In case there's anyone still on the fence about this: please keep in mind that if you really want to leave constructive criticism, the time to do it is when the story is under construction. Which pretty much limits this category of feedback to beta-readers and other writing buddy types, not the general audience.

Very, very, very few times is an author interested in pulling down and reconstructing their story once it's up. If you are leaving your criticism after the story is finished and published, it is too late. Now it's destructive criticism.

via mikkeneko: #types of corrective comments that I an author would be willing to receive: #'hey I think maybe this is the wrong chapter? this is a repeat of last time?' #'hey the formatting got stripped out of your document and it looks weird' #'hey it looks like part of your story got copy-pasted wrong - one paragraph was repeated twice and another line cuts off mid-word'' #'hey you spelled a character's name wrong in this very easy mistake to make so you may want to go back and fix that'#(but you'd better be Very Very Sure that your spelling is the right one if you're going to do that) #potentially: 'hey you used a very offensive word and from context it seems like you don't understand what it means so here's a heads up'#(but once again you had better be Really Really Sure before you do that) #anything else? anything you object to about the characterization or plot or pairing or style?#i am Not Interested#just hit the back button and we'll part ways in peace

I would also add: "hey, you're missing this tag that definitely applies to your fic and would be helpful in warning people about it"

What about scientifically incorrect /wrong facts set in media in the real world? Yes I know we don't all remember X grade science. It's basic science, nothing advanced. It's incorrect and able to be read by anyone. As another human being, I believe the author has the right to know they're scientifically, realistically, incorrect.

unless the author is encouraging the readers to do something dangerous to themselves or others ("mix bleach in all your cleaning products kids! it's safe and effective!") then no. fanfic authors don't have an obligation to be educational resources either

And it's entirely possible the author is aware it's inaccurate and decided to use it anyway. (Ref: the Martian's initial dust storm; IRL there isn't enough atmospheric pressure on Mars to knock down the HAB, but the rest of the plot, which is painstakingly scientifically accurate, wouldn't have happened otherwise.)

And if you're wondering why fic authors don't like constructive criticism unless they've asked for it beforehand: reading fanfic is like eating a dish at a potluck. Somebody made something as a gift to the community to share. You don't have to eat whatever they brought! Nobody goes to a potluck and eats absolutely everything. You eat the things you like and pass by the rest. What you don't do, is go up to people and tell them what they should have cooked instead or what is wrong with their dish. Unless, of course, they have specifically asked your opinion.

In the same way, if there is something you don't like about a fic, don't say anything unless the author has asked for it.

I've been thinking about this post for awhile, and would like to add as an author too, especially if you are an author as well readers:

You may make the same mistake I did for a long time of asking for critical feedback from your readers because you don't yet know what you actually want and need is A GOOD BETA READER. No kind comments will fix this, seek a beta reader, please. I made the mistake for soooo long. A good beta made a whole world of difference!!!!

hey here's a website for downloading any video or image from any website.

works w/ youtube, soundcloud, twitch, twitter (gifs and videos), tumblr (video and audio), and most other websites you're probably lookin to download stuff off of.

for anyone wondering about privacy and whatnot, i'm happy to say that the developers are pretty committed to have 0 trackers and 0 data retention. you can read more in their "about" section, but here's the basic important stuff:

I spy, with my little eye, a photo that was faked by an AI image generator! Can you spot the clues?

FB is turning into a parade of fake AI images churned out by click-farming pages. More misinformation is on the way. Learn some tricks for spotting AI photos!

Just saw someone say "imagine reading fanfiction without smut in it" and I am floored. Do some of you live this way?

here, have some bi-ace solidarity

my favorite part about this is everyone tagging their ace/bi mutuals like "look!! it's us! it's you!!" target audience

stop being funnier than me on my own post

yeah lemme scan this qr code to a site i don't know with who knows what kinda trackers so i can see what kinda burgers you got, hell no give me a physical goddamn menu loser

Oh god damn it I didn’t even notice.

Probably not that accurate but whatever

You guys just have to trust me on this one and click here okay?

OH MY GOD I NEEDED THIS

For the chronically anxious and/or otherwise mentally ill:

This is not a screamer, jumpscare, or any other kind of horror link I don’t know the name of. It will not cause you to question reality and as far as I’m aware, there is no reason it should cause any kind of hallucinations or psychosis. I don’t want to spoil the surprise because it’s DELIGHTFUL but I am happy to tell you it’s very sweet and gentle and also great lowkey stress relief. This is a cinnamon roll link appropriate for all ages (yes, all the way down to babies) and you will enjoy it if you click it. ❤️

This makes me so happy