#and if ai is using tropes from ao3 or wattpad i see nothing wrong with that because

[heyimwieeeee]

I don't like ai artwork or ai fanfics or ai taking jobs what i do like is being able to scream gay at a chair in character ai i think ai is fine as long as you don't use it to steal jobs or to pretend you made what it made.

reminder that being against ai also means being against character.ai and not using character.ai and not interacting with character.ai

i've never talked to chatgpt i've never talked to character.ai i have no interest in talking to a chatbot even if it's fun or based on my comfort character. if we want companies to stop using ai we need to tell them we aren't going to interact with it - so don't.

don't talk to robots. full stop.

[raniaelalaoui]

Fanfiction & Criticism

I’m not sure if this is going to blow up or if anyone will even see it, but this is my first post tackling a topic that definitely needs some discussion. 

I know this topic has a bit of a negative angle, which might rub some people the wrong way—and hey, I get it. I’m not here to judge anyone. I’m just going to share some facts and opinions, and I want to start with respect and end with respect, too. 

Because, let’s be honest, when you dive into something objectively, it’s tough not to let a bit of personal perspective slip through—unless you’re writing an academic essay!  So if I come across as amused at any point, it’s not about judging anyone; it’s just me reacting to the absurdity of the topic itself (all my subjective take, of course). 

Anyway, the first topic I’m diving into is...

Fanfics.

FANFICTIONS—just hearing that word gives me goosebumps. I’ve been reading fics for a long time; they’ve been with me through every stage of my life. It’s wild how they became a part of my existence, especially during those lonely teenage years when I dove deep into that world. Honestly, I never want to leave it, because I truly believe fanfiction holds a hidden power—a power that not everyone recognizes, but it’s there, right between the lines. This hidden power is remarkable, and that’s why I see fanfiction as a unique art form. It’s where someone pours their entire essence, their feelings, and emotions into a narrative we don’t usually get to hear from people.

Fanfiction creates an incredible universe that expands on another one, letting us see different perspectives, plot twists, and character developments. It’s like stepping into a life we crave, seeing everything we yearn for. I won’t get too deep here, but you know what I mean. I’m talking to those who understand the magic of reading a fanfic—exploring a world you wish so desperately to be a part of, finding hope in those pages to dream, explore, and experience so much more.

I want to share that I’ve been around since the early days. I remember when fanfiction.net came online back in, what was it, 1998? Maybe 2001? After some years, that’s where I started discovering fics. Then I moved on to AO3, Quotav, Tumblr, and FictionPress. I never really got into Wattpad much, though, because when Gen Z started discovering it—no disrespect to them—their mentality and writing style just didn’t fit with mine. You know, the whole cringey trope of the shy girl falling for the bad boy? That wasn’t really a thing in the early 2000s, (not entirely). 

No shade to the writers of those fics; I’m just saying there’s good, and then there’s better.

Honestly, I think I’ve read more fanfics than actual books—probably three to four hundred of them. My parents used to "ground" me for the amount of time I spent consuming content on those sites. So yeah, I’ve had my share of experiences in this world. 

But the main reason for this topic is about one PARTICULAR fanfic in a SPECIFIC fandom. 

When I say “this fanfic,” I mean one that’s insanely well-known and famous within that fandom for a particular ship. Which, by the way, is NOT canon, so keep that in mind.

This fic is everywhere. 

If you look up that particular ship, or if you’re into reading about it, you’ll find it. It has a massive amount of fan art, audiobooks, even some AI content. People treat it like it’s a published book because they think it’s so amazing—which, hey, that’s their opinion, not mine. 

And the reactions? Nothing but positive. 

People call it heartbreaking and dark. Sure, it’s dark, but I wouldn’t really say it’s heartbreaking. That’s just their feeling, and the “darkness” is part of the author’s intent.

People are constantly saying they cried, that they felt numb after reading it, that they couldn’t think about any other fic or anything else for a while. 

I’ve read this fic six times, seriously—word for word—and... I just didn’t have that reaction. 

I’m not judging anyone; I’m just emphasizing the impact this fic has over its fandom. I’m not going to name the fic or the fandom (which, by the way, is super toxic yet somehow comforting, since I grew up with it). But out of respect, I won’t dive into that or analyze it. I’m just here to highlight the issues in it, in the fandom, and in some people within it.

So, the other HUGE part of this topic is focusing on—well, actually, it’s hard to focus on that one part because it’s tied into the fic. So I’m going to bring up some personal issues I have with it (and I think others might, too). But the main topic here is: 

CRITICISM. 

Yes, that’s the word; that’s the topic—Fanfictions and Criticism.

Recently, I had the pleasure of reading an article called “On Fanfiction, Fandom, and Why Criticism is Healthy” by Stitch. Here’s a bit of the introduction to give you a general idea of what I’m about to discuss (what follows is the article’s perspective, summarized—my own thoughts will come later).

On January 15th, Twitter user @Benedict_RS sparked major backlash with a lengthy thread about fanfiction. “It’s incredibly bleak how many contemporary aspiring writers cut their teeth on fanfiction, a form that actively teaches you to write worse,” they wrote. 

Clearly, this clearly struck a nerve—it now has over 8,000 quote retweets and hundreds of comments, sparking passionate defenses of fanfic and fandom from various outlets and writers.

While Benedict’s thread was obviously meant to provoke discourse and drama, the argument itself wasn’t new or groundbreaking. What proved most interesting were the responses. Most people who reacted did so in defense of the fanfiction they wrote or read—stories that actually helped them improve as writers or even led to becoming published authors. Many also argued that fanfiction was simply “just for fun,” and that criticism didn’t need to be part of the equation at all.

So here we are—there’s fanfiction and there’s criticism. Criticism is, by definition, the analysis and judgment of a literary or artistic work, while fanfiction refers to stories written about TV, film, or book characters by their fans—people who admire them. For example, fanfiction is booming on websites where amateur writers continue their favorite stories. 

Okay, this is an issue, though; it’s intricate and should be detailed bit by bit.

Fanfiction can evoke powerful emotions in readers because, let me tell you, people can get so passionate about these stories they read and write—like it’s their whole life. And I get it; it’s a powerful world. Some fics have this incredible ability to hit you right in the gut and leave you feeling all kinds of things, like joy or heartbreak or just pure numbness. Then you have folks who are out here crying about a particular fic, saying it changed their whole perspective on writing and life, which is intense—and I respect that. But then you have the flip side, where some people argue that fanfiction isn’t real writingand that it teaches bad habits, sparking a whole debate. Because let’s be real: everyone has their own opinions and experiences with it.

So let’s dive into this whole idea about fanfiction and criticism, because there’s this ongoing belief in fandom that if something is beloved, it shouldn’t be critiqued—as if loving something means you have to accept all of it without question. And that’s a bit, unfortunately, just wrong. 

I know, I know—it’s fanfiction, I know it shouldn’t be criticized, but there’s a reason why sometimes it must be, not just that it should be. And the article claims that’s just not how art works. There’s this space where we can absolutely enjoy fanfiction while also acknowledging that some stories have serious issues, and those issues deserve to be talked about.

Yes, I’m talking about THAT particular fanfic that has THAT serious issue, that particular theme that deserves to be discussed because fandom isn’t just about fun and escapism. This brings us to critical thinking, which is insanely crucial to our lives—literally in every aspect. Because honestly, if you grew up with fics and you want to move to books, you’ll see a whole lot of different worlds, different writing styles, different plots. So you actually need that power of critical thinking when reading fics. It’s also a community where critical thinking can flourish, and honestly, it should, because when we ignore the problematic elements in our favorite fics—and guys, seriously, this is the reality—there are fics that are harmful, and there are fics that are unharmful. And the fics that are harmful are harmful for a reason.

When we ignore the problematic elements in fanfics, we’re letting harmful ideologies slip by unchecked, and that’s where things get really problematic. Let’s be clear: it’s not about censorship or trying to ruin someone’s enjoyment of a story; it’s about fostering a space where all voices can be heard, and that includes the voices pointing out that certain themes can perpetuate bigotry or reinforce harmful stereotypes. When fans just shrug off transmisogyny, ableism, or, even worse, rape, as just part of the narrative, it becomes this dangerous cycle where these issues get normalized and accepted as part of the fandom culture. 

And that’s not okay, because saying “don’t like, don’t read” or “your kink is not my kink” is a way to deflect responsibility from engaging with the content meaningfully.

So while I totally get the impulse to protect what you love, there’s also this responsibility to engage thoughtfully with the stories we’re creating and sharing. And that means recognizing when a fanfic crosses a line or promotes harmful ideas, because at the end of the day, we can love fanfiction and still demand better from it and from ourselves as a community. It’s about striking that balance between enjoyment and accountability because both can coexist, and that’s a powerful space to be in as a fan and a writer.

So, let’s consider what Chelsea Steiner points out in her essay for The Mary Sue, where she says, “LET PEOPLE LIKE THE THINGS THEY LIKE.” She writes, “I would like to propose something radical in 2021: LET PEOPLE LIKE THE THINGS THEY LIKE. Unless those things are nazism or animal cruelty or a violent insurrection to overthrow the government...” And honestly, I’m not sure why she didn’t mention rape or the romanticization of it or normalizing it. But the point here is that people should be free to enjoy what they like without guilt or judgment. Steiner goes on to say, “I can’t stand gory horror films, but I don’t begrudge those who do. Let people live their damn lives.”

But here’s the twist—what if you enjoy critical analysis and don’t want to be labeled a “hater”? 

What if you want to engage deeply with the media you consume, recognizing its flaws without it meaning you hate it? 

This is where the conversation really gets interesting. If I’m critical of a problematic pairing, a popular idol group, or even fandom dynamics in general, it doesn’t mean I’m coming from a place of hate. It just means I’m trying to navigate the complexities of what it means to be a fan and to create in a space that can be both joyful and troubling.

And that’s the crux of the issue, isn’t it? There’s this underlying belief that you can’t critique something you love without being seen as a hater. But that’s a false dichotomy because engaging critically actually allows for growth, improvement, and accountability within the community. When we let the notion that love means silence dominate our discussions, we’re doing a disservice to the very art we cherish. It’s entirely possible to love fanfiction while also demanding better from it. And that’s what makes the community vibrant and rich—when we’re willing to dive into those messy conversations and not just brush aside the problematic aspects as if they don’t exist.

In 2021, it seems like criticism is just not in vogue anymore. No one really wants to engage with it, no matter who’s saying it or how it’s delivered. Sure, it doesn’t exactly provide that instant serotonin hit we crave in our online interactions, but that doesn’t mean it’s not vital to the conversation we’re having as fans and creators. 

The phrase “let people enjoy things” has become this sort of shield people raise to deflect even the gentlest critiques about everything from politics to pop culture to that certain British author who claims she’s being “canceled” for her outright bigoted views while really she’s just not facing any real consequences.

It’s baffling how this mindset permeates through stan culture, where any critical opinion about a beloved artist or anything related to them is met with hostility. A slight critique of Taylor Swift’s Folkloreor a thoughtful discussion about the instances of antiblackness within certain fandoms can spark outrage and even threats of violence from stans who feel their love is under attack.

But, it’s not just stan Twitter where criticism is treated like some sort of taboo.

In many fandoms where fanfiction thrives, criticism of fictional relationships or the troubling aspects of certain narratives gets equated with a sort of anti-fandom sentiment or even censorship—like it’s the Hays Code of old shaping what can be written and read. That’s such a harmful mindset because it stifles growth and accountability within the community. If we can’t talk about the problematic themes or harmful narratives that exist in fanworks, we’re doing ourselves a disservice as creators and fans. That silence allows those issues to persist unchallenged, and that’s just not conducive to a healthy fandom.

I get it: we’re all wired to take criticism of the things we love personally. It feels like an attack on our very identity when someone points out flaws in the stories or artists we hold dear. If someone calls out a Korean artist for cultural appropriation, fans often feel like they’re being labeled as racist by association. Similarly, when someone critiques a celebrity’s past actions, their fans often think they’re being insulted as well. But good criticism isn’t personal, even when it’s directed at a person or a work; it’s about recognizing the complexities of what we consume and how it affects us and the communities we’re part of. Fans need to understand that we have the power to choose how to respond to critiques—whether that’s engaging thoughtfully or just dismissing them out of hand. Every conversation about the art we love should be allowed to include critique alongside the joy we find in it, and that’s what makes fandom such a rich and dynamic space to inhabit.

Within fandom, critical analysis often gets lumped under this umbrella term called meta, which is basically fans writing non-fiction about any aspect of fandom, fanworks, or the source material. But here’s the thing I’ve noticed: a lot of folks will refer to any criticism of fandom, especially when it touches on issues like racism in fanworks, as censorship and even liken it to book burning. That’s just not accurate because criticism is not censorship; it’s a necessary part of dialogue that allows us to explore the very issues that might be holding us back from fully enjoying what we love.

When the article’s writer discusses topics like cultural appropriation and the ways Blackness is commodified in Korean pop music, they’re not coming from a place of hatred or negativity but rather from a deep disappointment about how their culture can sometimes feel like it’s being reduced to a mere costume for others to wear. It’s frustrating and disheartening, and what many fans are doing when they critique platforms like Archive of Our Own for not removing blatantly racist fanworks isn’t an attempt to shut down the space; it’s an effort to push for deeper reflection about what we’ve accepted as “okay” within our fandom communities. Engaging with these issues doesn’t mean we’re trying to tear fandom apart; it means we’re hoping to make it stronger and more inclusive.

You don’t have to engage with bad faith criticism of the things you love because that can be draining and unproductive. But taking a closer look at what you read or create is such a healthy practice; it encourages growth and helps us understand the nuances of the art we consume and create. That kind of thoughtful engagement doesn’t just elevate individual works; it elevates the entire community and fosters a more welcoming and understanding environment for everyone involved.

When we open the door to critique within fandom spaces, we’re actually enriching our experiences and creating a culture where all voices can be heard and valued. That’s the kind of fandom we should all strive for: a space where we can love what we love while also having the courage to discuss its flaws and work towards improvement together.

But let’s talk about some particular fics that engage in harmful content, specifically those that use rape as a plot device. 

When we look at the use of rape as a plot device in popular fiction and specifically in fanfiction, it’s crucial to recognize just how deeply problematic this trend is. The notion of using rape as a mechanical plot device to drive a male character’s narrative journey really highlights the issue at hand. It often reduces a horrific act to mere background noise for a hero’s arc, framing it as something that either turns a character into a villain or positions them as a savior when they intervene to “rescue” the victim.

That’s not just an irresponsible portrayal; it’s a dangerous narrative that perpetuates harmful tropes about violence and gender dynamics.

By allowing these narratives to exist unchallenged, we risk normalizing harmful attitudes towards consent, trauma, and victimhood. It’s vital that we engage critically with these themes, pushing for more thoughtful storytelling that respects the complexities of these experiences rather than reducing them to mere plot points. This is part of the accountability we owe to ourselves and to the communities we inhabit as fans and creators.

In many fanfics, this trope can manifest as a way to generate drama or emotional conflict without truly engaging with the trauma that comes from such an experience. While some might argue that it’s just fiction and shouldn’t be taken too seriously, we have to acknowledge the real-world implications of normalizing this kind of storytelling. It can desensitize readers to the severity of sexual violence and create a false narrative that frames rape as an acceptable plot twist rather than the devastating reality it is. This becomes even more concerning in fandom spaces where younger audiences often consume these stories and might not fully grasp the complexities and consequences of such portrayals.

When we allow rape to serve as a plot device, we risk trivializing the experiences of survivors and reducing their trauma to a mere storyline. That’s a disservice not only to those who have endured such violence but also to the broader conversation about consent and agency in both fiction and real life. It’s essential for creators to approach sensitive topics with the care and nuance they deserve rather than using them as easy shortcuts for conflict. Every narrative choice has the potential to reinforce harmful ideologies or challenge them, and in a space where we’re already grappling with issues of representation and accountability, we have to be vigilant about how we depict violence and trauma.

Engaging critically with these narratives doesn’t just elevate our understanding of the art we consume; it also cultivates a healthier dialogue within the community that honors the complexities of these experiences and fosters a deeper connection to the stories we love.

This isn’t to say that difficult subjects shouldn’t be explored in fiction; rather, it’s about how they’re handled and the messages they convey. When rape becomes a tool for character development rather than a serious subject worthy of thoughtful exploration, it reflects a broader cultural issue where violence against women is downplayed and marginalized. 

So let’s encourage a more responsible approach to storytelling in fanfiction and popular media—one that respects the gravity of these experiences and fosters meaningful discussions rather than perpetuating harmful tropes that only serve to trivialize such an important issue.

When it comes to fanfiction, there’s this troubling trend where authors engage with sensitive topics like violence and trauma, but instead of treating these subjects with the seriousness they deserve, they end up romanticizing them in ways that are not only problematic but also dangerous. 

Often, we see the female lead portrayed as weak and vulnerable, a damsel in distress whose entire narrative arc hinges on her victimization. 

The male antagonist, meanwhile, is often depicted as misunderstood or even forced into his villainy, as if his actions are justifiable because of his tragic backstory. This kind of portrayal does a serious disservice to both characters and readers alike.

By normalizing these narratives, we risk reinforcing harmful stereotypes and diminishing the voices of those who have experienced trauma. It’s crucial to create space for stories that engage with these themes thoughtfully and respectfully, allowing for a nuanced exploration of the complexities surrounding consent, agency, and the impact of violence. When we advocate for better storytelling practices, we contribute to a healthier dialogue in fandoms that honors the experiences of all individuals involved.

What’s especially frustrating is that these narratives can perpetuate the idea that a woman’s value lies in her suffering and that a man’s villainy can be excused or softened by his circumstances. This isn’t just bad storytelling; it’s an insidious trope that reinforces harmful stereotypes about gender dynamics in relationships and power imbalances. While it might seem like a compelling narrative device, it fails to recognize the complexities of real human experiences and the serious implications of portraying violence as a means of character development or romantic entanglement.

In fanfiction, we should strive to create stories that avoid these pitfalls. Instead of glorifying toxic relationships or minimizing the severity of abuse, we could explore healthier dynamics that prioritize mutual respect and agency for all characters. Yet, it feels like this romanticized view of violence and vulnerability is present in nearly every fanfic I come across. The idea that a woman must be saved or that her worth is only validated through her trauma is so prevalent that it’s hard to escape.

This is concerning because these narratives can shape how readers view relationships in their own lives, reinforcing damaging beliefs that can lead to real-world consequences. It’s vital for writers and readers alike to challenge these tropes and advocate for more responsible storytelling that uplifts rather than diminishes the experiences of individuals, particularly those who have faced violence or trauma. We need to foster a narrative landscape that reflects the richness of human relationships—one that values individuals for their strength, resilience, and capacity for agency, rather than their suffering.

We need to critically examine these patterns within fanfiction and challenge how we approach storytelling about violence and villainy. It’s absolutely possible to tell complex stories that include flawed characters and difficult situations, but we should do so without romanticizing the harm inflicted upon others or simplifying the realities of trauma into a plot device or a love story.

Creators must acknowledge the weight of the subjects they’re tackling and represent their characters in a way that respects their agency and humanity, rather than reducing them to mere archetypes of victim and villain.

Let’s advocate for a shift in how we write and engage with these narratives in fanfiction—a movement toward stories that prioritize healthy relationships, personal growth, and the nuanced realities of human experiences. We need to move away from recycling tired tropes that perpetuate harmful narratives.

Every story we tell has the power to shape perspectives, and we should aim to use that power responsibly and thoughtfully. By doing so, we can create a richer, more inclusive narrative landscape that reflects the complexity of real life and promotes understanding rather than misunderstanding.

When we talk about fanfiction that tackles serious themes like violence and trauma, it’s crucial to emphasize that these stories need to be approached with care and depth. They shouldn’t be treated as mere entertainment or escapism. It’s simply not enough to throw in elements of trauma or abuse for shock value or to create drama without thoughtfully engaging with the implications of those narratives. This is where criticism becomes vital.

While fanfiction is a space for creativity and personal expression, that doesn’t mean every choice made in writing should go unquestioned—especially when certain themes are treated flippantly or romanticized in harmful ways. We should hold these works to a standard that respects the gravity of the topics they engage with and encourages authors to think critically about their portrayals of characters and relationships.

Unfortunately, there’s a segment of the fandom that falls into this trap, believing that any critique of their beloved fics is an attack on their enjoyment or even their identity as fans. These are the same readers who cling to the idea that “if you don’t like it, don’t read it” as a way to deflect any discussion about the flaws in the narratives they love. While it’s true that not every piece of fiction will resonate with everyone, using this phrase to shut down meaningful critique stifles growth and understanding within the community.

This mindset creates an environment where harmful narratives can flourish unchecked, allowing readers to overlook serious issues simply because they’re too invested in the story to confront the uncomfortable truths lurking beneath the surface. We need to foster an atmosphere where critique is not only welcomed but encouraged, so we can enrich our storytelling and elevate the conversations we have within fandom.

These readers often avoid grappling with the flaws in the things they love, whether out of fear that it will tarnish their enjoyment or a belief that acknowledging these issues somehow diminishes their experience. But that’s a narrow perspective. Loving something doesn’t mean ignoring its problems. In fact, being a thoughtful consumer means being willing to engage with the complexities and imperfections of the stories we cherish.

It’s through this critical lens that we can foster a healthier, more inclusive fandom—one where stories can be enjoyed while also being subject to thoughtful discussion and critique. Acknowledging the flaws and limitations in our favorite works doesn’t lessen our love for them; it enriches our understanding and appreciation of the narratives we consume.

By embracing both the joy and the critique, we create a space where all voices are heard, where we can celebrate what we love while striving for improvement. 

Then, when we look at authors who write fanfiction and then transition to publishing original works, it raises some serious questions about how they engage with criticism, especially when they’ve shown a clear reluctance to accept feedback on their narratives. Many of these authors create stories that incorporate troubling themes, like using rape as a plot device, and yet when critiques come their way, they often respond defensively rather than reflectively. It’s baffling because if you’re taking the step to publish something that originated in a fanfic, you’re essentially opening yourself up to the same level of scrutiny and critique you’ve faced in the fandom.

So why not take the time to acknowledge the harmful elements in your work before it reaches a broader audience?

Subjectively speaking, the idea of using rape as a plot device is not just problematic; it’s downright insane.

It’s a horrifying approach that trivializes the experiences of survivors and reduces an act of violence to a mere storytelling mechanism. This kind of portrayal perpetuates damaging stereotypes about trauma and can desensitize readers to the severity of sexual violence, making it seem like just another plot twist instead of the life-altering experience it truly is. When authors choose to employ such a tactic without fully understanding its implications, they’re failing to respect the gravity of the subject matter and the real-world consequences it can have on how people perceive and react to sexual violence.

And then there’s the added layer of these authors stepping into the realm of published works, often without addressing the issues that permeated their fanfiction. It’s a missed opportunity to engage with their audience in a more responsible way. 

If they continue to ignore the critiques they’ve received in their fanfiction, how can they expect to create something meaningful in their original writing? 

It feels like a reckless disregard for the responsibility that comes with being a storyteller, especially when dealing with sensitive subjects that can deeply affect readers.

The backlash they face as published authors won’t just vanish; it will follow them, and it should serve as a wake-up call to engage thoughtfully with the themes they choose to explore. 

Their work has the potential to shape perspectives, and by not reflecting on their choices, they risk perpetuating harmful narratives that could impact countless readers. So it’s crucial for these authors to confront the realities of their storytelling decisions and understand that criticism isn’t an attack; it’s a necessary part of growth as a writer and a human being who engages with complex and often painful subjects.

It’s truly disheartening to see how some people defend the use of harmful narratives in fanfiction,especially those that trivialize serious issues like sexual violence or depict toxic relationships as romantic. It’s even more frustrating when these stories receive praise and recognition that feels utterly undeserved, because at the end of the day, the writing might be technically sound, but that doesn’t excuse the content that reinforces dangerous stereotypes or normalizes abusive dynamics. This creates a bizarre environment where the craft of writing is celebrated while the underlying messages are deeply flawed, leaving many readers to grapple with a distorted view of love and relationships.

What’s particularly alarming is how media consumption can warp our perceptions of what’s acceptable or even desirable in storytelling. Many fans become so immersed in these narratives that they start to see toxic behavior as part of a “tragic love story,” mistaking manipulation and violence for passion and intensity. 

It’s a dangerous trap, one that romanticizes suffering and paints a skewed picture of what relationships should look like. The idea that pain and trauma can somehow equate to love is not just misleading; it’s harmful. 

And it’s sad to realize that so many people are consuming this media without recognizing the implications, believing that it’s normal or even cute when, in reality, it’s anything but.

This manipulation by media feeds into a larger culture that often glorifies unhealthy dynamics, leading readers to overlook the flaws in these stories and prop up narratives that should be critiqued instead of celebrated. It’s disheartening to see how these works can escape scrutiny while more thoughtful, engaging narratives that tackle similar themes in a more responsible manner often go unnoticed or unappreciated. That’s a shame because those stories—ones that challenge harmful tropes and explore the complexities of love and trauma—deserve to be highlighted and celebrated rather than overshadowed by narratives that prioritize sensationalism over sensitivity.

The reality is that when we fail to criticize these troubling portrayals, we’re complicit in allowing harmful ideologies to thrive in our storytelling landscapes. And that’s not just a disservice to readers; it’s a disservice to the very real experiences of those affected by the issues being depicted in these fanfics. So we need to foster a culture that values thoughtful engagement and meaningful critique, pushing back against the tide of glorified toxicity and making space for narratives that genuinely respect the complexities of human relationships and the weight of trauma.

One of the most frustrating aspects of fanfiction is how it can take beloved characters from established universes and reshape them into versions that bear little resemblance to their canon selves. 

This phenomenon is especially disheartening for fans who have invested time and emotion into these characters, only to encounter fanfics that seem to disregard their established personalities, values, and motivations entirely. It can feel like a betrayal when a character you adore is portrayed in a way that’s completely out of line with who they are in the original narrative, and this can be a human disgrace, particularly when the character’s essence is compromised for the sake of a plot twist or sensationalism.

The impact of this alteration goes beyond personal disappointment; it risks damaging the character’s canon reputation and creating a skewed perception of them among readers who might encounter these fanfics without any prior knowledge of the source material. This is particularly concerning when these fics gain traction and accumulate thousands of hits, leading new fans to mistakenly believe that these interpretations are valid representations of the characters when, in reality, they are far removed from what was originally intended by the creators. It fosters a distorted understanding of the character and their story, making it harder for fans to engage with the original material without being influenced by these out-of-canon portrayals.

Objectively speaking, fanfiction is often seen as a space for creativity and exploration, allowing writers to take liberties with characters and plotlines in ways that may not be possible within the constraints of canon. But this doesn’t mean that all interpretations should disregard the core of what makes a character who they are. In fact, incorporating canonical elements into fanfiction can make stories more engaging and relatable for readers, as it allows them to connect with the characters they already know and love while also exploring new scenarios and relationships. It creates a sense of familiarity that enhances the storytelling experience and provides a richer context for the narrative.

When fanfic writers choose to honor the essence of a character while adding new dimensions or scenarios, it can lead to compelling stories that resonate with both long-time fans and newcomers alike. This approach not only respects the original material but also enriches the fanfiction landscape, demonstrating that it’s possible to be creative and innovative without sacrificing the integrity of beloved characters. It’s about finding a balance between imagination and respect for the source material, ultimately creating narratives that enhance the overall experience for everyone involved while still allowing for the freedom that fanfiction inherently offers.

Okay, recently I read a comment on TikTok about fanfiction which had me in stitches.

Someone said, “Think of a fanfic like a friend bringing you a pie; they made it out of love and for free. Publicly saying that you didn’t like the pie is poor etiquette. Same with fanfic; it’s all done out of love.” 

Now, I’m not judging—everyone’s entitled to their perspective on fanfiction—but that was a really terrible analogy. 😂

It’s like saying if your friend brings you a pie that’s burnt and tastes like cardboard and shit, you should just smile and nod because they made it with love. 

I mean, come on.

Come. On.

We’re talking about a dessert that could seriously ruin your day and maybe even your trust in their baking skills, lol.

So why should fanfiction be any different? If someone hands you a story filled with harmful tropes or problematic portrayals, you absolutely have the right to say, “Hey, this pie needs some work!”

If we don’t offer that honest feedback, how will they ever improve and stop serving up these metaphorical burnt pies of storytelling? 

It’s kind of absurd to think we should accept everything with a smile just because it’s made out of love. Love doesn’t magically erase the fact that the pie is inedible or that the fanfic is damaging. Honestly, it’s a disservice to both the writer and the readers to just gloss over the flaws. We’re all here trying to enjoy the deliciousness of good stories, not choking down a slice of someone’s misguided attempts at creativity. So sure, fanfic can be a labor of love, but it doesn’t mean we should just eat whatever they throw at us without comment, because that’s how we end up with stories that glorify harmful behaviors or misrepresent characters we love.

So let’s just picture it: you take a bite of that burnt pie, and it’s all crunchy and sad. You’re thinking about how this friend might really need some baking lessons. Instead of pretending to enjoy it, you’re like, “Hey friend, I appreciate the effort, but maybe next time try not to set the oven to incinerate, because that’s not going to win you any baking contests.” 

And really, that’s the same energy we need to bring to fanfiction. 

If someone serves up a story that’s full of problematic elements, we should be able to give constructive criticism, not just for their sake but for all the readers who might stumble upon that pie and think it’s the best thing since sliced bread.

It’s about nurturing growth and improvement because, ultimately, the goal is to create better stories and make the fandom a more enjoyable place. 

So let’s not just eat the burnt pie in silence; let’s offer some suggestions so that next time we’re treated to a delicious slice of storytelling that doesn’t leave a bad taste in our mouths. That’s the only way we can ensure that the art of fanfiction evolves and flourishes, and we all end up with something that’s truly worth celebrating instead of just another questionable dessert disaster.

In the end: if we’re going to keep munching on the endless buffet of fanfiction, we might as well sharpen our forks and dig in with some honest feedback. Nobody wants to end up choking on a slice of burnt pie or a cringe-worthy plot twist. Who knows? Maybe with a little constructive criticism, we can help our favorite writers whip up some five-star stories instead of serving up those "burnt pies". 😂

Because in the world of fanfic, it’s all about finding that sweet spot between love and honest reviews, so let’s keep our storytelling standards on point.