#fanfiction is an outlet for many to express themselves and find an escape

[archived-stuff99999]

Yeah, there are some people who go overboard with self shipping or other types of coping methods you find on Tumblr but honestly you're a random person on the internet just like they are. It is simply not up to you to decide if someone is taking it "too far" when all you've done is scroll through their blog posts. If they are not hurting anyone, and not hurting themselves try to stay in your lane and be considerate. Fandom at its very core is supposed to be fun and expressive, and so many people start these wars that really don't need to be started.

Not to mention this type of harassment mostly harms vulnerable people like kids and neurodivergent people.

For every person you assume is taking things too far and being "delusional" there is someone who just uses these things as a comfort outlet and knows that they're a comfort outlet and these people are most likely the same person.

We're all in fandom to escape to fantasy worlds. Let them. Don't police it, and don't assume you know everything about a person from a handful of posts on a blog literally designed to be idealistic and full of fantasies. There is a living breathing person on the other end of your harassment and you wont accomplish anything besides making them ashamed of liking things is that really what you want to do? Is that really the kind of person you want to be? The type of person who goes around shaming people because they dared to enjoy something you disliked or thought was a bit odd?

Also, forget cringe culture. Write that self-insert, give them crazy anime hair and make the beautiful! Make a fursona! Make it bright green or rainbow! Write a 400k fanfiction about Captain America running a hotdog stand and marrying Harry Potter. I don't care. Do it. Create what makes you happy, be kind to yourself. You deserve it. Your creation has worth and you deserve to make things that make you happy.

The world is ugly enough without flying off the handle at people over such trival things.

[firestorm1991]

Writer/Reviewer Etiquette

So, I've been seeing quite a bit of negativity in all fandoms. I recently had this experience  on my birthday, no less.  Fellow writers I speak with have experienced it too, and so I'm taking time to write this message in hope that it will help.  There are rules of etiquette we as writers or reviewers should follow.

  1. Bad grammar doesn't equal a bad story.

I used to be guilty of thinking that a story with awful grammar was truly terrible.  Some actually are and you can tell when a person puts no thought into it (especially when they write in chat speak). However, as I've grown, I learned there are many reasons for poor grammar in a story, and usually the plot is still pretty amazing.

The writer could be a teenager just dipping their toes into the writing world, and teens are very impressionable.  Excessive criticism could crush a beginner so badly.

The person could have dyslexia or bad eyesight.  I discovered I was slightly dyslexic and no matter what I do, there's always a few errors even after I and others go over my work.  Some of my writer friends also suffer from dyslexia and impaired eyesight due to health issues and medications.  It doesn't stop them from writing.  

Then there are people for whom English is their second language.  I’ll bet they can still write better than some of the people who call them out on poor grammar (while said people have poor grammar in their criticisms).  Also, if you try writing in their language, I’m sure they could say the same about your grammar too.

If you notice a story with bad grammar, please don't attack your fellow writer.  If you want to do something about it, send the author a private message and ask if they need a beta.  If you don't want to beta, ignore it and just enjoy the story.  You can see how an author improves over time.  That's why they're writing. in addition to fun and stress relief.  Don't make it worse for them.

The same goes for the reviewer.  Don't attack the author.  Whether you're a reader or writer yourself, telling someone their story is awful because of “awful grammar” is only going to hurt them if they're really trying.  That young, impressionable writer may give up altogether because of unkind words.  That person trying to learn English may walk away.  There's always a better way to handle it without degrading or embarrassing a person.

2. Constructive criticism and flames are two different things.

So apparently for me and a few friends, this week is flame week.  That's why I’m bringing it up.  Everyone receives negative reviews.  That's life, and not everyone has to like everything you do.  That being said, if you don't like a story, then you don't have to read it.  If you still want to give your opinion, you're welcome to it, but please do it in a constructive manner.

If you curse at the author, attack them, and tell them they're horrible or their story is horrible, leave harassing messages on multiple projects, or are just downright nasty, that's a flame.  A flame is nothing more than a temper tantrum.

I've been asked how I deal with flames.  Usually the attack is from a guest reviewer that I cannot reply to without calling them out in public, which they want.  They want a rise out of you.  I handle this by moderating my guest reviews.  If the reviews are neutral or constructively negative, then I let them post.  If a reviewer is attacking me and being overly negative, I delete them.  Like I said, flames are temper tantrums and I don't reward that behavior.  Just don't engage, and ignore them.  They just want you to add fuel to their fire.

Most negative reviews I've received that were constructive were from another writer or user who identified themselves, and I was able to discuss issues with them.  Sometimes it was a trigger for them or sometimes they just had really good advice.  Either way, these politely constructed reviews allow writers to grow, and that's how you should construct your complaints.  "I don't like the story because of this specific reason and I don't know how I feel about it" is much better than "your story is awful" and "stories just keep getting worse and worse."

3. Don't demand updates.

Writers appreciate excitement.  "Please update soon" or "I can't wait until the next chapter" is just as good as "I'm really enjoying the story.  Nice work."  But every so often, all writers come across the review that says: "Update," usually right after they have just updated.

It probably took them a ton of time to write that 5K word chapter; weeks to months depending on life and work...or God forbid, illness.  We love reviews, but it's just rude to demand something you've just received, most of the time which we are doing for free.  If you'd like to request an update, just add a "please" to that.  It's only ONE extra word.  Thank you!

4. AUs don't mean the writer doesn't know the source material.

I've seen a lot of people get heat for AUs, which surprises me. I write a lot of AU stories, and I just recently received heat for my newest one. AU stands for “alternate universe,” and is an original story with elements from the source material.  Most of the time, there are many callbacks to the source material and a lot of world-building and character development to explain the changes.  They aren't written to be compared to the source material.  They're written for fun and to creatively mold characters we already know and love into something new.

5. If a writer changes something from the source material, it's because they like a challenge.

This isn't just for AU stories.  Sometimes even in canon stories, details can be changed.  It is fanfiction after all and, honestly, diverting from the source material isn't the worst thing.  Some writers do this to challenge themselves.  There's no need for anyone to tell them they don't know what they're doing.  This recently happened to a friend of mine, and that's why it's fresh on my mind.

6. OCs are not always awful. They can have side stories, too.

Another friend experienced this one, receiving a hateful review about focusing on an OC that most really like.  I'll admit, I'm not always a fan of OCs.  I’ve read many good and iffy OC stories.  Honestly, I've written many good and iffy OC stories.  They aren't for everyone, but that doesn’t make them any less valid. They can have backgrounds and  stories all their own, and a writer should not be berated because of it.  If you don't like it, just move on.

7. Stories about writers and the challenges they go through are not self-inserts.

Surprisingly, this was my most recent complaint with my current AU.  I was accused of writing a story all about what I “wish I could become.”  For some writers, including me, this is our hobby.  It's an outlet and very calming.  Sometimes when we characters who are writers in our stories, it's just to jokingly express the challenges we do face in writing.  No need to be nasty about it XD

8. Our stories are sometimes deeply personal.

Readers may not realize this, but writers put a little piece of their soul into each story they write.  Some may be self-inserts, but most are not.  Sometimes we use our own life experiences in the story, mainly because it's what we know, but also to offer support and help to someone who may be going through the same things.

So, before you plan to write a hateful remark or two, you may want to think about what the writer may have endured the reason the story exists - and don't get mad if we're projecting on your favorite character.  Trust me; the character development will be much better with patience.  You may even get insight on how to better deal with someone suffering from a particular issue (e.g. grief, depression, health issues).

9. If you don't like a story, give a reason why.

Normally, I say the oldie but goodie: if you don't like it then don't read it, but some people really can't keep their opinions to themselves.  That's fine.  We do have freedom of speech and everything is entitled to their opinion.  But, writers have a right to constructive feedback.  Saying "you suck, your story sucks, and I don't like it" isn't really constructive.

If you don't like a story, give us a reason.  If it moves too slow, the writer needs to know that so they can speed it up.  If there's a plot point you find disturbing, the author needs to know so they can put a warning somewhere in the story.  If you just don't like it, say there's something about it you don't like and that it's not your cup of tea; that's fine.  There's plenty of ways to let us know your opinion without being rude about it.

10 . Respond to all reviews if you can, but don't react to bad ones.

This is mainly for writers.  It's polite to respond to all reviews, even the one-word ones.  You can write a simple "thank you" to those ones.  I usually give back what I receive.  You can acknowledge guests in your chapters either individually, collectively, or simply thank everyone who read and reviewed.

That being said, if someone is being particularly aggressive or hurtful in a review, you can ignore them.  You may think it's rude, but as I said; give what you get.  If they're rude to you first, don't fire back. Leave it and let them wallow and wait.  They're undeserving of your time and mental health.  If it's just a negative response without insults or aggression, you can respond and say that you're sorry they feel that way, but you stand by your story and wish them well in finding another one.

11. Don't be arrogant.

Everyone has different styles.  Writers have different levels of vocabulary, different ideas.  Some stories may be better than others.  Be humble about it.  You can be proud of your work, but never use it as a way to lessen someone else's.

12. Don't cause drama.

It happens everywhere in life as it is.  A lot of us are looking for an escape from the drama in our lives.  We are trying to do our best and make connections with others who love the same couples, books, and stories we do.  We're not looking for more angst.  So before you start causing problems for another person, not just a writer but anyone, rethink it.  Some people may crave drama, but they can look for it elsewhere.

13. Be kind.

I can't believe I have to say this one, but it's necessary.  I've witnessed so many in the writing world being trashed and feeling awful.  Just be nice to each other!

Writing is supposed to be a fun way to express ourselves. It takes a lot of time, effort, and will.  The writing community is large with different personalities.  We may not all like what we read or get along with everyone.  This is life, not grade school, and we should treat each person the way we want to be treated.

If something about this post resonated with you then reblog it, and if you can think of any other topics I might have missed, add to it.  Let's spread proper etiquette around.  It's just common courtesy.  Thanks, everyone! ^^