Honest critique. None of the English teacher treatment of 'Oh, everything people write is good, writing is good, blahblahblah.' Actually telling people when things aren't right. Telling them what's absolutely horrible, what to rewrite, what to just trash. And when all's said and done- Praise, if you didn't fuck up.
I can't stress how much I wholeheartedly value this from you guys. I'm a bad writer; I write messily, use the wrong words, forget to put in key points, jump around and jumble up words, you name it. But if I ask for someone to read it- People tell me when things are wrong, when they don't make sense, the whole nine yards of where I fucked up. And I am so, so grateful the community is like this.
I like making good things. I like making things other people think are good. But the chances for me to do this without help from people unhesitant to tear my work to shreds are negligible, because my thought process alone is too sloppy to get anything into shape. My ADHD ass can't put out coherent writing alone if my life depends on it. Or, really, if anything depends on it. I'm kind of horrible at it. Not in a 'Woe is me' way, just saying. Don't rely on me for anything great, writing-wise.
Which is why I respect this community so much. I feel confident running stuff by you guys. Not because I think it's good, but because if it isn't? I'll know, and I'll generally get tips towards making my shit better. You guys help me make things that are better than what I alone can make. That kind of culture is part of why I keep coming back. It's good. Really good.
So thanks, guys.
And even if you, personally, haven't even talked to me, never interacted with me, never even seen my username; I'm thanking you, too.
Everyone in this community has my thanks. Everyone here (mostly) contributes to what this site is, and I think it's a damn good place to be writing, no matter what skill level. Honest feedback is probably the best thing to happen to my writing since I learned how to scratch out the letters of the alphabet.
So, to the site, to the writers, the mods, the people in #site19, and everyone who makes the SCP Foundation what it is;
Cheers, and keep up the good work. You guys have something really good here, and I'm glad to be a part of it.
