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

[(Anonymous)]

I have to admit I find the argument of Brit-picking strange. Is there a similar American-picking for fandoms set in the US?

[thalia]

Yes, to some extent. There are a lot of Brits writing in Stargate, and a lot of Britishisms slip in, and the Americans tend to get pretty annoyed. Well, I do, anyway, and I know I'm not the only one. I know some of the Brit writers make a point of using US betas.

My favorite was a story where an SGC computer displayed "Programme ended," which, I understand from a Brit, isn't even correct usage in Britain.

[(Anonymous)]

Thanks for clearing that up for me. :) Unless it's something major that leaves me wondering what the hell the author meant, I usually don't notice or ignore slip-ups.