/reader fics

[u/Icy-Specific986]

Not sure how to start this post, so I guess some context might be the way to go.

I like some really niche, small fandoms. Unfortunately that means that my options, especially when it comes to pairings and just overall romance, are often very limited. Because of that, I usually give everything a try, even fics that usually wouldn’t appeal to me.

But one thing I could never really get into are /reader fics (I’m I writing this right? Is there another name for it?). The whole “you did x” and “you held y’s hand” kind of thing never sort of clicked with me, because it feels like I’m being personally and directly addressed by the author and… that’s just sorta weird?

But like I said, by my own sins (aka liking tiny fandoms) I’m running out of reading material. So I’m just wondering if maybe I’m reading and/or interpreting /reader fics wrong? Like, is there some sort of “mentality” or “view” that you have to have to properly enjoy them?

And just to be clear, I’m not complaining about /reader fics or anything like that. I genuinely want to try to read them, but I never quite manage to because of the reasons above, and want to change that.

Sorry if this post doesn’t make any sense, I could barely make it make sense to myself in my head, much less trying to explain to other people.

[u/TypicalOddities]

You don't have to like them. They are wish fulfillment to be part of a story. My love for them started with the Choose Your Own Scare books from Goosebumps. If you don't want to be the main character then they aren't for you and that is okay.

[u/Ok-Statement-3328 → u/TypicalOddities]

I’m not OP, but your comment really resonated, and reframed /reader fics for me. For some reason, just like OP, I also really struggle to get into the vibe with most /reader fics. But I did read some of the Goosebumps Choose your own scare books as a kid. And I had no problems with them! I was actually very absorbed and taken in by them.

Maybe there’s something about it being the romance genre (generally), that just squicks out my vibe with /reader? I’ve really never given it any serious thought, but it’s so true. The thought of reading maybe some horror, or adventure, now the idea of /reader seems very reasonable and even exciting!

… I don’t have the type of degree, to be IDing what it is about /reader in romance, that icks me out, personally. Maybe it’s a personal thing. I’ve basically sworn off romance in my personal life (aro). Maybe it’s immersion breaking?

I’d be curious to know though if other people get this? Are there others who wouldn’t read /reader romance, but would read /reader in other genres?

[u/TypicalOddities → u/Ok-Statement-3328]

I totally understand that! There have been times I've even tried to write a romance /Reader fic but it ended up being platonic or having nothing to do with the actual romance because that was more interesting for the story I was trying to tell. But yeah, a majority will be romance as is the nature of the Fandom Beast. I'm glad I was able to help a little though!