I knew there was a post from him somewhere! I couldn't find it from Birmingham though. Gaiman has a hell of a lot more right than me to be cross about it, though. And I think in fandom there is more of a social contract between the author and the reader - we write predominantly for our friends and communities with potential to become friends, not for publishing to faceless authors all over the world. Possibly that sets up greater scope for the reader saying "hey, guy, how's that fic going?" although there are better phrases than "When are you posting more?! I need more!!" or "I am disappointed that you have not posted more frequently."
You can always choose not to read until it's complete, if it bugs you that much. This, very much. The reader of a WIP takes a risk, same as the writer of a WIP. And it may be that if the WIP is tanking the author is a bit unnerved about continuing to post - my experience is that we, in fandom, are largely vulnerable people. Encouragement to continue should be encouragement, not bashing, and should be gentle if at all possible.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2011-09-06 08:03 am (UTC)You can always choose not to read until it's complete, if it bugs you that much.
This, very much. The reader of a WIP takes a risk, same as the writer of a WIP. And it may be that if the WIP is tanking the author is a bit unnerved about continuing to post - my experience is that we, in fandom, are largely vulnerable people. Encouragement to continue should be encouragement, not bashing, and should be gentle if at all possible.