I've noticed, lately, that I only read at most one or two (at most) fics
from the FFML a day, and most of those I delete for one of the following
reasons:

(1) Author note -before- story more than 2 paragraphs;
(2) First sentence is a variant on "It was a typical day in Nerima.";
(3) Any use of "Nermia";
(4) First paragraph has nothing but passive verbs (and it's not a historical
note or flashback)

etc.

Now, since I send stuff to the FFML and expect feedback, it seems somewhat
unfair for me to reject giving anybody but the ones who don't really need it
feedback.

As such, I'm going to invite anybody who wants to send me a -separate- copy
of their story to send it, and -if- I can read through the whole thing, I'll
review it.

*WARNING*RULES*WARNING*

(1) I probably won't have time to review more than at most a dozen stories
in a week. Sorry. 

(2) If I can't even force myself to read through the story, it won't be
reviewed by me. Sorry.

(3) Reviews will be -cruel.- -Rough.- =No holds barred.= I do not pull
punches- those of you who remember some of my more conceited posts to the
list will know that. }:-{D

(4) Detailed reviews will be sent in private; a capsule review with final
score will be posted as part of a list about once a week.

(5) Reviews will be scored as follows:

        (a) Technical (5 pts.)

        Can the writer spell and punctuate? Do they know the rules of
English well enough to break them at will for a purpose? Lots of action,
visual imagery, solid prose or well-executed script?

        (b) Continuity (5 pts.)

        Can a reader totally unfamiliar with an anime series pick up the
story? Are all characters reasonably IC (no leniency given for Elseworlds,
etc!)? Is the story 'original flavor?'

        (c) Storytelling (10 pts.)

        Does the story have a plot? Does action build to a climax? Are
characters presented in such a way as to round them out, to make them
interesting and entertaining to the reader? Are settings developed? Fight
scenes choreographed but not over-choreographed?

        (d) Presentation (5 pts.)

        Do you have to wade through a chapter worth of author's notes before
you get to the story? Is the story formatted legibly? 

        (e) Bonus Points (5 pts)

        Does the story have some special merit? How does the story, as a
whole, work?

        Total: 30 points

        To give an example of a story I really, REALLY hated:

        TITLE: "The Bitter End" 
        AUTHOR: Zen 

        Ranma is abused by his wife Akane, until Ukyou steps in and tries to
help by taking Ranma to an abused spouses counseling session...

        TECHNICAL: 5 of 5 (absolutely excellent work)

        CONTINUITY: 1 of 5 (familiarity with R 1/2 not granted but generally
assumed; dark, serious fic; Ranma too passive, Ukyou too selfless, and Akane
far too violent to be believably IC; takes 'cartoon violence' as if it were real

        STORYTELLING: 8 of 10 (story very, very slow to build, but carries
the reader along to its buildup and unexpected (more like, hoped-against)
payoff; characters consistent -within story- and incredibly compelling)

        PRESENTATION: 4 of 5 (two parts, introductory notes could be shorter
or even done away with)

        BONUS: 5 (the DEFINITIVE Akane-the-abuser fanfic; a story absolutely
impossible to ignore or put down)

        TOTAL: 23 out of a possible 30 (excellent)

        (The above review is from one reading, from memory; I really -DO-
hate the living daylights out of this story)

        By this scale, anything over a 20 is a true accomplishment.

        Also, be warned, I am -very- willing to give a 0 in any category.

        So... with the above given, anybody care to risk it?

        Redneck

Kris Overstreet's email has changed...
http://www.detnet.com/~redneck/ - Redneck Gaijin Online
http://www.wren-spot.com/wlp/ - White Lightning Productions
http://www.jurai.net/~redneck/dvpbem/ - In Nomine: Dark Victory PBEM
http://www.wren-spot.com/wlp/milkmaid.html - The Magnificent Milkmaid
... respond to redneck@detnet.com please