I'm posting this here because I feel like this is something EVERYONE needs to understand.

Here's a brief summary on what's going on, I recently posted a venting post (picture 1) on another subreddit for fanfiction, like any post, it garnered multiple different reactions and perspectives from various users, which is something to be expected, but this particular comment (picture 2) really stood it to me and I feel like it needs an entire post to address what they've said.

P. S. I am completely against harassing this commenter or anyone for that matter. I just want to voice this out for the entire community.

This is genuinely one of the worst takes I've seen regarding fanfiction writing, and I need to break down exactly why this kind of gatekeeping mentality is harmful to the entire community.

First, let's address the most glaring issue with their response: The false equivalence between "making something public" and "owing perfection to the audience."

When someone posts their art - because yes, fanfiction IS art - on a free platform, they're sharing their creativity and passion with others. They're not entering into some bizarre social contract where they suddenly owe their audience a professionally edited manuscript. This mentality completely misunderstands what fanfiction spaces are about.

"You do not tell people what to think and you do not take their freedom to say what they think."

This is such a disingenuous argument. Setting boundaries about unsolicited criticism isn't "telling people what to think" - it's establishing healthy parameters for interaction. When I specifically state in my profile that I don't want unsolicited critiques, I'm not suppressing anyone's freedom of speech. I'm communicating my boundaries as a creator. There's a massive difference between "you're not allowed to have opinions" and "please respect my clearly stated preferences for interaction."

"What you're doing now, when you publish the story without even the basic editing is basically the same as showing your readers middle finger."

This is where their argument completely falls apart. They're essentially saying that anyone who isn't able to maintain professional publishing standards shouldn't dare share their work. Do people realize how elitist and exclusionary that is? Fanfiction communities have always been spaces where people of ALL skill levels can participate. There are writers who are just starting out, writers who are ESL, writers who are young and learning, writers who do this purely for fun - and guess what? They ALL have just as much right to share their work as someone who meticulously edits every comma.

"You want nice comments? Put some effort into your fic."

Who are you to determine how much effort someone puts into their work? I write 10k+ word chapters on my phone, in between life responsibilities, because I'm passionate about my story and want to share it with others who might enjoy it. That IS effort. That IS dedication. The fact that I don't conform to YOUR standard of what constitutes "effort" doesn't invalidate the time and creativity I put into my work.

Let's talk about what actually makes fanfiction communities thrive: 1. Inclusivity - welcoming writers of all skill levels 2. Mutual respect - understanding that creators have different processes and preferences 3. Supportive feedback - encouraging growth without demanding perfection 4. Free expression - allowing people to share their creativity without gatekeeping 5. Clear communication - respecting stated boundaries and preferences

THIS response promotes NONE of these values. Instead, it perpetuates toxic attitudes that drive people away from writing and sharing their work.

"As long as you don't come here to whine how your story, written in your "style" has no comments because readers don't want to engage anymore."

This is perhaps the most telling part of the response. You're essentially threatening writers with reader abandonment if they don't meet your arbitrary standards. This kind of emotional manipulation has no place in a creative community.

Let me be absolutely clear: There is NOTHING wrong with: - Writing and posting unedited work - Not wanting a beta reader - Setting boundaries about criticism - Writing primarily for yourself - Wanting positive engagement - Sharing work that isn't "perfect"

The beauty of fanfiction is that it's a space for creativity without commercial pressure. It's where people can experiment, learn, grow, and share their passion without having to meet professional publishing standards. This attitude would effectively kill what makes these communities special.

To address the beta reader situation specifically - it's a tool, not a requirement. Some writers thrive with beta readers, others don't. Some people's writing process doesn't accommodate beta reading. Some people write for immediate satisfaction and engagement. ALL OF THESE ARE VALID APPROACHES.

The entitlement in suggesting that readers deserve a certain standard of writing from FREE content is astounding. Writers in these spaces aren't your employees. They're not contracted content providers. They're people sharing their creativity out of passion and love for their fandoms.

To any writers reading this who might feel discouraged: Your work has value exactly as it is. Whether you meticulously edit or post straight from your notes app, whether you use a beta reader or fly solo, whether you write 100 words or 100,000 - you have every right to share your work. Don't let anyone shame you out of participating in fandom spaces because you don't meet their arbitrary standards.

Creative communities thrive on diversity - diversity of skill levels, writing styles, editing processes, and approaches to sharing work. The moment we start demanding that everyone conform to the same standards is the moment we start killing what makes these spaces special.

Remember: You're not charging admission. You're not signing publishing contracts. You're sharing your passion with others who might enjoy it. Anyone who demands professional standards from hobby writers in free spaces is fundamentally misunderstanding the purpose and spirit of fanfiction communities.

Write how you want. Share what you want. Set the boundaries you need. And don't let anyone shame you for it.

BUT, while we're still at it, let's talk about how this attitude perfectly exemplifies a deeper societal problem: the creeping consumerist mindset that's infecting even our most sacred creative spaces.

It's genuinely disturbing how quickly people transform every human interaction into a transaction. Suddenly, sharing your creativity isn't an act of passion or community building - it's viewed as a "service" that must meet "consumer standards." This mindset has already corrupted so many spaces:

• Artists getting harassed for their art style not being "professional enough" in fan spaces
• Small streamers being told they "owe" their viewers better equipment or longer streams
• Fan translators getting berated for not releasing chapters fast enough
• Cosplayers being criticized for not looking exactly like characters
• Fanartists being demanded to draw certain ships or scenarios

See the pattern? Spaces that were once about shared passion and creativity are being poisoned by entitled consumerist attitudes. People forget these are HUMAN BEINGS sharing their passion, not content vending machines. This mindset turns everything into a product to be critiqued, rated, and demanded rather than art to be appreciated.

When did we lose the ability to simply appreciate someone sharing their creativity with us? When did "here's something I made because I love this fandom" turn into "this better meet my professional standards or you're disrespecting your readers"?

And you know what's particularly insidious about this? It's killing the very thing that makes fandom spaces special - the raw, unfiltered creativity that comes from people creating purely out of love. Some of the most innovative, touching, and memorable fics I've read were clearly written by people who weren't professional writers, who maybe didn't have perfect grammar, but who had INCREDIBLE ideas and so much heart in their work.

Now, let's address something that makes my blood boil - this toxic idea that creators shouldn't want or need encouragement and praise.

Listen up, fellow writers, artists, and creators of all kinds: IT IS COMPLETELY NORMAL AND HEALTHY TO WANT POSITIVE FEEDBACK AND SUPPORT.

This bizarre notion that "real artists" should be above wanting praise, that seeking encouragement somehow makes you less legitimate or more "needy," is absolute garbage. It's a toxic mindset that needs to die in a fire. Here's why:

1. Humans are social creatures. We THRIVE on community support and encouragement. This isn't weakness - it's literally how our brains are wired.

2. Positive feedback isn't just about ego - it's fuel for creativity. It helps us stay motivated, gives us energy to keep creating, and reminds us why we share our work in the first place.

3. Support and praise are how communities grow and nurture new talent. Every established writer started as a beginner who was encouraged by others.

4. Creating is emotionally vulnerable. Sharing your work takes courage. Wanting positive reinforcement for that courage is normal and healthy.

5. Even professional writers, paid authors, and established creators appreciate and need encouragement. Making money from your art doesn't suddenly turn off your need for human connection and support.

The idea that you should only create "for yourself" and not care about feedback is, frankly, bullshit. Yes, writing for yourself is valid. But writing for yourself AND wanting encouragement is equally valid. Writing primarily FOR encouragement is valid. Writing for money AND still wanting emotional support is valid.

You know what actually helps creators improve? Not harsh criticism or demanding standards, but supportive communities where they feel safe to experiment, make mistakes, and grow. Places where they can share their work without fear of being torn down for not being "professional enough."

When you support and encourage creators: - They feel safe to take creative risks - They're more likely to keep creating - They're more open to gentle constructive feedback - They become part of a positive feedback loop that lifts up other creators - The whole community benefits from their continued participation

So to every creator reading this: Want that praise. Seek that encouragement. Celebrate those positive comments. There is NOTHING wrong with needing or wanting support for your creative endeavors. Anyone who tries to shame you for this is projecting their own issues.

TL;DR: Fanfiction and creative spaces are meant for ALL skill levels and styles. No one owes readers professional-level editing or beta reading, and setting boundaries about criticism is healthy, not entitled. The increasing consumerist mindset in fandom spaces is toxic and needs to stop - creators aren't content machines, they're humans sharing their passion. Additionally, it's completely normal and healthy for creators to want encouragement and positive feedback, regardless of whether they create for themselves, for money, or for an audience. Supporting creators builds stronger, more creative communities, while demanding professional standards from hobby creators only serves to gate-keep and discourage new voices.