OK, not to be a bitch, but...

[annafugazzi]

...if one more person writes me a review that says, "I really like this, but you need to use a spell checker" and then responds to my question of "What was mispelled?" with words like "color" and "center" I'm going to scream.

I'm a stickler for spelling. I do use spell checkers, and I read and reread everything I put up before posting it. I also have betas - good ones. And I know some typos get through regardless, and I adore readers who take the time to point them out to me, BUT.

I AM CANADIAN. I AM WRITING IN A BRITISH FANDOM. I AM GOING TO USE CANADIAN/BRITISH SPELLING, GOD DAMN IT.

It pisses me off to no end to know that people notice those kind of "misspellings" in my fics. I know that when I read other people's fanfics, if there are too many typos my esteem for the writer - and for their work - suffers. And it makes me less likely to cut them a break when it comes to plot holes, wonky characterisations, etc. It's not totally a conscious choice, but I know somewhere in the back of my mind I'm thinking, "This is entertaining, but Draco's a little too nice. Which isn't the end of the world, but... you know, this writer didn't even care enough to make sure she had no spelling mistakes. I guess she didn't care enough to make sure Draco was in character either. Oh well."

It drives me crazy that this probably happens with a lot of folks who read my own stories. If people want to dislike my writing or my fics because they don't like the plot, characters, ending, etc, that's fine. I am all kinds of OK with that. But knowing there's people disliking them because of something that isn't wrong just... AAAACCKKK!!

::thinks of a deep blue ocean::

::nuts to that, thinks of Harry napping with his head on Draco's lap::

OK, feeling better now.

Comments

[pretend-to-care.livejournal.com]

I don't understand that at all. I guess so many Americans are sheltered enough in their little American world, but I've known that there is a difference in American and British/Canadian spelling since I was young. When I was about 11 years old, I decided that I like the British spelling better and began using it. My teacher sent a note home to my parents saying that I needed to "spell like an American", heh.

[annafugazzi.livejournal.com]

When I was about 11 years old, I decided that I like the British spelling better and began using it. My teacher sent a note home to my parents saying that I needed to "spell like an American", heh.
LOL!! And what did your parents say?

[pretend-to-care.livejournal.com]

My parents told me to do what the teacher says so my grade won't suffer, but they agreed that her response was unnecessary.

[piratesmile331.livejournal.com]

I've also known that there is a difference between British, Canadian and American English for as long as I've been able to spell, I think. I'm amazed that there are so many people who don't know this.