I want to share some words for some readers in AFF. No, I am not trying to drag the drama that happened a few days ago and especially yesterday, nor am I trying to attack anybody. I am just here to share some words of comfort and affirmation for readers all around this platform who might be feeling down, even some authors!

For those who have read my message in my own stories, this will be sort of similar, but I thought that maybe it’d be nice to spread the word to other readers as well, including a message to several authors out there. Once again, I’m not here to accuse anybody, make a counter argument, point or call names, or wage war against anybody. This is not a rant, nor is this blog made to guilt-trip anybody.

There are a few things that I’d like to share:

1. To some authors, subscribing is a GREAT way of showing support.

You have no idea how much it means to us when people press that button. To know there are people who would even wait regularly for your writing is SUCH an honor. Knowing that there are people who’d want to read our work is something very precious to us, we’re very grateful for it. For both big or small authors in this platform—although I’m not speaking for all—let it be known to you that we really appreciate you and the little things that you do for us. Being silent is not shameless.

 

2.It is understandable and acceptable that you feel inferior of dropping comments due to language barrier/shyness.

Nobody should ever belittle or shame you for your lack of English comprehension. Don’t ever let anybody deem you negatively for being shy or short for words. Keep learning, and hey, maybe you can drop a nice ‘thank you!’ every now and then in the comment section as you slowly build your confidence and show your favorite authors that you’re there for them ^^

Once again, I’m not speaking for all authors bcs everybody have their own opinions, but trust me when I tell you that a lot of us understand if you feel shy about it! This kind of thing can be very sensitive to some people, so I feel very sad and upset when I see people shaming you for something like this. IT’S OKAY to not be an expert on English and it’s okay to be shy on the Internet. Everybody needs time to build their confidence and skills, and we authors always appreciate your effort to show us your enthusiasm and love. People who don’t understand you for being silent just needs time to understand and empathize with you.

 

3. Harassing/Terrorizing authors who blocked you is not right.

Two wrongs don’t make a right. I believe that authors have their reasons, no matter what it is. However, I’m not saying that it’s the best thing to do. Unless, of course, if the authors feel that some of their readers are being toxic in their comment section, particularly rude, or you’ve unintentionally offended the author, or they’re just uncomfortable with some people, and whatever it may be, then it’s very understandable for them to do that.

I’m not going to say that it’s ‘wrong’ to block someone for no reason, because I think they all actually have reasons behind them, and I don’t think it’d be fair for me to judge something based on assumptions.

But yes, I’ve been hearing that there are authors who blocked you even after you did so many things for them, like dropping daily comments, subscribing to all their stories, sharing your KPs to show support, upvoting, or even just subscribed to put it on your next reading list; I find it understandable that you are hurt and upset, and I’m very sorry if you were. I can’t speak for them or give you answers, butI’m sure that they have their reasons whether it be a good or bad one. It’s none of my business, so I won’t get into that and act like I know shiz. Just know that a lot of us understand if you’re hurt, but here’s the thing; if you’re blocked, then it’s more of less a sign that means she/he doesn’t want to have anything to do with you and that you shouldn’t bother in any shape or form. I know, you just want an answer, but hey, two wrongs don’t make a right. It doesn’t give you any right to be harmful, and you need to know if you’re overstepping the line.

If you are someone who hasn’t or will not do this, then I’m proud of you. Sometimes, you jut have to know that some things are much more worth your time than others, and I’m sorry that you had a bad experience. I wish I could do something to console you L Also, authors who are in fact blocking people to protect yourselves, I’m sure you’re wise enough to do that with a valid reason, and please don’t feel bad for caring for yourself. Your mental health is one of the most important things in your life.

 

4. To authors (who feel accused or guilty):

I understand that some authors want comments as a sign of gratitude and appreciation. I resonate with that a lot. My readers know just how much I LOVE comments, I even reply to each and every one of them, bad ones included. I must say (shamefully), that back when I first started writing here, I was so obsessed with comments and self-absorbed that I threatened my readers that I would slow down my updates if they didn’t drop comments! Even though it was more or less a joke, it was still very distasteful of me, and I have to continue with that regret and shame for a long time. So, yeah, I know how disheartening it is to not get comments when you know clearly people are reading.

After working hard, spending hours and even days or months to write, people read your stories in lightning speed and didn’t even thank you, even demanding you to update faster or more often at times. I get it, I’m an author too, and I’m very sorry that you’re hurt or just tired from all of this. However, a coin always has two sides. Just as how we have the freedom to choose our readers, or to reply to comments, or to update as often as we’d like, they have the freedom to comment whenever they feel comfortable too. This should be the security and sense of comfort that we all share, I’m sure all of us agree on this :)

However, I think it is unwise of us to assume their reasons for not commenting, such as ‘lazy’, ‘ungrateful’, ‘shameless’, and so on. Readers don’t know why we’re so busy, why we block them, why it’s tiring to update daily, so we’re upset that they’re terrorizing us when they don’t understand or even know why we’re being like this, even going as far as badmouthing us. But hey, do we know 100% why they don’t comment? What makes our assumptions so accurate then? For all we know, it might be as accurate as the horrible and exaggerated things your former readers say about you.

I think it’s injudicious to assume that silent readers are shameless and selfish, even if such people exist. Of course, you can have your own opinon about them, I’m just saying that it’s not wise to say because nobody knows the whole truth, therefore I find it as a bold and serious accusation, very hurtful even. There’s a fine line between showing harsh truth and straight up insulting and victimizing someone. Just as how we don’t want people who don’t know crap to stop assuming things about us, I think it’d be fair for us to not assume things about them either.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t protect yourself, don’t take this the wrong way. I’m just saying that two wrongs don’t make a right, and I think we can all agree that it’s always good to have some dignity by not doing things you don’t want people to do to you either, or just to do what you preach. I am not accusing you or knocking the judgement hammer on you, I’m just inviting all of us to learn and grow from this, I’m learning too, so you’re not alone! And maybe we can all find a middle ground somewhere together :)

P.S. A lot of silent readers really love and enjoy your works and share them without you knowing ;)

Bottom line, neither readers or authors have the right to deem or claim the other as something derogatory. AFF is such a great and wonderful place with a great community, and it’s great that we all can learn from each other.

Most importantly, please stay safe and healthy! I hope you’re all warm and snug, and to those who are piled with stuffs to work on at home, I spiritually resonate with you ;v; Keep praying and share positive vibes all around <3 I hope nothing but good things await us in the future. Let’s love, people!