Letters to the Editor

I wish your 'zine had been out when I first started browsing the f/f fanfic online a couple of months ago . This site is truly valuable in introducing the reader to what's out there and to the various authors' opinions on what's going on in both STV and the alt voy fanfic universe. I look forward to seeing it grow.

-Eqvinox

I've watched the growth of Seven/Janeway fanfic on the net over the past year with great delight. There are so many like minded people out there. And now this fanzine! My dream come true. I hope it's a great success.

-inaneway

re: Repair Crews

Hi Loretta,

You ladies have done an excellent job with your first issue. I truly enjoyed it!

And you are absolutely right. In "Collective", when Seven was imparting some very personal info to Janeway while in Janeway's 'Ready Room', I thought, is that the only thing Janeway is going to say? As Gina terms it, where was that "gooey" look she gets when she is touched by something said or done. Especially involving her favorite drone. More should have been said, or done.

But, now we have an "Repair Crew". You'll get the job done.

Sincerely,

Cassie

re: Editor's Desk

I liked your comments very much April. And yes I agree. If a person has a
different opinion, then so be it. But that different opinion should not be
dismissed outright. I look forward to further discussions on this subject.

Sincerely,

Cassie

re: Repair Crews and zine

Love this new site and looking forward to more. I wouldn't mind if you went back to even some of the older J/7 heavy episodes. Unlike Gina's reviews, which I love, I like the "what you would do" reviews as well, it gets one thinking a little differently.

thanks
deaette

Great stuff! Gina: Loved your article! I can't wait to get to read more subtexty reviews from variety of people and also some insightful articles on how different people see Voyager, trek pairings, general writing/acting stuff and things like that. Keep up the good work, you're on to a good start.

- Elisa

re: Repair Crews, Child's Play

Another good repair review. I recently watched some of the older episodes with Kes and there are several times that the Captain hugged her to help her emotionally. Doesn't Seven deserve the same? The Captain has also done that with B'Elanna. Does she not think that Seven is humanized enough for that yet. How better to help humanize her then by touch. But as you said it is the writers who fear this and not the characters. They are men who do not understand women and their need for touch in a relationship, any relationship. Women take their friendships very seriously. We love on so many different levels and that is how we feel about friends, we love them with all our heart. Especially if we have helped someone as Janeway has helped Seven. If we just take them as friends and not potential lovers, even then Janeway would be feeling a strong need to help seven emotionally. Like after One died, where was the good Captain helping her friend through this first time grief, which had her confused. She even said, 'you're hurting me', not really understanding why or how. That should have been the most important lesson Janeway could help her with. They are so afraid of giving the wrong message with these woman that they aren't giving the right one. Janeway is looking like a hard bitch. She undertook to help Seven and she should help her though the tough lessons and not just how to talk in a social setting.

Thanks again for the thought provoking review

deaette

I ran across a note RE: your e-zine on TenderWare's web site. I was very pleased with the work all of you have put into "The Alternate Quadrant". I've written the J/7 fan fic writers on your staff from time to time to tell them how much I enjoy their work.

I'm glad to say that now I enjoy their work collectively and hope this e-zine continues for a long time.

The columns has given me a bit of insight on the show and, for instance, I never equated the change in producer from Taylor to Braga as Mildred Perkins so nicely pointed out in her "Janeway's not Crazy" article. Seemed logical to me - I wouldn't want to share Seven with anyone including Janeway on "Voyager". Especially when reviewers point out the obvious chemistry between Mulgrew and Ryan.

All of you involved in "The Alternative Quadrant" - enjoy your hobby and don't let the public's pettiness get in the way of that enjoyment (ie: your 3rd issue's editorial page).

As Spock would say: Live long and prosper.

Sincerely,

Angie Faria

Re: Article: Match Made in Hell

Excellent article by Virago. Of course, I'm a little biased, heh, heh. I am on the Dark Side and have no plans to get with the "good."

Bones

Re: Warped To The Core/ "A little knowledge" Part I

I don't know if I want to say this is a suggestion, because it really isn't Dana (Captain Starbuck). But for myself when it comes to watching the show on T.V., and reading all of the disturbing rumors on the 'net', (and you're right, some of them are very disturbing) I still watch the episodes.

Why you might ask? Well I'll tell you. *g* I am looking for subtext, no matter how small, between Janeway and Seven. Knowing what the episodes will be about still doesn't inform us of every scene. And as long as Janeway and Seven are apart of the crew, I will always watch the show.

It doesn't mean that I enjoy every episode. Far from it! But it does mean I try to keep a positive view, hoping that TPTB realize they're missing something in the formulas to make good episodes. Then maybe they'll realize they should throw Janeway and Seven together more frequently. And let's face it, they haven't a clue on what constitutes what makes a good episode this season. Well, maybe they kind of got it right a few times, but only a few times.

So, do the rumors and spoilers sometimes upset me? Yes, they do. But I try to keep my mind on the positive, and look for any surprises. And sometimes we have been pleasantly surprised.

Cassie

Re: Characterization

Interesting site you have here. As an avid reader I'd just like to make a few comments (probably far too many!) about characterization in J/7 fanfic. Before I start moaning, I just want to tell all writers out there that I love reading their stuff and encourage them to continue writing.

These comments refer to a fair number of the stories I've read, and every time I come across them they immediately make me wonder if the writer really watches Voyager, or really appreciates who the character of Seven really is. Or, more accurately, why they want to change the character so radically.

1. Seven doesn't sleep, so you better come up with a pretty good explanation if you're going to have her dozing every night in Janeway's quarters.

2. If you're going to suggest that Seven doesn't sweat/pee/menstruate, then there are certain other body fluids that she's not going to produce either...think about it. You can't have it both ways.

3. Seven has repeatedly made it clear that she does not want to be called Annika.

4. Regardless of how much "in love" with anyone Seven is she is never going to give them inaccurate, irrelevant designations like "darling" or "honey."

5. Don't have Janeway quote obscure 20th century writer/poets. It's self-serving and it stops the story dead. And can any of them really compare to Dante, whom we know Janeway likes? You are writers. Make up your own poets from the future! (This also refers to song lyrics and other current pop culture references that will be long forgotten by Voyager's time.)

6. Face it, Seven can be a stone cold bitch. Love may change people, but the Seven I often see depicted in fanfic has been, for want of a better word, castrated.

Thanks for the forum to rant.

Robin

Re: Warped to the Core

Capt. Starbuck makes an excellent point. I had to stop reading spoilers and rumors, because they just got me upset.
I'd rather be surprised, even if it isn't a pleasant surprise. And I agree that J/7 kiss isn't likely. Braga is probably just
putting out disinformation to pique our interest...

Michell

monetta3@phnx.uswest.net