…and remember that it’s not other people’s responsibility to provide creative works to distract YOU from the gloomy reality, which is honestly what this anon message reeks of.
Also, the anon needs to understand that some fanfic writers and fan artists are essential workers or work in places that never closed down, therefore there was no supposed free time to solely devote to fandoms or other hobbies. Their daily routines stayed the same–if not gotten worse– with the extra amplified-side-helpings of pandemic stress.
Everything sucks right now. And now that establishments have reopened and cases are spiking all over again, don’t be surprised if fanfic updates and artwork take another break.
People, if you are desperate for distractions, you are the ones who have to seek it out for yourselves. If your fandom is still heavily active, then great! But if not and you’re bored, pick up a real book to read, start some new hobbies like sewing, crafting, baking, whatever. And if a fanfic you enjoy or an artist you follow releases new chapters or content, kudos! Enjoy it to the fullest. Leave a comment about how much you enjoyed their work and how thankful you are that they shared something with their fandom while the world has essentially gone to hell. Perhaps that will brighten the creator’s day and help them stay inspired through harder times. But don’t expect anything. Don’t badger people for updates. If they don’t want to or can’t create, then they won’t.
Can you indulge me please, given the recent pandemic why is it that artist or fanfic writers are slowing down their works? I ask because personally I believe this makes it a better opportunity to work faster, as something to distract from the gloomy reality occurring.
I’ll indulge you, but I’m afraid you won’t like my answer very much.
The reason authors and artists aren’t working their asses off MORE is because this is a pandemic, not a vacation.
It’s not ‘extra free time’ for everyone.
For many it’s 'my grandfather just died of COVID’ time.
For many, it’s 'I got laid off and am desperately trying to look for a way not to get evicted’ time.
For many, it’s 'I’m isolated from my friends, family and other sources of inspiration, I’m at home alone trying to deal with the world at large collapsing’ time.
It’s time to go out and protest for their rights. It’s time to fall into a depression because they can’t pay for medicine, because they’re worried about a loved one with an immunodeficiency, because they have to decide whether to pay full tuition for taking classes online, which isn’t as easy to learn from and feels like a rip-off.
I feel like this needs to be reiterated - fanfiction and fanart USUALLY doesn’t pay. It’s a hobby. Most fanfic authors aren’t armcandy to a wealthy millionaire, and they can’t just ignore other important life necessities in order to keep updating their 50k coffeeshop AU. It’s not a viable career, and it will not keep you afloat. And while yes, many use it as an escape, many also can’t write when they aren’t safe, secure and know where their next paycheck is coming from.
So I’m not very surprised many creators are taking time away. They have lives, loved ones, other responsibilities, and at least one of those three is very likely a clusterfuck right now. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Be kind. Always assume everyone is doing their best. You never know what someone else might be going through.