PSA: Fandom is a Party, Not a Market
It's been a couple decades since I first entered fan spaces (fandom). Overall the experiences I've had within a fandom have been extremely positive! However, there is a behavior I had to unlearn through trial and error, what the unwritten rules are of how to conduct myself.
Here are some tips if you're new to interacting with fanworks within fandom:
The writer/artist created something and it's being shared to the fandom. If you appreciate and enjoyed the gift, tell them! Joy is meant to be shared, and being in a fandom means we're all here to celebrate a shared story or experience!
Comments/reblogs/likes/etc are all ways to say "thank you" to the artist or writer that took the time and effort to create and share their joy.
Think of fandom like a massive, ongoing party. People are coming and going, having chats and discussions about the book, show, movie, etc. on and off. You can walk around saying hi and join in on these open conversations.
Occasionally, someone goes up on stage to announce they are going to post a new piece of fanart on the wall for everyone to look at if they want. Everyone interested can make their way over to where the art is displayed by the artist and check it out.
Someone else announced they just put a new fic on the fanfic shelf. Everyone is over there reading and chatting about what they enjoyed with the writer and each other.
Just like in a real life party, if someone came over to any one of these groups unasked to start telling everyone why they dislike whatever is being talked about, it isn't going to be received positively. Some people might agree with you and join in, but most will see a person committing a social faux pas.
How Do I Return the Gift?
The polite and expected etiquette when coming across a fandom fic or fanart that you're not feeling is to either keep scrolling, or hit the back button. Don't like, don't read has been an age old saying in fandom, for good reason.
If the fanart or fanfic isn't to your taste, move on! There's no need or reason to tell the writer/artist you didn't like what they created. Unless you are specifically asked for constructive criticism by the writer or artist, your input is not needed nor asked for. To reiterate the above, fan creations shared are a gift. Just like if you received a gift you didn't like or want, especially one made by the gifter, would you immediately tell them all the reasons you don't like it? List reasons why they should rework it to your taste? Write critical "reviews" posted to sites like Tumblr, Goodreads, TikTok, etc. where the writer or artist can see them?
Why? What is your goal to do this? If the artist/writer didn't ask to be criticized, then you're doing the equivalent of telling someone that just wrote you a story or drew picture for you all the reasons it's bad. Who are you to decide what is good and bad?
How Will They Know They're Wrong?
Fandom means we are all here to celebrate something we all enjoy. You kill the mood of the party when you do things like complain how another fan's art failed to meet your expectations.
Also, please remember the artists and writers are fellow fans. Real human beings that put their time, effort, and a part of themselves in their work. Art is subjective, but there's a time and place to criticize that person, and at the public fandom party in front of everyone is not it.
Instead, form friendship's with fellow fans that share your tastes and are like-minded, and complain to them directly. Step out of the party into the yard for privacy and form a group chat where you can post your honest reactions. Run through the emotional reaction you're processing after seeing something you strongly dislike.
Warning: Unchecked snark and negativity can quickly turn toxic. Venting is fine, we all have to do it, but if you find your group space is only complaining about other people's fan works, or complaining about the people themselves, then maybe it's time to take a break and go home for a bit. Maybe go check out some other parties, or share your own fic/fanart.
Lastly, if you're going to ignore everything above and continue to intrude at the party with toxicity, don't be a jerk and tag the fandom. Or ship. Or the creator's name. If people wanted your criticism, it would be asked for. Don't hurt someone's feelings because you wanted your 5 minutes of Internet fame.
