This explanation is written with only the fan fiction storyboards in mind. If anyone would care to add further definitions or explanation, please email me at ranma@cox.net

What is a Spoiler?

Well, a common definition (and mine only, I take all responsibility) is a spoiler is any comment/feedback that reveals the content of a chapter/story to the public.

Example:

Oh No! Michael is in love with Joe? (*wink* Genevieve)

The reason this is a spoiler is because: it reveals a plot/character development to the reading public BEFORE they have had a chance to read the chapter, thereby ruining their anticipation and own shock at this discovery.

How it can be fixed. In most cases, less is more. This could be fixed with: Oh No! (r) with the (r) being the either the rest of the feedback or admonishing the writer for daring to do such a thing. *wink*

Example:

Good, she/he deserved to die.

The reason this is a spoiler is because: it details a major plot development. If the preceding chapters had been leading up to a confrontation, then you have denied the other readers a chance to discover the outcome. Now, true this does not reveal WHO died, but it still reveals the answer to a 'question' that was being asked in the previous chapters - How will this end?

How it can be fixed. This could be fixed with: I knew it(r) with the (r) being your gloating that, of course she/he deserved to die and more power to the author for seeing the wisdom of your thinking. *wink*

a brief summary of what is currently happening (such as: Michael and Nikita have run off and had a baby and now Operations and Madeline have found them)

The reason this is a spoiler is because: it reveals everything to the reading public BEFORE they have had a chance to read the chapter/story, thereby ruining their anticipation and own shock at this discovery.

How it can be fixed. In most cases, less is more. This could be fixed with: I can't believe(r) with the (r) being the either the rest of the feedback or urging the writer to continue and post haste for heaven's sake. How dare they leave the readers hanging? *wink*

Remember: In most cases, less is more.

Now, Spoilers happen and the world does not stop. If it does happen, contact the board administration as soon as possible and explain what story and by whom and I'm sure all the Board "Moms" will be more than happy to delete the remark without fuss. (Now, once again, I am only speaking for myself, but we seem to be a pretty friendly group so I think I'm right about this.)

Happy reading and please do leave feedback for the writers! =>

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What is "Flaming"?

Thanks to Genevieve for providing this explanation and example =>

Disagreeing is not flaming.

Arguing or disagreeing with someone is not flaming. Disliking someone’s writing or something they said and telling them so is not flaming. When it comes to fan-fiction, flaming is an attack upon a person, rather than their writing.

For example, if someone said this to me:

Genevieve, I’m having trouble believing that Michael would put on pink tights and dance around in the fountain. I’m hoping he’s under the influence of some gnarly mind control, because this just isn’t Michael.

That is honest feedback. The person could have simply ignored the chapter that annoyed them, or left me a harmless “This is so funny!” comment, but they chose to actually…gasp…tell the truth. If I really loved my chapter with the pink tight-clad Michael, I’d be annoyed, but I’d have to thank them for being honest.

However, if the comment was more along these lines:

Genevieve, this whole story stinks. What the f*ck were you thinking? Please spare us from further torture and turn off your computer and give up trying to write, because you’re obviously a complete loser.

Now there’s a flame! *grin* Mind you, that’s a pretty mild one. Anyone been to fanfiction.net lately?

Seriously, try to keep it about the story, not the author. This can be hard to do at times, but I think it's what most of the people on this board do their best to achieve.

Of course, if I then replied to either of these comments with:

Who the hell are you to criticize my story? What makes you the expert? It’s my story and I can do what I want. If I want Michael to wear pink tights I will. You’re just jealous that so many people like my story. F*ck you and the horse you rode in on!

Then I would have become a Flame Queen myself and, quite frankly, just begging to be singed to a crisp.

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