Natasha (r) -- The Beta Board

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Date Posted: 18:59:57 05/06/03 Tue
Author: Athena4
Subject: Natasha (r)
In reply to: Natasha 's message, "Shanola...(r)" on 18:28:36 05/06/03 Tue

While it is, of course, your decision whether or not to beta this story, I want to point something out that's important to the entire discussion of beta-reading.

You don't have to *LIKE* a story to beta it. It doesn't have to be to your tastes. In fact, sometimes its better that it's not.

As an "outsider" to the story, someone who isn't interested in Michael/Nikita and angst, and whatever else this story entails for you, you have a different POV, and perhaps would be better able to see "beyond the characters" and down to the grammar and tone.

In fact, you can also give insight into the characters that someone "inside" can't. You are more likely to question their actions, their behaviours. Something that people who think they "know" the characters may not do.

*this is a good thing*. It gives the other another opinion, one that stands "outside" the story.

I beta-read all sorts of different stories. From slash, to stories in fandoms I'm barely familiar with, to stories in fandoms I barely have any knowledge of.

I bring something different to each story I beta. And you, if you chose to, would do the same.

Yea, okay, so Michael/Nikita stories aren't your cup of tea. Neither are Clark/Lex or Xmen/Pretender crossovers mine. But I've beta read both - and while I couldn't say "That's out of character", I could say "Would Clark really do that?" and make the author question her own work.

So, what I'm trying to say is - cup of tea or not, give it a try, if you're so inclined. You'll bring a unique POV, and any POV is welcome.

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[> [> [> Athena, (r) -- Natasha, 15:53:58 05/08/03 Thu

You've given me some food for thought, and I'll have to consider doing this on a future story.

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