Quixotic undertakings are my passion in life!

[apple_pathways]

Fellow writers of fic: born out of a discussion on the Doctor Who anonmeme, I have created concrit_anon, an anonymity-optional community for posting fictional works and receiving constructive criticism. The aim is for users to post their fic, either anonymous or otherwise, and other readers can post their concrit, again either anonymously or under the username of their choice.

Right now I'm in the early stages, deciding if this is an idea that's going to work, or a giant pain in the ass I'm going to end up regretting. I have a post up on the comm where you can comment and let me know which side you're placing your bets on. Do stop on by, even if it's just to jeer at me (anonymously, hopefully) or to say hello and help me feel I haven't wasted the last couple hours of my life.

Ta!

Comments

[apple-pathways.livejournal.com]

I do agree with you on the potential pointlessness of anonymity--there is always the possibility of a piece being recognized if it's been published before, or being recognized after the fact if it's subsequently published. That's a risk people will have to assess for themselves before posting!

I still think anonymity has benefits for authors as well. For instance, it could be useful if you're worried that your BNF status (or lack thereof) will influence the people providing criticism. In that case, people might not mind de-anoning after they've gotten feedback. (I know I'm paranoid that my friends, lovely people that they are, would hesitate to give me their full, honest opinion for fear of hurting my feelings. The fear might be unfounded, but this would give me a chance to test that theory!)

Also, for any authors who are producing fic, but too shy to post it: this is a chance for them to get feedback, improve on their writing, and possibly gain the confidence to publish later.

You are right, though, that for people who want to remain anonymous indefinitely, their only option is to publish the story anonymously, for instance on a kinkmeme or under a pseudonym.

I am appreciative of any and all feedback I can get in these early stages! A lot of what you said makes sense, and I'm taking it under advisement. I just don't want to over-plan at this point and come up with too complicated a system: solving problems that may not even become problems, you know?

I think that if I can get a dedicated group of authors and reviewers to get things started, I'll be golden. I know a lot of people will be watching and taking note, waiting to get involved until they see that it's going to be worth their while.