I think it would even make the author more vulnerable. I saw one comment where the author and the readers diss each other, it went like this...
Reader 1: this novel hot garbage and trash
Author: lmao, how about u try to write
Reader2: ignore him dude, hes probably just trying to take u down
Author: i kno, hes probably an alt account of some failed author who is jealous of my work.
Reader1: lol im no author and even if im not, i can write better than the trash u put here.
There no need to come back a readers. If the book is doing well and there are active readers. Not everyone going to like your work . But for The one persons
Who don’t like your book .there will always be 10 people’s who do like it. And will support you don’t worry about that one person but forces on the other.
CacackleLasson Well, when you write a book, there are many who might like it. Same for the people who dislike it. Everyone has different tastes and it is not possible for a story to cater to them all.
Usually, some readers take it too far to express their dislike of the story. Even if it was trash, the author still spent the time to plot and write it. Remember that most authors are insecure. So, when someone calls their work trash, they are affected.
Some wall up and cry while others lash out in defence. To us authors, whether good, bad, plain, or ugly, our books are our children. And, we are defensive towards them. If someone comes to you and bashes your child, how will you take it? Consider the below example:
Example 1:
Stranger Aunty: "Hello sister, your son is plain trash. I don't understand why you gave birth to her?"
Author Lady: "Shut up, you runaway reject! How dare your scummy self talk about my son like that." Delivers a punch to the gut.
Example 1:
Stranger Lady: "Hello sister, I just wanted to inform you of this. I hope you don't take it the wrong way. But your son...recently, he has been mingling with some corrupt influences. Please take care of him."
Author lady: "I will see to it. Thank you for informing me."
See that in both the examples above, the tone is not that different. Both affect the recipient but, in the case of the second, the recipient is willing to listen and think up on the matter. It would be better if the tone is even milder. But, on the internet, where toxicity is abundant, I at least hope that one can be milder with what they say.
I generally ignore toxic comments, but I always answer to toxic reviews because there's often behind them a slandering intent and the content of the arguments is generally some non sense with very few chapters read. A logical and calm answer to them can do wonders and sometimes they have valid points.
You generally know if they're toxic readers when they answer you back. Many don't. If they do, the tone tells you instantly if it's possible to talk with them in an intelligent way.
Anyway, except for a few authors here, most webnovels are first drafts, mine included. So taking notice of every feedack, positive or negative is very important. When there's enough, it gives you a clear idea of what you need to improve or rewrite.
It's simple really. If you talk like an idiot, I will treat you like one. You talk like a sensible person, I treat you like one also.
The golden rule basically.
Some are fine with reader toxicity, some tell themselves to take in quietly while feeling the pain inside, and some will respond and bring to light how silly you are.
Most authors fall in the 2nd category, but luckily, I fall in the 3rd.
I can understand the urge to defend yourself when someone is trashing your work, especially if they don't provide specifics. I tend to be fairly critical when I review a chapter because I want the author to improve. In the case above I would either ask them for an example of hot trash or simply blow them off as someone who delights in acting like a horse's backside.
