Only recently have I realized the profound effect TVTropes has had upon me, both in the way I read stories, and the way I create them. For those who don't know, TVTropes is a website that chronicles storytelling devices, describing both the recurring themes and the works in which they appear. You can see an example of the tropes here, created with help from frequent commentator and friend Jared...
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/RubysWorld
Anyway, I've been going to TVTropes for over three years now on a daily basis. When I'm looking for new stuff to read or watch, I look through their pages ( usually using Tear Jerker as a starting point). Whenever I finish a book, movie, game, or other series, I check out its entries on the page. I have even contributed to some of the pages. And I'm far from alone in my devotion to the site.
So here are my questions for those reading my blog...
1.) Do you visit TVTropes regularly?
2.) Do you use terms from TVTropes in discussions of fiction (both online and off)?
3.) Do you find yourself consciously recognizing examples of tropes when you read or watch fiction?
4.) Do you find yourself consciously recognizing examples of tropes in real life (personal interactions, professional life, news media, etc.)?
5.) If you are a writer, do you find yourself consciously thinking of tropes when you create and define your characters and their stories?
6.) What is your favorite thing about TVTropes?
7.) What is your least favorite thing about TVTropes?
8.) Have you come across any new stories thank to TVTropes?
9.) Do you think TVTropes is a good thing for fiction, or not?
10.) What are your personal favorite tropes?
11.) What are your personal least favorite tropes?
I'll have my own answers shortly.
