Character bashing in fics

There's an interesting discussion about character bashing going on HERE. It's worthwhile ;-).

For myself, I have to say I have no sympathy for Buffy and I really hate dislike Xander, but even so I don't like reading fics where the author insults these characters freely. Sometimes there's a reason for a character to be insulted and yet it's possible to the plot to make sense, but when the bashing becomes overstated and non-credible, I stop reading the fic instantly.

My thought is that it's not right to bash a character to try to make the favorite(s) one(s) look better, there are better ways to do that, showing respect for the characters and giving them consistence. Joss gave us weapons, but we have to know how to use them well, right?

Nostalgia

Today while driving home after work, I turned the radio on and switched some channels randomly. Suddenly I heard a familiar tune, increased the volume and then I could listen to...

Well you came and you gave without taking
but I sent you away, oh Mandy
well you kissed me and stopped me from shaking
And I need you today, oh Mandy


And it was performed by Barry Manilow. That put a big smile on my face *chuckles*.