#author boundaries

[summer2224]

Public insult comments have consequences.

When you choose to be cruel in a public forum, you are choosing to be seen.

Wattpad is a public platform. Comments left on a public book are public behavior. If you decide to insult a writer instead of offering real criticism, that behavior doesn’t disappear, it becomes an example. And I tend to use examples like this as a lesson, out of protection for those who are vulnerable, the writers who will stop creating, go silent, or become afraid because someone decided cruelty was acceptable.

Let me be clear about something else, too.

This is not me telling you to go and defend my honor, sweethearts.... I can defend myself just fine. (I blacked it out for that reason) This is about setting a standard. This is about protecting creative spaces and the people who exist bravely within them.

And to those who are worried when they see interactions like this... Yes, this will happen. It comes with visibility. But take it for what it is, a compliment. People who are secure don’t attack creativity. People who are fulfilled don’t try to silence expression. Never let someone else’s bitterness stop you from creating, sharing, or taking up space.

I want to be very clear about this People write while healing, grieving, learning, surviving. You never know what someone is carrying when they choose to share their work. Cruelty in creative spaces is not harmless, and I will not allow it to go unchecked.

Criticism is more than okay here. Thoughtful discussion is encouraged. Insults are not criticism.

These types of interactions need to be called out more, not to defend egos, but to protect people. Silence only protects cruelty.

Accountability protects community.

So consider this your reminder

Be mindful of how you speak to writers.

Be mindful of what you leave behind in public spaces.

Because choosing cruelty may get you attention, but it will be the wrong spotlight.

[arimeghlen]

Reblog: We Have Zero Boundaries

As I have been scrambling to complete 2 months worth of tasks, into 3 weeks, I didn’t get chance to write a blog post. However, I did see a video by author Bethany Atazadeh that talked about boundaries for Authors and I thought it was well worth a share! Continue reading Untitled

View On WordPress