We all silently read fanfics, and that's okay. It doesn't make us Silent-Readers-Ghost-Level-1000-Achievement-Unlocked, but we do silently read, don't we? Because when you have a long reading list like I do, not every chapter (or story, sorry!) warrants a comment. As a writer myself, I'm consciously aware when I receive crickets after an update on a multi-chaptered story, but readers aren't editors. And unless they're moved in some way by a passage or character or whatnot, they aren't going to comment, which I understand- because you can only be a decent writer if you have read something of substance. And guess what? A writer's motivation is not a reader's responsibility. I know I don't want that pressure on me.

Supposed, you devoured a story, thoroughly enjoyed it, and are happy about updates, but it is exhausting to leave feedback, or you have anxiety, or your English isn't great. Well, I can sympathize with your plight. If I was in your shoes, I would rather leave enthusiastic comments than forced ones. I think we can safely conclude that we should silently read whenever we pleased because that's our unsolicited choice.

On the other hand, don't look so surprised when a writer, who you have regularly followed over the months/years, don't know you exist and decide to take away free content for whatever reasons. Personally, I have never dropped a story because of a silent fandom, I've dropped stories because it wasn't what I wanted to write anymore, but sheesh, my stories are my babies. Gotta nurture them.

If it was drilled into you that the default of fanfic reading is silent reading or that you must write essay comments, it was not my intention. I constantly encourage readers to engage with me to show their support because feedback is a great source of motivation (though not the only source because yall, if you don't write what you love, what are you doing).

I guess, the reason I wrote this blog is because I don't want to do this dance with silent readers anymore, now that my stories have gone friends-only. It was not an easy decision, but after a decade of writing, it was also easy because I’ve already built a loyal reader base. Not everyone has the privilege of going private like I do, so if you’re reading, please comment and upvote on that writer’s story you have been following for a while before it’s too late. I’ve seen too many good stories disappear, and too many writers deactivate. AFF is not the only place to read and write, but please don’t let it die. It is too quiet here. It is saddening.

Going friends-only, this decision felt right for me, and I hope all of you continue doing what feels right for you, and you only accept what you think you deserve.

Much love, Cee.