i usually just delete these kinds of questions, but you know what, i've had a shit day, and i have a LOT to say on this matter, so i'll bite. count yourself lucky x

firstly, some of us are capable of romance and passion and are willing to let the world know when we're obsessed. maybe i want to woo them because i think they're cool and hot af? did you ever think about that huh? some of us are capable of appreciating other people's work without desiring more out of them than what they are willing to give. and have a genuine desire to support and encourage people. posting something you created is brave, opening yourself up to being perceived or to receiving other people's commentary/criticism can be very vulnerable. why wouldn't i want to encourage someone, especially if i've enjoyed their work? if someone tells me they're encouraged by me keysmashing or growling at them, i'm a happy gal. don't even get me started on how geared up i get when i get let into someone's docs or on a wip. and when i get to beta!! ahhh!

i don't think i'm particularly good. i don't expect to ever receive art from someone. you're really underestimating my self-esteem issues if you think for a second i would ever even entertain the notion that someone would want to do that for me or be inspired by something i wrote. i can't even accept compliments babe.

my recent comments about supporting artists (and writers, and anyone else making things you like) comes from my concern at the way fanworks are increasingly being treated like a commodity and divorced from the real work and effort that goes into making them. you might breeze through a 5k fic in not time at all, but depending on the writer it could have taken them hours and hours to write. time spent not doing other things. a piece of art on your tl you look at and like and scroll past? could have been hours of someone's time bent over in shrimp-mode. i think that time should be respected, especially if that work has brought you enjoyment. i personally really admire that commitment to realising something, it's something i personally struggle with a lot. and when it comes to drawing, i truly have no skills in that area so how that final image is created is honestly amazing to me.

this idea that festival runners, participating artists/writers, or just generally people in the fandom are at fault for not creating content you yourself enjoy is so gross and entitled. i see it time and time again with top/bottom discourse, when people talk about pairings ect. none of us are entitled to anyone else's work, outside of specific scenarios like commissions. fanworks, whatever they are, are the result of real people's time, energy and skills. that should be respected and acknowledged.

i think sometimes it's treated like this dirty thing for creators to want some recognition for their work. and while i do feel you should create for yourself, and cater to your tastes and that chasing numbers is bad for you mental health and creativity, its stupid imo to think a creator is bad for wanting to hear from you if you have connected with their work. you spend a lot of time creating something, thinking about it, putting work into realising your vision. then you work up the courage to share it, which again people are note obligated to do no matter the size of their following, why wouldn't you want some recognition for that? it might not be the end goal, but its fucking nice. it can lift your spirits when you're having a bad day or doubting your own skills. i can't speak for anyone else, but when i see a piece of art have 100s of reposts but only 10s of comments i get a little sad. likes/kudos are lovely, but i think leaving a note to say you enjoyed something or why you enjoyed something is wonderful. it builds connection and community and thats so fucking cool! thats the point of creative works imo.

i know it can be scary to do this, i've worked through that a lot and still sometimes struggle to leave comments on fics ect. i sometimes worry i'll say the wrong thing, that im annoying to the artist/writer, or that im not saying enough. but i rather say something and let them know that their work is appreciated, than say nothing. i try not to look at follower counts ect. because i don't think its good for my brain. but i have noticed as i've gotten larger that people seem to interact/talk less - and that can feel really isolating.

supporting work you enjoy is a good way to see more of that kind of work! way better that whining and being entitled over wanting to see something else. curate your online experience, support the people whose work you enjoy and build your own community. i don't have a ton of group chats im in where i can do that, so i mainly do it on the tl. sue me x

and to be clear. creating fanworks is not the price that needs to be paid to be in this community. again, artists/writers/other creators aren't obligated to share that work with other people, or outside of their own small/comfortable circle. when i say support the stuff you enjoy i also mean commenting/liking tweets you enjoy, socmed aus ect.

finally,