Hi, I am connected with a couple writers here, in the real world. I know I am about to reign Hell upon myself. To the person I am doing this for: It is worth it.
What Would Reid Do?
Reid sat in the bullpen, wearing his usual tie, sweater vest, and blazer combination. He turned and faced the readers.
"Hi," he said.
His expression was neutral. There was no sense of playful humor to him. It didn't seem likely he would be dropping random knowledge, like he does when he is excited and/or nervous. His eyes were slightly narrowed. It might be said he was angry.
"You're here because you want to read a story about me," he said. "I'm kind of a combination of flattered, embarrassed, and mystified. I don't think I'm that interesting. I know I've led an interesting life, but nothing to merit the amount of attention I seem to get. Or so I think."
Reid stood up.
"Everyone is trying to do their best as writers. Not everyone has the same level of education. Some people are better at editing than others. The person giving me words right now, has a degree in journalism from an accredited program, and she will be the first to admit, she is terrible at proofreading her own work. Is it fair to tell a writer their work needs polish? Yes, but don't be a jerk about it. Some are doing all the right things, and still making mistakes. It happens."
Reid walked to the conference room.
"I am a character on a TV show. The people who write about me are real people. Real people with health problems both mental and physical. Before you write something cruelly sarcastic about another writer's poor grammar, think for a moment about what kind of day that writer had. Use a softer tone, or better yet, don't say anything. You do not know anything about the person behind the pen name beyond what he or she discloses. Assume the person needs compassion and not nastiness.
Reid opened the door to conference room. A woman in a green polo shirt with blond hair was sitting at the table. The expression on her face was that of fierce determination.
"I am going to mostly close out my fan fiction account in May," she said. "It is the ten-year anniversary of my joining this site. I won't be adding new stories, only working on unfinished ones."
"KESwriter, as she likes to be called, is not perfect," Reid said. "Her descriptions are thin and she overly depends on dialog to propel her stories."
"I have been on the receiving end of some bruising reviews," KESwriter said. "I don't appreciate being told I need mental help, especially as I am already in counseling due my depression, anxiety, and autism."
Reid nodded.
"Please think for a moment about the qualities you like about me. Not the physical qualities. The fact that you think I am smart and kind. Think of how I would react to the idea of making a writer cry with a blistering critique, even if it does have some basis in being constructive."
"For some reason I don't attract the same level of vitriol other writers get. I am sticking my neck out now when I could be writing my own story, because no writer who is committed writing well, should feel unwelcome here. I know guest reviewers are going to come after me. I know other writers are going to think I should mind my own business. But that is not what Reid would want."
"No," Reid said. "When I see others suffering, I don't hesitate to jump in and help. A writer was bullied off this page. The name doesn't need to be said. If you are a frequent viewer, you will know who it is."
KESwriter sighed.
"This world is so full of hate right now. Why do we need to add a single sentence more to it? Not everyone is an aspiring writer in the conventional sense. Some just want to share their ideas, and live out stories that will never appear on the show. Cut them some slack!"
Reid stared directly at the readers.
"So, before you hit 'post as [whoever] or guest,' ask yourself: What would Reid do?"
THINK BEFORE YOU REVIEW