(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

[witling.livejournal.com]

Oh, chica. You sound like you need an iced coffee, a working elevator, and possibly a neck massage. Or maybe another squib of fic. Sorry--I've been busy. More squib soon.

And I'll just leave this nice iced coffee right here on the end table, for when you want it.

[mintwitch.livejournal.com]

Well, brava to you for running the site in the first place and accepting submissions; many sites are invitation only.

Stick to your guns chickadee: you are doing the Net & Netizens a favor, and no one has the right to make you feel like crap for going out of your way to be nice. Heck, the world should be deeply grateful, if for no other reason than you are *much* nicer than I would be in your shoes.

[monanotlisa.livejournal.com]

New rule for AllAboutSpike...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.

Definitely sounds like a plan.

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.

Ack. You need a foot-rub, girl. Go grab some family member or trusted mate of yours! & :-)

[diva-stardust.livejournal.com]

Sounds like a good rejection process idea to me. Hope you end up doing this. The less stress for you the better!:D

[hazel75.livejournal.com]

You do what you need to do. Personally I want you to do whatever it is you need to do to keep up the archive because I think it's the best one out there. I know when I go to your site whatever fic I read will be wellwritten, thought-provoking and lovely on some level. I never have to wade through any crap.

So, whatever it takes for you to keep the bastards from getting you down I say you do.

Sorry that this hasn't been fun for you lately. Keep your chin up and do what you need to do.

You know, here's something...

[ginmar.livejournal.com]

You don't owe anybody an explanation. They're not paying you, are they? No. So, nope, no explanation required. If I may be so bold, they owe you an explanation. They should explain why you should archive their stories, and there are some basics that should be a given. But ultimately, you don't Owe. Anybody. One. Fucking. Thing. It's your damned website, right? Are they paying you? Well, I didn't think so. Really, they're the ones that should be feeling bad. I keep telling you, turn the uppity ones over to me. They won't know what hit 'em.

Six Flooors?! Where the hell do you live? Moscow?! Babe, I'm wishing for air conditioning for you right now. Plus a working lift.

[chase820.livejournal.com]

My condolences over all the cold pricklies people are giving you. I think your plan to come up with a basic formulaic response is perfectly logical and justified. There's a reason publishing companies and agents and the like have those, you know. It would be positively soul-numbing to have to respond to every person in detail.

It's your archive, and your webspace. I say do what you want.

[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::

[kellyhk.livejournal.com]

Laura, All About Spike is one of the strongest and diverse archives on the net. Kudos to you for screen all the fic and really maintaining such a high standard. Honestly, I didn't know you could submit. I thought it was by invite only. (needless to say I was tickled when you asked to archive my stuff)

Anyhow, you get to run it however you want. That's the beauty of being the sole archivist. And, seriously, you don't need a long winded letter explaining your rejections. Don't let people make you feel bad for your decisions. Stick to your guns, sunshine!

[http://users.livejournal.com/skylar_/]

Never forget that it's your site. You have to explain yourself to nobody. I really hope that you continue to keep this site because it's very unique. It's obvious that you put a lot of hard work into it, and it has a well-earned reputation of high quality.

You certainly don't have to put energy and time into arguing about what you want on you site and what not. And you should certainly not stress yourself over it.
I think the new submission system is a good idea. You might even want to get that far that you don't accept people submitting their own stories. Instead you could set it as a premise, that you only consider a rec by another person, this way you don't have to be confronted with the author if that's a problem for you, but that's just an idea.
The main thing is, that you never forget that you don't have to justify yourself for denying a story/author.

six floors?!
::hands you an ice tea::

[herself_nyc]

What they all said. You're within your rights to reject without apology or explanation. And as I told you the other day, your site is beautiful and wonderful; please don't let the rudies get to you. You're a star of this fandom.

[harmonyfb.livejournal.com]

So that may have affected my mood a little bit when writing this post

Well, I'll have a bit of Spike-fic for your birthday on Saturday, so hopefully that will cheer you up. :)

[shadowlass.livejournal.com]

That sounds like a really good solution, Laura.

[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. :)

[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.

[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.

[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*

[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.

[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 ;-).

[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.

[lumenara.livejournal.com]

That is *so* beyond within your rights. I've just wandered by your journal for the first time today, but I had to stop and say something. I thought I was happy before, when I got your request to archive-- now I'm so damn flattered it's not funny.

You are providing a service to fandom at large. You don't owe anybody anything. *points above* And what they said.