Real Talk: A Series

I'm much older now, so I don't rant about my silent readers from an ugly place anymore. But back in my early AFF days, silent readers had a negative impact on my mental health, and I had to take several hiatuses over the years. It . I was on AFF to escape reality, then the tables me, and AFF drove me away. I lost my safe space and it hurt.

Believe it or not, I was the lucky one, because despite the many silent readers, I had very generous vocal readers. Please understand that AFF writers are strugging to stay afloat. Asking for attention and love for their story isn't a bad thing, and writers shouldn't have to feel guilty about it. Because why would it be when they spend hours on a chapter and then a silent reader reads it in under a minute? Stats and bookmarks don't lie.

I choose to share my stories for free, instead of invite-only because I don't want to discriminate against my readerbase. Believe me, I can recognize silent readers by username because they've followed/subscribed to my stories for years, and I appreciate the out of them for devouring my stories. If my stories were books, , that's an even bigger compliment.

However, what upsets me is when silent readers that I didn't even know existed come out of the woodworks to tell me what to do. That is not constructive feedback. 

Silent readers don't intend to be malicious. (where my introverts at?) If they want to read silently, more power to them. Even when they don't comment, they discuss my stories with their friends. I know this, because they eventually come out of their shells and hit me up with a PM. It's happened with RS and TDoJ, and I received some of the best comments/PMs.

So, I kindly ask, if you're engaging with me for the first time, please don't be that reader who contributes little to nothing then expects everything. If you decide to make the leap to support me (or another author), please upvote, comment, and/or promote the story in your feed if you're enjoying it. It would encourage me to keep writing at a steady and healthy pace.

Much love, Cee.

 

 

Here's Baekhyun :P

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Poll

Are you a silent reader?

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maryshiin #1
Reading this, I had to go back and re-read the only comment I've ever written on your stories (TDoJ) to make sure I'm not one of those demanding silent readers, I sure hope that's not the case...
I usually don't comment because I'm extremely introvert (like to the point where doing anything that might lead to interaction with someone causes anxiety attacks), but I'd never thought about it from the point of view of the writer. I saw that others were engaging and thought that was enough... Might also be because back when I used to write (on a different platform), I didn't mind silent readers (although comments were always great to read). Now that I'm older, I understand how important it is to have feedback on your work. You're working hard to put a story out and to be faced with silence in return ... Sorry for being a silent reader all those years.

Also, I just logged in for the first time in months and saw that you posted an update ! I'll read it as soon as I have time (about to get to work right now...) ! And I'll make sure to leave a comment
Moonzy #2
I felt the exact same way. I use to have a very vocal group of subbies which inspired and motivated me to continue to write. It then trickled down to silent readers and my vocal subbies (I'm your #1 ;D) going MIA. It really zapped the fun from writing and wanting to update every week.. At the same time, I dont appreciate demanding subbies; but Ive been out of the game so long; I'll take it for the moment LOL.
bummbleMin1004 #3
AN AUTHOR I LOVE GO MISSING I DO NOT KNOW WJERE SHE IS BUT SHE VERYS AD ABOUT SILENT READER TT
NeverNinaa #4
I relate with this so much! I don't honestly care about attention as i tend to limit the access to my fics and allow only those i am comfortable with to read them! Beside active readers, i have a few voters and promoters who have other ways of showing support aside from commenting and that makes me super happy! But to be completely silent and literally NOBODY then suddenly show up in the comments and DMs demanding updates and stressing the hell out of me? That's big no. That's why i locked my wall and inbox to friends only as i surely have only active readers and authors i know/have interacted with on my friend list.
I love aff for allowing us to keep our privacy however we want :) so it's been years since i had someone silent rushing for updates or messaging me in the first place.
There are a lot of ways to protect yourself here! That's one of the reasons why i prefer aff over other writing websites hehe.
SkyeButterfly #5
I agree with this! I don't really have a problem with "silent" readers these days, but it's a little annoying to have them continuously asking you for updates when that's all they've ever said to you... Some "readers" should learn to manage their expectations lol
bahiyyih #6
touch grass
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