character differently, but we do all work from the same source material. We know things about them -- we've never seen Xander cry and only know of him crying once, when he found out that Joyce died. Therefore, there must be sufficient reason for a teary-eyed Xander in any given story, because Xander is not a teary-eyed guy.

Stargate dvd question:

*blinks*

I've been reading the intel on the Stargate dvds. On the first three seasons, it's pretty standard -- nothing special. Then, in season four, some episodes include commentary. This is nice, I like audio commentary.

So, I click to check out what they say about season five.

"Each episode has an audio commentary." And for season six it says, "Each episode has a commentary featuring the directors, cast and crew."

*whimper*

Anyone have the dvds who can confirm? And is it quality commentary?

If this is true, then when I get to the later seasons, I will have to buy them.

'Each episode has commentary' -- I could just die from the joy of seeing those words about a quality tv show.

Stargate -- Of Mice and Men

So, remember that plan of mine? Wherein I would get Stargate from netflix and watch it all in order?

Consider it cheerfully shot to hell, as I just bought season five on dvd (incidentally, they have the best kind of dvd case, wherein each dvd has its own hard case, like with Firefly).

Why that season (and not, say season one)? Because I've been waiting to see Meridian since I first knew of its existence (I'm a sucker for epics with tragical elements, and Daniel's story keeps making me think of that).

Plus? Commentary on every episode. This is worth fifty bucks.

And now, I will throw myself utterly out of continuity by watching Meridian.