(no subject)

[allyndra]

So, I was reading fanfic, as I often do, and John called Rodney "Baby," and it jarred me right out of the story. I spent a minute feeling irritated at the story, then I got really irritated at myself. Because I am the Queen of Terms of Endearment. I inherited my tendency to use affectionate nicknames from my father, who refers to my mom as "Honeyhead" so much that their African Grey says, "Goodnight, Honeyhead," whenever you turn off the lights.

Terms of Endearment I use for my husband and/or son:
Darlin'
Darlin'est (in case Darlin' isn't quite strong enough)
Punkin (Never pronounced "Pumpkin")
Punkin Pie
Baby
Baby Doll
Boy-o

And I also use diminutive versions of their names. Pretty much all the time. So, why do I object to fic!John using the word "Baby"? It makes no sense. And I would probably rise up in revolt if Rodney called him Johnny. I conclude that I hold a double-standard. I am allowed liberties that fictionalized versions of my favorite fictional people are not. *nods*

Comments

[allyndra.livejournal.com]

The pairing in question does make a big difference. I remember seeing a poll once about what Xander might call Giles if they were in a relationship, and I simply can't see Giles being called anothing other than "Giles." No pet names, not even "Rupert."

In Atlantis fic, the McKay/Sheppard contingent (*waves a flag*) have made a big deal about the fact that Rodney nearly always calls John by his last name or rank. In fic, calling him "John" is a sign of affection and involvement, and usually comes after or during the hot, hot sex. So far this season, Rodney has called John by his first name twice. There was much glee.

I firmly support this statement and plan to stitch it on a sampler, take a picture of it, and upload it into my profile so that all potential readers are aware that hypocrisy is perfectly acceptable in fanfiction, just in case they didn't already know. OMG, if you did that, I would be your slave for life. *laughs wildly* Seriously, a sampler of any kind of fic-creedo would be the most awesome thing of all time. *ponders learning how to cross-stitch*

[xanzpet.livejournal.com]

I simply can't see Giles being called anothing other than "Giles." No pet names, not even "Rupert."

Absolutely. Xander giving him a pet name makes about as much sense to me as Gunn calling Angel 'honey'.

OMG, if you did that, I would be your slave for life. *laughs wildly* Seriously, a sampler of any kind of fic-creedo would be the most awesome thing of all time. *ponders learning how to cross-stitch*

You are full of win! I've been debating about the cross-stitch thing, just to apply it to a fic manifesto. *nods*