Beta Reading is Unappreciated

[katsuko]

Seriously, it is. I've seen fics where the author claims to have a beta that are horrific, and fics that are fully edited by the same author where the beta had to have been a godsend. I've beta'ed for a lot of people over the years I've been involved in fandom, and 99% of those folks have given credit where it was due - that is literally all I ask

Comments

[yanagi_sen]

That's beyond rude, ask someone to beta and then not even use what they give you? Or actually use it and claim they didn't. >_< I've beta read for a few people off and on, basically just friends. I'm doing chapters for one right now (which is a rewrite of a favorite Fushigi Yuugi fic) mainly so I can be the first to see each chapter. ^________^

[katsuko]

I seriously think that from now on, I'm only beta reading for friends. And that's it. Ugh, so not worth the headache....

[moonbeamsfanfic]

I have beta'd for many people, from short drabbles to full-out epics. (My speed record is a 45,000 word story done in 3 days! \o/) And yes, I've had a few blow-ups over betaing issues. But never over the worry about whether or not I'd be credited for my help! Heck, I didn't even know you had to ask since it's always just seemed logical to me. I've always credited every beta I've had, and every author I've beta'd has credited me. Not because anyone ever asked, but simply because that's, uh, you know, just what you do? How is that a hard concept to understand?

Yeah, IDEK. It baffles me how often common sense just isn't that common. ::throws hands in the air in exasperation:: How the world continues to turn with such stupidity is the mystery of the ages.

You know, if you are really worried about future bad experiences, you can try something like what I do. Before I beta-read for anybody -- even friends -- I sort of "interview" them first. I find out what kind of expectations they have: are they just after spelling/grammar checks? help

[black_shiro]

I hate ungratefull people, after all you could have said 'fuck you' when she asked for beta but you didn't and tried to help. Grrr what a bitch! >:C Humm after reading here profile she seems to be some kind of otaku-wannabe so apollymi catgirls pic is very accurate :)

[anonymous]

It seems I've been fortunate then. I've betaed for a few people in Transformers and Naruto, and they've credited me as beta. I've also made sure to credit those that have betaed for me or, at the very least, thank them privately. Too bad one asshole has to ruin everything sometimes.

Starfire201

[tiny_green_leaf]

That is ridiculous. . . :hugs:

Yeah, she got her 'friend' to beta for her, uhuh.

Is there some sort of shame in having someone look over your work?

I mean, uhm, published works? Yeah, those are proofed usually by several other people, etc, etc.

:sigh, hugs.:

Don't blame you for not wanting to beta anymore. I certainly wouldn't and I don't even beta now and don't plan on starting any time soon.