Change in formatting of dialogues in fics
Can someone tell me when the formatting has changed for dialogues in fanfics?
Lately I have seen multiple fics where the formatting is as follows;
“[Sentence]” said Character A. “[Sentence]” said Character B. “[Sentence]” replied Character A.
Before the usual format was like—
“[Sentence]” said Character A.
“[Sentence]” said Character B.
“[Sentence]” replied Character A.
Of course, I understand I have no right to judge, and everyone writes however they want, but as I personally prefer the old formatting, I was wondering when and why it has changed.
For me this stacked formatting is harder to read and more confusing, whilst the separated dialogues are easier to read, clearer and on the plus side resemble published books more, so I find it interesting that it has changed for some reason.
If it was just 1-2 fics, I wouldn’t have mentioned it but like 80-90% of fics in character x reader pairing tags of Criminal Minds and Shadow and Bone are written in this format. I have checked tags in Harry Potter and Bridgerton as well but nothing has changed there and still use the original formatting so obviously it caught my eyes and made me wonder. I have placed some of the tags I have checked in my tags.
I do have to mention I really like seeing fics where the paragraphs are indented, just like I did on this paragraph. Somehow it makes it easier to read, but then again, it is only my personal opinion and it doesn’t mean others think the same way or like the same things.
Does anyone know why and when it has changed? I haven’t read fics for months as I was doing my dissertation but now it has caught my eyes.










