Ah, good old "I write Monk tie-in novels but fanfiction is pure eeeeevil!!" Lee Goldberg. :P Yeah, there's someone with a fair and balanced view of fanworks.

Everyone knows a story can't be any good unless the main characters appearances aren't described adequately!

Well, of course! Why didn't I see it before? ;) Although I have to say, if Goldberg really thinks that, he can't have spent much time reading fanfic. One of the hallmarks of a badfic is detailed description of the characters' appearance (especially if they have raven hair and emerald orbs).

I have to say, of all the arguments people make against fanfiction, that Golberg quote has to be the stupidest I've ever seen. Literally.