Beta Appreciation Day!
Like everyone else, I missed it, and I wasn't sure what to do about it anyway--I'm unpublished, after all, and nowhere near even the stage where a beta is needed. However, it hit me today as I was searching for fanfic exactly how much I ought to take time for this day. Why?

Because I read fanfiction. Because, probably, everything I've ever read and really, really liked owed its existence to a beta as well as to the author I sent my feedback to. Because they work hard, sometimes very hard, for nothing more than gratitude and an author's note lodged somewhere between "Summary" and "Warnings." Because no matter how good something is, betas make it better. Because they see the potential in things that aren't stellar, but could be. Because they may or may not be authors themselves, but are still doing something important and loving for fandom. Because so much of the stuff lacking a beta's touch makes me cringe.

And because if I ever reach the stage where I need one, I hope I find one who can shore up all my weak spots, take me to task when I do something phenomenally dumb, and tell me when I do get it right--without making me feel worthless, but without letting me get away with being lazy, with taking "good enough" instead of making it the best it, and I, could be.

So, to everyone who has ever done a beta's work, thank you. Thanks for taking the time to care, and to work, and to make the quality of the fandoms I inhabit so high. Thanks for putting your mind and heart into something not your own, often for little credit. May I one day have a beta as good you.