Contrary to the post title, I would like to know who among us Pagebound readers have perfect eyesight. Consider this a survey. Who among us have won the lottery and have not eroded their vision with our passion for words, so gripping that we read on our backs in bed or in the dimness as evening falls?

I’d also like to hear from friends who have usual sight- or spectacle-related stories. I, for example, have near-sightedness but it’s SPECIAL. You see, one side is 3.25 and the other is… 8.75. This means one side of my glasses is thicc af and the other is okay. Some people do apparently notice this and comment on or ask about it.

Edit: Current observations - Most readers do have poor eyesight and those who don't have other issues or sight-/eye-related problems that nevertheless are disruptive despite having clear vision. It's not looking good for us.

There’s a lot of discourse already on fanfic being published, but I’d like to focus on craft. I do believe that some fanfics are novel-worthy but I’m not sure if that means I’ll accept an adapted fanfic as a novel.

I recently finished a book and realised it started as a fanfic. As well-written and researched as it is, my first thought was, “Oh, that explains.” Which I find might be unfair because prior to finding out, I wasn’t judging it as much, but suddenly knowing that fact, the metrics changed. I value fanfics a lot and I do not think of them as lesser than published works, but I really can’t deny that my perception and opinions are changed once I discover fanfic roots. And I really don’t quite understand why.

And this also has me wondering about the way stories are structured. By all means, the rules for fanfic- and novel-writing are the same regardless of medium. Perhaps some rules or considerations are ignored in fanfic because the focus is different, but this can happen with novels as well. However, when manuscripts are put through the editing process, these considerations get brought up again to be discussed and maybe the manuscript gets changed. So why does published fanfic still feel at times like fanfic? With Red, White and Royal Blue (which iinm isn’t published fanfic but Casey McQuiston started as a fanfic writer? please lmk), I found the story very indulgent and somewhat removed from reality. Which is fine! But definitely something I’d expect more from a fanfic than a published novel.

At the same time, I also do wonder if my perceptions are coloured by what I read. There are a lot of “less serious” books out there that I generally don’t go for. Could it be that? But let’s be very real, a lot of books are wish fulfilment, fantasy power trips or what have you. What makes published fanfic different that I judge them differently?

Apologies for the directionless ruminations but I’d love to hear your thoughts! Especially for published fanfic that definitely do stand alone and aren’t just that bit confusing when divorced from the source material. Oh and happy Sunday!