You're not a writing snob at all. You've been sensitized like I have, and I have to admit that I'm annoyed by a lot of what I read critically, even from some of the best in the fandom. I'm reading a book right now by a furry author, and I can't see why some of the stories got in in the first place. I think, to put it in Occupy terms, we are the 1%. Not elitist, but if there is such a dearth out there, how do we make any other conclusion?

So, I feel your pain.

Yeah, seriously. Keep being a writing snob, if that's what it means.

I think sometime around FC11 I came to terms with the fact that I have a completely new eye for fiction, no matter what I read. Somewhere along the line my brain reprogrammed itself, and now it's a whole new outlook.

And you know what? That's about the time my writing took a dogleg (ha!) in a more literary direction. I don't think I can go back. And I'm not sure I'd want to. I can still write hot porn, it'll just be more involved.

I don't think anyone should stop writing. But I do think they should stop writing badly. Which is subjective in itself, but if there's no discussion or debate, or even compromise, how will anybody ever improve?

Sorry, guess I'm one of those passionate writers now. Greeeeat.

*exchanges secret handshake*

It's lonely up here sometimes...

Where do you find stories like these? And more importantly, why do you feel compelled to subject yourself to them?
I can usually tell within the first couple of paragraphs if a story is well written / if I'll enjoy it, and I'm sure someone like you would be able to as well. So I ask again, why, good sir, do you do this to yourself?

They are, as titled, random story encounters.

And I do this for you. Hopefully, my pain has at least engendered some smidgen of entertainment, though it got a little plea worthy near the end. Must use more vitriol next time, I think.

Ah, so it is a noble venture indeed, then. Still, thirty-god damn-thousand words, that is obscene.

I hope you're a speed reader.

And yes, vitriol is always welcome in this kind of thing. Keep it up, though, if you can stand it.

It's hard to read something quickly when it's terrible.

Yeah, that's what I would imagine.

So, basically, don't do anything that guy does. Gotcha! *goes over a bit more writing in his head, trying to squeeze it out into a coherent form on the page*

Pretty much.

Will do! *goes back to reworking his first story*