Archive of Our Own meandering thoughts...

[marguerite_26]

I am so in love with AO3.

I'm an LJ-girl, don't get me wrong. I post the odd thought on twitter, do most of my talking with friends through email, and I jump into chats when the moon is blue ... but LJ is my home. First thing I check in the morning, last thing at night and all that. It's how I find out what is happening in your lives, and in fandom.

LJ is where I decide what to read.

But when I actually go to read it? I do a dance of joy when I see it's on A03. The formatting is perfect for reading on the Playbook and since we got one for my birthday, I have taken it to bed every night with a list of fics to get through.

On the flip side, I have never been a person to archive anywhere but LJ. Too much work (especially hex files, where I found the proofing process painful and mortifying, and so many archive were too specific about pairings, or ratings) and I'm not great at keeping up with comments on LJ, let alone anywhere else. anyway... I've been uploading a fic a day to A03. It's been painless... just a few clicks while I'm having my morning coffee. [Arthur/Merlin fics are almost done, just finishing off my other pairings and I'll start the daunting task of my HP fics ---- btw, if you have a fic of mine that you'd like to see uploaded earlier, rather than later, let me know.]

The other interesting thing about A03 is seeing what is popular on there vs on LJ. I'm not sure why... but a there is definitely a difference which is really ... idek... refreshing? to see a fic that you thought bombed do much better with a different set of readers. Basically, kudos are better than chocolate.

Anyway... I'm rambling. but just... YAY!!! A03 ... please to be putting your fic there. <3


eta: I sent a request to A03 for some invite codes, but if you have some you are willing to share, you comment here. it looks like a few people are looking for some.

Comments

[lilyginny27.livejournal.com]

I don't have fic to put there, but I have to agree on preferring to read there. Ever since Lj changed the font on most of its layouts I found reading a lot of stories here [that aren't in S2 layout] really painful on my eyes. But yes, I do tend to choose WHAT to read here. I have my Flist open practically 24/7.

I will admit, I don't have an acct there tho so I never comment. I know, I'm horrible. I try to make up for it when I see the same user here on Lj, though.

[marguerite-26.livejournal.com]

You should get an account! :)

If I read on LJ, I have to change the LJ layout to 'my style' - (This particular layout works very nicely on a tablet, so thank God for that!)

You can leave 'guest' kudos without and account, though. So feel free to click that button if you like something it's VERY appreciated. (But like you, I do actually save most of my commenting for LJ on the stuff I like)

[kitty_fic]

OMG me too. I really love LJ. I've beeen here too long and I'm totally spoiled and I found the idea of archiving my fics anywhere else kinda scary so I have not done that at all yet. But AO3 looks easy and friendly and I've been thinking of uploading my things there too. I really like the kudos system too <3

[marguerite-26.livejournal.com]

A03 is very easy for loading from LJ. Well.. I mean it still take a few minutes each fic, and you need to get your tags and warnings straight so. It's not like 'instant' but I'm in no rush. I'll get them all up there eventually.

So basically... GET AN ACCOUNT!!! :D

[fuzzytomato02.livejournal.com]

I LOVE AO3! It's so much easier to read than lj and it is also much easier to post there! And I agree. One of my fics that no one read when I finished it years ago has a ton of kudos over there. AO3 is a lot less fail than lj lately too. The one thing is, I'm horrible at answering comments over there. I need to get better at that.

[marguerite-26.livejournal.com]

One of my fics that no one read when I finished it years ago has a ton of kudos over there.
:D :D

Isn't that lovely? A lot of times LJ popularity of fic is based on timing more than anything. Like a simple Modern AU PWP posted at just when people are in the mood, or an episode coda that hits the spot... they can get flooded with comments.

But the reverse is true. A similar quality fic posted when lj is quiet and people are busy or distract with ~something else... it just falls under the radar.

So it is great to see something like that get 'renewed love' on A03. :D

[dysonrules.livejournal.com]

I've been slowly loading things on there, but the ff.net to AO3 process doesn't always work. I think a couple of my longer fics have fucked up chapters. I have most of my oneshots moved over. My major complaint is that it doesn't have an option to alphabetize or view them in any order other than how you've uploaded them. It's getting to be a bitch for me to tell what is there and what isn't. I think I might add some "collections" such as "oneshots" or whatnot so I can group them better and see what's there.

It's great when you have a handful of fics, but when you have over a hundred it can be a mess.

(And yeah, my Merlin fics are WAY more popular than my HP fics there. So strange!)

[marguerite-26.livejournal.com]

I'm just grateful I'm not nearly as prolific as you. ;)

I can imagine with no ways of sorting... *meep*

I have three different masterlists on LJ. (Merlin stuff, H/D stuff, non-H/D HP stuff) --- I can't imagine the list being just in upload order. :/

SOUNDS LIKE CHAOS!!!

[mijeli.livejournal.com]

I love that AO3 lets you download fic as e-book files.. that's so handy :))

(However, I might not create one for myself, because I'm a lazy daisy. At least not anytime soon. Er, sorry? :D ♥)

[marguerite-26.livejournal.com]

<3

I respect laziness. ;)

[planejane.livejournal.com]

I definitely find the kinkier stuff gets a lot more measurable attention over there. I expect people are reading it on LJ but might not want to comment. The anon kudos ftw!

[marguerite-26.livejournal.com]

ah! that would explain some things... the one fic that has gotten the most attention (and unexpected attention, for sure) has the most kinky tags.

:D

bunch of pervs over there. LOL.

[lullabylily.livejournal.com]

I feel the same way about LJ; first thing I check in the morning, last thing I check before bed.

But ever since I got a Kindle (last week, yay!), AO3 has been nothing short of heaven. The formatting really is perfect. I don't have an account there, so I haven't been able to post or comment, but I'd love to get started there (do you know who I can ask for an invite code?).

[linnet-melody.livejournal.com]

I think astolat has some! Send her your email addy in a PM, she should be able to hook you up!

[meredyth-13.livejournal.com]

When I had fic up I found AO3 to be a lovely, easy to use archive to post to, and it's definitely excellent for reading (not to mention the WONDERFUL ereader download options, as I save off fic I love, and now have a tablet with various ereader apps on it). The Kudos (and blog style comment/reply setup) are also brilliant.

Where I have found it to be less awesome is in finding new fic to read - the search facilities are still clumsy, and the results never really seem to match what I'm seeking. It was one area where the old skyehawke site was handy - it had a 'most popular' listing in each fandom, and also a 'latest posted' by fandom. If AO3 have these, I haven't found them yet.

So it's DW (and in part, LJ) for keeping an eye on peeps and finding recs, but yes, I also go YAYE if the fic rec'd is on AO3. :)

[marguerite-26.livejournal.com]

hmm... I see what you mean about the search. you can look for 'last updated' and look for 'most hits' but you can't really see 'popular AND updated this month' sorts thing, right?

yeah, I still decide WHAT to read via LJ but I like reading it on A03. :)

[gmth.livejournal.com]

I have zero interest in AO3. I have a few fics over there due to Yuletide and experimenting with it as an archive, but probably won't be posting there anymore. The problem with AO3 is there is no feedback there. Kudos are nice and all, but even those are thin on the ground. I have no incentive to post there. It's great that people can download stuff on their e-readers or whatever, but I get nothing out of it if they never come back to comment or kudos. So screw it.

[marguerite-26.livejournal.com]

hmm... I wonder if it depends on the fandom? A few comments above Cheryl mentioned that HP stuff doesn't get much love, where as Merlin stuff gets lots.

I haven't tried uploading any HP fics yet but was surprised at the number of kudos on my Merlin fics because I was told to expect crickets.

Okay... now I need to upload something comparable in HP just to see.

fwiw, I read on A03, and leave the comment on LJ. (I'm ass backwards that way)

[rufflefeather.livejournal.com]

I'm on the waiting list for an account because I'd like to put my longer fics and this years BB there. I think it said mid-april or something, I'm not sure.

[marguerite-26.livejournal.com]

*points down to xmoonshine*

let's get you crazy kids together.

[xsmoonshine.livejournal.com]

I have a couple of invite codes. Who wants them?

[marguerite-26.livejournal.com]

*points up to rufflefeather*

[xsmoonshine.livejournal.com]

I like AO3 for ease of uploading and the ability to attach ridiculous tags. Reading is good too, but searching is almost impossible.

My fic situation there is a bit funny.. :) I get a reasonable number of hits when I upload a bunch of fics together, but very few comments/kudos, so I'm like, but if you don't like the first one you click on, why check out the others too? But the kudo situation is slightly better if I only upload one thing at a time, and for the batch uploads, a few will trickle in later, eventually, so I'm more or less ok with it.

[alisanne.livejournal.com]

So another awesome thing about A03?
Years I used to write in Smallville fandom and the mods at SSA (Smallville Slash Archive) just uploaded the entire site there!
So now all my Smallville fics are posted at A03 with no effort on my part. *happy dance*
What? I'm lazy. *sheepish*

[xsmoonshine.livejournal.com]

Oh, you just reminded me, the SSA sent me a message about this and I forgot. But I already have a copy on AO3... need to decide what to do about them. :)

[monicaop.livejournal.com]

:), I'm also an LJ girl, I love it, but yeah, A03 rocks!! I love it 'cause I can select everything and just get them into archives and print it!!!

Tons of hugs!! :)

[alafaye]

AO3 is ♥

I'm going through and making a master list of all my pieces and while I'm doing so I'm adding a link to AO3 for those who want to can read on AO3.

LJ is just such a pain that AO3 is better. I love when I see a link on AO3 for fic. (And in some cases I find it's easier for me to go and find previous chapters or stories if the author has it posted on AO3.)

[faithwood.livejournal.com]

I like to read there, but I'm too lazy to upload stuff. I uploaded just three longer fics so far.

I just checked and I have one invite code, if you find someone who needs it.

[kerryblaze.livejournal.com]

I love A03, both as a reader and a writer. As reader, I love being able to read it in that format. As a writer, who doesn't write much anymore, I get more kudos on older fics on AO3 than I ever get comments on LJ for older ones. For both Merlin and Torchwood.

ETA: And I think I have some invite codes. They're old and I can't remember if I gave them out. :\ But, if anyone wants to try them, just let me know.

[teprometo.livejournal.com]

I'll play AO3 invite code guinea pig!

[hollys_tree]

I agree with everything you said. :D
I check LJ multiple times a day, but I love reading on AO3. The download features are awesome, I can view a chaptered fic on one page, I can leave love with one click or write a comment if I want to say more.
And I find the "warnings and category square" very handy. ;)

I don't think HP fics get as much comments/kudos/love as fandoms like Merlin or Sherlock, but I think that's because new and shiny fandoms with ongoing canon always have a great influx of new people and at the moment AO3 is the place to go for new fic.

I agree with some things other people commented on. The search function at the archive isn't very good yet, but lets not forget they're still in beta.

[potteresque_ire]

I'm just here to give you LOTS of ♥
I have an AO3 account, but never load my fics there although I've read fics there and like the clean interface more than LJ. Maybe I will, once I gain my verbal ability back *cries*

Oh, I finally caved in and joined Netflix and there's *gasp* three seasons of Merlin on there. I want to start, but am afraid will get suck into it.........
(Totally talking to the wrong person, I know!!! :D)

*huggles you hard*

[marguerite-26.livejournal.com]

:D

You can also upload all your old fics! Why wait for new words??? It's also a great back up to have if LJ someday suddenly DIES. :/


Oh, I finally caved in and joined Netflix and there's *gasp* three seasons of Merlin on there. I want to start, but am afraid will get suck into it.........

!!!!!!!!!!!!

PIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


!!!!!!!!!!!!


(Totally talking to the wrong person, I know!!! :D)
lol-forever

Actually... Lisa gave it a good try and didn't get sucked in. Don't be afraid to try it!!! Though.... give it a chance. It's damn cheesey and um... some bad plots and er... yeah. BUT If you fall in love with Merlin and Arthur being ridiculous with each other THAT NEVER GOES AWAY.


*tacklehug*

[iolo1234.livejournal.com]

All my stuff is on AO3 as well. I have one invite code and could probably get more if anyone wants it. It is useful being able to download stories.

[marguerite-26.livejournal.com]

awesome! Thanks for sharing. There's been quite a few people around looking.

[frost.livejournal.com]

I love reading there and yay for downloads (my e-reader thanks you!). ♥
I know some authors don't like the whole kudos/lack of comments thing, so I've been commenting, though it makes me feel a little "front and center" when I'm the only one doing it, haha! ^^;

[marguerite-26.livejournal.com]

hee! yeah, I've heard a lot of grumbling about lack of comments so I went in with just a 'this only a back up, don't expect any feedback' so when I got a few kudos I was like WHOOO HOOO!!!

keep kudoing! and I will too and maybe we can start a trend. ;)

[wickedcherub.livejournal.com]

AO3 is simply the greatest thing ever. I didn't get an invite code, I just put my name on the waiting list earlier this year, and it didn't take very long at all before I got one. Matter of days?

Being able to bookmark and save fic with just a click is what really gets me. Kudos is also great - especially with short fic, because sometimes you just wanna say 'yeah, I read this and I liked it!'.

Downloading to Kindle, changed my fannish life. *sigh*.

[mezzo-cammin.livejournal.com]

is your user name the same on Ao3? You know - so I can follow you there?

I love AO3 as well - like you said, it's easy, and you kudos rock!

What I love is when I find an author I absolutely adore, and then I click on Works and see, oh, hey, wow - they write another pairing or maybe even in a different fandom I love, but maybe before I loved it, and I didn't even know that, so then wheeeee, more fic to read!

\o/

[pingrid.livejournal.com]

*stumbles into LJ, waves enthusiastically*

As an entirely inconsequential sometime writer, I won't invest the time to upload anything to AO3. But as a periodically prolific reader of the sort that reads to alleviate stress when work gets completely mad, I LOVE AO3. The Kudos button is worth its amouny of pixels and code in gold to me.

There are periods where I'll read fanfic as my main non-work activity (questionable, I know, but nevertheless ...), and during those periods my mind is often too frazzled to produce any in-depth commentary. And while I realise that a thought-through comment is infinitely more worth than a kudos ping, I figure a kudos ping is worth infinitely more than a page hit without comment. So while I feel bad about my abysmal comment rates at times, I hugely appreciate the easy appreciation option. I COULD comment with a short "liked this", but that's more ambiguous, IME. (Why is the comment so short? Is it meant as sarcasm? If they really like it, why didn't they specify what bits they liked? Is my fic mediocre, to only warrant a short comment, or is it so complex they couldn't manage anything else but still wanted to show appreciation? Are they taking the piss? Does this IP feature multiple times? Is it a sock? WHY NO MORE WORDS? Am I going mad? IS ANYBODY OUT THERE?)

I'm only a guest user at AO3, if you happen to have any spare invite codes I'd be very interested. :)

[kerryblaze.livejournal.com]

I have some. It has to go to your email. So PM me, if you're still interested, and I'll forward to you.

[asya-ana.livejournal.com]

I noticed there are different fanbases on LJ vs. FF, but I don't know much about the A03 fanbase. What do you think are the differences between the readers on LJ/A03?