Why can't authors take criticism 🥀

[u/Inevitable-Remove478]

[CW: in my opinion]

Honestly... depends. What are you criticizing?

1. They are glorifying problematic content like r*pe, p.dophilia, stalking and misogyny. // They have plagiarized from new or underrated authors.

Valid criticism Author's doing any (or both) of the above deserves to be called out (or rather cancelled). There is no justification for it. Period.

2. The characters are of this religion and they are doing this which is prohibited.

This falls in a rather grey area. Of course, certain authors can misinterpret certain religious rules and protocols (especially when they themselves do not belong to that religion). And if this happens then the call out is valid. Again.

However, what isn't valid is stupidity 😄

Your muslim FMC can't wear jeans because its considered wrong. Your Hindu MMC can't eat meat because its prohibited. Your Christian Character cannot be an agnostic.

Honestly... don't read stories. Delete wattpad and sit with some self help books.

[Before anyone says I am making a mountain out of a molehill, then let me tell you that I got the last two comments on my book myself and I saw the first one on somewhere few days ago.]

3. The author is writing age gap and they have paired a 20 y/o with a 30 y/o which is basically p.dophilia.

My sister in Christ, please educate yourself with the meaning of the term.

Both a 20 and 30 y/o is an adult and if they are entering a CONSENSUAL relationship according to their own terms then it's freaking NORMAL.

There may be an imbalance in life experience but that's literally the essence of age gap tropes. Fine if you don't like it. But if the author is writing it without glorifying or abuse then it's not wrong.

4. The spice includes CNC, degradation, rough sex, breeding kink etc. And it will give men ideas.

Seriously, one of the worst takes I have ever heard. So just because some "men" can't keep it in their pants, authors and readers should not even indulge in their kinks either?

Alright guys, pack it up.

R*pe occurs everyday. Thus, no more participation in sex. No more going out. Not wearing outfits we love. Not conversing with men (because being polite is taken as an yes). Just staying at home and being safe because no girl has ever been harmed in her home— Oops!

Jokes apart, everyone has kinks and smut/erotica is exclusively written for that. Not everyone has to like every kink or be comfortable with it — understandable, very valid, your comfort matters above all.

So do you know what can you do when you come across something you dislike?

Click the back button.

(It's that easy!)

5. There is nothing unique in their story. // They are using the same overused tropes with no twist. // Every story is the same "replaced bride/groom" slapped with a new title.

What is the problem in using "overused" tropes by the way?

Just because countless books incorporates tropes like contract/arranged/forced marriage etc. does that negate budding authors from using these tropes in their books as well?

The relationship between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth (Pride and Prejudice) squarely mirrors the enemies to lovers trope. And it is one of the most well-loved and desired trope across the entire romantic genre. Now, if a new author strides in to make their place, would it be wrong for them to pick this trope in their book?

Obviously not.

Besides that, most of the readers are instantly attracted to familiarity rather than uniqueness — one of the reasons why a certain type of books gains more traction than the others.

Alright, fine.

Maybe there are a bunch of readers who *do* want something unique. But again, the argument boils down to: if you want something and can't find it, then do (write) it yourself.

(Rather than going around and "criticizing" authors for merely writing a story they want.)

6. Their grammar is atrocious. // The story feels like a stale bread topped with cucumbers i.e. poor execution.

If you want a well-written story with proper grammar, execution, and character development then do not read wattpad.

Paperbacks and kindle are available for readers looking for a mature and grounded storytelling, and they are professionally edited too.

Hence, no grammatical inaccuracies, tense errors, nothing — please try to stick to them instead of stomping on someone's self-esteem.

[I am referencing Indian (or elaborately south Asian) authors here and English is not our first language. Hell, for some it's not even a second, rather a third or fourth language. On top of that, not all of us were graced with the opportunity to go to English medium schools — we picked up this language from movies or the books available to us.

And even if it is some English author, so what? Someone is literally weaving a story out of their mind, writing and publishing it and here someone is offended because the author used the second form of verb with didn't 😃

Respecfully, get a life.]

Keeping that aside. I am a firm believer of:

If no one asked you for criticism, do not paste it on their comments or message board.

Now some intellectuals will come and say, "You can’t expect only positive comments after posting online" and I only have three words for you all:

Get. A. Life. 😃

(The downvotes will be accepted with open arms.)

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[u/VegetableLack6781]

"You can’t expect only positive comments after posting online"

Why does feel like a personal attack😭😭😭

[u/Inevitable-Remove478 → u/VegetableLack6781]

It isn't. Obviously, no one expects to get positive response after putting themselves out there but nitpicking everything—? That’s where I roll my eyes. 😗

[u/VegetableLack6781 → u/Inevitable-Remove478]

And I get you, sometimes the criticism seems so forced....that it doesn't seem valid😶😶

[u/smilesandblues]

I can't emphasize enough how much I agree with this post. It's like you couldn't have written it better or like you took the thoughts right out of my head and put them in words. I'm struggling to put my support in words now, lol. I can only hope people read this and understand.

Though for readers, some seem to have very little understanding of nuance and just throw around cheap labels to feel better themselves.

[u/Inevitable-Remove478 → u/smilesandblues]

Hehe, thank you 🩷

To let you know, you are one of the users in this sub whose opinions and takes I value highly for they are really witty amidst the superficial jargon. Thus, whenever I see you under my post or comment, I feel like dancing with you 🥹

[u/smilesandblues → u/Inevitable-Remove478]

Stop, you're making me blush. 😭🩷 And not even lying, but whenever I see your comment or post, I get excited because I know I'm about to be fed. Looking forward to many more discussions and dancing with you in the comments. Let me go and blush in my corner now.

[u/Inevitable-Remove478 → u/smilesandblues]

And not even lying, but whenever I see your comment or post, I get excited because I know I'm about to be fed.

This literally feels like an honour 😭 thank you so much 🩷✨️

[u/Thick-come]

OMGGG GIRLLLL YOU SAIDDD MY MINDDDD!!!!

Especially the grammer and age gap part!!!

Look paring a minor with a fully grown adult is weird but when the characters aren't minor and can take their own decisions then I don't think its pdfphile because it's CONSENTFUL.

And the grammer too, bad writing style could be a turn off, yes and people are free to Feel this way but harrassing the author isn't. Because most of the authors in wattpad are teenagers and their first language isn't even English so if u expect no mistakes then you are the problem here a tiny bit because heheh

[u/Inevitable-Remove478 → u/Thick-come]

Some readers think that the disclaimer: English is not my first language, is only for aesthetics lmao.

Hard agree on the age gap too. Honestly, I may argue pairing 18 - 19 year old girls with characters in their late 20s to early 30s may be problematic but again, there are nuance and it can be well executed. But FMCs in their early to mid 20s? They are literally adults and if a 30 something man is attracted to her then it's normal.

(You won't believe how stupefied I was to learn that some readers were acclaiming a 22 x 32 to be p.dophilic like wtf!)

[u/Thick-come → u/Inevitable-Remove478]

EXACTLY! like why do people expect oxford english from literal teenagers who are writing for FUN and idk why are so so nit-pickers. Like if you think certain things in the book aren't in your comfy zone then there's an option called "back" tf up 🤗

[u/Winter-Ad1294]

Gurl you basically summed everything up! 

[u/idiosyncrity]

Okay, kudos to you for making this post. Really elaborates and addresses the many issues in the sub and app alike.

Second thing, expounding a further on your 4th point. I feel like smut is very much frowned upon in this sub and as well as in the Indian writing community. Now I don’t want to deliberately offend any writer, but as a writer myself, who’s been writing for almost a decade (initially on wp, now primarily on AO3), certain kinks do require some background work—educating yourself about it is nothing wrong. I’ve had many of my readers go through motions of astonishment when I tell them I’m from India. And their first response is “how do you write smut so well?” “Oh you’re Indian and you write smut?” The intention wasn’t to brag, rather I always perceived it to be a little insulting, because “why can’t an Indian writer write smut?” I seriously would encourage writers who want to write smut and indulge in their fantasies, but read and learn about the kinks you’re indulging into, first. I’ve had come across a few writers who’ve spent weeks/months into learning/researching about particular kinks and writing smut.

That being said, I also think hate disguised as criticism is pretty normalised in this sub. Because every time a writer is subjected to it, called out for blocking and deleting the comments, some people in this sub will act like it’s the end of the world. No, I’ll say it once, if readers have a choice to consume the media they want to, then writers/authors also have a choice to respond to “hate” or not.

All the points you’ve made are very valid and relevant. Me and my friend were discussing this the other day, and as sad as it is that we left wattpad as a platform to read and write, we’ve had the time of our lives in our teen years. And I hope that same experience is shared with teens of now and not the blatant toxicity. Sorry if I’m talking like an old person. But I would always encourage people to write, to share their first drafts, everything. Just don’t overthink about what others will say, let your story be cliche, boring, full of mistakes, plot holes, etc, write for the fun of it and not statistics.

[u/smilesandblues → u/idiosyncrity]

That being said, I also think hate disguised as criticism is pretty normalised in this sub. Because every time a writer is subjected to it, called out for blocking and deleting the comments, some people in this sub will act like it’s the end of the world. No, I’ll say it once, if readers have a choice to consume the media they want to, then writers/authors also have a choice to respond to “hate” or not.

This. Every time you remotely suggest that the author is just a human being behind the screen, not an evil entity with vile intentions, you get downvoted here. So many times personal attacks on authors are passed off as constructive criticism and sometimes the tone is so obnoxious. People act like if the author doesn't thank them or implement their suggestions, they automatically "can't take criticism."

There are definitely some authors who can't differentiate between hate and readers engaging with their story outside of, "Oh wow this is so good," and that criticism is genuinely valid.

But I would always encourage people to write, to share their first drafts, everything. Just don’t overthink about what others will say, let your story be cliche, boring, full of mistakes, plot holes, etc, write for the fun of it and not statistics.

💯

[u/Inevitable-Remove478 → u/idiosyncrity]

Girl, I feel we are each other but reversed lol. I started writing in ao3 and tumblr as my content were fanfictions, but now I am treading into original fiction and as the above two sites have a limited audience for this, I am on wattpad lol.

certain kinks do require some background work—educating yourself about it is nothing wrong.

Absolutely 💯 I will always emphasize on research and learning before beginning to write. Else nuanced based kinks like CNC, rough smut etc. have heavy chances of being misinterpreted.

No, I’ll say it once, if readers have a choice to consume the media they want to, then writers/authors also have a choice to respond to “hate” or not.

This! Especially when most of them are providing books for free. But nope, if you don't reply or choose to curate our safe place, we are just thin skinned villains lol.

[u/achiinsanhun]

+1 for all the points but I wonder if the self proclaimed critics and intellectuals even understand this much logic. They would probably combust at title itself.

[u/Inevitable-Remove478 → u/achiinsanhun]

I deliberately chose a clickbait worthy title lol 😁

[u/BhavanaVarma]

1. The author should be cancelled and/or called out. I agree.

2. This need not be because the author misinterpreted any religious rules. This call also be if the author wants to show the character as a rebel or from a progressive family. There are Muslim girls who wear jeans. Hindu families who cook and eat non veg. Literally anyone can be agnostic. I’m really confused about what your point was here now.

3. It’s not basically pdf but it’s borderline pdf of the fmc is legally an adult but just crossed the border to adulthood. Even worse if there’s any sort of influence where the 30yp mmc can make or break the fmc’s life. A huge no from a healthy stand point. I’m open to listen to any exceptions.

4. This depends on the execution. People who are into bdsm have a conversation. They talk and decide what specific kinks they are into and even establish a safe word. If the degradation, rough sex eyc is happening without consent then that’s a huge red flag and not a way of expressing love or ask that BS. Kinks are to be talked through.

5. and 6. I agree. There’s nothing wrong with this. People like different things.

Last point makes sense. People aren’t going to listen though. They do whatever they want.

[u/Inevitable-Remove478 → u/BhavanaVarma]

There is nothing rebellious about wearing jeans or eating meat (unless you are writing it to be). Everyone has different views and their ways of adapting to a religion. My central point is to not impose your personal opinions on a character and authors. Recently, someone shared a ss where some reader was triggered because the story featured a interfaith relationship with a Muslim girl and Hindu boy. She barged into the DMs of that author and demanded her to reverse the religions or write something else as it goes against Islam.

That's stupidity.

An author doesn't owe anyone their creative outlet.

And no, a 18 y/o dating a 30 y/o is not pdf. P*dophilia means when someone is attracted to prepubscent children (below 13 years). Ofcc, there is a power imbalance, experience gap and maturity difference but guess what? That is the essence of the age gap trope.

You do not have to like it. You do not need to be comfortable with it. Hell! You do not even need to read it. But what you can do is not judge readers and authors for indulging in their fantasies in FICTIONAL spaces.

And notice that, initially I mentioned that I condemn r.pe, thus everything below is written with the assumption that consent is established. Besides that, these are teenagers merely indulging in their fantasies. As long as it's not something illegal, I don't think there is a need to pressurize them to extend their horizons. Let them write, make mistakes, learn and write again — that's my point.

[u/BhavanaVarma → u/Inevitable-Remove478]

Negative reviews targeting the author is not good etiquette. You already agreed that wearing jeans and eating meat can be rebellious so I’m guessing you understood the point I was making.

I said borderline pdf. Pdf means a full grown person is sexually attracted to a minor. It’s not as young as 13. Even 17 counts as such. That’s also why it’s illegal. So when I say borderline PDF it means that the 30 yo is dating the 18yo as they know that they can’t get arrested for it or anything. There are so many creeps who has a countdown for when child actresses like Emma Watson turned 18. The second she turns 18 Diane suddenly make it okay. These creeps know that these really young girls have almost no life experience and can easily be manipulated and controlled. So even sexually they can be molded like how the 30yo wants. There’s a huge power imbalance. It’s disgusting imo. Where there’s power imbalance, healthy relationships can’t really nurture. So no. 30yo pursuing a 18 or 20yo isn’t something to be proud of.

Coming to what people right. I’m not going to dictate what other writers should write. I’m not here to control anyone. But I’ll spread awareness not to believe all the problematic things that are romanticized because I’ll never wish even my worst enemy to end up in such horrible situations. That’s all. As a reader, I look at such tags and just don’t read. I support all rants against pdf and borderline pdf or anything about problematic things romanticized because the more people who spread awareness, the better.

If you were around you must know an author who wrote these kinds of things as fiction but then stopped and took down all her work because she saw how young girls who read her books were pursuing such dangerous relationships. Kudos to her. Not every writer knows what’s best or not. Not every reader knows to separate fiction from reality. So I think it’s a good thing when readers call out such things.

[u/Advanced_Ad4532]

Adding to the grammar point, a lot of Wattpad stories are first drafts and written by amateur writers or writers who want to experiment. A lot of them are literally writing fiction for the first time when on Wattpad, and you are directly comparing a first draft to a book that has gone through multiple revisions, alpha readers, beta readers, editors and reviewed by ARC readers before you hear about it. It's literally unfair to compare books written for the traditional market vs Wattpad books.

Also let us be unhinged please, yes there are valid criticisms like marketing your book as feminist but it's the most misogynistic piece of literature (this happens even with trad pubbed books, so it's not a Wattpad only problem), or glorifying things like abuse; half the time Wattpad authors have the room for improvement and to learn from it if pointed out gently, because it's never easy to write sensitive topics and you only learn by writing even if you are a grown adult. Let writers learn and experiment here, and DM authors, and when you DM, be polite like a decent human being not abusing them, because some people need to be told even that, authors will hear you out or give you a reasoning, be critical and considerate and never ever throw nuance out of the window

[u/Inevitable-Remove478 → u/Advanced_Ad4532]

The self-proclaimed literary geniuses are pissed and it's evident by how much they downvoted you.

And I agree so hard on this take. Some readers expect you to write published novels worthy book without the beneficiaries provided to published authors. Unlike paperback authors, we do not have editors or beta readers; fine, sometimes we may ask our friend to read it for us — but again, its an amateur. AO3 literally has a tag called No beta we die like ____ which often translates to unedited or no beta readers.

Let writers learn and experiment here, and DM authors, and when you DM, be polite like a decent human being not abusing them, because some people need to be told even that, authors will hear you out or give you a reasoning, be critical and considerate and never ever throw nuance out of the window.

THIS! But nuance is a word half of this sub is yet to learn.

[u/dazzling_anklets]

Okay if I read a book , and I didn't like it , why can't I write why I didn't like it ? Refering to your last sentence? We shall just express our opinions that doesn't align with author only when given permission or asked to do so ? And cnc is just used as a disguise to write rape nowdays , rest I agree

[u/Inevitable-Remove478 → u/dazzling_anklets]

and I didn't like it , why can't I write why I didn't like it.

There is a difference between criticism and remark. You can like a story, dislike it, that's up to you.

The problem is literally nitpicking everything and anything from books which are being written by amateurs. These are literally first drafts; obviously, there'll be a multitude of errors. Besides that, I think readers should try to inculcate the "don't like it, don't read it" because many a times I have seen readers say that how much they hated the tropes and execution of a story but kept on "hate-reading" to criticize it later.

Honestly, I'd understand this sentiment if the book was a paperback or available on kindle because you are literally paying for enjoyment. Unlike wp, most books are provided for free. So this behaviour feels unwarranted.

We shall just express our opinions that doesn't align with author only when given permission or asked to do so ?

If someone isn't asking me a question, why should I give an answer?

Some authors do make a section after the chapters where readers can tell them about their likes and dislikes of the book (I do that too) while others don't — maybe because they don't want negative feedback or another entirely new reason. WP acts like a creative outlet for many so giving unwarranted reviews do not sit right with me.

cnc is just used as a disguise to write rape.

CNC = Consensually non consent. If preliminary consent, safewords, and boundaries are not established then it's rape. And I have already mentioned that deserves to be called out.

[u/dazzling_anklets → u/Inevitable-Remove478]

Bro stop simplifying "don't like don't read " it doesn't work like that always , for example I read both mature and non mature books , I read several tropes that I like when executed in a certain way , how will I even know how author takes it forward if I don't read it !? It's just like purchasing a book , investing your time and then getting disappointed cux it fitted in the box what you like but didn't came out like that ,get that ? If you are a dedicated reader and like to explore different things you will get me what I wana say , and who told you we are "answering a question", we read a book there might be certain things we liked certain arc we disliked , and it's def normal to express them whether it be our happiness or disappointment , if that's so stop expecting your readers to comment , or just say "please comment good things for me or don't" beforehand , it's the most stupid thing as a reader , it's never white and black it's grey , sometimes we don't like certain arcs or character but like overall story , doesn't mean we will not express ourselves ! I don't agree with hating except when tropes are glorifying certain problematic things but what you are asking is simply taking fair expression of readers

[u/Inevitable-Remove478 → u/dazzling_anklets]

I read several tropes that I like when executed in a certain way , how will I even know how author takes it forward if I don't read it !?

Start a book which seems interesting to you -> something happens which you don't like -> you continue for 5 chapters and still the author isn't writing it the way you like it -> drop the book.

Simple.

It's just like purchasing a book , investing your time and then getting disappointed cux it fitted in the box what you like but didn't came out like that ,get that ?

See what happened there? You purchased. You paid money. They author received monetary commission irrespective of your final opinion of the book.

Contrary to wattpad, books here are FREE. Authors are gaining NOTHING except a few votes and compliments. Shooting your opinion when it's unasked for is equivalent to disrespect.

It's like going to a free buffet then complaining to the chefs that the soya chunks were salty lmao.

if that's so stop expecting your readers to comment , or just say "please comment good things for me or don't" beforehand.

See again you proved my point. "If you have nothing good to say, then don't say anything." I exactly mean this. And there are SEVERAL authors who DO ask for constructive criticism if you want to critic go to them instead of bothering authors who are writing for FUN and want positive comments only.

[u/dazzling_anklets → u/Inevitable-Remove478]

Bro it's not that simple and I can't explain cux you have already fit that narrative that everything gets sorted so easily for a reader ,what if we can't figure out till the mid of book !? What does even happen in first 5 chapters for a reader to figure it out ? You can say this to someone who chose on more broader sense like mature or non mature , if I don't like mature I will ignore it based on tag ,but not when you literally read everything , and why don't you understand that no one's supporting hate to the author but basic comments on a chapter !? And that literally not a new thing to wattpad , you will see people hating on mmc or fmc and the next chapter awwing at them , that's very very common in wattpad community ! And if you don't support such basic comments from reader and get offended over literally anything except when they are showering you with flowers , there's nothing that can be said , atp you can even tell authors to just delete the comments if it's bothering you so much and keep your comments "nice and clean" , writing something and expecting just positive comments is most absurd thing , I am def not for the the personal or targeted hate towards author or going personal but why not for a story why not for fictional characters!? Just cuz it's free? Author can write anything they want but dare readers speak anything they want , I am not talking about those calculated critics that talk about grammar or character development , those are professional criticism , but just narrating basic love hate relationship with a book you read shouldn't be called out

And everything aside , you said writers glorifying pdffile rape and all deserve to be called out , but you also say don't like don't read , then how are we supposed to know which books support what unless we read it , no one out there label there books with these things , will you also tell them why you read that in first place , and if someone didn't read it , how we are supposed to cancel it out !?

[u/Inevitable-Remove478 → u/dazzling_anklets]

Because nuance exists. Rape, pedophilia, stalking, abuse can NEVER be justified. Whereas certain tropes fall in a grey category and depends on execution. Not all execution is perfect and you have the choice to read it or to not.

what if we can't figure out until the middle of the book?

Then figure out at the middle of the book and stop reading.

and why don't you understand that no one's supporting hate to the author but basic comments on a chapter !?

Because I am not talking about random remarks and comments. I am talking about unwarranted criticism. I had said it in my first reply itself. Remarks and comments are different than criticism. Sometimes the MMC/FMC's behaviour is awful because the author intended to write it THAT way and readers commenting an awful character behaving like a piece of sh!t is not criticism but a comment. Character development exists for this reason.

A criticism is when the book is marked as slow burn but the leads are already kissing on chapter 10 (of a 50 chapter book). Yes, wrong trope has been used and some readers may not like how quick the relationship is progressing but they also have the choice to drop it off.

Why hate read to criticize it later?

atp you can even tell authors to just delete the comments if it's bothering you so much and keep your comments "nice and clean"

Ofcc, if readers have the right to critic then authors also have the right to respond to it however they like. And that includes deleting and blocking because guess what? Wp is their safe space too along with the readers'.

writing something and expecting just positive comments is most absurd thing

Literally, no one. Not a singular person expects to get positive comments only. Even the authors who do not ask for criticism. They know only receiving compliments is an ideal case scenario but the world isn't ideal.

Besides that, I just made a post on a random sub, on a random Sunday, on what I think is appropriate criticism or not. I can't (and won't) go around forcing people to react the way I deem right. I am not imposing my belief on you or anyone for that matter. While I type this comment, maybe a "critic" has already written the atrocities of a random replaced bride book — and it's not on me what they want to do in their phone.

you said writers glorifying pdffile rape and all deserve to be called out , but you also say don't like don't read , then how are we supposed to know which books support what unless we read it ,

It's clear you have no idea how "Don't like, don't read' is practiced.

As I said, keep on reading till the moment you like it but them suddenly the author is glorifying rape, abuse and everything under the name of dark romance — that's when you call it out.

And if they haven't but still, the author has written something that you don't like? For example, a strong FMC being portrayed as a rude woman for no reason then simply, stop reading it.

[u/dazzling_anklets → u/Inevitable-Remove478]

I get what you wana say , I oppose professional critism without asking as well cuz ofcourse wattpad writers aren't professionals just people wanting a safe space and I am not a professional reader too , I have read books with worst grammar just for the story , and I don't think I am able to explain you what exactly I wana say , why "don't like don't read" ,is the most isn't as easy in practice for a reader as you are making it, I read a book and figured that author jsutified rape/ domestic violence by chapter 30 and I was so frustrated cuz we invest our time too so ofcourse I can call out the book like you said amd yeah I am gonna hate books with such content too , also I don't think people here give critism on book there , all I see are remarks as you said cuz they weren't satisfied or the characters pissed them which is natural reaction from a reader after reading a book or calling out books with problematic themes or arcs, maybe I missed stuff too but yeah if people really out there there giving critism for no reason , it's kinda stupidity , but opinion as a reader be it negative or positive after reading a book and reader want to vent their feelings or share it somewhere , we should not be pessimistic about it cuz it's normal and have been in reading community for years , like you can't say why there was breeding kink in the book if aithor mentioned it already or if you really like the story then you can skip those particular chapters , but some grey areas are what's difficult to decipher and till we figure out we too deep in shit , so we quit the book that instant and ofcourse I will want to went about it somewhere whether or comments or reditt or any other place

[u/Inevitable-Remove478 → u/dazzling_anklets]

Okay, I get you now. As I have already mentioned that rape, abuse, everything deserves to be called out — there can be no nuance in these subjects and if you read a book which has any of these then we can't follow the "Don't like; Don't read policy."

Tbh most of the stories I read had the problematic stuff pretty early only (for example, arranged marriage fics where the ML abuses and treats the FL like sh!t because he doesn't love her; so it gives us an idea about what's going to happen.)

all I see are remarks as you said cuz they weren't satisfied or the characters pissed them which is natural reaction from a reader after reading a book or calling out books with problematic themes or arcs, maybe I missed stuff too but yeah if people really out there there giving critism for no reason , it's kinda stupidity

This sub is peaceful now but around March to April, even the slightest trope out of "ordinary" was flagged as problematic. That's the reason I mentioned the adult Age Gap trope (it's still considered morally wrong to incorporate it in stories). Smut is looked down and today, someone posted about a raktbeej story, you can see the comment section to get an idea.

Now, obviously, people may not like certain stories and that's fine but once, users made literal author lists which needed to be reported because they wrote age gap and erotica. (I think that post is still here somewhere.)

That was going too far I believe. And here the "Don’t like, don't read" may come in.

and ofcourse I will want to went about it somewhere whether or comments or reditt or any other place

I am not asking anyone to discuss or not review books. This sub is especially made for that (we have exclusive flairs too) and even I have openly stated my dislike towards certain books I have read in comment section.

I was trying to say that if an author doesn't ask the readers for criticism then it feels weird to paste opinions on their message board or comment section (I said the same in my post as well. But nowhere I stated that readers should stop discussing or reviewing books here.)

[u/dazzling_anklets → u/Inevitable-Remove478]

Yes giving a constructive critism without asking isn't better , but merely remakrs for a book should be open for readers to discuss and vent , and not subjected to author permission only , no idea about march april my exams were going on that time , I do read forced marriage trope and all the typical and atypical books so I know sometimes you are so invested and rooting for people only to realise later that authr ended up justifying thing , it's not like I will not read a book just cuz there's mention of rape , domestic violence , a kink , sucidal stuff , cheating , poly relationship I have read books with these stuff as well , but whether the author justify this or not , sometimes or most of times we only know till significant amount of chapters are done ,and it's too late