If Truth Be Told, I'd Rather Hear A Story

OK, gather ‘round, adults and children of all ages, I want to discuss something that I think doesn’t get enough mention in fandom: when not to review or comment on a thing.  

There are some excellent posts on how to reply to a fanwork! Really, there are and they are great and you should absolutely listen to them. But there are also times when the best thing to do is nothing. This also applies to art, poetry, or basically any creative activity up to and including macaroni sculptures.

The basic lesson to take away here (for people to whom a read more link is anathema) is that stories (and art and cosplay photography and epic macaroni sculptures) posted on the internet are free, crafted out of love and a bit of obsession and frequently no small desire for attention. (Yeah, I said it.) Reviews and comments are our tips, and our only actual compensation. Love of the craft is not always enough, or we wouldn’t post it online, would we? When someone is negative or nasty in the comments, they’re the equivalent of those assholes who leave waitstaff fake $20s with bible verses instead of actual money. (Seriously, that is a thing that happens! Don’t be that person!)

Firstly, witness: flowchart. (Created in MS Word because I may be a creative person, but I am a lazy one.) It’s pretty simple at its core.. But there’s more to it than that! With any form of communication, there’s some courtesies involved that go above and beyond the simple form of MS Word flowcharts.

vox machina + kissing percy

BONUS:

There’s no date on it.

There’s no number to call if we actually do see that person.

It’s just a random picture and I have to take your word for it that the person’s name, age, and last known location are all accurate.

Therefore:

For all I know that kid was found two years ago.

Title: Only Our Characters Are Steadfast Recipient: uswe Creator: ratherastory Rating: PG-13 Pairing/Character: Lydia/Kira Warnings: None

Summary: A short interlude with Kira and Lydia, toward the beginning of Season 4.

AO3 Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/2320928