Friday Needs... A Poll

[glennagirl.livejournal.com]

Here we are again at week's end, and Friday seems like a day made for polling.  Let's examine... ourselves.
[Poll #2052208]

Comments

[leethet.livejournal.com]

I'm interested to see most don't use a beta. I wonder if all of us who feel we don't need one are right or wrong - but I guess that's in the eye of the beholder. :-)

[gilda-elise.livejournal.com]

I was surprised, too. Can't answer the right or wrong question, as I use a beta, but you're probably right about it being in the eye of the beholderAand it goes without saying (though I'll say it anyway, *g*) that I don't think you need to use one!

[leethet.livejournal.com]

That's very kind of you. :-) I mean, obviously I don't think I do either - which of course is not to suggest I don't make mistakes! That's not really the deciding factor, for me at least. It's "can I present a readable story." After all, whether or not it's "good" in the eyes of others is never up to the author beyond doing his or her best.

[glennagirl.livejournal.com]

I've read stories that started off with kudos to the beta, only to find a boatload of typos and grammar booboos (if I may use that word). There are too many free apps out there for writing to leave excuses for misspelled words or simple grammar mistakes.

[leethet.livejournal.com]

I think I've mentioned around these here parts that whenever a story has three or more betas I make a bet with myself as to how soon I'll find an error. It's generally within the first paragraph. I admit, though, that I'm more critical about grammar than most. :-)

Many offer, few are qualified. Or perhaps, when it comes to betas, few offer, even fewer are qualified. Still, it's nice of people to offer - I know they mean well.

[insaneladybug.livejournal.com]

I feel that fanfics are meant to be totally fun and shouldn't be delayed by waiting for a beta to look them over first. ;) To me, having a beta makes it all seem like Serious Business. I think a beta/editor is only really needed if you're publishing a story for money. But of course, there are those who disagree and more power to them and their betas.

[leethet.livejournal.com]

There are many people who agree with you.