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dexfarkinBeta readers, betaing reading, Western civilization and you.
Perhaps not as extensive as that. Several people have coined in recently about betas, how they view them and what importance they have. Some, like Nute, feel that a great deal of beta readers almost end up as co-writers of a sort, and thus, don't use them. Others, like Cherry, rely heavily on beta readers for all stages of their work.
The real question, I guess, is how do you define a beta?
"You ever given a guy a beta?"
"Fuck you."
I think betas break down into three levels. Technical betas, creative betas, and whole concept betas.
A Technical Beta is exactly as it sounds; spelling, grammar, structure checking. Making sure your tenses aren't shifting like my roommate in Oregon highway traffic. In a very real sense, the meat and potatoes of editing. This type of beta, I feel, is an essential step before any sort of publishing. Many people feel that they can easily do this themselves, but it never hurts to have a third party run it over. There is a sort of personal filter when it comes to self editing, and a lot of minor things have a tendency to slip by. On my end, I've been using this sort of beta since day one, mostly because I have the spelling of a retarded spider monkey on speed.
A Creative Beta is a little different. It's when you send a story out to be critiqued on style, idea, content, plot and execution. What you receive back is a litany of 'this doesn't work here', 'did you considering trying this?', and 'this is trite'. This is the only type of beta reading that I do, and the only type that I don't solict. This type of beta is very good for younger or newer writers, and for writers who are venturing into a genre or world for the first time. I'll often double-check minor details in a story with people who'd know. For example, a lot of Jean's duties in RAZOR were passed by Epona Harper, who is a young female medical doctor. NUte gets all my 'blow shit up' questions. Jean's movie personality was run by Minisinoo. My quasi-genetic rambling went through Mel and Diamonde. That sort of segment or section betaing I high recommend to everyone, especially if you're a detail junkie like I am.
Whole concept betas are the most extensive and thorough beta process. They cover both technical and creative aspects, as well as conceptual steps. This sort of beta brings in the co-writing element, since the content and direction of the story is heavily influenced and assisted by the beta reader. A lot of people swear by the whole concept approach. I don't. However, for a new writer it can be invaluble. Also, if involved in a much larger project, with several writers working in tandem, it is crucial to have a single managing editor who can smooth out the errors between stories. Whole concept editing is a more commercial approach, designed to handle multiple creators in sequence. As a one on one editing tool, it has a number of failings.
In all, use a beta. Even if just for a once over before posting. It helps your quality, without necessarily adding another person into the creative process of your work.
"I ain't saying it's right, but you're saying that a beta don't mean nothing, and I'm saying it does. Look, I've given a million ladies a million beta's, and they all meant something. We act like it don't, and that's what's so fuckin' cool about them. It's the private thing, just the two of your thoughts, back and forth. You know it, she knows it, Haesslich knew it, and Phil should have fuckin' known better! I mean, this is the man's new bride. He ain't got no sense of humour about this shit."
Perhaps not as extensive as that. Several people have coined in recently about betas, how they view them and what importance they have. Some, like Nute, feel that a great deal of beta readers almost end up as co-writers of a sort, and thus, don't use them. Others, like Cherry, rely heavily on beta readers for all stages of their work.
The real question, I guess, is how do you define a beta?
"You ever given a guy a beta?"
"Fuck you."
I think betas break down into three levels. Technical betas, creative betas, and whole concept betas.
A Technical Beta is exactly as it sounds; spelling, grammar, structure checking. Making sure your tenses aren't shifting like my roommate in Oregon highway traffic. In a very real sense, the meat and potatoes of editing. This type of beta, I feel, is an essential step before any sort of publishing. Many people feel that they can easily do this themselves, but it never hurts to have a third party run it over. There is a sort of personal filter when it comes to self editing, and a lot of minor things have a tendency to slip by. On my end, I've been using this sort of beta since day one, mostly because I have the spelling of a retarded spider monkey on speed.
A Creative Beta is a little different. It's when you send a story out to be critiqued on style, idea, content, plot and execution. What you receive back is a litany of 'this doesn't work here', 'did you considering trying this?', and 'this is trite'. This is the only type of beta reading that I do, and the only type that I don't solict. This type of beta is very good for younger or newer writers, and for writers who are venturing into a genre or world for the first time. I'll often double-check minor details in a story with people who'd know. For example, a lot of Jean's duties in RAZOR were passed by Epona Harper, who is a young female medical doctor. NUte gets all my 'blow shit up' questions. Jean's movie personality was run by Minisinoo. My quasi-genetic rambling went through Mel and Diamonde. That sort of segment or section betaing I high recommend to everyone, especially if you're a detail junkie like I am.
Whole concept betas are the most extensive and thorough beta process. They cover both technical and creative aspects, as well as conceptual steps. This sort of beta brings in the co-writing element, since the content and direction of the story is heavily influenced and assisted by the beta reader. A lot of people swear by the whole concept approach. I don't. However, for a new writer it can be invaluble. Also, if involved in a much larger project, with several writers working in tandem, it is crucial to have a single managing editor who can smooth out the errors between stories. Whole concept editing is a more commercial approach, designed to handle multiple creators in sequence. As a one on one editing tool, it has a number of failings.
In all, use a beta. Even if just for a once over before posting. It helps your quality, without necessarily adding another person into the creative process of your work.
"I ain't saying it's right, but you're saying that a beta don't mean nothing, and I'm saying it does. Look, I've given a million ladies a million beta's, and they all meant something. We act like it don't, and that's what's so fuckin' cool about them. It's the private thing, just the two of your thoughts, back and forth. You know it, she knows it, Haesslich knew it, and Phil should have fuckin' known better! I mean, this is the man's new bride. He ain't got no sense of humour about this shit."
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Date: 2002-10-08 12:09 pm (UTC)That's my new pick-up line.
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Date: 2002-10-08 05:52 pm (UTC)