Fandom and me -- Part 2
Lately, I'm feeling kind of left out, again. This time, it's not so much of me wondering if I'm a fan (I've decided that I am, even though I'm mostly silent), but more of my different takes on things.
( Fanfics and fandom and my reactions to them. )
( Fanfics and fandom and my reactions to them. )
I don't exactly dislike the main chara^^ can't really think of any example right now when I ever really disliked a main chara but kept watching or anything like that. And I don't whine :D Yeah, people who keep on whining about a show instead of just stopping to watch it... that's kinda dumb.
I just often happen to like some secondary characters even more than the main. I don't really need the character to identify with so much, I like to be a distant observer in these kind of things, so often the secondary characters fascinate me more^^
I have just encountered a lot of bad writing in my life, but I'm not a writer myself, so who am I to criticize when I don't really have anything constructive to say because I basically have no idea. That being said, I find a lot worse fic in the Asian fandoms, I don't know, maybe the target audience is younger so there is a bigger influx of inexperienced writers who just write down their own fantasies (which is perfectly alright but usually not exactly in character). There are amazing young authors too, it's just that with more life experience and more writing experience writing tends to (hopefully) get better too. So I guess in the fandoms I read fic in (sometimes) the audience is just a different one.
There is a formal and an informal version^^ and after that a different verb form you use to follow it up, but that's actually the case for all roman languages I can think of right now, and though German isn't one, it's still the same principle as French or Italian and I'm very sure Spanish too.
You wanna learn my language? Oh dear... One thing I don't think it sounds nice in any way, the other, the grammar is one of the worst ever and it makes zero sense.
I'm pretty much open to anything though I always play favorites. With couples who do not actually have chemistry on screen or only very short few scenes I like to see if an author can actually make that work in a way I can accept and believe. So it's a challenge. Sadly not so many writers are up to it. Again I have to say, sadly even fewer people in these fandoms I do not read fic of anymore.
np, I usually make a more structured reply myself @.@ I guess I'm a bit distracted these days.
And you didn't sound angry at all @.@
P.S.: did I really write "write" instead of "right"? Oh my... my mind is seriously wandering *sigh* I hope I didn't do anything as dumb this time... too tired to reread, so talk to you tomorrow XD
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Ah, I hope I didn't say or give any impression that I thought you dislike the main chara, or whine if you do. ^^; (Seriously though, my use of you sometimes doesn't mean you specifically, but just you in a general sense.) Oh, and I don't really need a character to identify with either, and do like to observe more. Yes, I actually do need some distance. That's why I often like the types of characters I would likely not be associating with in real life (the larger than life characters, I mean).
Oh, now I'm a little confused. I thought you mean you don't read any fic, and I actually thought (and still think) that is perfectly fine. I myself don't read every fic; just usually fics from the authors I recognize the names or read before. Sometimes I'm not in the mood for sad stuff, happy stuff, and the fics get on my to be read pile and then I get distracted and sometimes not remember to return until much later. ^^; Anyway, I'm lucky that most fics I read seem to be good, or at least not bad.
As for characterization, now that's the thing I worry about. I usually am not sure if I sound in character, or not. And it's just difficult to get that kind of feedback. (I mean, I myself would hardly be telling authors if their characters seem out of character to me. Besides, how do I know I'm even correct?) I wish there is some kind of test to just run my fics through and it would tell me whether my characterization is off. Oh well, I can dream.
I'm probably misreading you, but German is not roman language (or you mean romance language)? Anyway, I didn't know that there were two versions of 'you' also for Italian and Spanish. (I do know for French because I used to take a few courses for college, though I imagine I can hardly function in that language now, having forgotten most of it.)
Yes, I actually thought of learning German at one point (but went with French instead because I couldn't find a class). As for now, though, I don't know if I can really follow through. I seem to lose motivation too easily when it comes to language learning, especially if I can't hear it spoken or in some way exposed to its uses. In general, I don't like grammar much, so that's a problem for me in any language. ^^;
Personally, I usually stick to canon couples for fics (and too few are written about them, imho). But a what-if scenario for other less likely pairing could be pretty interesting too if done well. But too often, it seems like the author just likes to pair two characters together and not try enough to make me believe in the ship. (Perhaps for this type of author, their two characters are pretty enough together, so no need for other validation. I don't know. I personally need more convincing, considering I prefer canon couples to begin with.)
Oh, I mean the original entry that is disjointed (as well as me possibly sounding angry). That said, I can't say my first reply to you is very coherent either. ^^;
No, I didn't realize that you wrote "write" for "right" at all, until you pointed it out here. Anyway, it's all fine. I probably make that kind of mistake a lot too, just that I usually never noticed it afterward, because no one ever quoted my mistake back to me. ^^; (Sorry about that, though. If I did realize the mistake, I would probably refrain from quoting you, since I don't really like to embarrass people.)
Oh, it was very late in the night for you, wasn't it? Well, I suppose it's a new day by now as I type. Anyway, I really don't mind mistake, or not very structure reply...as long as we are having a nice conversation, no matter whether we agree, or agree to disagree. ^^
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I usually do have a picture of the characters in my mind, the fun about books is to envision everything yourself. It's not about the live versions being "perfect" it's adapted, the disappointment comes from them being different than your own version.
Oh that's alright, I'm really hard to offend.
I've read so much fic in my life I'm not sure it's not more than I've read books, and I've read a lot of books... Long story. But in recent years I don't read much anymore. Just sometimes when I feel like it, then I go looking for some^^
Yes, there are not so many writers out there who can really write that well. A lot of ok to good ones, but few really amazing ones. Those though can usually make me believe almost anything, and then it's fun to try out new combinations^^
No, German is not a roman language^^ It's a west germanic language XD like English and Dutch, but there are some parallels to the roman languages. I'd say though that the distinction between the formal and informal is probably stricter than say Italian or French, and the formal form used more often than in those.
I had French in school for three years but forgot almost all of it. Didn't like it that much anyway, stupid grammar and spelling...
German grammar is horrible... if it's not your mother tongue I think it's hell to learn. I like me my Japanese, so simple, the grammar ♥
Canon is fun, if the couples are really nice, I might be a little picky sometimes. I love the heavy subtext ones XD Canon fics... Hm, that depends.
Yeah, I got that^^ but my reply was not in order either XD
I don't mind having that pointed out to me, I really don't believe I did that XD
Yeah, it was 4 or 5am I think ^^;
And I like discussing with you :D Always up for a good discussion^^
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Well, I've read a lot of fics and a lot of books, but I'm not very certain which is more. Though I suspect it might be book, since I prefer to read (and hold) real book instead of looking at computer screen for a long time (I used to print fics out to read, but I was (still am) not a very organized person and the sheets ended up being lost, most of the time).
(Well, even in those occasions you feel like reading fic, it's probably too presumptious if I ask you to keep in mind my fics. ^^; Anyway, don't mind me; I'm just spoiled with what happened in the past, that it seemed almost everyone had read my stories.)
For me, the amazing writers are really few and far inbetween. Those are the ones that I think should be published already.
So if German is a west germanic language like English, is there enough similarity to English? (You can tell I really don't know any German. XD) In other words, would it be easier to learn if I know English (well I do know English, but I guess you know what I mean)?
I took about a year of French. And I couldn't even use it when I went to France with my family (the natives just told us to speak English because they couldn't understand our French ^^;). Forget trying to understand TV, even though I didn't at all struggle in class. Maybe my level was just too basic beginner.
I don't like grammar in any language (well, four so far that I can say I have had any experience with), mother tongue or no. As for Japanese, it looks simple on the surface, but when I get to nested clauses and sentences strung together, I am at a loss as to the way to translate. Many counters don't help. (And I'm not even unfamiliar with counters, having some sort of it in my own language.) Anyway, I'm not complaining. I probably just need more practice in Japanese. :)
Hm...weird...I don't actually write canon couple fics, despite saying I like them. Maybe because it's on screen already, so it's like, just watch the show if I want to see this couple. Heavy subtexts ones...yeah, they are usually more interesting. Like Ryuu and Mirai from Mebius. (I didn't exactly see this pairing myself at first, but I've become convinced of it.)
Oh, I thought you did, but I wasn't very sure. ^^ Also, I clarified that in case some other people are still coming in to read this entry.
I almost made that mistake myself in this comment (typed "my" for "mind"), but I caught it in time. XD
I like discussing with you, too. Sometimes, though, I feel like I have many things I want to say, but I can't seem to reword them in the way I like and make myself understood, and...well...I just abandon the whole comment. ^^;; Hope you don't take that as indication that I don't enjoy talking with you. I usually at least try to reply to important things, however.
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There was a time in my life when I spent all day in front of the PC reading fic. It was not exactly a good time but I've read a looot of stuff.
I shall give them a try some time XD Though like I said, I don't read in Asian fandoms anymore most of the time^^
*nods* in non Asian fandoms really book long epic fics are not uncommon and I really do love those, with a big thought out plot and stuff. They are lovely.
English is basically made up out of an old German and an old French dialect with words from all over thrown in, so... I'd say it does help some because you will recognize some words probably, but generally I think it's still very different especially the grammar is much more complex.
Actual spoken language is often different from what you learn in school. It's a miracle though the French offered you to speak English XD They're kinda "bitchy" in that regard, you have to speak their language.
I gave up on French not because I had problems in class but because I didn't like it, these days I've simply forgotten almost all of it.
Latin was worst in terms of language, nothing can shock me after that. I love Japanese for the no singular/plural, almost no declination, conjugation only for tense or all these fun things like volitional, potential etc. things^^
Translating it is not very easy though, yes, but I think to understand it's not that hard. I'm coming straight from Italian class, I'm glad that language still flows over me with my brain just comprehending automatically. It would have been too sad if I'd lost that.
I'm the same, usually you don't need to write canon couples, because they are already there. Oh yeah, Ryuu and Mirai, especially after he found out they are rather "in your face obvious" (and really really cute XD).
I'm already amazed that you write as long comments as I do XD Most people get annoyed *g*
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Thanks for saying that. :) Just out of curiosity, though, what fandoms do you still read?
Fanfic that's like a book long epic? I can't say I've come across any in the fandoms I read. You're so lucky. In the meantime, I have books for well thought out plot (and some not so well thought out plots, which I wouldn't mind so much if I'm not paying money for those books).
Thanks for the explanation. So it all comes back to the grammar. Which doesn't seem very encouraging to me. ^^;;
Yes, I know that actual spoken language is different from textbook language. Which begs a question: why don't schools teach practical language to begin with? It's a good thing that (so far) I never have taken a Japanese class, I suppose.
To be fair, though, it was a long time ago we were in Paris. And I think the French we met were probably more annoyed with inability (on both sides) to communicate rather than to continue talking in French.
I don't know if I liked French. I did well enough in class, but lack of practical usage (and general neglect I had for everything I learned in school that I hadn't continued using) made me forget most of it.
Latin, oh. I hear that I should take it if I want to be better at English, since Latin forms many root words in English. (I might get my information mixed up.) But I suppose I'll pass at this time. ^^;;
Oh, I actually don't mean translating, just understanding. Japanese is the only language so far where I find that I can know the meaning of every word in a sentence but still can't make sense of the sentence itself.
Yes, Ryuu and Mirai are totally cute together. I first got into Mebius fics reading (and writing) fics featuring them as a couple. ^^
I'm amazed at myself too. I don't remember the last time I've gone over the comment limit. And actually, I was a bit worried (before you said I could post my comments in two parts, that is) that I might annoy you with my long comments. ^^; With some other people, though, I'm not sure if they mind long comments (especially if they don't know me), or they just don't like to make their replies long (or don't have the time, etc.).
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The most recent things I've read were Heroes and Supernatural, but mostly because I was going through withdrawl after I finished watching both the latest seasons and because Heroes 3rd season finale broke my heart into tiny pieces and then walked over them... (yes I do watch English stuff too XD)
Epic fanfic is so great *_* I've read some that were better than books I've read.
German grammar is basically a giant mess so... Look for a nicer language to learn XD
I don't know why they don't teach that way either =.= But I have to say I mostly got lucky with language teachers all my life.
The only Japanese class I ever tried the teacher was a native but kept talking in German with the students even on an advanced level... Needless to say I never came back.
I liked Latin, but there is a ton of grammar, at least most of it is regular. English has some Latin words, but not that many. If you want to learn a roman language knowing Latin is a big help. I think it helps a bit with any language though, it's very structured and you learn a lot about how to categorize and untangle grammar. And logic in general too. It's useful even if you'll never need the language itself.
Hm, that sometimes happens I guess, but generally I think it's ok.
I don't think I've really ever read much Mebius fic. I was looking once but apparently not in the right places because I found pretty much nothing, then I didn't care anymore.
That's fine XD I love long comments, usually people lose interest or get annoyed after the second one or so.
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Um...I know about those shows, but have never seen a single episode of either. I kind of want to fix that, though, but I'm not sure if they are on TV here. (Besides, I have many things I want to watch, but not enough time in the day for me. ^^;)
Yeah, I think I might just stay with Japanese for now and not bother with another language yet. XD
I don't actually have any experience taking formal Japanese class, but I suppose I had something similar with ESL class. No matter the student's level, ESL teacher never spoke any other language other than English, and we (the students) could all understand English fine. So yeah, I suppose it would be pretty insulting that the Japanese class teacher refuse to speak Japanese to the students of any level (let alone one at advanced level). (I realize it's difficult for ESL teacher to speak any other language anyway, since students come from different countries, but my point is, I agree that it's not at all necessary for the Japanese teacher to continue talking to students in the students' native tongue.)
I like logic, so I might enjoy Latin. Well, something to keep in mind in the not so near future, I suppose.
Well, I've read some very good Mebius fics. If you ever become interested again let me know; I can give some links.
I love long comments too and would have made mine much longer but when I got one line comment back, I was glad I did not invest too much time. It's somewhat unfortunate, but yeah, if they are not interested, they are not interested. My long comments are better reserved for my own entries (that way my f-list (and even some people not on my f-list) can see them, not just one person who may or may not like long comments). And I tend to be really long-winded sometimes. I can say in paragraphs what other people could have said in one or two sentences. ^^;;
Anyway, I'm turning in for the night and leaving you to make sense of my comment. XD (Hopefully, there aren't too many mistakes in it this time. I saw at least one in my last comment. ^^;)
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What sometimes works for me is linking vocabulary of different languages, like now in Italian course (which is mostly a refresher and for credits) when I note down vocabulary, that most of the time I already know, I make sure to note down the Japanese word with it, not German (or English). That's fun^^
*lol* I don't watch that much English stuff but now and then it's nice and I really love Supernatural. I dl them though, the German dubs bother me, I don't have a TV and don't watch any anyway (I could go to the dorm's TV room).
I just think it makes no sense not talking the language taught in class. How is that supposed to lead to progress and getting a feel for the actual language?
You might, or you might not XD As a language in and of itself Latin is pretty useless unless you work in old texts or some other job were you actually need it.
If I get bored and feel like it I will get back to you about that :D
Yeah, I know what you mean. And I'm long winded too ^^;
I usually don't notice any mistakes, don't worry.
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Linking vocab of different languages, however, sounds like something I might want to try. Or just put the words in Japanese on all items I see around the house (can't though, probably can do that only in my own room).
Oh, download. I didn't think of that for some reason. ^^; Probably because I used to watch American TV shows on TV. (I was in the US until last year.) Thanks though. I'll go look for communities for them when I have some time.
Um...I think it's possible that the teacher is simply trying to be accommodating. Students might have different levels of understanding, and if teacher speaks in their native language, it would help those who might have fallen far behind. But yeah, I don't think it makes sense either. If you (the student) know you can't keep up with the rest of the class, it should be your responsibility to seek additional help outside of class and not make the whole class wait for you.
Wow, after I just said I'm long-winded, this comment is remarkably short. ^^;
And thanks. It's a mistake like putting an 's' where it shouldn't exist (or not putting one in where it is needed) or wrong tense. (I don't have tense or plural in my language, and still don't quite get how they work in English.)
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