@)~'~,~~
Something that happened for me once
I read a (gen) story once in one of my fandoms that seriously upset me. I felt it was completely out of character, basically the opposite of how the characters acted in the show, and I could see no rhyme nor reason for it. It was as if (from my point of view) the author of that story had just mugged the characters for no reason.
I complained a little on my blog--WITHOUT specifics or mentioning the story. A couple people wondered what the story was, and asked me and we talked a little through email. It was a relief to blow off steam. And I let it go, and that was that.
I am SO GLAD I didn't bash that story publicly. Not only would it have made me look like a jerk, (because everybody gets their own interpretations and ways of writing), but I also would've missed out on possible future interactions with that fan.
As it is, I've read some of her work since then that I really liked. She's read a bit of mine that she really liked. Basically: positive fandom interaction remained possible. I am so glad I didn't miss out on the other stuff she wrote that I loved. And I'm glad she didn't miss out on what she liked of my writing in that fandom. If I had bashed her story openly, I would've ruined those chances before they even took place.
I've learned a lot in fandom and haven't always (and won't always) steer my way clear of bad situations and poor choices. But, in that instance, I did, and I'm very glad.