Ooh - I have a question for writers and readers:

[leethet]

I've gotten the impression that it's considered kind of bad manners to admit you think your story isn't good. If you agree, what is the reasoning behind that? Note: I'm not here to attack anyone's position. I don't even have one myself except that if this is a thing, as I've kind of gleaned, I'm not sure I understand why it's a thing.

As ever, any sort of response and discussion is welcome in my LJ.

Comments

[spikesgirl58.livejournal.com]

I don't know if it's bad manners, but why would a writer not think their story isn't good? Good is so subjective to begin with. What would be the basis for comparison? I think my stuff is okay, but pales when compared to some of the heavy hitters of our fandom. But that's not me and that's not how I write.

I have sent stuff to betas to read for comment and suggestions because I don't like the way something is playing out. it's not that I don think it's good, rather it's not good enough yet. Writing is an on-going learning process.

To put up a story and then say it's not good is sort of like fishing around for praise and displaying false modesty when you get it.

And maybe now it's time for SG to go take a long nap because I'm not sure any of this makes sense.

[leethet.livejournal.com]

To put up a story and then say it's not good is sort of like fishing around for praise and displaying false modesty when you get it.

See, this was the only possible explanation that made sense. It's interesting what we assume about people's behavior, isn't it? I wonder why we wouldn't assume a person thought their story wasn't good because, from their perspective, it simply wasn't, and they're disappointed but being honest. Is that impossible?

Good is so subjective to begin with.

Of course, but I'm speaking of the author's own perspective, not of any absolute measure (as if there were one).

Edited for further response.

[spikesgirl58.livejournal.com]

Obviously, it's the only one that makes sense to me. If I didn't think a story was good, I certainly wouldn't post it and then call attention to it by telling people it isn't good. That's just a little weird.

Is it impossible... anything is possible, given the time, energy, and money. I've put up sets that I wasn't entirely pleased with, but ran out of time and then scoffed at praise because I knew I could do better.

If the story was part of some writing exercise and was timed... maybe if the writer wasn't feeling well or hadn't gotten enough sleep.

Honestly, I'm at a loss.