Well said Sue.
I don't have a lot to add to this discussion. I already said a couple of things trying to maintain a somewhat neutral stance on the issue (I don't like heated debates... makes my blood pressure rise).
But I will say that, while I appreciate all types of fdk - the good, the bad, and, yes, even the ugly... I do appreciate it if the really bad, or ugly, is sent privately via e-mail.
I think it can be embarrassing or discouraging for a writer to get nasty fdk on an open thread... it's bad enough to get it at all, but especially where everyone else has access to see it and read it...
I think constructive critism is a very healthy thing, but sometimes it's better if done in private... and maybe even received better as well. The writer might be more likely to take it to heart if they don't feel like they have to justify themselves in front of everyone on the board.
But back to the issue of deathfics... While I personally will never write a deathfic where either Lois or Clark are killed off permanently, with no hope of rectifying the situation... it is definitely someone else's right to do so. And while I do not seek out deathfics to read, because I like to read as an escape and for fun, I do occasionally take a peek at one... especially if the writer is good and people are posting positive fdk.
When I write a fic and thank the writers of the show I put a little line that says - Thank you to the writers because without them we wouldn't have this wonderful world to play in. And that's what we all are doing. Playing. In a world that we didn't create. So who's to say one idea or one storyline is better than another. It's fanon, not canon.
Okay, I think I've babbled on long enough.
I will say that I hope that if I ever write anything that makes someone say "what the heck was she thinking" that they'll tell me. I need to know.
