Critisizing and complementing comments.

Let's face it, there aren a lot of fanfic writers out there with english being their second languages ergo who are also not good in grammar, generally, in English.

I've been reading some fanfics which have really good plots but when it comes to grammar fails a whole lot that I squirm. Those type really aren't my cup of tea but still I swallow and read them until the very end. Why? Because they put effort in it and I respect that.

However, I don't really understand some writers and readers. Especially, when it comes to comments. Be the comments criticizing, praising, the just plain ones(when I say plain one, I mean the, 'next update please.' comments. And my favorite, the one I call, 'avid reader's two cents'.

I like reading. I read a lot. In a day, if I'm not doing anything, I choose reading more than watching kdrama, tv or movies. I even forgot to bathe or eat when I become so engrossed with a certain fanfic. But when it comes to commenting, I hesitate. Sometimes, I choose to be a silent reader or when i like the fanfic or when i assume the author is open-minded, I comment(a lot).

I know I've been digressing, so here it is. I don't really get some authors, especially those whose English aren't good when it comes to comments. I really like the story of their fanfic, but the grammar, though not terrible and gets some of it correct, is not good. But when I tried to state what I thought about their writing skill and also about the story, they get mad. I don't really it, I really like the story, and tells them about it. About what I think about the characters and how fun their fanfic to read, but when I try to help them with their grammar or when i tell them that they still need a lot of work with their English but is also improving, they get offensive and gets angry.

Am I in the wrong for pointing things out? I only see them(readers) saying, 'update please' or 'thanks for updating, I really like it'. I don't see other readers(which, I don't really understand why they don't)trying to correct the author's mistake, mostly those who doesn't have beta readers or proofreaders, so I try to help them out. But instead of receiving gratitude, I get scorned even when they say, 'comments are love'.

I'm turning into a grammar nazi. OTL but should I just not comment on those kid of fanfics, ignore those incorrect sentences and just keep reading or should I just continue with what I'm doing and help out??

Note: I didn't re-read this, so there might be typos.

Comments

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Darthearts #1 Jul 7, 2017 16:46:16

I personally don't think you're wrong. The internet is a free place, you are allowed to state an opinion. But then humans want to look good in other people's eyes, we give advice but the bucket but take it by the grain, so they might get hurt/defensive by comments that correct them. A lot depends on your tone and the way you phrase things also. People just like to hear nice things in general lmao it's not that hard to understand why there might be a backlash. Honestly, I used to be really strict on grammar too but when I started to pick up other languages like Chinese and Korean, dang son, it's hella irritating because you're already trying your best and sometimes when people correct you, it feels like they're ting on your effort. You have good intentions, I guess, but try looking from other people's perspectives too :)

exocat15 #2 Jul 7, 2017 13:46:43

instead of pointing it out in the comments, maybe shoot them a pm or something? that way, if they get angry, you can both delete the message with no harm done.

MissMinew #3 Jul 7, 2017 04:12:00

I'm one of those who get iffy when people point out my grammar mistakes, especially in comments, because I feel like 1) it's the wrong place and 2) it's mocking. I know it usually isn't the intention to mock but for me, who is an non-native and know I have flaws (and actually am able to point them out when I reread), it's just a reminder of "your English ". So I kind of understand why people would get defensive ;; You can comment about the story, definitely. I'd just hesitate a little with commenting on their grammar and/or telling them they need a beta-reader. And if you absolutely must comment on their grammar, write your comment so it doesn't in the least attack the author (that's not an easy task, though, because you only have words, not any non-verbal language).