r/AO3 • • 23h ago

Discussion (Non-question) /reader fics

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.

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u/Purple_not_pink 23h ago

I also gave it a try for the same reasons. As a reader of only third person, it was hard for me to adjust. I can see myself enjoying a few with the right trope perhaps, but not in my current fandom. I learned that I prefer to be a step removed from the characters.