Beyond the current 'should readers critique' and , which lead to the banning of the reader on her lj. I think it is the timing of reading something like this and the general discussion about critique of fanfiction (which I'm of two minds, because by nature I'm all about critiquing a piece of literature no matter whether the author wants it or not). Fandom-osmosis working over time.

The whole thing just doesn't sit well with me. I'm finding myself, hmm, questioning my respect for certain people (both writers and readers.) I know I get highly passionate (down-right rabid) about certain issues, but the way things have being paying out (people's reactions) are kind of hard to cope with.

*sighs* And this is why I sit and watch, getting involved in fandom is really quite draining. (http://www.livejournal.com/users/guede_mazaka/437624.html?thread=6596216#t6596216)

Which shouldn't come as a surprise. I have been having conversations with the boy-friend about the nature of fandom (to be specific the nature of yaoi-fandom that sees m/m in shows such as 'Samurai Champloo,' which makes slightly irritated because he cannot see anything of the sort. The conclusion, we agreed to disagree,) and it really should be obvious that fandom is a diverse culture because people are different. What's worse is that we all take everything way too seriosuly *sighs*

(What irritate me about the whole discussion is not the fact that authors are expressing a view about the perception and treatment of their own work. What irritate me is that there appear to be a double standard now. So, if the author does not want my honest opinion, I should not comment? There are numerous works out there that I adore but I'm not blind to their faults, am I suppose to harp on about their wonderfulness but not comment on what I thought was not wonderful about their work? Many a-author ask, often rabidly, for feedback, c&c they say, and when an honest opinion is given they sees it as an attack on their work. I'm trying to put my thoughts/feelings into words. I suppose what I'm trying to say is that if they are not happy with the one-line SQUUE as a comment than maybe they shouldn't complain when they don't get comments. And this is probably another topic, but I honestly do feel as if the line between honest, thoughful opinion and rabid attack is becoming more and more murky. So, instead of c&c please, are we going to be getting something like 'dnc' (do not critique). I just don't know. *frustrated*)

Ok. Lj is being evil. It keep on cutting off the second half of my comments. If this doens't work. I'm emailing you.

Oh trust me, that's pretty much how it ended (with the gnashing of teeths of course.)

That's perfectly fine, but to ban someone from your lj because they pointed out a small error? I mean, that's just pushing it. Mind you, I have always operated under the 'don't agree, don't comment.' (Unless I know them well enough that they won't get irritated if I point out certain errors)

I'd ABSOLUTELY love a dnc, makes me feel less guilty when I don't comment on their fics.

And here we get to the crux of the issue: Compromise is needed, but the problem is no one knows where that line is. Like you said different authors want different things, I, personally, woud like someone to crtic my writings (if I ever write anything), to point out my mistakes so I don't feel like a complete fool if I ever published on a bigger play ground than my lj. Not saying I don't like praise, but I'm looking more to perfecting/bettering myself than getting praise for what I already know I'm good at. Either way, it is a frustrating issue, because I keep on hearing what the writer is entitled too, but what about the reader?

It is true though XD.

Exactly, I have taken in the warning signs, and will only reply to people that want me too. It is a case of taking things way too personally, and well, if you can't the critique as constructive criticism than maybe you should only write to people who will only praise you. *sighs* People are strange.

Democracy is one of those philosophies that sounds wonderful in theory, but seriously, there is not such thing as freedom for all, blah, blah. Either way fandom is like a political system on itself.

Mixed signals makes me experience much headache. I can see why the writer would be irritated by the reader not understanding the Deep and Meaningful of a piece, but geez, just be glad the 'stupid' reader are willing to comment on your fic no matter how stupid (flames are different). Exactly, it is nothing new, everyone (or they should) who gets invoved in fandom should know the pitfuls of writing for a highly consumer-directed audience ('more! MORE! MORE! NOW! NOW!). I'm not sure about the 'radical' nature of the reader, I'm not doubting they exsit, it is just I'm beginning to question if authors (fanfic) are too 'radical' as well.

Exactly. It is not a secret that the vocal-majority of the fandom are young, or just not interested in the deep and meaningful (it is all about the pron my friend).

I think that's a great way of looking at it. Will stop talking about this after this comment (maybe). And will spend my time reading fics and NOT commenting.

I prefer the term 'open-minded' ;p