Hmm, that's a good question. I don't tend to rec fics "with caveats" much, but when reading others' recs, I actually don't mind those caveats. In my opinion, they're a way of letting the readers know that there are parts in the fic that might not to be to everybody's tastes, but that it's good enough that they should try anyway. I don't really view it as a review or an analysis (unless they're listing a whole bunch of faults with the fic), just a thing for the reader to look out for in case they're very particular about fics they read.
Actually, in one of the fics I am thinking of reccing, the grammar and spelling do leave a lot to be desired, but the plot more than makes up for it. I'm not sure of mentioning the grammar bits in my rec, but then, that's something the readers can infer for themselves when they begin to read the fic. The grammar nazis will know to click back immediately.
seriously, thank you for such a thoughtful response! I have been ruminating a lot on this, on feedback in general, and on delicious-saves-as-feedback/recs/reviews, too, so it's great to hear someone else's ideas.
I know that historically in fandom, some of the people who've undertaken genuine reviewing of fanfiction - posting both positive and negative reactions bluntly and unapologetically - have taken some flack for it. There's the argument that once you post fic, it's out there for anyone to (in their own space) say whatever they'd like about it; there's the argument for common courtesy or kindness, or at the least, as you say, asking if the author is ok with being reviewed/discussed
( ... )
I think I feel the same way as you do: a rec is an endorsement; caveats make it a review. There's obviously a difference between a little audience-based sidenote -- say, mentioning that a fic has background X/Y if your flist ships mostly Y/Z, or something -- and a comment about grammar or characterisation problems. Your point about caveats as preserving the reccer's reputation makes a lot of sense. I would think that if one had comments like that, it would be better to leave a comment on the fic itself instead of state it publicly?
I suspect I've mostly just agreed with you, but thank you for making me think about this! :)
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Actually, in one of the fics I am thinking of reccing, the grammar and spelling do leave a lot to be desired, but the plot more than makes up for it. I'm not sure of mentioning the grammar bits in my rec, but then, that's something the readers can infer for themselves when they begin to read the fic. The grammar nazis will know to click back immediately.
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I know that historically in fandom, some of the people who've undertaken genuine reviewing of fanfiction - posting both positive and negative reactions bluntly and unapologetically - have taken some flack for it. There's the argument that once you post fic, it's out there for anyone to (in their own space) say whatever they'd like about it; there's the argument for common courtesy or kindness, or at the least, as you say, asking if the author is ok with being reviewed/discussed ( ... )
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I suspect I've mostly just agreed with you, but thank you for making me think about this! :)
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