Just an observation
Sometimes reading fanfic stresses me out in a way that books do not.
I think there are two reasons. One -- I'm not good at quitting. Books cost money, so I'm a little more discerning in what I buy, and therefore what I start reading to begin with. So I usually enjoy reading it to the end. Fanfic is gloriously free, so I start reading with abandon. Only, often I start a fanfic that's not my cup of tea, and I feel like I have to finish, even though I don't like it. Especially if it's an author you generally like and feel committed to.
Second, you never finish. It's impossible to keep up with. That's one of the best things about fanfic. You read a book and you're racing to get to the end and see what happens, but then ... it's over, and you have to figure out how to get on with your life. With fanfic, you just go find another story in the same vein. It's great. Except that you can never close the book with a happy sigh and go to bed. There's always something else you need to read, because by tomorrow there will be four something elses.
I think there are two reasons. One -- I'm not good at quitting. Books cost money, so I'm a little more discerning in what I buy, and therefore what I start reading to begin with. So I usually enjoy reading it to the end. Fanfic is gloriously free, so I start reading with abandon. Only, often I start a fanfic that's not my cup of tea, and I feel like I have to finish, even though I don't like it. Especially if it's an author you generally like and feel committed to.
Second, you never finish. It's impossible to keep up with. That's one of the best things about fanfic. You read a book and you're racing to get to the end and see what happens, but then ... it's over, and you have to figure out how to get on with your life. With fanfic, you just go find another story in the same vein. It's great. Except that you can never close the book with a happy sigh and go to bed. There's always something else you need to read, because by tomorrow there will be four something elses.