(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

[janedavitt.livejournal.com]

I'm with everyone else. Your site, your way or the highway. I'd really hate to see it come down. Your rejection letters are things to prize as they're miracles of detailed f/b but they must be incredibly time consuming and there's not the slightest reason why you should do them. If someone's going to get pissed off after those letters, they're the type that would get on their high horse if someone said 'good morning' the wrong way.

And the groceries? Been there. It's exhausting. Cool bath, long cold drink and pamper yourself ::hugs::

[rusty_halo.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Jane! I appreciate it a lot.

I know I still owe you fic responses too. I'm planning to sit down and read through everything on your site, I just haven't had a chance yet. But it's on my list, and I'm really looking forward to catching up with everything. (Also I'm really enjoying the current S/X WIP).

[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::

[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?)

[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. :)