I thought I should type out my own thoughts and everything that's been happening in creative spaces as someone who isn't a writer and someone who doesn't contribute to art in a traditional way.
I've been reading fanfiction since I gained access to the internet (generously, I'd say since 2010-2014). Whether it was Sherlock/Supernatural/Doctor Who/Merlin or even fanfiction about anime like BLEACH or Fairy Tail, as well as roleplay, I've been there and done that. I do feel as if I have some sort of grounds to speak on as a consumer of these artistic endeavors.
There has been an 'uptick' in the ways people view artists and writers - that readers/consumers are entitled to the content they put out FOR FREE. Fan Content Creators, on their own time, put out content for people like me to read purely because they enjoy creating it. They have things they need to do, lives to live, things to attend to, medical emergencies, familial problems. We are owed nothing. If anything, people owe writers and artists thank yous, feedback, and positive messages about the impact they have in the community. Without these people, there genuinely would be no community. I hope people Really Really understand that. The way you treat people, determines what they do in the community. The way you speak to people AFFECTS THEM.
It doesn't matter if you send shit on anon or what - writing something out and sending it to them will the hit same if you said it in person. It will hit the same if you say it off anon. People are BEHIND THE SCREENS. They are sitting down and typing everything out. When you call someone a 'hack' or 'lazy' or 'uninspired' or 'thin skinned' - they will feel it. Insulting them, insulting their work, insulting who they are as people just because you want something faster will actually have the opposite effect!! Imagine! Insulting and being a horrible person to someone would actually kill their drive to do something fun for a community they adore. They have contributed HOURS (I cant even imagine how much time it takes to write fanfiction) to this community and you are telling them "To get over it".
Their anons being on isn't a welcome invitation to send abuse their way. Anons being on is to make them feel as if they are a part of a community. They want to interact with people, have fun, talk about the stories they contribute so much of their life to. They want to be a part of a community. Its not a welcome invitation as abuse.
We, as a community, genuinely need to do better with the authors and artists in the community. We CANNOT be demanding content from them. They are human beings, they are not machines. Authors love feedback, they love compliments on their work, they love seeing people reblog their work. They should feel loved and appreciated, not under valued and abused.
I know this topic feels talked to death, but as a reader with "somewhat" of a platform, I felt like I have to speak on it because its SUCH a problem time and time again. Nothing is forever and we should be genuinely grateful in the present for these amazing fan works. Writers and artists deserve to feel loved in this community and we really need to do better.