Is It Only Me Who Thinks So?

Well, this one is entirely subjective, and when I say this, I mean it, it depends from individual to individual and since we do not know what a person might be going through, or what state of mind they are in, it is wrong to make assumptions about the person.

As an author and reader, I can put myself in both shoes. I know the stress an author goes through, but I am also aware of a reader’s anticipation. Sometimes, a single post or update from their preferred author can make up for all the downfalls of the day they had been going through or can make them look forward to their day.

And so, it is not uncommon for them to enquire regarding updates on their favourite fics. And as an author, I do not mind, if anything, it motivates me to write.

As much as writing fanfics is a side hobby, I believe that readers’ response does make a difference, a fanfic writer feels motivated when met with a positive response from the readers, and often demotivated when met with a negative response. A single comment can make or spoil your day, but that too depends on person to person. And as mentioned above, this rant is very much subjective. So according to me, it is not an unconditional support system- it’s a trade- you provide content, get reader response, feel better and write more to enjoy your hobby, explore and expand your skills and also improve.

So, as a fanfic writer myself, readers sending asks regarding the updates actually help me remain motivated, especially as a student who often gets overwhelmed with academics- writing fanfics fr me is a kind of self-care, so when I feel like I have met my readers’ expectations make me happy- happy to be able to make someone’s day, to be able to write at least at a level in which people read and like my work. Again, that is completely subjective. I do not assume anything negative when I receive direct and straightforward asks regarding the updates, even if it is without any greeting or emoji. I simply assume that the reader is trying to be direct and do not see anything wrong with that until or unless there is explicitly something rude written, or some backhanded comment.

So, as a reader, imagine sending your author a direct, straightforward message about the updates, and you receive a response about how rude you are being and how you are taking the author for granted…Not a pleasant experience I believe. Especially when the author would often put vote goals and ask you to comment(That is more prevalent on Wattpad though), and once you ask about the updates, you are bombarded about how it is not an author’s obligation and how you are making them angry and irritated. I believe this attitude towards readers to be rather rude and seems like the author is taking the readers for granted.

As an author, you write with the expectation of receiving a positive response, with the expectation of having readers being thrilled about your updates, so the readers enquiring about updates is rather flattering.

As a fanfic writer myself, I understand that writing on platforms such as Tumblr and Wattpad is a side hobby, often a way of stress-relieving and that we are not obligated to provide the readers with regular updates, but what we are obligated is to be respectful towards the readers if we expect to be respected, we are obligated to not act entitled to the support and love we receive from our readers. It is often said that work does not exist before it is discovered and read by the reader(s), a piece of work on these platforms turns out to be successful due to the support of the readers, likewise, the readers are provided with content that makes their day, that keep them entertained. Mutual respect is very important here, in fact, I believe that it is the key to a successful and healthy author-reader relationship on such platforms where toxicity is very much prevalent..

That’s it.

Please note that this post is not meant to defame, insult or hurt any particular person, group or community. Kindly keep in mind that this is only an individual’s personal opinion without the intention of influencing and/or imposing.