curious about recs

[tielan]

Okay, this is something I just don't get and I'm hoping someone on the f-list might be able to shed some light on the matter.

Why do people ask permission to rec fics?

I'm not talking about archiving stories or using excerpts from them; I'm not talking about use of the original characters, scenarios, or lines from the author's story; I'm not talking about putting up a criticism of the story or mocking it...just about someone putting up a link to the story with the words: "I love this story!"

Are there people on my f-list who object to people recommending their stories? And if so, why?

The way I see it is that it's free advertising! Someone liked your story enough to tell someone else, "Go forth and read this!" That's a good thing, isn't it?

Or am I missing something?

To be honest, I've never asked permission to rec a fic, and I never will. If I like a story, I want others to see what I like in it. They're not going to be able to do this if I don't send them the link and they run along and read it. I wouldn't ask permission to read a fic posted publically on the internet, why would I ask permission to send someone else along to read it?

Comments

[sharim.livejournal.com]

i don't normally ask; i just order people to go read!

[tielan]

Yeah, me, too!

*sends her minions out to read*

[cala-jane.livejournal.com]

truth be told?
if I love the story enough to rec it I don't really ask for permission. After all, reccing a story is the best feedback anyone could want...

and are there people who don't allow posting recs?

[tielan]

After all, reccing a story is the best feedback anyone could want...

That's what I think.

are there people who don't allow posting recs?

Apparently. I've come across community and list moderators who won't allow reccing without permission of the author. Presumably because the author objects?

[dzurlady.livejournal.com]

I have never understood it either. Surely if they didn't want people to read it they wouldn't have posted it?

[tielan]

Especially not on the internet!

[pixiesio.livejournal.com]

If it's just reccing, then yeah, you don't really need to ask permission. Only if the person plans to put it up on some archive somewhere would I expect the courtesy of asking permission first.

[tielan]

Yup. Archiving the story in whole or part or directly referencing characters or situations, yes.

Just recommending with a link? No.

[miera-c.livejournal.com]

speaking as someone who's notoriously picky about people linking to my posts, especially when they're linked within a community... I have no problem with people linking to or recommending my stories.

I wouldn't write a fic and put it on the internet if I didn't want people to read it. As many people as possible at that.

Which I suppose sounds utterly inconsistent with my desire for other stuff not to be publicized through fandom, but to me, the fic is created and intended for public consumption, whereas me rambling isn't in the same category in my mind.

So, yeah, I've never asked permission to rec something, that I can recall. It's a compliment.

[tielan]

I know that I've sometimes been disconcerted to find my ramblings up on sga_newsletter - especially the ones that aren't so formally an essay. I guess I'll just have to f-lock the ones I don't want the fandom to see.

But fic is different. You throw it out there and see if anyone likes it. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. And if they do and they rec it, it's all good...yes?

[kathgrr.livejournal.com]

I usually ask for permission before rec'ing just in case the author doesn't want the attention. Otherwise, I guess I look at it as part of giving feedback to the author.

As an author (abid incredibly unprolific), I don't understand why people don't want their stories to be rec' to others. It just doesn't make sense if you're putting it on the net, then it's public access anyway!

[kellifer-fic.livejournal.com]

It's nice to find fellow aussie SGA lovers... :)

I don't ask permission and do large rec posts. I'm usually thanked by the authors for reccing and have never encountered a problem with it.

I kinda find it strange when I'm recced by someone and they haven't left feedback on the story itself... but I guess the reccing is their way of feedbacking. *shrugs*

I used to put a note that I was *going* to rec, not actually asking permission, but since I mostly rec who is on my f-list and they are used to my rec posts, I don't tend to worry anymore.

That being said, I like when people put a note on their comment saying "Enjoyed your story, came here because 'blah' recced you". I like to know how people came to find my story if it's not on a comm and also to say thanks to the reccer. :)

[doxymom.livejournal.com]

I've never asked permission to rec a fic and no one's ever asked my permission to rec mine--course, I don't think I've ever been officially rec'd.

I've no idea why someone would expect people to ask their permission. You're right, it's free advertising.