/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/lorehermit]

Have you ever played a game like Baldur’s Gate 3, where you’re referred to in second person but are ostensibly a separate character with their own backstory and motives - not your literal current self? It’s like that. Ideally the author leaves enough blank that you can imagine yourself (or anyone else), but really to me it’s less “it’s literally supposed to be YOU” and more a vehicle for experiencing the story from within and as a part of the story.

[u/SmoopufftheShoopuff → u/lorehermit]

but really to me it’s less “it’s literally supposed to be YOU” and more a vehicle for experiencing the story from within and as a part of the story

I wouldn't mind this kind of readerfic, but there is also a big chunk that's definitely wish-fulfilment that is supposed to be you (or the author's "you" in any case).

I wish there were some way to easily distinguish between the two, but as there isn't, I'll keep avoiding all readerfic. It's a shame, because 2nd person POV actually works really well for me.

[u/lorehermit → u/SmoopufftheShoopuff]

That makes sense! I guess I mostly read longform or slowburn reader inserts, where a certain amount of backstory is necessary even when it’s supposed to be “you” (ie: “you get isekai’d into xyz universe”).

Just due to the nature of slowburns and 100k+ stories, I genuinely can’t think of one I’ve read recently that didn’t have at least a sort of stand in backstory. Like you’re still meant to accept you’re, say, a person that went to college at some point, or lived in a major city, or have had an abusive family, or whatever else might not actually fit your life. I guess I still see that minor differentiation as accepting the vehicle for the story, so to speak.