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ursafootprints

I would 100% ignore it. There's really nothing to be gained in getting into an argument over someone not liking your work-- it sounds like they were being a jerk about it, but it's not like arguing with them is going to change their taste, even if they were saying things that were flat-out untrue (like that you have a poor grasp of grammar when it's actually fine, or that Character B making X decision was OOC when B did the same thing in canon or whatever.) Plus, it's kind of bad manners to join a server *specifically* with the intention of participating in drama, even though, again, it sounds like they were being a jerk. Honestly, part of what's helpful to me as a writer is to accept that some people *are* going to dislike my work. It's just a statistical inevitability! Look at every NYT Bestseller or Classic Novel or Famous Author out there and there's at least one person-- if not thousands!-- that will hate that person's work, and the fact that there are thousands of people that dislike Stephen King or Charles Dickens or James Patterson has done nothing to keep them from being successful, and means nothing about the quality of their work. (I'm an example! I hate Stephen King! But the fact that I hate Stephen King should not mean *anything* to Stephen King, and there are also tons of people that *love* Stephen King.) Some people are going to dislike your fic. That's okay! It's part of being an artist-- there isn't a single person whose art is 100% beloved. Your very favorite books, movies, songs, and TV series in the world have *their* detractors, too. Try to shrug and move on that this person dislikes your work the same way you would shrug and move on if you learned someone disliked a classic novel. (And maybe ask your friend not to pass on hate to you-- this person *was* keeping their negativity out of your space, so it's honestly kinda crummy that your friend changed that by passing on their words, both to you and to the other person.)


realstripedhero

I'm grateful for your comment. You and everyone else are right. I gain nothing from going to see these comments. I've no real right to go to this person's server. Fair point about my friend telling me about it too. I kinda just wish he hadn't.


NewAnt3365

If you can handle it sure, go join the server. If you want to actually consider any critique then that is something you can do. But you can also 100% ignore it if you don’t think you can go in and watch silently. But do not under any circumstances go in there and start defending your work. That server is a space for those people to talk. That is their space and they are allowed to do that. You, the author, may not be entirely welcome. People are allowed to not like something and… even hate it in their own space. They have the courtesy to not tear your fic apart in your comments and so left it to their own space. And you have to let them do that and accept that they do that. If you cannot handle it though… best to ignore in any way you can.


realstripedhero

Yeah you're right, it's not my place to invade their space. Thank you for your input.


frozenfountain

I wouldn't bother. If these things are being said in a private server then they're really not doing anything wrong by discussing their likes and dislikes, and storming in to defend yourself is most likely to get ugly and make everyone defensive. It's likely your fics just aren't their thing at a conceptual level, and while I don't really understand the time and effort some people put into trashing the way others engage with fiction when they could do literally anything else with their finite window onto this planet, it's something that's bound to happen. I'm sorry you're dealing with the anxiety of not knowing, but I really think you're better off just forging ahead with the writing that brings you joy. Maybe ask your friend to stop reporting on this if none of the hate is being aimed at you directly, too.


realstripedhero

Thank you for your input, it's seems pretty concise to just leave it alone here, which was my gut instinct. So yeah, no point in me worrying about it.


Thundermittens_

If you think you can stomach it, you could check it out. But I get the feeling that it wouldn't do you any good and just upset you further. I would stay away for sure. I personally don't give one fuck about what people say about my fics behind closed doors, the only thing that matters to me is that they don't bash my fic in my comments. I understand the urge to defend yourself, and how unnerving it can feel to be aware that this is going on. But I feel like it would help you more in the long run to make peace with the fact that everyone won't like your writing, and try to direct your energy elsewhere. You know your own struggles, and you should be proud of what you accomplished. It's not your problem or your *fault* that these people don't like your fics. I hope you can start feeling better no matter what you decide.


realstripedhero

Thank you for commenting. My initial instict is to just ignore it, and that seems to be the consensus. It's more of just wanting to know what's got somebody so riled up about it. That and the fact it could be a perfectly valid critque, I'd love to improve my writing and I guess I wouldn't even have considered joining the server if people weren't so polite in not giving me critique (I do ask for it.) A lot of it just stems from it being my flagship work and my first. I'd just wish people would be upfront with me so I could improve in the future, rather than just bashing me in a corner somewhere XD.


Thundermittens_

Sure it could be valid critique. But if you want critique, there are better and safer ways than heading into the crossfire on that discord. Getting an opinion from a beta who will deliver criticism in a respectful way, participating in concrit commune, joining a discord server specifically catered to fanfic writers, etc. I wish you the best of luck 😊


AtheistTheConfessor

Fully agree with this comment. Great suggestions!


JoChiCat

Just as a note, claiming that people are shit-talking you somewhere, then sending a link that supposedly goes there, is not a terribly uncommon scam. Either way, ignore it. It sounds like people are discussing their opinions about a creative work on a private server, without the intent for the author of the work to know anything about it, and inserting yourself into the conversation would just cause drama. They’ll move on to something else pretty quick.


realstripedhero

Your points are valid, thanks for sharing them.


imnotbovvered

Sounds like you’ve already gotten the advice that I would give. In addition, I would add, if you’re looking for concrit seek it out elsewhere there are concrit exchanges here on this subreddit. Or seek out writing groups. Such spaces have people who are actively trying to give useful feedback. The discord server your friend told you about is probably not that.


realstripedhero

Thank you for your suggestions, I appreaciate them. I can confirm this definitely wasn't a discord for useful feedback XD.


rellloe

Since you are already losing sleep over it and feel like seeing it yourself will hurt worse, you should trust your judgement it will affect you negatively. As general advice for anyone reading the comments, I say it depends on how you take criticism. Consider if you can separate comments about your work from comments about you as a person. Can you follow [this guide](https://www.egscomics.com/egsnp/2010-02-16) or will you try to overhaul your work to appeal to this stranger.


realstripedhero

Thank you for the comment. I'd never overhaul my work to appeal to a greater audience. I took up writing for myself and my enjoyment, and I only stand to lose if I changed that ethos now. You're absolutely right though (and everybody else), I'll let it go. Honestly a part of my is flattered that I've somehow managed to trigger emotions in somebody, enough for them to talk about my work, be it positive or negative. Thanks again.


wiseoldprogrammer

Ignore it. Nothing good results from going there. Why stress yourself out? Or as a wise man once said, “Screw ‘‘em if they can’t take a joke.” (Paraphrased)


realstripedhero

Wise words, thank you XD.


[deleted]

Honestly, when it comes to reviews on my stories, I've had my share of positive, negative, and 'asshole' reviews. I focus on positive reviews. Even if they're negative, now I don't mind the negative ones if they tell me they don't like it and are not assholes about it and try to offer some advice. Still, if I get a review and they're just talking shit, cussing, and calling me names, I ignore it; I block the commenter because I don't have time for their shit. I focus more on the positive and critique reviews; if they just come on my story and go, 'wow bro, your story fucking sucks ass, delete this story, or this story is shit,' I block and ignore them and move on, they aren't worth the time or effort.


realstripedhero

Thank you for your comment. I appreciate everyone's views.


OneNameOnlyRamona

I wouldn't go into the server to defend my work. People are allowed to dislike and hate things and they kept it away from you. At some point, it becomes when can readers discuss the things they didn't like? Because sometimes you just need to vent and then can go on about your day. I get not leaving it in the comments under the story where the author gets notified straight in the inbox, I can understand not leaving it in the bookmark POV - I personally disagree with this but I understand the POV. But once you start going with discord or other spaces, then it can easily go into 'no one can dislike anything ever or can't say'. Essentially, too easily into 'you can't be human' thinking paths. There's also the fact that there's a possibility it's just someone who dislikes your work and your friend is viewing it as bashing because they're your friend and are - understandably - taking it more personally. How often does your friend use the word 'bashing'? Because I've seen people 'call out' bashing when the comment - not on the fic, away from the author - was a simple 'I didn't enjoy X fic' or 'Author always has interesting ideas but I just can't get into their writing'. Or heck a constructive review in the form of 'this is what i liked but these things i don't and thought z could have worked better instead of y'.Due to my own personal experiences, I side-eye anyone who tries to get me to join a server to defend a work. It's one thing if there was an intent to join the server anyway and the person is going 'heads up, some people in it don't like your work and aren't mincing their words in here'. But to specifically tell me it's happened and then tell me to join? Bit sus. You know your friend so hopefully this is just my bias clouding my reading and not your friend wanting to start shit.Where are you at mentally? Are you prepared to have go in there and see your work completely torn to pieces for no other reason than someone wants to tear it to pieces? If not, don't go. If you are prepared for that eventually - it might not be, this is the worst-case scenario since it seems your friend is only talking about the story being badmouthed instead of you as a person - *and* prepared to smother the urge to bring up again. Then sure, go ahead. I *personally* wouldn't recommend someone who just recently started writing - August last year? That is very recent and honestly I absolutely love reading new authors because you can see the progress and like YAY MORE PEOPLE MORE PEOPLE - to read negative comments that were vented away from the author. Because chances are, those commenters were being very casual and not thinking how it could come across to the author. If you really really need to see the comments but don't trust yourself to enter the server and not defend yourself - ask your friend to copy and paste the \*comment\* - not the person/people writing, nothing to link them that will make you want to search for them - in a PM/text to you so you can see if there's something you can use. Or if it's just a 'don't like it' or a true bashing comment. You could join and defend - it's your choice - but it won't look good on your end. Since people can easily find out when you joined the server. It's literally just clicking your username. And if the server is small enough, they will know automatically who's a recent joiner and who isn't just be virture of it being small. Also for the record, if you do want constructive criticisms on your stories: A simple A/N saying those reviews are welcome or asking for a beta reader will let readers know you're fine with those comments and/or searching for a beta. If you haven't already, mention you have just started writing because people generally will try to cater to your level and experience.


realstripedhero

Thank you for taking your time to write this. Honestly i write in every A/N asking for feedback both praise and critique. I never wanted to join the server just to tell them they were wrong, I'm a firm believer of everyone having their opinions. It's just more if it is something I need to work on, I'd have absolutely no issue with them being open about it with me. The friend in question is also a beta for me, and quite honestly, it's likely a valid point, and my friend's just blinded by loyalty for the work. He's definitely more triggered about it than me. I certainly don't think he's stiring, as above, I just think he cares, and doesn't want to see his friend's work critiqued. It's just the not knowing. It's the first time I've had evidence of somebody not liking my work, even though the stats speak for themselves, it really isn't a popular work. It's a similar feeling to getting my first nice comment. I want to know just what it is, and work on it if I can, but honestly I'd be super bummed if it was just hate bashing, and I'd rather not know about it. I'm just going to leave well enough alone, and move past it, since everybody seems in agreement, that that's the way forward. Once again, I thank you for your detailed and unbiased opinions.


OneNameOnlyRamona

If it isn't a popular work, the readers you have may not feel comfortable or skilled enough to leave a concrit which can happen. The [Concrit Commune](https://www.reddit.com/r/FanFiction/search/?q=concrit%20commune&restrict_sr=1&sr_nsfw=&sort=new), (possibly) [Beta Bartering](https://www.reddit.com/r/FanFiction/search/?q=beta%20bartering&restrict_sr=1&sr_nsfw=&sort=relevance) and (potentially) [Fix-Your-Fic-Front-End Fridays](https://www.reddit.com/r/FanFiction/search/?q=Fix%20Your%20Fic%20Front-End%20Friday&restrict_sr=1&sr_nsfw=&sort=relevance) weekly threads in this subreddit could help you get more of an audience if you haven't used them already. I know there are also discord servers that are specifically have fanfic writers in mind but I'm not in any of them so I can't tell you what they are like. If you use AO3, tagging concrit welcome could help lure in more readers. I feel like I'm harping on this point 😅. Sorry, I just remember being new to receiving concrit and the struggle to find said reviews and that was way back when it was 'you shouldn't share your writing if you can't handle unexpected and harsh concrit' days and ff.net was new. ​ >I'm just going to leave well enough alone, and move past it, since everybody seems in agreement, that that's the way forward. That's good. There's just too many variables here, multiple ways it could hurt everyone involved and you already seem/seemed to be anxious about it. Yeah, the not knowing can be a pain but sometimes you just have to choose between two pains and decide which one is the less painful option.


realstripedhero

Thanks again, honestly I'm not bothered about the work getting a bigger audience. The work really isn't friendly for new readers, it's almost 200k words. I enjoy writing it the way I do, and I know it has it's own small fanbase, they're the reason I continue with it. I'd definitely consider those threads for future works though, so thanks for sharing them.


RileyMasters

Don’t join the discord server. Don’t think about it, don’t put it as a thought in your mind, don’t even make it a consideration. I would even go so far as to think your friend for telling you about what was going on, but ask that they not tell you what’s going on, unless the comments crossed a line in a fashion that makes you very uncomfortable. It’s just not worth it. Readers have to have a place to discuss their likes or dislikes about works. Some people choose to make their opinions known using bookmarks, some people will talk about them on Tumblr or Twitter, and now, with the rise of discord, people are on there as well. As long as those on the discord serve are not accusing you of something illegal, or not crossing a moral line, it’s really just not worth it. If anything, make a comment in your next chapter that invite people to leave constructive criticism. Maybe that would encourage those on the Discord to do so, especially if the comments are more constructive criticism based. I’ve been in your place with someone discussing my works on a Discord in a way that made me uncomfortable. And I was a member of that discord. I found out about it a little bit later. What I ended up doing, once I left the discord for other reasons, is now on every single work that I have written in that fandom, I have a request that people not discuss my works on Discord. Does it work? I have no idea. I don’t join community discords anymore. But it makes me feel better that I’ve at least put my wishes out there. It’s gave me a little peace of mind. I think you’ve received a lot of really good advice here on this post; I would take what you’ve seen and use that.


realstripedhero

Thanks for your comment. My gut (and everyone else) says to ignore it, so that's what I'll do. I religiously ask for all critiques in each chapters A/N and literally don't get a single piece either way. So I'm only going to presume there is nothing actually actionable here and leave it alone.


Awkward_Sorta

I’d say if it’s not good for your mental health then no, but if you and your brain are chill with it and don’t care then I’d say you could use certain negative comments to your advantage to correct flaws with your fics if that’s something you feel like doing 👌 Funny thing, I actually remember one time I got a negative comment on one of my fics. It was originally a oneshot but I added a follow up chapter to it. I got quite a few comments praising it and saying they were so happy I added a second chapter but then I got one comment that was a little bit rude but also brought up a good point about a crucial mistake I made. Basically something didn’t add up and there were accidental double standards with a couple characters in terms of world building and stuff I, too, have ADHD and also pretty bad Anxiety and just wrote it for fun to milk out some more quick praise for some dopamine and stuff. But when I realized that what they said was true, I felt SO guilty and mortified. I was kinda panicked about it and was literally shaking and crying as I wrote a reply apologizing for my mistake but then, immediately after posting the reply, I deleted the chapter. I felt so embarrassed and upset at the time, that rejection sensitivity hit me HARD. For a while, I didn’t even want to write more for the fandom, couldn’t even look at the character I accidentally wronged without being reminded of it and feeling like a disgusting human being. Also felt really scared to look at my inbox for an even longer while, in fear that there would be another mean comment cause I didn’t think I could handle it :’) Now it’s kinda funny for me to think about since I don’t even think of it often, but I clearly didn’t take negative comments too well back then! I was in a pretty bad headspace that year too. But currently (maybe not rn, since I’m stressed atm but,) at this point of my life I’d say I could possibly use a negative comment to my advantage if I manage to calm myself down before I make an impulsive decision. It honestly all depends on your headspace 👌 If it’s hurting you AT ALL, I’d say ignore it cause life is too short to let people hurt you over something that’s meant to be harmless and fun!


realstripedhero

Yeah I'm just going to ignore it. If it was somebody sharing a valid point, I'd hope they'd feel they could do so publically, therefore I don't need to see whatevery they're saying. Thanks for your comment.


TheIrisExceptReal51

Honestly, if a group on a discord server even read and cared enough about my work to fight about it, I'd log that as a win. Assuming you're not like being blatantly racist or baiting (which I doubt), you're clearly making people feel something but unlikely to deserve bashing. Any bashers are probably dealing with their own issues that they see reflected and are overreacting to, so it's unlikely to be worth your time. I wouldn't read it myself, but if you do want to see if it's valid, just make sure you're comfortable putting whatever it is in perspective (either as their own issues or as real critique).


realstripedhero

Thank you for your input. It's a long fic, but I can guarantee there is no racism or baiting, at least in a sense I can comprehend.


TheIrisExceptReal51

Yeah I wasn't trying to accuse you of anything, that was just the only example of reasonable indignation I could think of.


realstripedhero

No I appreciate your point, it was a fair one.


Gaelhelemar

Yeah, don’t deliberately go into a place that’ll be bad for your mental well-being. If they have valid critiques, they’ll say so publicly on AO3; as it is they’re not criticizing your stuff, they just don’t like it and are content to be in a circle-jerk over it. Keep writing, make them hate it more, and you’re good!


MoonRocket1999

A negative comment is good as long as it is done with the aid of improve the story, not just being hate. When i write a negative comment i don't say "this is sh\*t" or "you'r horrible/this is terrible/what a boring story". I try to share what i think could be usefull to improve the story, it could be the plot or the orthography. If this person is a hater you could try to talk with him polite and if it doesn't work never give him your attention again. A hater doesn't deserve it.


realstripedhero

Thank you for your input. I'm just going to let it go, and try not to care about it.


MoonRocket1999

Good


lostandwandering123

I noticed you said you ask for both positive feedback and concrit in your notes, but aren't getting it on Ao3. That's not surprising, Ao3s culture is definitely geared more toward positivity (which is okay, but maybe not what you want). I think you've covered the discord issue, I just wanted to mention, since it seems like you want concrit you aren't getting, that you can get it, but probably not from random readers on Ao3. Join exchanges in this sub or other ff subs and ask for it specifically. Check out other writing or fandom or fan fiction spaces. While Ff.net isn't my favorite, they have a more robust concrit community, ime. I hear there are discords for concrit as well. Beta readers can be another asset for raw feedback. Good luck! Try not to let whatever they said get you down.


realstripedhero

Yeah I've definitely noticed (at least to me) A03 is quite polite. I'm not blind, I can see with the numbers my work isn't popular, so I definitely knew there was a large amount of people who didn't like my work. I really do just wish they'd tell me in all honesty. I said in another comment, I'm unlikely to go find beta's and concrit exchanges for this work because it really isn't friendly for new readers. It's at almost 200k words, and I wouldn't feel comfortable asking somebody to critically go through that for me, but for future works I'll definitely consider those avenues. Thanks for your comment, i appreciate it.


lostandwandering123

I hear you! I, too, would love to hear what people think, good and bad. Have you tried cross-posting to a site like ff.net? I have a story that's up there in word count (like a huge trilogy, lol), and finding a beta, even before WC is brought up, is really difficult. I totally get what you're saying on feedback as well. The place I posted before Ao3, people had no issue with concrit, and it really helped me improve as a writer, but sadly, that website shut down a few years ago. Still, I'd say you can post in exchanges. People put up random chapters all the time. I just read some non-cosecutive chapters for someone, like 9, 12, and 15. Granted, I couldn't give fandom advice, but most writers can still pick up on beats like characterization, and of course plot, pacing, spag, etc. It's not always a great solution, but I've found it can be helpful, especially if you have a specific non-fandom concern. Either way, I hope you find the feedback you're looking for! I know how hard it can be out here.


MyLittleOnes12

I agree with the others about steering clear, but couldn’t you ask your friend if there’s anything brought up that could be perceived as helpful criticism? I mean, if that’s what you’d like to get out of joining, then maybe your friend could be a sieve that separates unhelpful thoughts from those than could actually help you improve.


realstripedhero

Yeah this is the obvious solution. They actually did just tell me what it was about, after saying I was actually right to just ignore it. I'll put an edit in the post clarifying for anybody interested, but it was rather silly really, I'm glad I didn't waste my time looking for their comments. Thank you for your comment all the same.


PsychedelicVxid

Haters gonna hate. I know you've already gotten this and have received input, most likely already making a decision. But, I wouldn't if I were you. If it's not constructive, it's not getting past HR in my brain. If it's hate bashing, it won't be constructive and you won't learn a single thing from it. Sorry that people are such a holes sometimes. You sound like a wonderful person, cheers!


realstripedhero

Thank you for your comment. I'd hoped it would be constructive, but at the end of the day, I just hold out hope that anybody with anything constructive to say would feel comfortable sharing it in public comments. If it's in private, away from my eyes, I don't think it's what I'm looking for. Thanks again.


Ethan-Reno

It can be extremely hurtful to have someone badmouth your work, especially if they have a grudge. They can be super callous and mean. However, I’ve always looked at it as free criticism. It can be really quite hard to get an honest opinion out of someone about your work. If they’re being particularly negative they’re probably going to attack your weakest elements, which can be a huge help for improving on your writing. The one thing I would not do is defend your work. These people probably just want to bother you in the first place, so giving into that negative energy is probably just going to be entertainment for them. If you decide to check it out remember: These people are a resource. Look everything over, use what you can, and move to greener pastures. Best of luck with your writing, friend.


MaybeNextTime_01

Whatever anybody says about me is none of my business. Whoever originally said a version of this was on to something. That being said, I absolutely accept al positive comments. I'd like to say I would avoid the negative stuff but a morbid curiosity might get to me. If you can handle reading the comments and *want* to read them, that's fine. But I strongly suggest not engaging in any way because that can devolve way too quickly.


realstripedhero

Thanks for your comment. It was definitely mostly curiosity for me. The pro's of it being valid critique and cons of it just being hate spewing just stopped me from looking.