1. I just put a huge post on The Dancing Dove regarding the term Mary Sue and why it's over-used in the Tammy Fandom. First of all, I don't believe in Mary Sues. I think it's a snazzy way of saying "I don't like her because...". People say "she's a Mary Sue because..." and proceed to list everything they don't like - but the character they might like could have twelve character traits that *I* think are "Suish". Alanna, Daine, Kel, and Aly (in the Tortall universe) have amazing skills. Alanna, Aly, and Kel are pursued by important men (or have a history of their attractiveness). Alanna, Daine, Kel and Aly are nearly always right. So, I guess you could say that they're Mary Sues. Meanwhile, in the Emelan Universe you have four kids with Super Special Magical Powers that no one's seen in such strong forms before. Really easy to stamp a Mary Sue on that. I would just rather have people say "I don't like Kel because she always has to be at the top of her class, rather than being mediocre at something." Or "I don't like Alanna because as a gods-touched character everything is easy - magic sword, magic abilites, magical animal familiar, three hot guys chasing her, and a temper to boot!" These are at least REASONS to dislike that can be discussed rather than stamping a label on it and shipping it to the fandom.

I so hate the term. I'm sorry for giving a sermon.

2. Dawn was always my favorite.... well, and Kristi.