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GDS comes through again (1/2) sabinelagrande 2005-10-27 05:05 am UTC (link)

For those who missed it: This may get me banned. But you all need to read this. I speak as one half of the infamous Resident Evil Mary Sue duo that is Hello Captain and Shakahnna. How did the dear and gentle readers here manage to utterly miss the fact that not only do we write numerous shameless, unrepentant, self indulgent Sues, and that in fact we find it nigh on impossible to write a story and NOT put ourselves in it, but that none of these fics has ever managed to grace the hallowed halls of fame here (which in itself is a travesty). Yet when we write a piece taking the piss out of OURSELVES (It's Not Big and It's Not Clever) for writing Sues, sporking ensues. What you don’t seem to realise is that, yes, we are (justifiably) full of ourselves (because we are fantastic writers, we are witty, and we are utterly mesmerising), but that we also have a very realistic idea of our own “weaknesses”. That’s why we’re so popular. That’s why our latest endeavour is pushing the boundaries of Sue-dom. For example. Shak’s self based character is a loud, overweight, delusional, classless, corrupt, mentally unstable policewoman with all the hygiene habits of a pig and a fixation with cutting off male genitalia, and my self insertion is an ugly, uptight, geeky, snobby, clumsy, cowardly hypocrite who instantly irritates everyone she meets and lets her pets die. Both are crass, arrogant, offensive and less attractive on a Friday night than a Pringles tube stuffed with liver. It’s the age of the anti-hero, and we are the pioneers. THAT’S the real reason why we are allowed to write Mary Sues, and the rest of you aren’t. Because we are not only honest about our repulsive personality traits and physical appearance, but we REVEL in it. Our Mary Sues NEVER get the boy in the end. They have NO special abilities or talents, aside from any that we have in real life. They are not who we wish we were, they are who we ARE. And we are so fucking proud of ourselves, we are SO completely happy with being US, flaws and all, that we can stick an honest version of ourselves into the Resident Evil universe, and utterly get away with it, because if nothing else, we have the confidence to carry it off, and to say to the world “This is us. We’re not perfect, but if you don’t like it, you can suck my rocket”. Too long, cont. in next comment... (Reply to this)(Thread)

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) sabinelagrande 2005-10-27 05:05 am UTC (link)

We are a call to arms for everyone who has ever been ashamed of who they are. For anyone who has never quite been able to fit the mould socially (and I don’t mean in the “Im difrent omg I cut miself Im a goth” way, I mean really). For anyone who has been made to feel inadequate over something they can’t help. For anyone who feels that they either can’t put themselves into a story, or that if they do, it has to be what they wish they were, rather than what they are. We stand up now, and we say that you don’t HAVE to be beautiful, popular, pretty, sexy, tough and renegade. That it’s more than ok to live like a disaster, and muddle through life rather than glide. It takes a security, a complete self reliance and self satisfaction that none of you have. You all DESPERATELY wish that, even just for a day, you could run about in the universe of your own particular fandoms. But you don’t have the guts to do it, because you don’t have the guts to write a truly honest portrayal of yourself, and how you would react in that situation. Are you jealous? Because you should be. This is your wake-up call. This is your flaming sword, your arrow through the heart. This is me telling you that, instead of picking on Miss Mary Sue’s insecurities, you should look at your own flaws, your own limitations. Then embrace them. And go out and wear your heart on your sleeve, instead of hiding behind sarcasm and friends only posts. You like your fandom because you identify with it. Because you can relate to it. Because when you played that game, or watched that anime, or read that book, it struck a chord with you. Do you really have so little confidence that you have to hate everyone who is brave enough to actually go out there and INTERACT with the fictional world that resonated so deeply with them. If you’re going to indulge in escapism (and that’s all reading, television and gaming is), then you might as well have the courage do it properly. And you might as well do it as yourself. There is no such thing as canon. It is a myth that people with no confidence in their own abilities created to stop themselves from facing up to the fact that they don’t think they’re good enough to reach out and touch the one thing that brightens up their day a little. And the point is…you all are. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) taiga_ameca 2005-10-27 05:08 am UTC (link)
	There is no such thing as canon. It is a myth that people with no confidence in their own abilities created to stop themselves from facing up to the fact that they don’t think they’re good enough to reach out and touch the one thing that brightens up their day a little. Buh? (Reply to this)(Parent)

	Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) amxjm 2005-10-27 05:27 am UTC (link)
	There is no such thing as canon. So was Pachelbell just all in my head or what? (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

(no subject) - flightstothesea, 2005-10-27 05:45 am UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - das_mervin, 2005-10-27 04:49 pm UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - sarajayechan, 2005-10-27 05:29 pm UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) hereforthewank 2005-10-27 06:08 am UTC (link)

Shak’s self based character is a loud, overweight, delusional, classless, corrupt, mentally unstable policewoman with all the hygiene habits of a pig and a fixation with cutting off male genitalia, and my self insertion is an ugly, uptight, geeky, snobby, clumsy, cowardly hypocrite who instantly irritates everyone she meets and lets her pets die. I dunno about y'all, but that's not something I want to read about. At all. Are these chics' stories seriously popular? ::is puzzled:: (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - selenis, 2005-10-27 03:34 pm UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - dreamtoday, 2005-10-27 05:55 pm UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - jetamors, 2005-10-27 08:36 pm UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - dreamtoday, 2005-10-28 07:29 am UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - shallow_kid, 2005-10-27 09:31 pm UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - dreamtoday, 2005-10-28 07:30 am UTC

	Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) sharonapple 2005-10-27 06:37 am UTC (link)
	This is your wake-up call. This is your flaming sword, your arrow through the heart. Why hello Purple Prose Preacher, I think you failed to save my soul today. Who else has strayed from the brightly lit path of righteousness and lost their souls to deep, dark, self-denial? (Reply to this)(Parent)

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) iczer6 2005-10-27 08:09 am UTC (link)

You all DESPERATELY wish that, even just for a day, you could run about in the universe of your own particular fandoms. Uh, no not really. Maybe it's because a lot of my fandoms take place in worlds I really wouldn't want to be part of. I mean the Xenosaga world is nifty but I could do without the looming menace of the Gnosis. The Trigun world is badass, but I sure wouldn't want to live there. I adore LOST but I'd hate being stuck on island, even with people like Sayid, Sawyer and Shannon. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - rosehiptea, 2005-10-27 10:00 am UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - das_mervin, 2005-10-27 04:48 pm UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - rosehiptea, 2005-10-27 09:34 pm UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - das_mervin, 2005-10-27 09:37 pm UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - kosaginolegion, 2005-10-28 12:25 am UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - marumae, 2005-10-27 05:41 pm UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - mcity, 2005-10-29 06:12 am UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - das_mervin, 2005-10-27 04:51 pm UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - sarcastic_elf, 2005-10-27 05:03 pm UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - das_mervin, 2005-10-27 05:18 pm UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - cellardoor28, 2005-10-27 06:24 pm UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - marumae, 2005-10-27 05:39 pm UTC

(Deleted post)

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - issendai, 2005-10-27 07:53 pm UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - mcity, 2005-10-29 06:14 am UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) aerobot 2005-10-27 08:56 am UTC (link)

I think these girls are missing one tiiiiny little point. People don't read fanfics to see another fan's wish fulfillment. They read fanfics to read about the characters they know and love - ie, the canon characters. If they wanna write out their own fantasies, then they should do it in original fiction. It's be BAD original fiction, but it at least leaves canon alone. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - das_mervin, 2005-10-27 04:52 pm UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - kosaginolegion, 2005-10-27 05:16 pm UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - das_mervin, 2005-10-27 05:22 pm UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - agent_hyatt, 2005-10-27 06:51 pm UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - das_mervin, 2005-10-27 09:09 pm UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - agent_hyatt, 2005-10-27 09:22 pm UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - mcity, 2005-10-29 06:15 am UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - das_mervin, 2005-10-30 08:43 am UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - sarracenia, 2005-10-27 07:09 pm UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - kosaginolegion, 2005-10-27 07:37 pm UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - sarracenia, 2005-10-27 08:07 pm UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - kosaginolegion, 2005-10-27 08:31 pm UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - (Anonymous), 2005-10-28 09:48 pm UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - mcity, 2005-10-29 06:17 am UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - harrylovesron, 2005-10-28 12:23 am UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - mcity, 2005-10-29 06:18 am UTC

	Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) wolfshark 2005-10-27 11:05 am UTC (link)
	*blink* *blinkblink* Okay, then! (Reply to this)(Parent)

	Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) emlan 2005-10-27 01:14 pm UTC (link)
	Are you jealous? Because you should be. Ohno! Also I think someone needs to go look up what canon really means. (Reply to this)(Parent)

	Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) alina_kalime 2005-10-27 01:36 pm UTC (link)
	I'm all for authors asserting their opinions, but anyone who refers to "gentle readers" has been reading waaaaay too much eighteenth-century literature. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - (Anonymous), 2005-10-30 02:14 am UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) theamazingrando 2005-10-27 04:11 pm UTC (link)

This is your wake-up call. This is your flaming sword, your arrow through the heart. This is me telling you that, instead of picking on Miss Mary Sue’s insecurities, you should look at your own flaws, your own limitations. This is by far my favourite argument ever. I've seen it whipped out so many times in countless flame wars and it never stops being beautiful. Of course the only reason I mock fanfiction is because I'm an empty shell of a human being. It's the only explination that makes sense! (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - mcity, 2005-10-29 02:32 am UTC

	Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) (Anonymous) 2005-10-27 04:48 pm UTC (link)
	It’s the age of the anti-hero, and we are the pioneers. If they're the pioneers, then I want OFF the Oregon trail! (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - agent_hyatt, 2005-10-27 06:52 pm UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - koipool, 2005-10-27 08:26 pm UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - sabinelagrande, 2005-10-27 09:54 pm UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - pyratejenni, 2005-10-27 09:57 pm UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - magnolia_mama, 2005-10-27 10:33 pm UTC

Me = NERD - milkshake, 2005-10-28 01:38 am UTC

Re: Me = NERD - tangentialone, 2005-10-28 05:02 am UTC

	Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) das_mervin 2005-10-27 04:49 pm UTC (link)
	Why is this not at deleterius?! If this isn't already there, may I post this over there? They love people like this--I'll credit the people who found it. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - (Anonymous), 2005-10-28 05:03 am UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) issendai 2005-10-27 05:07 pm UTC (link)

Do you really have so little confidence that you have to hate everyone who is brave enough to actually go out there and INTERACT with the fictional world that resonated so deeply with them. If they had succeeded in going out and INTERACTING with a fictional world, I'd be impressed as all get-out. Hard to hate someone who's found a way to step through the fourth wall. But, uh, I don't think they did that. They sat in their chairs at home and typed on a keyboard. And has anyone pointed out to them yet that most people don't write themselves into stories because most people a) aren't suited to the fictional universe, so they wouldn't fit in the story, b) aren't nearly as interesting as the people already in the story, and c) lack the distance and the literary skills to make themselves into interesting characters? The self-inserts of two middle-class American women are not going to be fresh and entertaining. It's been done before, darling. Go write your autobiographies and get the urge out of your systems, then learn to write fiction that revolves around something other than yourself. (Reply to this)(Parent)

	Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) das_mervin 2005-10-27 05:17 pm UTC (link)
	And dangit, I just had a weird image... *in deep, rumbling voice* THERE IS NO CANON, ONLY SUUUUUE. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - (Anonymous), 2005-10-30 03:36 pm UTC

	Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) themadscientist 2005-10-27 11:35 pm UTC (link)
	You like your fandom because you identify with it. Because you can relate to it. Because when you played that game, or watched that anime, or read that book, it struck a chord with you. Hm, nope. I'm in it because I thought the guys were hot. And evil. (Reply to this)(Parent)

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) (Anonymous) 2005-10-28 12:27 am UTC (link)

For example. Shak’s self based character is a loud, overweight, delusional, classless, corrupt, mentally unstable policewoman with all the hygiene habits of a pig... This is something that rankles a bit. A single pig is actually a rather clean creature; it's when a middling to high number of pigs are crammed into a small space together that things get filthy. That said... I would not want to meet these women in real life. At least not without a handy can or two of Lysol. (Reply to this)(Parent)

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) april_hurst 2005-10-28 01:01 am UTC (link)

This is your wake-up call. This is your flaming sword, your arrow through the heart. This is me telling you that, instead of picking on Miss Mary Sue’s insecurities, you should look at your own flaws, your own limitations. Then embrace them. Wrong. I write in a different fandom, but the truth is that nobody wants to read about April's adventures in Star Wars. They want to read about canon characters, and maybe some OCs that were designed for the universe. Readers generally don't want a version of the author with a lightsaber, elf ears, magic wand, battle armor, or whatever pasted on. Do you really have so little confidence that you have to hate everyone who is brave enough to actually go out there and INTERACT with the fictional world that resonated so deeply with them. No. But that's what RPGs are for, kind of. Oh, my. Was she for real? Because I have a hard time believing someone with that good of a vocabulary could be that stupid. (Reply to this)(Parent)

	waterfront 2005-10-28 01:38 am UTC (link)
	There is no such thing as canon. Methinks you should talk to the Church. (Reply to this)(Parent)

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - redwarrior, 2005-10-28 01:40 am UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - xero_sky, 2005-10-28 02:16 am UTC

I have seen the light and written a truly honest Mary-Sue (liek OMG plez r and r) - taiga_ameca, 2005-10-28 05:40 am UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (2/2) - ladyrogue, 2005-10-28 06:19 pm UTC

	Re: GDS comes through again (1/2) adora_spintriae 2005-10-27 09:10 am UTC (link)
	Shakahnna Bless you. (Reply to this)(Parent)

	Re: GDS comes through again (1/2) spleen 2005-10-27 09:50 am UTC (link)
	the infamous Resident Evil Mary Sue duo that is Hello Captain and Shakahnna Ah, Internet fame. The world would be so much poorer without it. we are witty, and we are utterly mesmerising So far, ix-nay on the witty, but dang nabbit if you aren't mesmerising. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

Re: GDS comes through again (1/2) - caffeine_fairy, 2005-10-27 10:48 am UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (1/2) - das_mervin, 2005-10-27 05:17 pm UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (1/2) - caffeine_fairy, 2005-10-27 05:21 pm UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (1/2) - das_mervin, 2005-10-27 05:22 pm UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (1/2) - caffeine_fairy, 2005-10-27 05:42 pm UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (1/2) - das_mervin, 2005-10-27 05:46 pm UTC

Re: GDS comes through again (1/2) - caffeine_fairy, 2005-10-27 05:49 pm UTC

	waterfront 2005-10-28 01:36 am UTC (link)
	...we are (justifiably) full of ourselves (because we are fantastic writers, we are witty, and we are utterly mesmerising)... "And we're just so modest, too!" (Reply to this)(Parent)

	Re: GDS comes through again (1/2) (Anonymous) 2005-10-28 09:20 pm UTC (link)
	It’s the age of the anti-hero, and we are the pioneers. No, dears. Pratchett was the pioneer. You are the mimics who are trying to be witty. I hope they stop. Soon. (Reply to this)(Parent)

	Re: GDS comes through again (1/2) oxydosic 2005-10-29 03:04 am UTC (link)
	We’re not perfect, but if you don’t like it, you can suck my rocket That so needs to be an icon (Reply to this)(Parent)

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