Pepper Imp/public critique

Recently, some of you have been playing tag with pepper_imp. It's been suggested that this new LJer is the v of ladylestace, who deleted her journal after getting into a rather messy setdown with faith_accompli, myself and a few others. I really strongly don't believe that the two are the same individual. While she has the same stunning lack of social skills, her voice is quite different and she does seem to have a slightly better grasp of grammar, descriptive language and argumentation. There are enough bitches in the world that we don't need to resort to conspiracy theories, especially considering that her chief target, Faith, is a highly visible fandom personality and known for her acidic personality. -.- I've been linked to her journal more than a few times this week, but I don't think I'm going to be joining in this particular kerfluffle, because it just doesn't look to be a) worth my time, b) particularly entertaining. Yes, I do frequently start and take up fights with people for the flimsiest of reasons, but this one doesn't appeal.

However. Not to make a claim on the moral high ground, as you all now how ridiculous that would be, but I will say that it's a bit gauche to suddenly begin publicly critiquing a story, when the author has just offended you.

Blah.

So let's talk about critique. As some of you know, I run badficsupport with cedarlibrarian, which is all about semi-public critique. I'm also a longtime supporter of truly public critique, be it on review boards, communities or private journals. When you publish a piece of fanfiction, you leave yourself open to all kinds of public discussion, whether asinine or critical. You, as a writer, are a public figure and as such, you have to just put up with people calling you tosser, or questioning your sanity. Sure you're free to jump into the discussion with your two cents but I don't think that the position that public critique is in some way wrong is at all supportable. I also don't think that the right to critique need be earned. The biggest idiot should be able to tell the very best writer in fandom that she's a moron. I'd draw the line at systematic abuse, but I think we can all agree that it's a fuzzy line.

1) What do you consider 'appropriate' public criticism? Does it have to be kind, or at least measured? Need it say anything positive at all?

2) Where do you draw the line between bitching and harassment?

3) What constitutes an 'appropriate' response to public critique?

~X~

Yes, I still owe some of you meme responses and replies to comments. They're coming. Slowly. It's just that *whine* I've been really busy. Here's why.

Our stove recently broke down, so my parents went out and bought a new one. They neglected to measure it, as compared to our doors. They decided to forgo the $50 delivery charge and transport the damn thing themselves, in our van. Well.

We've been having trouble with the van lately, so it shouldn't have been such a surprise that once my father got it to the store and secured the stove inside, it refused to start. My parents don't own cell phones, so my father called home, hoping to get in touch with my mother. Eventually she got home, grabbed a quick bite to eat, drove my older brother to karate, and with her best friend, went off to help my dad. They got the van towed to the garage, but now the problem became transporting the stove. By hand.

Eventually, I had to go walk over with the dolly (I won't bore you with the associated drama) and help him wheel it home. So. Good. We've got the stove at the house. It won't go through the door. Ok, we cut it out of the box and try again. Still won't go through. We ended up removing the steel door and unhooking the chain and the rest, from the storm door. Then we discovered that it wouldn't go through the kitchen doors until we took off the stove door, slid it sideways and kind of jimmied it through.

There's more, but suffice it to say that many, many hours later, we have a functional, shiny new stove.

Who's coming over for cookies and pie?

~X~

Oh, I'm also very pleased to note that Canada will be recognizing the legality of gay marriages. Finally. *tosses confetti*

(no subject)

Cut tags are your friends and mine.

First drabble ever

Today I wrote my very first drabble ever. *sniff* The Sophist, for the Meaning of 'S' challenge at the wed100.

tstar78 and I started a new community, the_lioness, for discussion and fics about Lillian Luthor. Jooooooin us.

faith_accompli made me this new icon, as well as the community icon for the_lioness. Isn't she fantastic?