Seeing all this discussion about tagging reminds me of a potentially unpopular opinion I have: I hate when authors have commentary in their tags. Like, when someone says something like,”#lots of fluff, #like way too much fluff #but you know me! #i love fluff so much!” I feel like tags are just to let a reader know what to generally expect from your story, not to tell people all about yourself. Save that for your author’s notes.

ao3commentoftheday:

I’m actually very fond of writers using personalized tags. I feel like I get more of a sense of the person behind the computer and it helps me know if I might like the fic. And since I don’t always get to the author’s notes, I like having it right out there to help me make my decision on whether I’m going to give that fic a shot.

What do you think, follower? Personal tags or just the facts?

–Mod M

Love discussion tags after the main ones. Someties they’re better than the summary. @whetstonefires is a gift.

I want to ask what opinions on one shot and prompt collections are. All of them have different themes and ratings. Do people prefer them as one work that gets added on with maybe like an index for a first chapter, or would uploading them individually and adding them all to a series be better? I want to write a lot of prompts for one fandom and im struggling to decide whatd be better.

ao3commentoftheday:

The advantage to adding them as chapters is that all the kudos and comments come all on one work and it makes it come up higher for hits to your tag searches. The bad thing is that you do have to keep updating the tags to make sure you’ve got all your bases covered.

It’s two different routes and maybe some of our followers can enlighten you further on more of the pros and cons.

Followers?

–Mod M

Some readers (me included) really really hate prompt collections.

There’s usually a wall of tags. I can’t tell who is interacting with who or doing what by looking at those tags. And I have no clue if the favourite trope mentioned in the tags shows up once in 100 chapters or 20 times.

About the only time I’m okay with them is if they all fit a pretty specific theme – all porn, all gen family bonding, all crossovers, etc.

That doesn’t mean it’s wrong to make a collection! I just don’t like them.

So I’m writing a Steven Universe fanfic, and it’s a canon rule that if a gem loses its form (lots of confusing canon, but their bodies take on a lot of a damage and they disappear), they can reform and come back no problem. This fanfic has a lot of main characters losing their forms and coming back, but should I still tag it as Major Character Death???

ao3commentoftheday:

If it’s definitely understood in your canon that no one ever dies, then I don’t think I would tag it for MCD. Maybe a tag for “temporary character death” if you’re worried about needing more tagging, but I think understood canon is nothing you need to explain in tags.

–Mod M

I wouldn’t need it tagged. Popping feels more like getting knocked unconscious than dying, to me.

Getting shattered is dying. Being bubbled with no plan of unbubbling might warrant a death tag? Giving up your form for your kid definitely does. But unless your graphically describing what causes them to pop, and its written like human death, I wouldn’t worry about popping.

Question for fic readers: when you leave one comment in each chapter of a longfic as you advance, do you prefer a reply to each, or just to the last one? I always answer to the last comment, trying to bring up everything they talked about overall, because I don’t want to be redundant, but I don’t really know whether that’s what they want.

ao3commentoftheday:

I’ve written enthusiastic comments to fics I really liked and if the writer only give me a superficial thanks to my detailed, multi-para comment, realistically, I probably won’t keep giving more of them.

If I did, I’d end up feeling like a greedy weirdo fangirl.

I think it’s safe to say that real-life social rules feel pretty legit in the world of commenting on fanfic. If you run on and on about something in real life and then someone says very little in return, that’s just incredibly socially awkward. You feel like you’re boring them or you’ve done something very wrong. That’s what it feels like in comments when you can’t engage the writer to even comment back. It leaves you feeling like you’re socially inept and unlikable.

It’s different if you just say, “That was great, thanks!” and the writer only gives a thanks back. That’s a perfunctory social contact, like saying hi to acknowledge the mailman or something. Neither of you wants to get into it, but you both want to be polite.

But if someone writes you paragraphs on how much they liked your fic, guys, don’t leave them hanging! They won’t keep writing you those lovely comments if you ignore their attempt to connect with you. That’s a clear sign that they like you and your work and want show you how much. Give them a little something more than a simple thanks back.

I’ve made some very good friends through commenting on other people’s work and as a writer connecting with my readers. Keep the dialogue going and I don’t think you’ll ever regret it. It’s to everyone’s advantage and you might even make a good friend or two.

–Mod M

I’m fine with one comment at the end. Especially if you mention the other comments I made! I find that I’m slightly more likely to form a relationship with the authour that way, actually.

When you give me one, longer response, it can open things up for a continuing conversation. Short responses to each message tell me you appreciated my comment, and I leave it at that. I’ll comment again on the next fic.

Both are positive, so it depends on the outcome you want. Do you like long discussions in the comments? Are they stressful?

Do you have any advice for fic writers who may feel discouraged in a fandom where there are beloved authors? I mean, people always say, “They started out as a nobody once,” but if they always remain relevant, they will always stay more relevant than you, and thus, you will always be behind, even if you grow a following. This is frustrating to me because I don’t like to compare myself to others, but I can’t help it. I feel like I’m not good enough.

ao3commentoftheday:

I think my best advice is to say: don’t compare and keep writing.

What difference does it make, ultimately? You should be writing for yourself, the things that interest you and get you at the keyboard, and not to get to the top of the fandom-writers heap. If you write with passion and conviction, you may well end up in that position anyway. It’s an ever-evolving world and you’ve just got to keep going if you want to find your audience. Continuing to write is also the only way to improve.

Don’t compare, keep writing, grow that following, write the things you love with passion and conviction. That’s the best I’ve got.

–Mod M

All the BNF that were in my fandom when I entered it are now gone. Even the one who was there for TWENTY YEARS, who was still known by older fans, but not popular with the younger ones for their last ten years.

Fandom, and fan desire, changes. Be the new thing the fandom needs.

(Or write the stories the BNF wrote 5 years ago that everyone has already read and longs to re-experience for the first time. Or write similar things without the BNF’s weird kinks. Or write rarepairs that the BNF won’t touch and reach the underserved parts of the fandom.)

When a BNF dominates a fandom, the fandom can shape itself around them. Another voice is ESSENTIAL to keep it healthy. Try to remind yourself of how important it is to add YOUR weird kinks, versions of beloved tropes, obscure OTPs, and even a few NEW IDEAS.

Since everyone’s talking about MCD… I’ve got a story involving a ghost and towards the end they pass on to the afterlife. It’s set up at the beginning of the story too. Tag MCD? Should I add some other disclaimers?

ao3commentoftheday:

If it’s a major character, yeah, I’d tag it. You said it yourself, they pass on into the afterlife at the end. That’s dead in my book.

I mean, if you haven’t already, I’d probably add that the story is about them being a ghost. That’s a very particular type of MCD that is a valid storytelling technique, but you probably want to warn people that they’re not coming back or anything.

That’s my two cents but feel free to discuss this topic amongst yourselves, friends.

–Mod M

YES!

I am still grieving for Sai in Hikaru no Go! He DIED more DEAD and the story kept going and I will never recover. Ghosts die too. It’s often worse than other deaths, because the narrative is trying to tell you that it’s a good thing. UGH. The narrative is DUMB.

(Less hysterically: I’d appreciate a MCD tag, and a disclaimer that its the ghost going away that you’re referencing. Otherwise I might think you’re talking about the death that lead them to be a ghost.)

Several times now, I saw authors get really offended when someone said in the comments that they won’t be continuing to read a fic for so and so reasons. None of those comments sounded mean or entitled to me but the reaction they got was pretty shitstormy. I’m a bit torn, tbh. I’m in a position of those readers now: a story I loved and commented regularly became upsetting and borderline triggering, so I can’t continue reading it but do I just… fuck off without a word? That seems even meaner.

ao3commentoftheday:

warlockwriter:

aria-lerendeair:

ao3commentoftheday:

As a writer, I can say that someone leaving without a word can be a blow to an author’s self-esteem if you’ve been commenting on every chapter. However, reading about it in comments is sometimes a hard pill to swallow.

If you have another way to contact them like PMs on FF.net or on their Tumblr, that might be a better way to go and I think most writers would really appreciate the heads up. They don’t want to make anyone uncomfortable, but publicly being called out on something you’re not a fan of can be a bit upsetting.

Perhaps a good way to phrase it would be to let them know that you love their writing but it’s getting a bit triggering for you and so you’ve opted not to continue reading but that you’ll be back for their next fic.

Perhaps we should open the floor to our readers and see what other writers have to say?

–Mod M

I love this blog and I love that this question got asked, so much.

Honestly? I don’t think you should say anything at all. From a writers perspective, there’s nothing I can really gain by being told someone doesn’t like something I’m working on. If anything, all it does is discourage a writer. Whenever I get a negative comment, it’s all I tend to think about for days – no matter how many positive comments that I have. That isn’t insecurity as much as it is that negative words have so much more WEIGHT than positive ones. Especially if you are new at writing, young, or insecure about your writing.

Close it and move on and read their next fic if the one they are working on isn’t your cup of tea.

There is nothing more discouraging (especially if I’m enjoying the story) to get an Ao3 comment email, which immediately makes me excited, to see a comment that says they don’t like what I’m doing. This is ESPECIALLY true if they haven’t solicited the feedback. I actively ask on the end of all of my fics for feedback – so I’m not afraid of CONSTRUCTIVE feedback (which very few people know how to give well, and I’ve written more than one rant about), but negative feedback? Honestly, no one needs it on stuff we write for free. Use the back button and move on.

This doesn’t come up for me often because I’m not easily triggered, but the few times it has in a story I have been enjoying, I will skim the chapter quickly to get the basic idea and find one thing in a non-triggering part to comment on. That way I keep up with the commenting and don’t disappoint the author while still staying personally safe.

I don’t think that the original asker was suggesting that anyone try to censor the writers or tell them they don’t like what they’re doing. I believe the question was about whether or not the authors would be less upset or more by just being ghosted on after they’d been replying to every chapter.

I think a polite opting out is fine. Saying that you don’t like something or that it shouldn’t be written that way because of the subject matter is not.

–Mod M

It’s interesting hearing from all the authours that prefer no feedback if I need to leave. Definitely not what I was expecting.

Can I get a confirmation? If you prefer radio silence, the comment, “I’m loving the story, especially the thing with Character A! X is a trigger for me, though, for personal reasons. I’m going to have to stop reading, but your writing is wonderful! I’m already checking your archives so I can read more!,” would be discouraging? It would feel like criticism?

I’ve never considered my triggers to be someone else’s responsibility. I can definitely see why you’d feel this way, though. I’m going to try to be more careful who I respond to this way.

Thank you authours! I always want to do what makes you most comfortable!

why-is-it-always-autumn:

why-is-it-always-autumn:

why-is-it-always-autumn:

why-is-it-always-autumn:

You know what I don’t get? When fanfic authors apologize for long chapters. It’s like? You gave me bonus content, for free, and you’re sorry about it? Bruh. I have already named my firstborn after you. Dude.

You know what else I don’t get? When they apologize for short updates. It’s like: look at these new words I gave you! Sorry I didn’t give you even more free words. Bro, that’s at least two words that I did not have yesterday. For free. Dude. Thank you.

And another thing: when people drop out of nowhere with a surprise update and then apologize for it taking a while. Like, dude, I wasn’t expecting anything, and you gave me words. I thought this fic was abandoned, but wait: there’s more. You just popped in and reminded me that this is a Good Fic that I should probably reread. You made my goshdarn day.

Basically fanfic writers are under no obligation to publish anything so when they do update it’s always a net positive because the story is longer now, and I have something to read, so thank you so much to everyone who writes fic at whatever pace or quantity they want.

This isn’t really a comment question, but you seem to know a lot about fanfiction generally. I get asked to beta a lot but generally after someone else says no. Like I’m a perpetual second choice. People will say “so-and-so’s not available, so can you beta my fic?” It makes me feel kinda bad. It would be petty to say no, but i also think that’s rude. There are repeat offenders in my life. Maybe someone out there has thoughts?

ao3commentoftheday:

I suppose if it really bothers you, then you should likely talk to your friends that you’re beta’ing for. This seems more like a question that only they can answer. It seems to me there are a lot of reasons this could be the case.

Perhaps they feel that someone else’s writing style more closely matches their own or they feel their critiques are easier to handle? It’s really a toss-up for me to guess when I have no idea the specifics of your friends’ feelings.

My recommendation is that you talk to them about their specific reasoning and be open about the fact that it hurts your feelings to be second choice without blaming them for not knowing when you’ve never told them how you felt.

If that’s not compatible with your communication style, and it really makes you feel uncomfortable, I suppose you could refuse to beta for them. You’re under no obligation to do so and perhaps giving yourself permission to say no might make you feel better.

–Mod M

This doesn’t make it less rude, but I have a possible reason people might do this.

I think maybe its done to reduce pressure on you? Like, they’re ONLY asking you to do this one fic, not make a long term commitment, because they have someone else?

Maybe if you responded by suggesting you’re open to do a whole series, or you’d be fine with splitting beta duties if the other beta is overworked, that might show the friend that they aren’t imposing on you? And make them more open to asking in the future?

Do you have any advice on what to do if you can get yourself to write? I keep opening my document and staring at it, telling myself to write but I just cant bring myself to do it???

valenixfix:

ao3commentoftheday:

mrscullensrutherford‌:

ao3commentoftheday:

Writer’s block is an affliction I know well. I’ve answered similar asks about it here and here. I recommend reading through the replies and reblogs if you have the time.

That said, let’s see what new advice we can get from the blog. Ideas anyone?

Write 500 words a day. Doesn’t matter if it’s crap or even if it is for your story or not. Shoot for content, not quality. Look up prompt lists and write whatever you immediately think of. And good or not, keep doing it. Eventually the creative juices will start flowing. Granted, this is the hard, unpleasant way but it has worked for every writer I know. Hope that helps.

I don’t want to say following the suggestion above is wrong, because for many it’s absolutely solid advice, but I know for sure that it really doesn’t work for everyone. I tried doing it so many times, and every time I did it I ended up giving up on writing for years. It turns out I have ADHD, and committing to a daily word limit simply isn’t something I can do; forcing myself to do so when I can’t concentrate is futile and discouraging and turns something that should be enjoyable into nothing more than a hated chore. I have had to learn to recognise when I have the presence of mind to be able to write and only THEN making myself sit down to do it. I am at the point where I can sprint between 2-6k words in one session, which can happen anywhere from daily to once a month – but I started off with 50 words a week. My regularity and word count are naturally increasing with time.

I suggest you do this: write down every single idea you have, no matter where you are. Text them to yourself if you have to. Compile all these ideas in one place. When you feel like writing, you have a whole bunch of ideas at your disposal – but if you have no ideas, just open a doc and start writing down literally every thought that crosses your mind. Ponder what you should make for dinner, if you have to; talk to yourself about how frustrated you are to be stuck; leave dumb jokes for yourself. Eventually something will come along that you could write about. And, above all, be kind to yourself! Celebrate your successes, even if it’s writing 50 words on an idea. You’ll improve with time.

You can also adapt junebugging* to help with this!

Get together a mental group of related interests/tasks. I combine academic and fandom interests into one clump in my brain, for example. That group gets your time for a certain amount each week.†

Now focus on one of those tasks.

Not feeling inspired to write fanfic? Focus on a work project, or art you’re doing, or something else that uses similar brain function. Get passionate about it, ignore fic for now. Allow another interest to take over when it’s ready. Don’t force it. If you enjoy (or at some pointed enjoyed) writing, there’s a good chance that you’ll get a mood. When you do, dive in!

Instead of feeling guilty that you’re not doing every one of those things, all the time, this lets you build work ethic without forcing your brain into a box. Doing anything in your mental group counts as accomplishing your goal!

*Junebugging is being used in the neurodivergent-executive-function-aid sense here, not the sex slang. Everything is a sex term, there are no pure words

†Or however scheduling works for you