Anonymous · 11d
Re: the question about incomplete fics --
I think there's nuance here .... option A can be heartbreaking, but don't those stories deserve to exist and be loved too? Don't authors deserve the opportunity for feedback as they're working a fic? I think that feedback loop on ongoing fic is one of the greatest joys of writing/ posting fic. I also think that the author's feelings and efforts are just as important, if not more important, than the readers' feelings about whether or not it should be posted. And SOME readers will still love and be happy with an incomplete fic, even if other readers might be disappointed.
One of my favorite books is actually incomplete -- luckily, with the place that it was cut off, it reads sort of like an open ending. But what if it had never been published? I would never have had the opportunity to love it.
Of course, the ideal scenario for an incomplete story would be that the author knows from the start that the story is/ will be incomplete and can mark it as such, so that readers who would be disappointed/ upset can know to avoid it. But authors don't usually know that in advance...
So! Sorry for the long answer to say that "it's complicated." I would personally go with option A and did vote for that :)
Okay, first of all: Thank you so, so much for your message?! Wtf? That was so sweet and so thoughtful? Please NEVER apologize for a long message!! I appreciate them so much!
I don't know whether you saw, but the friend that I was arguing with was actually @ReadingCandle_ and they really resonated with your words.
"I would never have had the opportunity to love it." - This especially.
I also love how you pointed out that the feedback that you get as you post is a really, really valuable part of the process as well. Because it is absolutely true. I think I love nothing more than seeing people in the comments of an ongoing stories making up theories about what is going to happen. It is just so much fun!
In the end, I have to admit that I was honestly pretty surprised that so many people did end up going with option A because I personally would have so clearly chosen B. Just with the logic of: I can't miss what I don't know. But I love how you explained your thought process and your reasoning and I can definitely see that perspective more now.
Again, thank you so much for taking the time to write this message and explaining your thoughts💜
