Hey there, everybody.

So first, a little bit about the author (that's me):

I'm from New York City, and let me tell you, it's cold for far too long up here. I got my first taste of fan fiction through Naruto, but I'm happy to say that I've branched out a bit since then (and although I couldn't have believed it, I have come to enjoy things even more exotic than dehumanized child soldiers who spew fire from their mouths - go figure). I have been reading stories on Fanfiction.net for a while, and then one day I finally worked up the nerve to join and write a story myself. Whether or not that was a good decision... well, I'll leave that up to you.

As for what I like and dislike in terms of the stories themselves, I'm interested in a lot of different characters that aren't mentioned too much, because there's so much room for the creative process to kick in - I just love those stories that show the plot from the point of view of an obscure side character, and that build up a whole new narrative inside the world of the original author. I really like exploring the motivations of villains as well, because in my experience terms like "good guy" and "bad guy" are just a matter of whose side you're on. And even if they are raging psychopaths, well, it's still cool to explore what makes them tick (no one is ever the villain of their own story, after all). Also, I don't always go for happy endings; sometimes it's simply more effective to end a story on a sad note. I certainly do not want or expect a Deus ex Machina in order to gratify some desire for everything to work out in the end.

Things I don't like include some of the most common pitfalls of fan fiction. First, let's deal with yaoi; it's all well and good if I can get a reason for one of these, but the author must explain why two seemingly straight male characters suddenly proclaim their love for one another and go on to have somewhat disturbingly graphic sex. Second: the infamous "High School Fic". Taking characters from a media like Naruto, which is full of pint-size sociopaths, and putting them in the context of a normal high school with fairly typical teenage problems (and sometimes not-so-typical) just doesn't sit well with me. And lastly, I like for stories that I read to be just that: stories. That is, they should have an overarching plot, various conflict, interesting characters, some modicum of creativity, and a basic understanding of whatever language it is that you're writing in. I'm not going to flame anyone for writing a story outside my tastes, but they certainly should not expect me to read it, either.

Also, a note on disclaimers: they are not necessary, in the slightest. I know you don't own [insert franchise here]. I managed to figure that part out when I saw that this is a fan fiction site. If you're writing fan fiction for your own series, well, good for you. Also, you might want want to get your head checked out.

Anyways, I've prattled on for far too long already, and I have stories that I would much prefer for you to be reading right now. Please review; it only takes a minute of your time, and you'd be surprised at how much any feedback whatsoever means to me.