(no subject)

[rusty_halo]

New rule for AllAboutSpike: when someone submits a story, they can choose from two options if I decide to reject it. Option one: I don't inform them at all. Option two: I reply with "No thanks." That's the only explanation they'll get. They can choose which they'd prefer when they fill out the story submission form.

I'm no longer sending detailed explanations as to why I reject stories. If I'm going to keep running the site (which is still kind of up in the air right now) I need to get rid of the aspects that send me into the kind of stressed out panic that makes me never want to turn on my computer again. And this is definitely one of those.

I'm so sick of the rude, angry, bitter, and/or on-the-surface-polite-but-underhandedly-pissed passive-agressive responses that I receive just about every time I reject a story. I feel bad because a few writers have told me that they appreciated my detailed explanations, but I can't do it anymore. I have several hundred stories to sort through; do you have any idea how much time it would take me to 1) read every story thoroughly, 2) analyze all the reasons why I don't like it, 3) write all those reasons down in a way that is clear, detailed, and polite, 4) debate back and forth with the author as to whether my reasons *really* apply to their story? I'd never get *anything* done. And look, I know, when you create something it's precious to you and it hurts to hear it criticized, but I can't archive *every single story* that gets sent to me! And ultimately it's not worth putting my time and effort into something that will only serve as an excuse for someone to bash me/demand that I remove all her stories from my site/announce that she'll never allow any of her stories on my site in the future.

Yeah, I know, I'm whining again, but on the plus side, I found a solution. Hopefully this will help me get over the mental block that has prevented me from even *looking* at the "Recommended Stories" folder in my email box lately.

I should also mention that it's really no fun to carry two heavy bags of groceries up six flights of stairs in swelteringly hot weather because the elevator that you're paying insane amounts of money for isn't working AGAIN. So that may have affected my mood a little bit when writing this post.

Comments

[snoopygirll.livejournal.com]

Option one: I don't inform them at all. Option two: I reply with "No thanks."

If I might suggest? Do up a rejection spiel that is going to make both you and the author feel as good as possible about the "no thanks". Something standard:

"All About Spike would like to thank you for submitting your story. Unfortunately the sheer volume of stories. . .blah blah."

Your a clever, caring girl, I've no doubt you can come up with something suitably warm because as nasty and undeserving as some authors may be, we still feel for them hey. Well I do, and I think you do too or this wouldn't bother you so much. :)

[rusty_halo.livejournal.com]

Oh, yeah I always do something like that. Usually it's along the lines of "Thanks for sending the story. I enjoyed reading it, but I don't think it's right for my site." That's kind of the written equivalent to "No thanks" in my mind.

Thanks for mentioning it. I do definitely want to keep the author's happiness in mind; that's why I was taking such trouble to send detailed explanations in the first place. I felt that it was rude to reject something without (politely) explaining why. Unfortunately that didn't work out so well.

[wickedprincess3.livejournal.com]

::cheers::
I'm glad you're taking this step, if it means that people will be less rude than hurrah. While I treasured the help you gave me when I first started out (and you had every right to smite me since it hadnt even been beta read!) a lot of people think the world owes them stuff. Not cool, kudos for not letting them get you down :D

[bubonicplague.livejournal.com]

Yeah, well, your site sucks and so do you, you horribly rude bitch. ;)

Seriously, there's no need to write out detailed explanations for rejecting a story, as reasons for rejection can come from a myriad of causes. Such as, you don't like Spike-as-human fic, or a story isn't redemptive, or a story just sucks ass. Your site, your rules, and I like the way you run it thankyouverymuch. You owe no explanations, and it's polite of you to even bother responding in the first place.

Carry on and great work. You are appreciated.

Re:

[snoopygirll.livejournal.com]

I felt that it was rude to reject something without (politely) explaining why. Unfortunately that didn't work out so well.

Nice of you to try but, you're right, just a kindly 'no thanks' would be best.

[monanotlisa.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I know about the lack of family members nearby-- usually a good thing when it comes to parents, usually a bad thing when it comes to dear siblings, and always a sucky thing when it comes to getting unpleasant stuff done. & ;-)

So mates it is..?

[cbking.livejournal.com]

You run an amazing site, and shouldn't feel the need to apologize for the way in which you choose to run it. All of us in fandom are richer for its existence.

[herself_nyc]

I appreciate it a lot; I hope I expressed that in person when we talked.


You did!

And PLEASE archive "Disenchantment"! I hoped you'd ask. And I'm so glad you liked it so much.

[ladycat777.livejournal.com]

Feel the need to just point upwards and say "what they said" but. . . it's *your site*. If they don't like it, screw 'em. You pay for it, you take the immense time to take care of it, from picking new fic to add to making sure the database functions. That's work, all of it unpaid and unasked for.

AAS is one of the best archives there is. Period. Run it the way you want it to be run. *smooch*

*offers a/c unit plus strong boy-type to lug it up and install for you*

[janedavitt.livejournal.com]

Glad you're liking Preying. Hoped to wrap that up soon but it seems to be taking on a life of its own.

And I'd love for more of my fics to be on your site because it has such an excellent reputation that I get a real buzz from seeing them there...but there's no rush at all for you to read my backlist. I don't send my fics to you and ask you to archive them because I know you're snowed under (and I did that back before we got to know each other when you weren't likely to ever see them any other way) but if you see any you want, they're yours.

My fics aren't going anywhere - and neither is your site. That last bit is a hint btw. Please don't take it down ::pleading eyes::

Re:

[kellyhk.livejournal.com]

Working on a fic right now. Have a sappy little vignette almost done. Hey, so sue me, I wanted some post 13 sap. Anyhow, two AU's in the works, big roadtrip to Idaho starting tomorrow, and a new spiral notebook for the drive. Things are looking up. That writer's blight (and you thought a writer's block was bad) is gone. I think.

[spikewriter]

Y'know, there's a reason in publishing that rejection letters which contain actual comments on the book/story just rejected are so treasured -- it's because it takes time to write the comments and phrase them in a way that will be (hopefully) positive and constructive.

I didn't realize you'd opened up for submissions, but I think your two options are the best. Sounds like it's either that or stop accepting submissions. Of course, refusing to accept submissions probably wouldn't stop the people who whine and complain, so your two options are definitely the best.

Do what's best for you -- this isn't a business; it's a hobby and as such, it sound provide at least some enjoyment. It certainly shouldn't provide stomaches each time you turn on your computer.

[rusty_halo.livejournal.com]

Thanks. :)

I just read "Good to the Last Drop." Wonderful last line! I'm going to try and get it archived today. (That's okay, right?)

[rusty_halo.livejournal.com]

Ooooh, awesome! I can't wait. :)

[rusty_halo.livejournal.com]

It's posted at:
http://www.allaboutspike.com/fic.html?id=553

Let me know if you'd like me to change anything.

Thanks!

[rusty_halo.livejournal.com]

Thanks. :)

[rusty_halo.livejournal.com]

Thanks! :)

I did think for a long while that it's rude to reject something without explaining why. But yeah, ultimately, it's not worth it, and it's not the point of my site anyway.

[herself_nyc]

Thank you!

Re:

[witling.livejournal.com]

You're right, I am always offering food solace. Hm. That's a bit weird. I mean, I like food and everything, but I don't really think of myself as an eater-for-solace.

::goes off to think about this::

::and has an iced coffee::

hee

[shapinglight]

Just wanted to agree with everyone else, and to say that I love your site. It's by far the best archive of BtVS stories I've come across in terms of quality, and the lay out is great too. You're doing us all a favour by running it, and anyone who doesn't realise that is probably not worth your politeness anyway.

Sounds like the right idea to me...

[jaydk.livejournal.com]

And definitely don't torture yourself over it. It's your archive, there's no obligation to anyone to explain or justify your decisions, especially when some folks don't appreciate the effort. You've been a lot nicer for a lot longer than I ever would be ;-).

[janedavitt.livejournal.com]

Certainly is and thanks. The version on my site is tidied up a bit if you want to use that. ::hugs::

[rusty_halo.livejournal.com]

Awesome. Here it is (copied from your site):
http://www.allaboutspike.com/fic.html?id=555

Just let me know if you'd like me to change anything. :)

[st_salieri.livejournal.com]

Just wanted to add in my voice to the support you've been getting. Your site is the first one I check when I'm looking for Spike fic. I've been consistently amazed at it: the high quality of the fics, the speed at which it is updated, the wonderful layout, everything. Please keep up the good work, and don't let the nasty comments or the flames get you down. Whatever you've been doing, you have a wonderful site that contains excellent fics, so in my book you're doing it right. Thanks for all your hard work.

[scarlettgirl.livejournal.com]

I just wanted to reiterate what everyone else has said. Your site, your decision. Period.

That being said, I just wanted to let you know that I consider AAS the benchmark for fanfic sites. It's the first place I turn to look for well-written, diverse Spike stories. You are doing an excellent job and your site gives me more pleasure than you can imagine. Keep up the good work.