We really need to talk about this growing sense of entitlement in fandom when it comes to fic. Cause it's getting bad. I'm seeing people getting mad at fic writers for not updating often. To the point they're putting their fics through AI to "finish them" or threatening to steal the fic to write it themselves while claiming to be able to "do it better anyway". I'm seeing people harass fic writers over working on other fics. People harassing fic writers for choosing to delete their fics. I'm seeing people say they should be able to have a dislike button on fics or be able to say mean comments to the writers.
It's insane. I feel like a lot of you have either forgotten or just don't realize fic writers do this for fun. They don't do it for you. They're writing these stories because it's fun for them and they thought it'd also be fun to share them. Most importantly is that they do this all for FREE.
Not to sound like a boomer but I really feel the issue with this stems from social media. A lot of you are treating fic writers like vapid social media influencers. You are so stuck in the mindset of large follower count, likes, views, etc means "better". You are so used to viewing other human beings as existing purely for your entertainment. I often see the argument of "Well without readers their fics wouldn't get kudos/comments/views/popularity/etc!" And again I say it's not about you. AO3 is not instagram. Getting comments and kudos is not a competition. Nor is it a badge of popularity. No one cares about going viral. If you don't like this then you probably have no business being in fandom spaces.
A lot of you have forgotten that fandom is a community where we share with each other and have fun. Writing fic has always been for fun. Having fun is the goal. Getting readers and people who like your fic is the bonus.
