Which would you rather read first?

[Sparrow]

TesubCalle asked me this, so most of the credit for this idea goes to her (I added one option).

A story with Frank in mortal peril, Joe in mortal peril, or both brothers in mortal peril?

[Alaina]

Actually, it doesn't matter to me. If the story is well written, makes sense and both brothers get pretty much equal time, I'll read it. Mortal peril isn't a requirement for me, personally, to make a story interesting. I'd rather read a well written story with no mortal peril - no peril at all, for that matter! - than a really bad story where one of the brothers was hovering on the brink of death. :)

And in truth, I prefer the mental and emotional 'wounds' over the physical kind.

[Purple]

Ditto with Alaina! Emotional stuff leaves a lot more room to keep coming back to it and buildingon the scenario, also.

[Lady Emily]

As with Alaina and Purple, I'll enjoy any well written story, but in response to the question, I kind of enjoy seeing Frank in danger (you know what I mean). For some reason, I think fanfic authors pick on Joe a lot more, and it's kind of cool to see Joe be worried while Frank gets the action for once, lol. But, of course, the story's no good if it doesn't include both boys!

[Cokey]

Well, I guess I tend to lean more towards Frank-in-peril stories, even though I like to read Joe-in-peril stories, too. Both-in-peril is the best! Physical peril is okay, but I think emotional peril is more intriguing. And if you can have both, great! :D And it goes without saying that the writing must be good to enjoy the story.

This is the reason I like Frank-in-peril stories a little more. In Joe-in-peril stories (most of them, anyways), Joe always suffers the most or is the only one that really has any problems. I mean, Frank does get really worried about Joe, but he usually doesn't have too much trouble staying in control and ends up being the one that saves Joe. And I'm not saying that all JiP stories are like that, but most of them are. Whereas in Frank-in-peril stories, Joe is usually so distraught over whatever is happening to Frank that he has a really hard time coping, and everyone ends up having to worry about Frank and Joe. So basically, both of them are in peril, just in different ways. Plus, that gives Joe the chance to be the detective, since Frank is usually the one that has to save Joe. Anyway, this is my little essay on the subject. :rolleyes: Sorry about that.

[Sparrow]

Myself, I'm a Frank-in-mortal-peril first, of course. :D Nothing against Joe being in horrible danger, but I see that a lot.

I admit, I take mental/emotional peril over the mortal peril anyday - it's probably also why I write more emotion-focused stuff than action-focused. *Grumbles* Not that I've had time for reading or writing as much lately....

[Purple]

And a very well-put essay, Cokey!

[Phoenix]

Me? I'm a die-hard Joe-ette. Joe in peril or both in peril - can you tell, lol! I don't mind physical or mental peril - I'm not choosey. I think the reason why is because I just love the idea of an older sibling protecting a younger one *shrugs* that's the bottom line...

I just find it harder to get into FiP stories - no matter how much I love Frank.

[Zan]

For me the most important thing is whether the story has been written with care. I don't really mind if either (or neither) brother is in peril, but I do love a bit of emotional/mental turmoil. As Purple said. it leaves room to build onto the story and develop the characters further.

Zan:)

An intriguing question, Sparrow!:)

[United]

I'd have to go for Frank in trouble, cause I find it interesting to see how little brother Joey will respond...

[Mellon]

I find little brother Joey responds pretty much the same all the time - he's barely hanging on to himself. Just as I find that Frank responds the same - he's barely hanging on to himself, but in a different way.

I have to say I like *** for tat. Both in peril - both saving each other. That way it is not one-sided and satisfies both the Joe-ette and Frank-ette in us all. Kind of like, tossing one brother down a well while kidnapping the other and dunking him in a river. Yes a shameless plug for the First Noel. What can I say? I'm guileless.

[Moonlightsunshine]

I'll read any, so long as it's well written and is interesting, I do tend to read more Joe in Peril stories, i'll admit, but anything usually:)

[S Sleuth]

And a very well-put essay, Cokey!
Yes! Very well put. That's my opinion. Basically if it's well written, it doesn't matter to me which brother is in peril. Although I do kinda tend to lean towards Frank in danger (it's the Frank-ette in me) But then I can identify with Frank being the protective older sibling. And I LOVE emotional stuff. Where I can sit, read, and cry my eyes out or whatever.:)

[merry]

I don't mind who is in peril. I think I mostly prefer Joe-in-Peril stories, but I like it when Joe has a chance to take care of Frank sometimes also. I like any kind of peril, but I am a h/c junkie, so either way, both hurt and comfort have to be part of the equation!

[Cokey]

You know, now that I think about it, I do like JiP stories because of how Frank gets to be the protective Big Brother (yes, the position deserves capitals). And I have to admit that the Big Brother factor is probably the only thing that I like or can get into when it comes to JiP stories. No offense to Joe, he's great, but I'm a shameless Frank-ette. If the story kinda had Frank just hanging out without really having a purpose in the story, while Joe is barely hanging on to life or sanity, chances are that I wouldn't read it. If Frank doesn't get to do some major protecting and caring in a JiP story, it doesn't really capture my interest. But that's just my personal preference. :)

But on the other hand, if Joe ends up having to protect Frank too much, that also loses my interest. I don't mind and even enjoy seeing Joe taking take care of Frank once in a while (after all, nobody's invincible), but not too often. It goes back to that whole Big Brother thing. Frank is supposed to take care of Joe. That's how it's supposed to be, as far as I'm concerned.

Again, I apologize for the mini-essay. It's funny (scary?) how enthusiastic I can get about two fictional characters. (Oops, I said the f-word. Fictional, that is. ;))

[United]

LOL@Carmen

I love your mini-essays, you are such a shameless Frank fan, I love it !LOL

I have to admit I'm on the same wave length as you when I think about FF and where the plot lines go. I am a Frank fan, a HUGE Frank fan and I love stories when he is the centre of attention.

But writing a Joe based story at the moment has definitly opened my eyes to what my 'hanger' characters do, as at the moment Frank is a bit of 'hanger' character. So I am doing my best to, while taking the spot light off Frank for this story, making sure that he has some purpose to play; perhaps not with the main plot, but possibly a small sub plot...

As for the big brother caring for the little one...hummm....I guess I agree with that to some degree. I have no problem Frank being the protective older brother, but I do/would like to see Joe taking on some of that responsibility as well, and at times protecting Frank as well. I don't know, the whole idea of Frank always having to take care of Joe doesn't quite sit right with me. Yes take care of him now and again, but in every story.....nah

I think if that plot was used in every story, we'd be bored to death. Thankfully there is Fan Fiction and our little worlds !

[Phoenix]

I think if that plot was used in every story, we'd be bored to death

I think that would apply to any story line. Too much of one thing desensitizes the reader - whether it is Frank or Joe.

[rokia]

Well, of course, I loooove Frank in Peril stories but I'd read either if they were WELL WRITTEN. I've read many a Joe-in-Peril story simply because they were soooo very well written...

The key is to make the peril realistic and believable and make the brothers actions realistic as well! :)

[Cassie1922]

In Joe-in-peril stories (most of them, anyways), Joe always suffers the most or is the only one that really has any problems. I mean, Frank does get really worried about Joe, but he usually doesn't have too much trouble staying in control and ends up being the one that saves Joe. And I'm not saying that all JiP stories are like that, but most of them are. Whereas in Frank-in-peril stories, Joe is usually so distraught over whatever is happening to Frank that he has a really hard time coping, and everyone ends up having to worry about Frank and Joe.

Don't get mad at me anyone, but a daughter of a friend of mine once asked me, "How come Joe always steals the spotlight?" :eek: Out of the mouth of babes! (She's 13)

While I think that's a bit strong, it does have a little ring of truth. However, as Cokey said in the bit I quoted, Joe's reactions & emotions are so strong when Frank gets in trouble, it's really not hard to see him getting in trouble too.

But, like others have said, as long as the story is believable, and well written, I'll enjoy it either way! :) (Though I prefer the "Frank" stories. :p )

[BM]

I agree whole heartedly with Lady Emily!

And I've got a question: if there are so many of you who like FiP stories, why are there so few out there? Can this be a shameless begging for more stories? Please?

[Purple]

The reason I think is because Frank is VERY hard to write. He's a very private person and he doesn't like to share his brain with writers.

That's been my experience anyway. I'm slowly coaxing him out of his shell in my Velvet timeline though. It's slow going, but I'm starting to make some progress I think.

[Cokey]

I have to agree with Rachel on this one. I've never actually tried writing a whole story, but I have thought about how I would portray my characters if I did make an attempt. And while I have a good idea of how I would portray Joe, when it comes to Frank - I have no clue! And I don't get why because he's my favorite character! It seems like I could go mainly two different ways with him, but I don't know which one I like better. So when authors write a Frank that sounds believable and I really like- they gain my undying adoration. ;)

Another reason, I think, is because a lot of people (including myself) like seeing Frank in the protector role. So in order to do that, most people write JiP stories. And let's face it - Joe makes the better damsel-in-distress, anyway. :p (Though, I'm sure Joe wouldn't agree!)

[JD]

The reason I think is because Frank is VERY hard to write. He's a very private person and he doesn't like to share his brain with writers.

Oddly enough, I find Frank much easier to deal with than Joe!

[Cassie1922]

And I've got a question: if there are so many of you who like FiP stories, why are there so few out there?

I have wondered about that also. In previous "Who do you like better" polls, Frank has won. But, there have always seem to be more JiP type stories out there.

The reason I think is because Frank is VERY hard to write. He's a very private person and he doesn't like to share his brain with writers.

That's very interesting.

Another reason, I think, is because a lot of people (including myself) like seeing Frank in the protector role. So in order to do that, most people write JiP stories. And let's face it - Joe makes the better damsel-in-distress, anyway.

That last sentence is a hoot :) ,but I think you hit on something here. I can see Joe's impulsiveness naturally getting him in more situations. For Frank to get into some of the situations that Joe has found himself in, it would be almost OOC.

I kinda like Protector Frank. :)

I'm anxious to see comments from the other authors.

[Alaina]

I'm with JD; I don't find it hard to write Frank at all. In fact I enjoy writing him!

Hmmmm..... I haven't done an actual 'count' but as a general guess, I think there are more Joe-ettes than Frank-ettes who write and that's why there are more JiP stories. Off the top of my head there's JD, Rokia and Purple who write but after that, it seems that most of the Frank-ettes are readers, rather than writers... So maybe the rest of those Frank-ettes need to start putting pen to paper - or fingers to keyboard - to solve the problem! ;)

[Cassie1922]

... So maybe the rest of those Frank-ettes need to start putting pen to paper - or fingers to keyboard - to solve the problem!

I'm a science major. If this Frankette even tried to write a creative story, it'd be a headliner over at that Godawfulfanfiction website. :D

I just bow down in total jealousy to the authors here and enjoy reading the stories - no matter who the focus is on! :)

[Purple]

Once I get Frank to start talking to me, he won't shut up. It's getting him to talk in the first place that I find difficult, lol.

He's starting to make noises about 2 Velvet stories that are rolling around, so maybe he'll co-operate with me for a change!

[Cokey]

it seems that most of the Frank-ettes are readers, rather than writers... So maybe the rest of those Frank-ettes need to start putting pen to paper - or fingers to keyboard - to solve the problem!
:o Guilty as charged.
If this Frankette even tried to write a creative story, it'd be a headliner over at that Godawfulfanfiction website.
And I'd probably be right there with you! :D Really, I think it's best to just leave it to the pros. ;)

[United]

I'm with JD and Rokia, I find writing Frank pretty easy..

To me Frank is like a dice, many sides that add up a little differently; and with each situation a different side is rolled out !

Rachel did make me laugh about getting Frank to talk to her, I can understand what you mean about characters keeping their mouth shuts...sometimes I wish certain ones would !

Strangely, I enjoy writing Frank in peril stories, as I love focusing on Joe's reactions and how he copes with it. I've also tried to regain a human element to Frank, by making him emotionally cope with situations that happen to him- that way the air time is equal so to say.

To go against everything I just said though, I am writing a Joe in peril story at the moment, and I have to admit I am having a hoot with it ! I've never written one where Joe is the one in trouble and I'm having a lot of fun doing it !

As for Carmen and Cassie being worried about writing; just give it a shot ! What's the worse that can happen..?