Claims:
"If you [are a fanfic author and] put yourself out there [on the Internet] you should expect criticism or that people don't like your work"
"You should [just] be secure in your talent"
"People are allowed to say what they don't like. You have to deal with it"
No.
Just no.
All that is gaslighting. When people make the types of statements indicated above, they are using a form of emotional amd psychological manipulation which seeks to undermine their target. To try and coerce them into questioning their feelings, their reactions, their perception of reality.
If you're guilty of using those phrases - stop it. Just fucking stop.
No one has to like everything. But it costs zero $$ to not be a dick if you don't like it.
Don't mock it. Don't shame the author. Don't start "what fics do you hate the most" posts on social media.
Don't gaslight. Don't be an asshole. Just click the back button.
*mic drop*
