Quickie question...

[ash48]

Do you think having a graphic, as in a banner, enhances a fic or vid post? Do you think a banner makes a difference as to whether you would read or watch something?

Just curious..

Also. Not sure why. Lost and Gillian's Island. Just a thought.

Oooh and an art rec while I'm here: The Dicks It's ok. It's safe for work. :D It's fab art of the angels in SPN. Love it.

Comments

[mara-snh.livejournal.com]

Most of the time, artwork of any kind only distracts me. Often, it's pretty awful, especially in challenge posts where writers and artists have been more or less randomly thrown together. Only last night, I opted to pass up two Big Bang stories by authors I like because of that. Harsh, but true.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Only last night, I opted to pass up two Big Bang stories by authors I like because of that.

Oooh, that is harsh. :) I don't think the art would ever turn me off a story. In fact some of the art has made me want to read the story where normally I wouldn't. (Though I've had zero opportunity to do any reading. Lots of bookmarks though!)

Thanks for the input. I seem to be getting quite a mixed reaction (which isn't helping make my decision about whether to use one in my next vid post any easier!)

<3

[mara-snh.livejournal.com]

Yes, harsh :-( Part of the problem was that the stories were posted in several installments, which would have made too much work out of my usual solution of just cutting and pasting the story into a Word document. To be fair, the art was pervasive and really, really bad. I might lighten up eventually. I go through stages.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

I can understand that - as in it being pervasive (ooh and it was really, really bad? ouch).

So you cut and paste huh? Do you find the .pdf files that some authors provide helpful? I've never dl'd one, so I am curious.

[mara-snh.livejournal.com]

I like PDF files. In fact, being a designer by trade, I like to present my stories as magazine layouts, using graphics mostly based on appropriate frame grabs. I use smaller physical page sizes so the layout can be viewed by most people with left- and right-reading pages side by side, just as you would if you were reading a magazine. Pages turn by hitting your --> button (keep the cursor hovering over the "turn page" button to make it super-easy). I guess I sort of anticipated Kindle, or even more so, iPad, by doing this. :-) Here's an example, if you're interested. (Not in a fandom you probably follow, sorry.) http://www.megaupload.com/?d=DFWBWUP8

For all that, I think most readers prefer plain Word files. Apparently, some people read fic on small-format electonic devices, not necessarily computer monitors, or customarily print out for reading on paper.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Thanks! (hee! I'm glad you edited that I was thinking... omg and ODF file... something else I have to learn about!! *G*)

I've been content with reading the actual internet posts but I can see how being able to dl a fic could better. I have been know to cut and past to a word doc for printing - but the amount of paper I've used scares me.

I have an iPad on my birthday wish list - for the express purpose of reading fanfic. :)

[mara-snh.livejournal.com]

Oh, an iPad would be perfect! I hope you get your wish :-)