I never thought Id like a fictional duck like this

1. “It’s cringy” - If that is a word you are using in an argument, then I think you might not be equipped to participate in this conversation yet. Your second hand embarrassment is never an excuse to be rude and disparaging.

2. “It’s just not good writing” - This is not an actual criticism of anything like grammar or improved dialogue. This is writing off a genre because you think it isn’t good enough. Please consider how many classic and well loved books throughout history were self insert pieces. The Divine Comedy being one of the most culturally impactful off the top of my head. Do you genuinely not realize how many beloved books were written specifically for one person to insert themselves into? Both children’s books and works for adults.

3. “It’s immature and childish” - That is not an objective statement and can’t be used as a solid argument. But even if it was, why do you think it is wrong or beneath you to indulge in childish things? It doesn’t actually harm anyone. I imagine the people who make this argument are the same people who belittle Disney adults when arguably the worst sin they’re committing is being annoying. Sorry you lack appreciation for whimsy I guess? You’re really missing out.

4. “Well at least don’t put it in the main tag so I don’t have to see it” - I am not sorry that you have to see content that does not appeal to you in a place where that content is relevant and on topic. This statement is trying to dictate what is “good” and what “deserves” to be included. Are you going to tell “bad” visual artists not to put their art in the main tag because you think they’re not “skilled” enough so you don’t want to see their “ugly” art? I really hope you’re not doing that directly, so why would you do that to writers? Do you not respect writers as artists?

Please don’t fall into the condescending “not like other girls” type “criticism” that strongly reflects the same type of criticism used in “high art” circles to devalue and prevent others from producing and enjoying art.

Personally, as an artist who works in a variety of mediums that historically have been considered (and is often still considered) “low art” or “just craft” this is infuriating. That attitude and that language is consistently used to bar people, often marginalized people, from having their work valued at all. It’s a much larger problem than fandom discourse. But fandom discourse does have a place in talking about that problem.

There’s nothing wrong with not liking it. There’s nothing wrong with politely asking for these things to be tagged “x reader” or “character x reader” so you can avoid them! I’ve been asked before and I’m happy to oblige because it takes me five seconds and it means I get to interact and connect with that person in other positive ways.

I’m sure you know this subconsciously, but maybe acknowledge consciously that you don’t have to enjoy everything someone does or makes to enjoy other things about them. Confession: there’s some writers I follow where I don’t read their fan fiction simply because it’s not to my taste. But I love reading their analysis or their silly jokes. So I’m more than happy to just scroll past what doesn’t interest me.

I genuinely don’t see the difference between avoiding x reader stuff someone posts and avoiding a particular fandom someone posts that you’re not into. Do you guys genuinely not follow people who sometimes post about things you’re not into? Again, I feel like if that’s the case, you’re really missing out on watching people find joy in the things you don’t.