The Brit-picking debate, yet again!

[emmagrant01]

devon_may has posted a little rant about Americanisms in fic. I've posted my thoughts on this issue before, but I generally try very hard to have my British characters sound as British as possible. It's not because I worry that people won't read my fic or will flame me if I don't; it's about making my fic as good as it can be. If my characters are supposed to be British, I'd like that to be believable. Devon has recently Brit-picked something for me, and she did a fabulous job. I have great respect for her as a person and as a writer.

I know there are people out there who disagree that Brit-picking is necessary, though. *looks meaningfully at flist* I think Devon is open to debate, but I'm going to suggest people who disagree with the whole Brit-picking thing post your honest feelings about the issue here. Rant at me! You know you want to! ;-) Do it anonymously, if you want.

ETA: Finally! Someone disagrees, and in an extremely intelligent way.

Comments

[jamie2109.livejournal.com]

I commented on Devon's post and Ive commented here on your previous rants discussions (hehe) about Brit-picking. I agree, stories need to be Brit-picked, because for crying out loud, they're British!!!! Your Left My Heart was different because it wasn't set in England.

I don't get all huffy about it mostly, not anymore (seeing as I got pinged for using 'block' once. heh) But the one thing that bugs me no end, and almost turns me away from reading even especially well written fics, is the use of the word 'ass'. I said it in Devon's post, and I'll say it again. Brits do NOT HAVE ASSES, they have arses, and they're pretty damned cute ones at that!!! I'm an Aussie and even we say arse.

Anyway, so no flaming here from me. I agree with you. I might make mistakes myself from time to time, but I guess that comes from having a similar heritage and assuming things are the same. (Yes, ignorance I know, and I apologise)