Dear Writers: Monetized Fanfic
As a writer, you work is just as valid and takes as much time to hone as any other medium. One person said this perfectly “Anyone can write. True. But anyone can draw a stick figure and they aren’t called an artist.” You can disagree with monetizing fic. But why talk shit about people who do it?
I debated whether I was going to reply to that post aimed at me, and honestly I think I’d be pretty hypocritical if I didn’t. Unfortunately, the person blocked me (having never once interacted with me) so I could not reblog and defend myself. Though I’m still not sure I would have considering how bad their take was.
First, let me thank the writers in the community for their unprompted support, especially those who didn’t know it was directed at me. Telling people how damaging the take was is one thing, but slinging hate is another. Be adults.
Obviously this was a hurtful jab out of left field from someone I didn’t know and hadn’t even spoken to, further supported by fellow writers in the community which was incredibly disheartening. Not only because it perpetuates the toxic mindset that writing is somehow less valid and worthy of monetization than other mediums -which is just shooting yourself in the foot- but because it’s just a kind of shitty thing to do.
Some creators try making money off their craft when they can’t physically or mentally hold a normal job, when they have to make extra money in a bad economy, or when they’re pursing their passion and trying to survive while getting better at it.
Why is it that writers are scummy if they do this, but not artists and other fan work creators? Seriously, I want to know. And why the arbitrary line between commissions and Patreons? If you’re against money for written fan works at least take a hard stance. I don’t understand the weak convictions.
Is the reason you draw that line because commissions are legal (they aren’t) and valid, but Patreons aren’t? Is it because one path involves a loophole that lets you virtue signal and call it ‘tipping?’ Or is it just because you don’t like the creator? Be honest with yourself.
Fic writers are constantly treated like their craft like it’s less valid than other fan works. This gate keeping mentality is why you see so few writers monetize, and even fewer become successful. It’s discouraging, and it made me as a writer hesitate to accept any money, let alone make a Patreon, even after posting 150 free works by the time I monetized.
Many artists -regardless of the medium- start by selling fan works while they improve their craft. It’s a way to support themselves while cultivating a base that trusts their work enough to consume original pieces. In Japan they encourage fanworks, including writings, and sell them at conventions, and they work as a way for companies to seek new talent. Fanworks are still technically “illegal” in Japan. Their citizens just don’t throw it around as a way to be petty and shut down creators they don’t like. The DMCA is there to protect creators if they choose to use it.
I encourage any writer who wants to make a Patreon to go for it. Your fans will likely be very kind and happy to support you. If people come at you because fans who provide monetary support get something a little extra, then they’re either entitled or insecure. It also takes a special kind of asshole to wholeheartedly support a creator monetizing when it benefits you, and even ask them for advice on doing it yourself, then support bashing them for it later.
I’m sorry that writing nearly 20k words a month of combined free and monetized (more free) content isn’t “hard enough work” to monetize. You don’t have to read my monetized fanfiction. I have 200+ free works available on Tumblr for you to enjoy and post new shit all the time.
I have to give an extra thank you to my patrons after this. This gate keeping, elitist mentality really limits the growth of writers when compared to other mediums. And it really is a shame, because your work is just as valid as any other creative outlet.
You don’t have to like monetization. The “sellout” mentality is as old as time. But shading other creators who do it publicly to invalidate them? Pretty scummy.
pixelskylines
prguitarman
vaporwave
yousharknotpass
