I need people to understand that you can like a fanfic without putting another one down
praise shouldn't be followed by comparison, it just makes the compliment backhanded and rude.
everyone is allowed their own preferences, and people can criticize stories in private settings, but something that isn't cool is disparaging fanfictions in public settings
that includes comparisons.
everyone currently is raving about the new popular byler fanfic- and that's well deserved!! I absolutely loved it, it was PHENOMENAL
but I've been sad seeing all of these comments saying "it's so much better than [insert fanfic name]"
do you all forget that the authors who wrote those fanfics you're putting down are most likely here? they're present in the community too!! and fandom spaces should be safe for people to share their passion projects without being put down.
I know I've talked a lot about fanfiction etiquette, but it needs to be said again because I just keep seeing these backhanded comments that are infuriating. it's rude.
imagine it like this: you get two presents, how would you react?
would you be thankful and accept both because, yippee! two presents!
or, would you say, "thank you! I love present 1!! it's so much better than present 2!" meanwhile the person who gave you present 2 is now sad because they tried really hard to give you a present you would like.
once again, you can praise a fanfiction without putting another one down!!!
fanfictions are FREE and are made in author's spare time. they time and effort, and yet authors don't ask for anything in return! fanfictions are not products, they're gifts.
it's rude to give criticism if it wasn't asked for, it's rude to rank fanfics because once again that's comparing them, and it's really rude to bash them online
feelings can get hurt, and stories can be taken down or straight up abandoned. I've seen people stress over a lack of fanfics these days, or an uptick in abandoned works. do you want to know why that's happening?
it's because people are being rude and expectant of something they didn't pay for. it's capitalism! let's keep that mindset out of fandom spaces and be kind, okay?
I know this post might sound harsh but it needs to be said. if you're new to fandom spaces, please read up on fandom etiquette.
be kind and remember that we're all people.
we're not just text on the screen. we have hearts that can be hurt, and minds that will remember your words.
fanfictions deserve praise
just don't give that praise at the cost of another fanfic
praise should just be praise
