My Take On Betas
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| Title: | My Take On Betas (on index of essays), My Take On Beta's (on essay) |
| Creator: | Maygra de Rhema |
| Date(s): | January 1, 1998 |
| Medium: | online |
| Fandom: | |
| Topic: | |
| External Links: | Wordsmiths - on line publishing: List of Essays, Archived version; Beta's, Archived version appears to be an earlier version |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
My Take On Betas is an essay by Maygra de Rhema. On the blog's index, it has the subtitle "when the alpha is insecure."
"This came off a list request for information to newbies. Might have been ROG-L, might have been the HL Writer's List, I don't remember exactly -- back in January of 1998."
"Betas" and "Beta's" are used interchangeable, something a beta might have caught...
Excerpts
Three kinds: Consults, Technical and Spot-checkers (yes, they are my designations, others may have more or different)
Now a beta can be all of these or just one or any combination of the three...and as with any advice or comments, solicited or otherwise, it is up to the writer to use or not use what is offered. Their story, their ideas...you just get the first run as a beta and it can be tons of fun...I am a lousy technical although I can muddle through the basics of grammar...and I have a stellar Technical [hi 'tilla!] and great consults and spot checkers...(I'd wave at MacG but she isn't on this list)}Using a beta is a choice and not every writer does every time or use every type. And a writer needs to trust their beta's and listen to them, even if they don't use their advice...we are all in this for fun, not profit and its time and talent and precious bits of ourselves we are exchanging...<G> Whoa!! Too serious, but the last bit is this...if a beta/writer relationship isn't working, end it quick and save the friendship, the last is more important...to me anyway....<G>
And a posting note, check with your betas before you post. I believe in giving credit when Credit is due but if you are going to put their names up there with yours, they are just as liable for the accolades as the hits you might take. (Not to mention that a good beta can get flooded with requests to do for someone else what they did for you. Treat them nicely. Send them chocolates.)