These are great foundational rules, but like everything, there is room for nuance and every author is going to sit slightly differently in certain spots. So here's where I sit on these rules when it comes to engagement with my work from readers:
1. I agree that creators do not owe content. In saying that, there is a difference between "I really love this fic, will it be continuing or have you decided to let it go?" And "why have you not updated? Where's my next chapter?" One is curious, one is demanding. I don't accept demands. Also, it's always worth checking the comments and timings, because if you already can see people asking and no replies... You don't need to ask again. Not replying as an author is an answer, and one that needs to be respected.
2. This one is not one that I personally take issue with, so long as the intent and the criticism has some level of intellect, thought and effort behind it. My work is designed to challenge people's views and understanding of the full spectrum of sexuality and complex relationship dynamics and psychology (even if on the surface it reads simply as smut). As a result, I take risks and am willing to go to places that aren't discussed or written about in the ways I write about them. So of course, this is going to be challenging for readers at times, and some choices will land and some will flop. I'm OK with readers expressing their emotional journeys and frustrations with my narrative choices or characterisations... So long as it's articulated with thought. I actually learn quite a bit through comments from readers who are confused and frustrated.
What I don't tolerate and what basically any author is not going to tolerate is comments that are nasty and aggressive. Comments that attack my style of writing, or that attack me as a person. Luckily, in my experience, and ever since I put my anti AI bot workskin on my ao3, I don't get these kinds of comments from bots anymore.
3. Hard agree. You are responsible for your reading journey. Don't blame the author for your lack of preparation.
5. Ten thousand times agree. If you feel the need to do this... Go and touch grass. Look at the wider picture. Ships of imaginary characters are simply that. Imaginary play. We aren't talking about human rights or real world issues and morals here. We are talking about imaginary characters and scenarios. So again, if you are this invested in an imaginary romantic pairing... Go and seriously touch grass.
6. This ties in with 5 and is summed up perfectly. Shipping characters is not a moral failing. It's purely imaginary.
7. Hard agree. You do you. I'll do me. K cool bye.
9. Agree with the passion and wildfire of a thousand burning suns. Creative exploration and imaginative play through writing is just that. Sometimes authors have some sort of lesson or moral they want to explore, other times it's pure linguistic exploration for the sake of it. Media literacy should be an essential learning unit in both primary and secondary school.
10. SO MUCH YES. It also helps get a gage of how many engaged readers actually exist and that's a "nice to know".
11. Yes. Also, I think asking an author to change their narrative decisions in their fic is extremely rude and inappropriate. No exceptions. You accept the story the author has written, and if you like it, great, if not, then whatever. That's a you issue. And if you're that upset about it, go and write your dream fanfic yourself.
12. I think you should always read the room... And the author's notes. Better yet, instead of engaging negatively for negativities sake, treat your issue or frustration with curiosity. For example "why did you choose to have X happen? This didn't quite gel for me but I'd love to know your thinking behind the decision." That gives the author an opportunity to engage with you as a reader. In saying that, if the author doesn't answer, then you leave it at that. Again, if ten people are asking the same question and the author is silent... None of them are reading the room. I'm always down for feedback that stems from curiosity but blanket hate and comments like "I hate this fic", "this fic is lame", or "I think you're a bad person for writing this"... Yeah GTFOH with that.
13. I'll add to this. Finding a fic you love later down the line and showing your appreciation through comments is a delight. It's not a "oh, I'm too late on this fic to acknowledge how much I am a fan". There is no time limit on praise and enjoyment hahahaha! If anything, it's really exciting to have someone new come out of the woodwork.
14. I think this topics come up a few times in this list and I've said my POV on it. The key takeaways are intent of comment, design of comment (curiosity and questions rather than negative statements of dislike) and reading the room from fic to fic.
Again, the above is my take on this and what I will and won't tolerate as an author, and the original list is a great etiquette starter point.
