Today I want to talk about fanfiction readers and reviews they leave. The last time I posted about fanfiction authors misbehaving and how that chosen behavior sometimes causes blowback. I called out some of the things authors do that provide a disservice to their reader base. Then they get angry or upset when they get bad reviews.
Today, plan to call out misbehaving readers and their reviews.
Obviously, this post isn’t about all fanfiction readers. Most readers are careful of their word choices. Most readers go out of their way to support their favorite authors. To these readers, I can 100% say that we authors appreciate and respect you.
However, several types of readers don’t. If you fall into one of the following categories, then this post is for you.
Grammar Police
These is the type of fanfiction readers actively searches for mistakes in a story. Then you point them out to the (amateur) author in your review. You make notes of every missing comma, period, or misused word. Then, you highlight each mistake in an open review for anyone to see.
If you think you are helping the author, I can tell you that you are NOT. All this does is openly humiliate the author in public. Pointing out ANY mistake … be it a missed or misused word, punctuation issues, or plot holes, should be done through a private message with the author. Taking your criticism of the technical aspects of the story to a PM shows RESPECT to the author and the time he/she spent crafting the chapter.
IF the author replies that they don’t want or appreciate your ‘help,’ please respect their request. The author isn’t interested in bettering his/her skills. Continuing to offer ‘unwanted edits’ even in a PM will only anger and frustrate the author. In this situation, as a reader, you have two choices. One – quit reading and move on to another story. Two – continue to read and overlook the mistakes.
Fanfiction Readers who want to be authors
These type of fanfiction readers try to dictate the story’s plot and what the character should do.
I can promise that no author writing fanfiction wants to be told how to write their story. The author has, most likely, already plotted the story and knows how they want it to play out. Telling the author what YOU want the characters to do in THEIR story is incredibly frustrating for an author. If you have all these ideas for characters, then try your hand at writing your own story instead of trying to dictate how other authors write theirs.
I don’t want to hear excuses like … but I’m no author … or … I don’t know how to write. Creating a plausible plotline is the hardest part of writing. All the technicalities of writing can be learned. Plenty of free sites exist that will teach you how to write. Once again, I will tout the benefits of The Critique Circle. Or check out your local library or community college for writing classes or books.
Now, if you don’t WANT to go through all this, that’s fine, but don’t force your ideas on others to write for you. It’s unwanted and rude!
The Airport Reader
This is the reader who decides several chapters into a story that they no longer like something about the story. IMO … you need to back out and move on to something else. Instead, the airport reader will write a scathing review, turning the situation into some big announcement of their departure.
The comment usually includes a statement declaring how disappointed the reader is with the author’s choices. How they loved the author’s other stories, but this story disgusted, appalled, shocked, (insert word choice here)… and they can’t bring themselves to continue reading. They make this announcement as if a plane is departing.
IMO … there are two reasons for a reader to make such an announcement. One, the reader feels so self-important/entitled that they think the author is writing just for them. Two, the reader is intentionally trying to hurt the author’s self-esteem.
Newsflash! As an author, I can say that most of us don’t care if you’re unhappy with the direction our story is taking and we’re not writing the story for you specifically. We write for ourselves first. If other’s enjoy our stories that’s a wonderful bonus.
However, we are not the only authors in any particular genre/fandom. There are thousands of other stories that will most likely fit your criteria for reading. So, please don’t bother announcing your departure. It’s not needed.
The Story/Chapter Spoiler
This kind of reader is usually enthusiastic and excited about a story. They also happen more in comments posted on links in Facebook-type groups. They mean well (in most cases), but in their excitement they don’t consider other readers. This reader overshares pertinent chapter/story information that leads to spoiling the anticipation for other readers.
It’s extremely frustrating for other readers to have a fresh chapter spoiled for them before they can read it. It’s also disheartening to the author, who spent hours writing and perfecting the chapter.
What is a good Review?
I’ve mentioned several bad types of reviewers. So, what is considered a good review? This is a review where you leave your thoughts on the chapter in a way that shows excitement without giving away spoilers. Don’t be afraid to address what you liked about a chapter. IE: ‘I loved how Character X took responsibility for his/her actions.’
Or show your enthusiasm by speculating what might happen next. IE: ‘I wonder if Character X will finally take the next step? Will Character Y get in the way and prevent it from happening?’
Giving a good, well-thought-out review takes some work by the reader. However, putting in the work shows authors you enjoy their stories, respect their time, and support their efforts.
If you don’t want to leave that kind of review or don’t have the time, then something as simple as saying … Great chapter. Can’t wait for more.’ will work.
In Closing
REMEMBER: Reviews are optional.
If you’re not enjoying the story, STOP READING! Nobody but you can force you to continue reading, and nothing good will come from remaining in that negative space. Backspace out of the story and move on. There is no need to be mean or cruel to the author.
Above all else, remember the old saying. ‘If you don’t have something nice to say, then don’t say anything.’ Because honestly, no review is better for an author than receiving a bad review. Especially for something they’re spending hours pouring their hearts into, and you, as the reader, are getting to enjoy for free.
Next time, I will discuss the topic of FF trolls and the failure of FF sites to protect the authors.