Date: Sun, 17 Jan 1999 23:51:38 -0500 (EST)
From: TXQuerida
Subject: Re: [VP] Being able to see slash

In a message dated 1/17/1999 6:27:17 PM Central Standard Time, 
SRandant:

<< I find this subject really fascinating.  How some "see" slash 
in some relationships and others don't.  When I first discovered 
slash(K/S) many years  ago it took me sometime to come to terms 
with it.  Actually, only about forty-eight hours but still, it 
wasn't instant.  I had to take a look at the characters and truly 
give some thought to whether I could believe the concept. >>

I still have this problem with some characters. With Starsky and 
Hutch, I could "see" or believe that these two guys MIGHT go that 
way in their relationship. With others, I just don't see it or 
believe it.  I felt that way about The Man From UNCLE slash fic 
because Illya and Napoleon in the first slash I read were SO out 
of character.  If you can't make me believe in the relationship 
without radical changes in the personality I see on TV, then as 
far as I'm concerned you're just using those names and 
situations. It's not truly fanfic.   

But then I read "Sex, Lies, and UNCLE"----and now I'm a 
believer...  The situation is believable, the developments follow 
naturally, and they ARE the Napoleon and Illya I know and love.  
They didn't become feminine, weak, or emotionally dependent after 
one sexual encounter.  

Believability and keeping the characters themselves are the major 
selling points for me. I read fanfic for character development 
and depth that isn't allowed on television. The sex scenes are 
the icing on the cake if well- written. I'm a sucker for romance. 
That's why so many S/H stories work for me.....the compassion and 
love showed up in the series, so it's not such a stretch to 
extend that into a growing romantic relationship.  I love 
romance. There's not enough of it in anyone's real life.

Off the soapbox,

Tex
