Broken English

[yakalskovich]

Oh damn, how does one tell a fanfic author on AO3 that their ideas are charming and one would like to see more of them, but it's blaringly obvious that English isn't their first language (I'd guess French or maybe Italian), and they should get a beta. Because what they write is worth reading, but I just can't -- all that without kicking off a flame and wank war?

There is no PM function on AO3, either.-

Comments

[paceisthetrick]

I am actually very tolerant of foreigners making mistakes. Your English is exceptionally good -- near-perfect -- but most foreigners do not have that ability.

The ones I cannot tolerate are the NATIVE SPEAKERS who cannot spell, write a grammatically correct sentence or stay within one tense. The education system in this country is just total FAIL.

Honestly, I'd ignore it. If it's worth reading, who cares if she has problems at first? My bet is she will master it in no time. :)

[paceisthetrick]

Go the circuitous route -- leave a comment praising her fic. Later you can mention that you'd be happy to help her with her English grammar. :)

[ceitfianna]

First I'd start with the fact that you really enjoyed the story and then ask in a comment how they feel about constructive criticism. Then go from there, I don't think it will start off anything if you're polite about it and if they say no, you leave it.