WOW – I didn’t think my comments about N.A. would spark this much discussion – this is great!
At first I hesitated to give my opinion about N.A., but Mel asked in this thread and I gave her my opinion. Obviously the author is not too concerned with historical accuracy which is fine. Usually the story and characters in fan fic are more important than researched accuracy. However, with N.A., I recognized the inaccuracies and it distracted me because I grew up in the Midwestern U.S. during the 1950s. (Marcia: Romans calling each other, ‘Dude’ was just too funny – and spot on as to what I am trying to say.)
I didn’t leave feedback on LJ about N.A. because other people were enjoying the story and I figured if the author wanted authenticity, she would have done research or had a beta-reader. There’s so many stories out there that it was just as easy for me to leave this story and go on to another.
When I read Mandy’s “That Little Bit of Hope,” I felt she was striving for a professional tone so I sent her a PM . I gave her feedback about an element in her story I felt didn’t ring true. Mandy sent me a PM saying she appreciated my feedback which I felt was sincere.
And Helen – I’ll gladly help you with any American terms. For example, we say salt shakers here in the States, not salt cellars.