Reports from Beta Central - how do you beta?

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Looks like we're all ready to go - we have a story that will be volunteered tomorrow all ready for beta-ing comments and feedback, and we have stories lined up for after that too. Thank you everyone!

In the meantime, and before we start, a couple of people suggested we have a post about the different ways of betaing, particularly what different people look out for when they're reading a story with an eye to seeing how well it works.

So - what do you comment on, when you're betaing a story? Or what do you notice as "a mistake", and/or what do you find "forgivable"? What do you look for in a fic? What are your strengths, d'you think, as a beta? And perhaps the ultimate question - what would you find in your idea of the perfect Prosfic?

What d'you reckon? *g*

ETA - and perhaps we should turn this the other way around too - what are authors looking for in their beta...? What is a "beta" anyway? What are we/they supposed to be doing? *g*

Reports from Beta Central - First Beta: Sounds by Merentha13

[merentha13.livejournal.com]

This story was an attempt to do a mostly dialogue type fic. I enjoy them and wanted to give it a go. Quick summary: Despite a strained relationship, Ray is bedside as Bodie recovers from injuries sustained in an op.

Any comments, suggestions, etc are welcome. As this is our first beta in this forum, please feel free to be as critical or supportive as you like. I don't mind using my fic as a springboard to discuss how future beta's should go. (And I've been told I have a pretty thick skin! *g*) My main goal is to improve my writing and my portrayal of the lads. Let me know what you think!

( Sounds )

( Trailer )