Date: August 29, 2020 06:41 am Title: Chapter 6: In Which Caffeine is Provided
Isn't that extra sweet that Jim remembers likes of all of his colleagues and not just Pam? I think it is.
I enjoyed the picture you painted very much — Pam at Jim's workplace, Jim nearby, and they chatting so easily. That's so lovely, so pure.
And yet... they still couldn't talk about 'heavy stuff,' and that's totally understandable but still sad. I had a feeling that Jim couldn't imagine that Pam might doubt the strength of their friendship, and Pam yet couldn't articulate the things that disturbed her (and switching to joking felt like a safe mechanism). I hope they'll learn how to talk to each other... eventually.
Oh, and I still can't get rid of suspicion that Dwight's up to something... but the way Jim instantly jumped to defend Pam — awww! I adore little moments like this!
P.S. I spent a good amount of my morning discussing with myself about in which Hogwarts houses Jim and Pam might end up and trying to forget about Pam's highschool Austen preferences (still not adult enough for that!). This is one of the things I like about your stories — they both delightfully Jammy and provoke me to think about so many different things. So thank you!
P.P.S. That might be caused by cultural differences, but I was seriously puzzled when Pam said she prepared water for her tea in a microwave. Is it common practice or DM is in a crucial need of an electric kettle?
Author's Response:
Thank you! I was going for sweet!
PS That is exactly the kind of thinking I want you induce, so I'm so glad to hear it!
PPS Yes, it's embarrassingly common around here, yes. They do need a kettle! But here in America people seem weirdly OK using microwaves.
1 [Report This]Date: August 28, 2020 07:05 pm Title: Chapter 6: In Which Caffeine is Provided
Delightful banter between Jim and Pam. I love the image of her sitting in his chair rocking back and forth like that. Pam griping about the office tea not being right, and this is before Christmas? Hmmmmm, interesting.
Also love the fact that both Jim and Pam know of fanfic. Lovely bit there. Of course Dwight knows about fic. The Beet Commander (which I could also see as his username) has probably also written several Battlestar Galactica fics himself.
Looking forward to seeing where we go from here.
Author's Response: Thank you! I had fun with the physical element here. And yes, I love dropping in things like the fanfic reference. It's a lot of fun. Thanks for the review!
Date: August 28, 2020 06:18 am Title: Chapter 5: In Which Pam Has a Quiet Evening At Home
As a person who has headaches quite often, I was ready to feel compassion toward Roy in this state. Honestly, I was. But I just can't, I have no excuses for such selfish behavior. Leaving no drinks for Pam? No word about how Pam's day was? Dumping the food Pam cooked into the trash? The last one made me livid, it was such a clear sign of disrespect that I just don't know... Pam is truly a saint (or she's in such an intense state of denial that it's just unhealthy).
"Fucking Halpert, man. Some guys have all the luck."
I wish that were a prediction of the future!
And I like Pam's thoughts there. The fact that she acknowledged the fact that she thought about Jim more than she should (and that she felt guilty about that, I found that endearing). The fact that Pam haunted Toby for the answers (poor Toby!), just to be on the same page with them.The fact that, despite all her doubts, she was ready to cover Jim up. And, of course, her question about what Jim's friends knew about her.
I'm very curious about the next day's meeting. Thank you!
Author's Response: I also get them--I also still had no sympathy for Roy (obviously). Thank you for the review!
1 [Report This]Date: August 28, 2020 05:34 am Title: Chapter 5: In Which Pam Has a Quiet Evening At Home
Pam thinking about how she can help Jim out, even though she’s feeling a little left out around the prank itself, is all kinds of sweet.
Author's Response: Thanks! I agree!
Date: August 27, 2020 06:34 pm Title: Chapter 5: In Which Pam Has a Quiet Evening At Home
Very interesting thought process here with Pam. It feels like she's really trying to put in effort to her relationship with Roy, but she's the only one. However even with that, her thoughts still come back around to Jim. Maybe listen to that side of your mind that likes logic puzzles there Pam. Could lead you down an interesting path.
Nice job on Roy here. There's an interesting dichotomy I see between him and Jim. Besides the fact that Roy doesn't appreciate Pam, what with the whole dumping food down the trash and all, Roy here is trying his best to be a slacker.
There was another fic I read once that describes Jim's work ethic as he'll rush through things he doesn't like, such as his actual job, in order to spend more time doing things he does like. Such as hanging out with Pam and pulling pranks. So while Jim also tries to do as little as possible, he will get his work done.
Not so much with Roy it seems here. Since he just does the minimum effort at his job he also does the minimum effort in his relationship. Hopefully if Pam's logic puzzle loving brain can figure that out.
Author's Response: You always get so clearly exactly what I'm going for in these fics, I really appreciate it. Thank you for the review!
1 [Report This]Date: August 26, 2020 10:49 am Title: Chapter 4: In Which A Secret Is Revealed (But Not To Us)
I like Steve's dialogue here - he definitely sounds like an adult theater kid. And I adore the stablergirl shoutout.
Author's Response: Nice catch! I love that Stablergirl story and I was actually rereading it right before writing this, so that's how that got there. And I am an adult theater kid, so I just write me into Steve...thanks for the review!
1 [Report This]Date: August 26, 2020 10:46 am Title: Chapter 3: The Same, from Another Angle
I like this a lot - the idea that Pam is shaken from complacency by feeling like her position as BFF/partner-in-crime is being threatened is great, and this really sounds like S1 Pam.
Author's Response: Thank you! I always worry I'll mix up S1/S2/S3 Pam emotions, so I'm really glad to hear this is tracking as S1!
Date: August 26, 2020 09:40 am Title: Chapter 4: In Which A Secret Is Revealed (But Not To Us)
I like this chapter in general, but two things made me incredibly happy:
1) Jim reading Jane Austen because of Pam — it's a whole new level of sweetness! And the fact that he read 'Persuasion'... oh, my heart! I put my reading on pause to take some time to walk around my room, grinning and giggling. Thank you for that moment!
2) Steve, a perfect stranger, who knows nothing about Jim's situation, noticed Pam's disappointment. That says something. Perhaps, Jim really would like to hear that... another question — what would he do with that observation?
Also, Mark's intrusion was both fun and cringy — I wonder if he ever heard of the privacy of personal life? But his remark might have pushed the plot, so... that was for better, I guess.
Oh, and Steve's last words were brilliant and made me laugh aloud.
Thank you so much, and I can't wait to see what happens next!
P.S. Dang, I'm out of jellybeans already :(
Author's Response: Thank you! Especially thank you for catching that it's Persuasion he read. Mark is, in this version anyway, kind of a pushy dick, but with a deep love for Jim to make up for it. So I think that was in the character I want for him--but I agree that he shouldn't have done it if he were a better person.
Date: August 26, 2020 09:17 am Title: Chapter 4: In Which A Secret Is Revealed (But Not To Us)
Jim read Jane Austin because Pam did! Ha! I was rolling with that one. Also point to me this time. No one was around to witness my sudden cackle of laughter so you can't add it to your tally of "Comfect makes the people around warrior think warrior is crazy due to random maniacle laughter." There's probably a shorter name for that. I'll work on it.
Anyway, nice little wrap up to the prank. Steve and Mark are great in this chapter. The kind of friends Jim needs. Friends that do truly care about him, but also have no compunctions about giving him crap.
Also very astute observation by Steve. "Your Pam seemed disappointed..." Once again Jim and Pam's feelings for each other are glaringly obvious to everyone but Jim and Pam. Nice way to slip that in.
Author's Response:
Darn, I'll have to make sure to update when you're busy with people then...
Seriously, thanks for the review! I'm glad that you're enjoying the friendships; I always worry about fleshing out characters like Mark and especially Steve who have so little to do in the real show.
1 [Report This]Date: August 25, 2020 11:16 pm Title: Chapter 3: The Same, from Another Angle
Awww. And, at the same time, — poor Pam. I can imagine her emotions probably too well, and it hurts. Somehow, Jim's prank affected not only Dwight but made Pam reconsidered her own believings about her friendship with Jim, and her doubts... yeah, that hurts. Perhaps, this experience though pushes her to think about what place Jim takes in her life and so one. But still, that was rather a sad day for her, I guess.
On the bright side — Steve came to her desk just once and spoke some formal nonsense! I won't believe if that doesn't create some material to think about (for Pam, and, I'd say, it might stir some suspicions in Dwight...)
P.S. It's silly of me, but I had no idea that it was originally a prank from the show! Perhaps, I should watch Season 9 after all, for the sake of not missing references in the stories.
Author's Response: I have not actually watched S9--but I've seen the prank cold open, most recently I think on the MTT Instagram feed. It's a great one for the sheer disbelief Dwight expresses. I do think you've got a good handle on what I'm doing with Pam--so thanks for noticing! And thanks for the review!
1 [Report This]Date: August 25, 2020 08:19 pm Title: Chapter 3: The Same, from Another Angle
It was really interesting to get Pam's perspective on this one, her FOMO comes across quite well, especially with the Toby jab.
I liked the connection you made to no Jim eqauls no solitaire wins,kind of highlighting how integral Jim is to Pam's daily routine.
PS I hate mobile.
Author's Response: I assume the PS is why I got two notifications about this comment ;) Thanks for the review, and I'm glad you noticed the connection at the end!
1 [Report This]Date: August 25, 2020 07:44 pm Title: Chapter 3: The Same, from Another Angle
Very interesting development here. I kinda figured that Jim not getting Pam in on the prank would somehow backfire a bit. Seems like it kind of is a bit. She does seem truly dissapointed that she doesn't have a role to play. Especially when Toby does have a role to play.
Thank about that Pam. You're dissapointed that you didn't get to play a prank with your best friend and spend more time dwelling on that, than you do about the physical well being of the man you supposedly love and want to spend your life with. Hey look, is that a red flag fluttering somewhere?
Seriously though, great writing as per usual to suss all that out. Great job with the POV switch and letting us in on Pam's thinking as this all goes down.
Author's Response: Thank you! This was my first step towards the JAM ending I promised (a very small step obviously) so thanks for noticing all those little details! Back to Jim next.
Date: August 25, 2020 07:23 pm Title: Prologue 1: In Which Key Characters Meet
I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. But I do find this a bit racist. Perhaps I am unaware of specifics. Just wanted to speak my voice or spark a conversation to be informed how I am wrong or what I am missing?
Author's Response: Hi! I'm curious which part you find racist--or more specifically, I guess, more racist than the characters in the show this is fanfic for (since I would agree that The Office is racist at times, and the central conceit of this fic is taken from an S9 cold open in the show combined with the second episode of S1). It's hard to have a conversation without more specifics, but my hope in this fic is not to focus on any of the racial elements but more on the idea of Jim having someone who is clearly not him pretend to be him at work (and to use specifically the character of Steve from the S9 cold open, played by Randall Park). Michael is definitely a little racist in the first prologue (because, well, I find Michael to be a racist character, hence the narration pointing out his casual racism), but I'd be curious to hear more about what you find racist in the fic beyond that.
1 [Report This]Date: August 25, 2020 04:12 am Title: Chapter 2: In Which a Prank is Pulled, and Jim Watches
Pam realizing she needed to turn on the camera without additional prompting was so very lovely. Steve was great - it’s really fun to see it all play out this way, with Jim as almost active participant.
Author's Response: Thank you! And thanks for the feedback on Steve--since he's 90% OC (only shows up in this one scene in the original), I'm worried about him fitting in...
1 [Report This]Date: August 24, 2020 10:31 am Title: Chapter 2: In Which a Prank is Pulled, and Jim Watches
So this was a lot of fun. Great use of the canon lines and scenario just turned around here a touch. Bravo to Pam for being quick on the uptake. Lots of grins going on as the show goes on. Especially Jim finally getting to see a Jim-look.
The end part there at Steve shows up at reception seemed like it had a hint of meloncholy to it. Jim getting an outside view of what his trips up to Pam's desk really look like. Really looking forward to seeing what happen with that.
Also now that the prank is completed, what will happen going forward. Can't wait.
Author's Response: Thank you! I hope you enjoy the same again from Pam's POV--because that's what I just posted.
1 [Report This]Date: August 24, 2020 10:09 am Title: Chapter 2: In Which a Prank is Pulled, and Jim Watches
Well done, there we a lot of laughs in this one for me.
Things that stood out to mere were Jim almost walking into a wall, and Pam with the all caps all the time texting, because that was just weirdly endearing.
Toby in with the paperwork and Mose not being a responsible adult was just icing on the cake.
Of course all good Jim impressions must involve tapping on Pam's desk.
I look forward to seeing how you spin the aftermath of this.
Author's Response: Thank you! I'm glad you noticed all those little grace notes; they were fun to include, but it's way better when someone sees them...
1 [Report This]Date: August 24, 2020 09:58 am Title: Chapter 2: In Which a Prank is Pulled, and Jim Watches
Oof. What a prank! I'm torn between feeling bad for Dwight (because gaslighting is usually a horrible thing) and delight, because it's awesome to watch how elaborated plans come to life. Especially Jim's (I'm biased here).
I really like the way you described Jim's reactions. That gut-twisting feeling when he thought if Pam would understand his (Steve's) hint or not; satisfaction from the prank that worked out well; his reaction on Toby's wink — that's my second favorite part! And the first favorite is Jim's call to Steve with advice to talk to Pam. It felt... I don't know, it felt like something big. And the way Jim didn't want to watch how Steve talked to her felt the same way. Amazing chapter!
I'm curious about Pam's thought and Steve's observation (he had to make some!) and how the rest of The Prank goes.
Thank you so much for writing! And updating!!!
Author's Response: Thank you! I mean, gaslighting is horrible but if anyone can let it run off them like water off a duck's back it's Dwight. I enjoyed taking the S9 prank and moving it here. Thank you for reading--and I hope you enjoy Pam's thoughts in the chapter I just put up.
1 [Report This]Date: August 24, 2020 04:17 am Title: Chapter 1: In Which Plans Are Made
“Pam was game for a prank, and smart, and funny, and…where was he going with this?” Oh Jim. This is pretty perfect for early on Jim, just smitten (without too much of the angst dragging him down).
This is such great build up...
Author's Response: Thank you! I hope the payoff is also pleasing!
Date: August 23, 2020 03:32 pm Title: Chapter 1: In Which Plans Are Made
Great introspective chapter. Really going deep into not only the planning but the mindset of this prank. I love it. After all Dwight hit below the belt this time. Makes complete sense that Jim would go the extra mile to see this through.
Lots of things going on. Jim bringing Toby in instead of Pam. I mean I get it. It's almost diabolical the way Jim is laying things out here. Not going to his regular partner in crime. Taking his time and going slow. Treading lightly to not rouse suspicions from his target. Masterful work with all that.
Like others have said it's also really telling that Jim sees the same look in Toby's eyes he probably sees in his in regards to Pam. This whole exercise seems to have made Jim a little more aware of his surroundings I wonder how that's going to effect his observations with Pam.
Speaking of that. Not really a whole lot of Jim/Pam interaction thus far. I'm sure you've got a plan for this, but it's really got me wondering how all this will spin out between Jim and Pam. We've had three Jim POV chapters with all this. Can't help but wonder if we'll get a Pam POV. Does she suspect something? I'm sure you'll answer all questions in time though.
Great work as always.
Author's Response: Thank you! There will be JAM, and there will be Pam POV, but we're not there yet. I do hope you enjoy the big chunk of Jim POV I just put up though, the prank itself was fun to work with.
1 [Report This]Date: August 23, 2020 09:44 am Title: Chapter 1: In Which Plans Are Made
I'm glad we've got a light tone this chapter, and things are shaping up! Jim's observations on Toby were pretty poignant, that was an interesting take, as well as his dual disdain and admiration of Pam's attributes.
I can't wait for the D-Day of this prank, it's going to be good!
Author's Response: D-Day has arrived! The main prank body is quite long for me, so I'll be interested to see what you make of it. Thanks for reading!
1 [Report This]Date: August 23, 2020 09:34 am Title: Chapter 1: In Which Plans Are Made
You know, the main reason I'm on this site is because of JAM interaction, but I find it surprisingly thrilling to read about Jim's ideas and actions that didn't relate (or relate only indirectly) to Pam; it's like to see another side of his life that usually remains hidden. I can't accurately describe my thoughts and feelings on that matter, but I hope you'll understand what I'm trying to say.
'He hadn't run one since college but hey, how hard could it be?' I have a feeling that this task might be trickier than he thinks...
'he was beginning to suspect Toby might have more in common with him than he thought…' this line made me sad a little... I barely stand the idea of Jim and Pam being with someone else (except each other), but Toby... his crush (I guess? I'm not sure how to name his feelings for Pam) is so, so sweet and tragic. I'd probably feel melancholy after reading that part, but you added:
'Well, he'd have to get in line,' — and I chuckled. I really like the way you mix the angsty things with humor.
Thank you so much! I genuinely enjoy your story, and I am excited about every new update. I hope the next one will also be soon :)
Author's Response: I'm glad this is still working for you even though we haven't gotten to the real JAM yet (it is coming, though since it's S1 there's some emotional work to do internally for each of them first). I really appreciate your detailed feedback!
1 [Report This]Date: August 23, 2020 08:38 am Title: Prologue 2: In Which An Idea Is Hatched
This is fun so far! You know, Dwight can be a jerk and an idiot, but stealing Jim's biggest client is pretty high up there on the list of truly malicious things he's done. I'm so curious to see how this change in timing with the Asian Jim prank leads to movement with JAM!
Author's Response: Thank you for reading! I'm glad you're with me on that being a really pointlessly malicious move. I hope you enjoy where I go with this!
1 [Report This]Date: August 23, 2020 03:25 am Title: Prologue 2: In Which An Idea Is Hatched
Oh, this is such a fun set up! I can’t say I’ve ever read anything like it before, I love a good twist.
You had me a little worried in the first part with Katy making the briefest of cameos, but then the focus shifted to Steve and now I’m so very excited to see where you go with this - especially so early on in canon. A really unique premise...
Author's Response: Thank you! Katy will reappear, if only because this is an S1 fic and so we will touch on Hot Girl, but this is not a Katy-centric fic I assure you. I hope you enjoy!
1 [Report This]Date: August 22, 2020 06:14 pm Title: Prologue 2: In Which An Idea Is Hatched
Huh, not the direction I thought that was going. Revenge on Michael is an unexpected twist, but I'll take it! It sucks to see Jim in a dark place with all of that desperation and the hopeless situation he finds himself in, but I'm sure you will lead us to the light!
Author's Response: I promise this is in no way a dark fic! This is just how I figured Jim might end up coming up with that prank several seasons early...
1 [Report This]Date: August 22, 2020 06:09 pm Title: Prologue 1: In Which Key Characters Meet
That was I great Michael rant, I can just imagine him being so pumped at getting a role and actually excelling... A good intro to Steve, too. The common enemy of Michael had mad many a fast friend it seems.
Author's Response: Thank you! That was my intention (he'd make a really good Bottom, actually--there's a whole scene I didn't include where Bottom bosses around all the other actors and wants to play every part in the play, and that's just screaming Michael to me so I think he'd actually be good at it). Thanks for reading!