This is probably one of the most horrifying fics I've ever read. The Truman Show was also pretty disturbing for me.

This is now my number one favorite fic.

Thank you very much for the review and rec! I actually started out to write a somewhat-humorous though dramatic piece, but after the first few readers' comments I changed the story type to 'horror' because what happens to him is pretty darn awful.

That was really sad. ;_;

Much more so than The Truman Show.

I liked how well written it was.

-James

Nasty, very nasty... Good story admittedly but harsh with the stuff about 'accidents' and anya's death then willow selling him out. I dont think it really works. Truman show is a full-on comedy/tragedy. Doent work with horror like this cause ends up like something The Joker would do... Or Saw... good story but bit too close to the bone to make it funny.

Sorry you didn't like it. I have changed the category to "horror" as you suggested.

This is harsh...but very well conceived and written. I salute you!

Thanks for the review. I hope I portrayed the other Scoobies in a plausible fashion without straying into character-bashing. Poor Xander :(

Very creepy. I'm sorry he wasn't able to pull himself out on his own when given the chance following the big reveal. Too much hitting him at once :(

I credit Liz Marcs for the overall tone of the story. I was rereading a lot of her works at the time and she paints her Xander dark, or at least tragic. It definitely influenced my decision to hand out a non-sunny fate for our protagonist.

Damn, that was pretty good! You followed the Truman Show plot style really well and the way you used the typical in-jokes to pick at the bashers and the like was funny.

Glad you enjoyed the story. I tried to incorporate as much real-life color as I could. I haven't seen the movie in awhile...going to have to rent it again.

An amazing story. The plot itself wasn't that surprising considering the crossover. But the way you poked fun at the writers, the Xanderholics, the SMG-bashers and our messed up world in general, was both brilliant and hilarious.

Thanks for the feedback and rec! When writing this I finally understood what other writers meant when they said a story wrote itself. As soon as I had the basic assumption in place, things just fell into place. And I admit to letting real life color the fic just a little...but I hoped it would add depth.

That was amazing! I really hope Xander does end up with Willow in the end, even if she has to continue playing out the fantasy life with him. Poor guy. Of course there are holes, there will always be holes, but it was a great story.

Okay, after reading the other reviews and your responses, I get that Willow loves Xander, but is immoral in continuing to exploit him for a second show (presumably a Buffy-less one). I thought she was just spending time with him for his own sake in a mental hospital. Of course, the product placement should have tipped me off. Anyway, very well done.

This was one of those fics where everyone sits back at the end and says WTH?!? It seems to generate a lot of sympathy for Xander and nasty thoughts towards the 'actors'. I'm actually kind of proud that this piece generates so much controversy, because I think it means I reached people. As for the bit at the end with Willow--I almost didn't include it. That seems to be the point that made the story really unpleasant, because if Xander's best friend can sell him out, it's a really cold universe.

That was awesome!
Never laughed so hard...
:)

You're one of the few people that wasn't angry, depressed, or horrified about the way Xander was treated. I'm glad you enjoyed the story, nonetheless. More Xandercentric stories coming later this month!

That is actually somewhat disturbing.

I think most people that have read the story would agree with you (I do). As I responded to other reviewers, this story didn't go where I originally intended. I was aiming for lighthearted fun. EPIC FAIL. However, I am pleased with the result, even though it's one of the darkest pieces I've done.

Ingenious and well written. Excellent.

I've voted for this story in the CoA Awards.

Thank you so much for the vote of confidence!

... wow, I mean, creepy and disturbing, but damn, nicely written. Poor Xander. Maybe it's better that he sees the show as reality given all that's happened on the show, at least that way all the deaths and accidents have some sense and meaning.

So you think it's better for him to live the lie? I think I'd rather know the truth (for certain values of truth) and somehow try to deal with it all. This was definitely not the humorous story I thought it might be when I set out to write it.

Wow

Thanks! Just so you know, this site has the Crossing Over Awards at the end of the year. Keep your favorite stories in mind so you can nominate them or vote for them =)

thats so very weird and so very disturbing.Damn thats good stuff.

Woah...

Thanks for the rec--glad it made a favorable impression!