I honestly don’t like doing these kind of posts. I don’t like trying to be relevant, especially online. However, it came to my attention that maybe I have a voice, idk. And maybe I thought I should use it for something good instead of joking around. I have no solid credentials whatsoever why you would listen to me but—

well, just take everything as a grain of salt. 

Contrary on the popular belief, I’m actually a very understanding person despite being outspoken. Which I personally think makes me such a boring person. Now, I’m not usually a person to complain about silent readers (but I complained about them once in a while, can’t be helped). I always believed that you should do what you do for yourself, like, you should be enjoying it. What’s the point if you’re not enjoying it? Don’t set your expectations high because that’s what spoils everything—expectations. Art is a self-expression after all, at least for me. Same as writing. Now I’ve made a blogpost some time ago that is really meant for authors that they shouldn’t be discouraged by the number and statistics of their stories. Because if you let that eat you, you lose—you lose you, you lose your art. But since I’ve already talked about that, let’s talk about the consumer of our stories—readers.

If you are writing for yourself and you enjoy doing it. That’s good, that’s really good. Sometimes, that's enough. 

But you know what’s great? Recognition.

Recognition for your story, you, your characters, your plot, etcetera. 

Even a simple recognition from a reader would mean a lot to an author. Doesn’t have to be a full-fledged recognition, a simple comment would do. Let’s learn how to appreciate people’s work, it may not be easy for some to collect their thoughts and put it on paper, but let’s learn how to do it. Take time to leave a comment since your authors took a lot of time writing and thinking about their stories, and all for free. Gdi, you have no idea how many things I could’ve done if I wasn’t here XDD But this is my choice, I enjoy what I do, this is my escape. I have done a couple of posters, a couple of layouts, and a couple of stories here on AFF. Even though I have a IDGAF attitude, it still feels nice to get recognized for your efforts. I’m human, too.

Now, I gotta tell you. In the real cruel world, people work hard to get the worthy of people’s recognition. BUT, since this is AFF, and maybe if you’re like me, if you consider this site as your sanctuary like I do, let’s take advantage of the small population here in AFF. And maybe, there’s still hope, you know. Let’s not consider this as the real world since isn’t that what we’re trying to escape 😂. Like, cmon, Real World, give us a break. 

Feedback is important. It’s one of the greatest motivators for something authors do for free. Don’t read-and-run. Let’s learn to appreciate efforts, and believe me, it will go a long way, not only in reading. I actually asked my sister who’s usually a silent reader, I asked her, “Why are you not leaving comments?” 

She says, “I leave comments! …when I’m frustrated.”

Honestly made me laugh. But this is also a problem. It’s actually a lot easier to criticize people than to compliment them. And I actually think commenting  is also a skill, and every skill is learnable (believe me, I know). I see that some readers might interpret your story differently. Let’s learn how to comment, step by step. Maybe your first comment is “I love this chapter” then maybe after a few months, you’re writing a 4-line comment. Little steps. There’s no need to rush.

Just write whatever you think, don’t overthink. Share your reactions and such. And sometimes, that’s enough. One user said “Silence hurts more than criticisms”. For this amazing community, I would strongly agree. 

Personally, I don’t mind getting criticisms, I like getting criticisms—it’s what makes me grow. I like seeing the different interpretations how the readers sees the story. But I understand we’re all different. Though, remember: rudeness is another subject. Be nice. And granted, maybe i havent received so much criticisms (yet) so idk how it feels like but yeah. Be nice.

Little tip you don’t want from me (this also applies irl): Take down your pride. It’s what holds you back from complimenting people. 

And also to authors, let’s try our best to reply to readers. I’m guilty to this one as I don’t always reply to readers because my mind is often busy, I want to give my attention to the reader when I reply to them yknow. But let’s learn together 😅 

Now I realized as I am rereading this, I haven’t talked so much about silent readers. But I guess everyone already knows the struggle between an author and a silent reader. 

But, okay, something I want to tap into a subject that I think no one has talked about yet are privileged writers. 

Now, I’m not trying to be a goody-two-shoes here, because maybe I’m one of them.  I feel blessed enough to have enough wonderful readers who read some of my stories. Who am I to complain? Who am I to be ungrateful? Though of course, I won’t deny it (please don’t deny it either) that I get a little greedy sometimes. And ofc, I’m not perfect, there are also times that I get insecure about what I do. Now, for my other stories, I don’t have high expectations in terms of feedback, because truthfully, my stories are not everyone’s cup of tea. Which makes me kind of sad bc I believe I have some exquisite taste 😅 jk. But I actually think everyone probably thinks this way too lol. 

Now, I’m bringing up this subject because I think we can still make a difference. Don’t look at your numbers—doesn’t matter if you have 70 subs or 7000 subs—but if you feel like you’re blessed enough to have an audience who would listen to you and you’re already satisfied at the feedback you’re receiving—you’re a privileged writer. And please speak up about this matter. Talk to your silent readers, encourage them to support you and other authors. And this may go a long way. And if possible, do it nicely. They would listen to you more if you do it nicely. 

I agree about one user saying that we gotta keep talking about this. I agree, we should be talking about this if we don’t want this site turn into ashes—if we don’t want wonderful writers leaving this site.

Ps: Always be nice.