During my time on this site I've developed quite a bit of experience with writing and an appreciation for proper story telling. Looking back at some of my earlier works I shake my head and wonder what I was thinking, and will probably be doing the same thing again for my recent stories another year down the road as I continue to learn the trade. I write primarily Digimon fics, most of them focus on the third season with only occasional hints or dabbles with other continuums, but I do enjoy works outside of Tamers.
When choosing a story to beta read I look for how the writer handles the characters, originality in plot, and grammar in general. I'm fair in how I base my critiques and don't let my own preferences for characters get in the way but don't expect me to go easy on you. Don't take that as meaning that I'm going to tear a story apart and bash you, but being a writer I have a certain respect for the craft and believe that it should be approached seriously and not half hazardly. I like to see well rounded characters in stories and decent plot and character development to go along with it.

In writing:
-Building up/ expanding on a world
-Building up plot
-Character development
-Looking at different viewpoints
-Having a long range plan for a story but still having it flexible enough to change
-Thinking realistically about character interactions and how they could affect the story
-Not letting bias getting in the way of writing characters
Beta Reading:
-Telling if a character is IC or OOC
-Looking for plot holes
-Offering tips and information that could be useful in developing story or writing style

In Writing:
-Moving too slow with a story
-Going back and forth between past and present tenses
-Being occasionally passive with writing and not assertive
-Rushing chapters
In Beta Reading:
-Occasionally missing a plot hole
-Occasionally lacking something to say about a chapter

As a fan of the third season of Digimon I tend to prefer beta reading those kinds of fics over others, with my main preference being that of Rika/Takato romance stories, though I will beta read stories from seasons 1, 2, and 4 as well. Season 5 will have to wait until I'm caught up on all the episodes and assorted movie(s). Overall, aside from Rukato (the aforementioned Rika/Takato pairing) I have no other major preferences for beta reading pairings so long as they're realistic and not OOC unless a specific reason can be found/used for it.

I will not beta read fics that contain incest, or depicting extremely descriptive sex. I'm not too big on beta reading pairings that feature unrealistic pairings unless realistic reasons can be found to justify it's existing and proper attention is paid to its development, same sex (unless they were portrayed as being such in the actual show in which case I have no problems), or stories that lack a sense of plot. Inter-species I've been relaxing the bar on lately, but it would have to depend on the situation and characters involved (and this applies to all pairings be they straight or homosexual).

Anime » Digimon

General Romance Humor

Drama Adventure Angst

Suspense Fantasy Tragedy

Family Hurt/Comfort Friendship