This is so true. I feel like a lot of those aforementioned “gurus” (and even some readers) have the attitude that a writer “owes” readers responses because they’ve graciously “put up with” the writer’s desire to say something. As though the writer, in offering something that takes a (willing and interested) reader’s time, is soliciting a serious favor. And as though a writer automatically incurs some debt for the fact that their work has been consumed and has elicited some response.

But writing (as an art) is a form of entertainment that the writer offers. Entertainment is a bonus, a favor, a gift.

And writing (as an activity) is an act of SERVICE — especially when the writing in question has demanded heavy research or stunning vulnerability.

A writer has ALREADY given generously of their time and their energy — by having written something. They don’t owe anybody anything for the “favor” of having been “allowed” to share that service in the first place.

Trying to guilt or extort them into siphoning their own time away from producing (or recharging) in order to engage in comment exchanges to show their “gratitude” is ass-backwards.

Thank you for drawing attention to this.