Ok, I just read this whole thread, and to my knowledge, a point (good job, vague-man) hasn't been brought regarding the potential effects of first-person present. I'm not trying to sound like I'm not saying complete utter shit, because that's all I ever say. I would think that a first-person present tense (especially when using "I" all the time) would create a more narcissistic atmosphere, even to a comical or absurd extent. There's a sincere centralization around and within the narrator. The repetition of monotonous details, occurrences of one's life, and frequent use of "I" could reinforce this engulfment with the self. Petty point, but maybe it is (fuck no) something. I would imagine that visual elements could come into play. Also, the immediacy of the tense has been mentioned, but the feeling of irritation with that immediacy has not (I don't think). If a reader is swarmed with things occurring, it can be overwhelming and create hostility, frustration, rejection. This interaction with the reader could easily serve a purpose.
I would stress that I designed my comment as an apology for first-person present. Just in case I was unclear, because upon re-reading my comment, I feel that I might've been.
As usual, ChickenFreak has come up with examples that make sense. Her first example, using first person past, shows how it could read. Not much different? Well, not immediately, but there is a subtle difference in effect. This event is being recalled and retold by the POV character in this voice. This implies that he survived it, and is telling it to somebody later on. So it's not an entirely straightforward swap. Her second example, in third person, could end either way, with survival or non-survival. However, there is more distance between the reader and the character in this passage as well. The author could even describe how he looked in his uniform here, if the author chooses to. So that also needs to be taken into consideration. Whatever voice you use, as a writer, will have an effect on your story—even if it's subliminal. So make sure you're choosing your voice for a reason that isn't ...hey, everybody's doing it, I'll just hop on the wagon as it rumbles past.
See, but what I was getting at should demonstrate how it could be a very successful tool for certain thematic expression and reader interaction. If such was pulled off theoretically, then, I think, on an intellectual level it should be appreciated as a valid POV. Regardless, any POV has its place. It's about ability to use effectively. That was a good response, though. Seriously made me laugh.
Oh yeah it doesn't help that I use multiple PoVs, some from characters that end up dying in their chapter. So there's no way they could retell that, they're dead! So I mean I'd have to cut out those characters.
