Hmm. I don't think this blog is going to change anything but still...

let's do it.

Ever spent some gruesome hours working on a fanfiction chapter after coming home from a strenuous day at work, or after a tiresome session of homework? And then went to bed expecting the comments to come rolling in when you check your phone the first thing in the morning because you asked your readers to kindly leave some comments? Thinking that at least two of your 50 subscribers will leave something behind for you?

Well, but then you woke up super excited only to see no one has been kind enough?

And then felt the disappointment come rushing into your brain, the self-doubt that perhaps you don't write good enough? Then you sink into thoughts like, is it because I don't update often? Is it because it doesn't have any ? Ugh, what a bad morning. Maybe I should just stop writing because who even cares.

Now, irregular updates and no  might be the problems, you know. But many a time, the problem isn't you, author. The problems are usually these:

1. Silent Readers

uhm, that's it?

That's the list?

 Quite dramatic, isn't it? 

Now silent readers can sure come at me, flood my PM with death threats, but before you think that I am being a very cranky writer who is looking for attention, I have some points to say in your defense, my dear silent readers, because no lie, I used to be one of your kind too.

1. Sometimes, readers are very accustomed with the 'read, finish, find something else, repeat' if they have read books before coming to the fan fictions. When you are reading a book, it is not necessary to let the writer know that she has done a good/crappy job because it's rather difficult to reach them. And the habit stays with the readers while they read fics. It never crosses their mind to leave something behind. It doesn't mean, that they don't like the story. (this used to be me btw)

2. Also, there are readers who don't feel very comfortable to leave comments because the last comment they left was NOT responded to. They think the author simply doesn't care, so what's the need? Part of the blame, in this case, lies on the authors too. But if you really think about it, authors put in so much work into the chapters and surely they appreciate every single comment since they asked for it. Right? So perhaps you shouldn't fuss about it and appreciate what they post next with a feedback.

3. At times, a reader might feel very blank after reading the chapter. They might really not know what to say. Or, they are scared of leaving a bad comment because they are not sure how the writer will take it. Often, something like if-you-have-nothing-nice-to-say-don't-say-anything-at-all happens too. Or they fear to be judged by the author. 

4. BUT, most times, readers prefer to be silent because they feel entitled to the content that authors create for them. It is concerning because they feel like they don't owe anything to the writer even after reading the chapter the author has put out to them through blood, sweat and tears (this is too dramatic and extra sorry hehe). They don't want to understand that writing works two ways. Feedback is important but these readers decide to be jerks who think it is VERY nice to talk to a wall. That is very selfish, undoubtedly. There's no way writing a comment can be more difficult than writing the chapter you've just read, right? Authors are usually not keen on pumping out fiction for dead audience so when he or she abandons the story, don't scream at them. 

All of these types, one way or another, hinder an author's imagination, start off insecurity, make them feel like , keep them from completing stories, make them think things like: Should I start copying a famous writer's style? Should I add ? Is it too boring? More tags so that people notice my work? Advertise using kps? Add famous idols to the story? Am I probably just annoying people?

Should I even continue writing?

Imagine thinking of these the first thing in the morning, silent readers. How'd you feel?

It can be argued that there are writers who don't seek for such validation of their work. They don't bother about comments, they are writing for themselves and know self-appreciation. But in how many chapters in AFF do you see an author not mentioning things like: 'do leave your thoughts behind!'  or 'comment and upvote if you like the story!' ? Not many, right?

Once writers get used to receiving comments, they want more of it. The digits get into their heads, like a human trait, and they want to to have more, more, more and more. Writers understand that he or she cannot keep asking for more comments or votes unless they work harder to create better chapters for which they wouldn't have to ask, but the readers would automatically be awed at how the content has such fine quality and would naturally leave comments. Unfortunately, that isn't the case. For AFF is filled with these silent readers and they are NEVER natural at commenting. There are times I feel like non-silent readers are an endangered species and I need to protect them at all cost. 

In this time and age of a competitive world, we live in a society where feedback matters. I don't want to stretch it to such a dramatic extent, but you should not take writers for granted, no matter if they ask you to leave comments or not. Feedback always helps the writer grow. A pop up New Story Comments! notification might make a writer's day. Perhaps this makes authors asking for feedback attention-seekers, but I'm pretty sure that they DESERVE that attention. There are some who don't give a damn about feedback but also, many who take writing very seriously. 

It can be that I was talking about you, silent reader type 1, 2, 3, 4. It can be that you're shy to leave feedback behind and in that case, I hope you know there's nothing such as a bad comment. I mean, as long as it's nothing like update! (this one's annoying). A writer who is asking for feedback will never shun you away. Your opinion is always valuable to a writer. Of course leaving feedback is totally up to you, and just like I said that this blog won't change anyone's life, but I hope after reading this blog, you will begin to understand that your sassy silence is quite detrimental to the authors of the fan fictions you read. And in so, you will most probably be the reason the author abandons your favorite story. 

Bye now!