GENERAL DISCUSSIONS

Newbie needing help Beta-ing a fanfic

POSTED BY: PHYRELIGHT
UPDATED: Saturday, December 9, 2006 09:21
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VIEWED: 3190
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Friday, December 8, 2006 4:14 PM

PHYRELIGHT


Hello everyone,

I'm needing help uploading a fanfic that I've written. I've noticed that in some fics, ppl write that their story is "beta". I'm guessing that's some computer programing format. (Yeah, I'm not totally up-to-date.) Can someone help me, please?

Thanks,
Phyre

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Friday, December 8, 2006 5:19 PM

PHYRELIGHT


*bump*

C'mon guys, I need help.

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Friday, December 8, 2006 5:55 PM

RHAEGARTARGARYEN


I'd help if I knew how.

Sorry, Phyrelight.

:(



My signature...Rhae.

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Saturday, December 9, 2006 6:46 AM

PHYRELIGHT


I'm bumping this thread one more time, then I'm just gonna post my story un-Beta.

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Saturday, December 9, 2006 8:28 AM

JOSSISAGOD


"Beta" basically means proof-read. it's done to catch spelling, grammer, and other errors that the writer may have missed in their enthusiasm(sp) to get the story done.

Post it, and the Beta-readers will come!

Fe'nos Tol
JOSSIS(Most Definitely)AGOD

Self appointed Forsaken! Been on the list for a while now!
98% of teens have smoked pot, if you are one of the 2% that haven't, copy this into your signature.
"Look at me, I'm STUPID!" The Doctor.

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Saturday, December 9, 2006 8:37 AM

YINYANG

You were busy trying to get yourself lit on fire. It happens.


I don't think beta is a format, I think it's just a version that needs to be proof-read, or one that the author will at some point go back and change.

Edit: to jossisagod (at least you explained it better, anyway).

---
"What the world needs now is love, sweet love - it's the only thing that there's just too little of. What the world needs now is love, sweet love. No, not just for some, but for everyone."

http://richlabonte.net/tvvote - Vote Firefly!

(by Kelai)

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Saturday, December 9, 2006 8:56 AM

ENGINEANGEL


yep, to detail what others have said, beta readers help with giving suggestions about grammer, spelling, what sounds right, ect. Some (like me) also give suggestions about characterization and give feedback as to what they liked and didn't like. Not all fan fic writers use betas, but I can tell ya, they often help, because when you read your own story to yourself, you often fill in anything that's missing or correct things that may be wrong automatically without thinking about it because you already know what you're trying to say. It also helps to have another person's view on it all.


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Saturday, December 9, 2006 9:10 AM

PHYRELIGHT


It sounds like spelling and grammar check in Word. Boy, I feel like an idiot.

Thank you everyone!

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Saturday, December 9, 2006 9:21 AM

JOSSISAGOD


Beware, Spell-check doesn't catch everything. Sometimes it catches too much, like if you are trying to write dialog in a certain vernacular, Spell-check may tell you to change things that you don't want changed. My advice is to post your story as it is, and let other human beings read it. they'll catch what needs to be caught, and help you fix your story they way YOU want it, not how spell check wants it.

Fe'nos Tol
JOSSIS(Most Definitely)AGOD

Self appointed Forsaken! Been on the list for a while now!
98% of teens have smoked pot, if you are one of the 2% that haven't, copy this into your signature.
"Look at me, I'm STUPID!" The Doctor.

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