I loved reading this (and I typically avoid anything fic or fandom post related these days, because, like you said, when both stop being a positive experience, it's best to just get the heck out of dodge) and pretty much nodded the entire way through it. Yes. Just, yes. You speak the truth, no matter how many writers in fandom would outwardly deny they don't do what they do for the comments. And I think once you acknowledge the monster is there, you either continue to be hungry for comments (and once you're in that stage, usually fic is more of an obligation than anything else), or learn to take a mental step back and refocus and remember why you started writing in the first place.
I think it's odd that people would deny that they don't, at least in part, do it for the comments. I'm fully willing to admit that I write mostly because I enjoy it (and thus, for myself) but I'd never deny that I also like sharing what I write and getting feedback. That, to me, is the whole point of writing in fandom - a ready made readership that loves the characters as much as you do. Plus, there's no shame among writers in admitting that you love it when people read your work. Every one does!
But yes, indeed. It is just about acknowledging the monster and behaving accordingly. And if fic is an obligation? Don't write fic anymore! Heh.
Exactly. I agree. We all want to get along, and we all want to know we're producing work that other like. I think pretty much every fic writer does write because they like to write, but if someone were to say to me, "I don't care about the comments, I do this just for me," I would be like, "I'm not recording this conversation. You don't care even the teeniest bit about the feedback?"
Wonderful post! I agree with pretty much everything you've said here.
When the fandom rat-race becomes the driving force and the personal enjoyment factor dies, then yes, it's time to bolt (or at least take a huge step back).
Firstly, such high praises! I'm not sure I am worthy, but thank you so much and I'm glad the silly little things I scribble down when I'm meant to be doing other things (heh) have been enjoyed.
Secondly, hearing people say nice things about your work, especially people you admire, is always an immensely gratifying experience. And especially when readers interpret things in a light you'd never even considered before. I've written what I considered a 'happily ever after' epilogue before, only to have someone message me and say: "settle this debate between my friend and I, is this chapter a metaphor for them dying?" And I was completely blown away, but also like: wow the author really is dead, and how great is that? I really love that interplay between audience and creator (obviously, I write fanfiction!) Heh. Anyway, I'm glad you had that experience
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I loved reading this (and I typically avoid anything fic or fandom post related these days, because, like you said, when both stop being a positive experience, it's best to just get the heck out of dodge) and pretty much nodded the entire way through it. Yes. Just, yes. You speak the truth, no matter how many writers in fandom would outwardly deny they don't do what they do for the comments. And I think once you acknowledge the monster is there, you either continue to be hungry for comments (and once you're in that stage, usually fic is more of an obligation than anything else), or learn to take a mental step back and refocus and remember why you started writing in the first place.
Great post.
*applauds*
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I think it's odd that people would deny that they don't, at least in part, do it for the comments. I'm fully willing to admit that I write mostly because I enjoy it (and thus, for myself) but I'd never deny that I also like sharing what I write and getting feedback. That, to me, is the whole point of writing in fandom - a ready made readership that loves the characters as much as you do. Plus, there's no shame among writers in admitting that you love it when people read your work. Every one does!
But yes, indeed. It is just about acknowledging the monster and behaving accordingly. And if fic is an obligation? Don't write fic anymore! Heh.
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When the fandom rat-race becomes the driving force and the personal enjoyment factor dies, then yes, it's time to bolt (or at least take a huge step back).
Loved the link, also.
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But basically,
YES!!!!! To everything
(which I could easily have typed on my phone, come to think of it . . . and without all the surrounding babble!)
Awesome post. I'm (now) good with this kind of thing 99% of the time - but, for the 1% when I'm not, I'm adding to memories.
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Secondly, hearing people say nice things about your work, especially people you admire, is always an immensely gratifying experience. And especially when readers interpret things in a light you'd never even considered before. I've written what I considered a 'happily ever after' epilogue before, only to have someone message me and say: "settle this debate between my friend and I, is this chapter a metaphor for them dying?" And I was completely blown away, but also like: wow the author really is dead, and how great is that? I really love that interplay between audience and creator (obviously, I write fanfiction!) Heh. Anyway, I'm glad you had that experience ( ... )
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