It's just my opinion, but I don't think you should be required to comment or sub to a story you want to read just because it the author's ego. I mean, do you have to do that to read your favorite novels? Magazines? Anything? Are we required to form a bond with the author simply to read a damn story? I get it if it's something you want to keep in a closed community of people because you are afraid of "real people" in your life discovering your stuff. But to demand that the majority of people accomodate your demands is a little ridiculous, especially given that anyone writing on AFF is in the league of hundreds of others who can do the same exact thing as anyone else. It's what we all do here: fanfiction is a dime a dozen. Fanfiction is mass-produced, varies little on themes and, for the most part, is poorly written. It's really not all that special. But if you are writing for yourself isn't it rewarding enough? Who is providing whom a service here? Shouldn't authors be equally grateful for great readers as much as readers grateful for great writers? 

I won't do that for the record, though I do employ the "members only" feature on my tiest works because I think that some stories are too hardcore for those so removed from the kpop community that they don't even have a screen-name (and would they really get it any?). But I don't hold it against you if you don't want to comment or sub. Hell, maybe you just want to out without committing. I get it. I sub to stories I haven't read; and yet I read some stories I haven't subbed to. Life's a , huh? Besides, sometimes it's the silent readers who are the most loyal; and sometimes, you just don't have a ing thing to say about what you're reading, you just want to enjoy it for what it is.

I say, do what ever makes you feel good.  on, however you prefer. And if you are so inclined to lavish your favorite authors with affection from time and time again, then god bless you for it. An upvote doesn't hurt either, if you would rather push buttons instead of words.