4 Rules of Fanfiction Etiquette
Like any other theater, the realm of fanfiction has unwritten rules (or strong suggestions), though not everyone follows them. Some are a must, others are simply the polite thing to do (or not do). There are more than four aspects to fanfiction etiquette, but we’ll see additional ones in future posts.
A few basics -
If you liked it, say so:
As with all content creators, fanfic writers love hearing someone appreciated their work. Depending on the site, there are different ways to show appreciation. Fanfiction.net allows visitors without an account to leave guest reviews, while visitors with accounts have expanded options such as opting to receive notices when writers add content to stories they like, or adding stories to their favorites list. Archive of Our Own offers different ways to express appreciation: giving kudos (similar to a like on Facebook), and leaving comments that guests and site members alike can interact with.
Even one word comments are much-loved. You don’t have to write a thesis, just tell the writer something you liked. A simple, “It was great how you handled X character,” or “I love how you used the setting.” Even a simple, “Awesome!” will do. We’re not picky.
That said, if you want to leave paragraphs of feedback, go right ahead. We won’t complain.
It’s okay to dislike something:
On the other hand, if you didn’t like a story or a particular aspect of a story, that’s perfectly fine. I’ve read fanfics as well as traditionally published work I hated. No story is perfect (though I’ve met some that come close).
It’s all right to leave less-than-glowing feedback on a story, just don’t sink into personal attacks or belligerence.
When letting a writer know about something you didn’t like, be honest, but just like breaking less-than-pleasant news in person, don’t be harsh unless the writer’s asked you to be, or you’re in a situation where tough feedback is expected (i.e. a writing contest).
Don’t be rude:
Some people aren’t mature enough to accept negative interaction. Though this is frustrating to those who attempt to offer help, sometimes the best solution is to not interact with said individuals.
The fanfiction community is an army of volunteers. We don’t get paid to create content. We do it because we love it. But that doesn’t mean all members of the community want to improve, and you can’t help someone who doesn’t want to be helped.
In the fanfiction community, rudeness can take various forms, and unnecessary harsh words are only one. Others include: spam reviews (posting nonsense, vulgar or obscene comments on a writer’s work), excessive unsolicited private messages, or dragging a content creator through the mud on social platforms. Mentioning something you don’t like or giving reasons for why you dislike a body of work is fine, just don’t let it become akin to kids whining about each other on the playground.
Respect others:
Similar to the previous list item, respecting content creators is a must.
That means: don’t plagiarize their work, don’t use their original characters without permission, don’t force opinions or preferences for story direction on them, and don’t offer insincere praise.
Part of respecting a content creator is letting them know they might have gotten off-track. In the world of fanfiction, this role often falls to trusted colleagues or friends, but there are cases where creators ask the general audience. If asked, give your opinion, and be honest about it.
We’ll get into more aspects of creator-consumer or creator-creator interactions in later posts.