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Dec 2020

Hmm, I don't think it's ever turned me off from continuing to read a story, but rather it turns me off from ever checking out their content.

I would say 99.9% of creators on here have been wonderful, kind, humorous, and insightful. But once or twice I've seen some controversial comments/posts or otherwise bad takes that put other creators down. And that's not something I want to support. (Usually they're posts from random people I've never seen in the forums.)

Oh! Funny enough, I came across this exact situation a few minutes ago. I was checking out the rankings of my comics over on Webtoons and came across another comic that caught my eye. This comic happened to have an announcement as the latest chapter, which I will always click first to see whether it's anything serious (like dropping the comic).

It turned out to be even more serious lmao. Apparently the author was blatantly tracing from another comic (Solo Levelling) and was profiting off it without credit the Solo Levelling artist. Past comments about the similarities were met with many downvotes but it was only recently that a bunch of creators came together and called out the author (hence the announcement). But yea anyways, long story short, not only was the author completely not remorseful, they also didn't apologise for the tracing. Instead defended it, lied about not profiting from the comic and said they will continue their comic regardless. Completely turned me off from even starting.

What? Really?! Is there any way to report this person? Does the Solo Levelling artist know?

Yup, definitely. Not really on Tapas, but had that happening on other platforms.

I mentioned it in the past already, but overall, if an author is being an ass to their readers, chance is I'm gonna stop reading the story as well. This includes constantly complaining about lack of subs or comments (YES, we all complain about that from time to time, but if you're doing that 24/7 under every single update it gets, well... tiring), being ungrateful/demanding readers interact a certain way (e.g. creators saying that readers commenting with "nice job!" or "beautiful art!" aren't "trying hard enough" and "shouldn't even bother to read their story") and attacking readers/treating them like crap for daring to ask simple questions. This is especially true when it comes to LGBTQ+ and minority representation: if someone complimented your comic, politely asked you a question about an issue they genuinely don't know much about and even apologized in advance for their ignorance on the matter and your first reaction is to attack them and call them names instead of replying to their question... I'm out. Like, I'm not saying that you have to reply with a full on essay with a bibliography + source links or anything like that, but dammit, at least be civil to readers who show an interest in certain issues and are actually trying to learn more about them? ._.'

Also, should go without saying, but anyone participating in any form of cyberbullying is a huge nope to me.

Nope. Don't worry, you're awesome. I just don't like people who aren't receptive to improvement in any form. Sure, they don't have to listen to every single person but there is a fine line of difference between being confident about your own work and being outright arrogant. I've seen this in other websites, not just in matters of writing.

It's literature man, it's limitless. If someone loses the sense of wonderment, respect for the art and receptivity and eagerness to learn, and replaces it all with their inflated sense of self, that is when they cross the line.

Hmm... I can't think of any authors I've been turned off of due to their attitude. In the past I have been turned off of a few artists on varying social medias for being egocentric (pushy, begging for likes/engagement on my posts or in DMs, being aggressive with other creators, acting like they were better than other creators, etc). I'm honestly really glad I haven't seen that on Tapas thus far. :heartbeat: (I even have some friends on here from the socials I left!) Overall, the community is so warm here... There's not really any trying to "beat" other creators in a popularity competition. Social media tends to create a cold abyss where nothing matters but likes,likes,likes. That is why I prefer to engage with people on forums and Discord. So I can... actually talk to people in depth.

Not really encountered anyone as yet. Generally everyone's is supportive.
I'm sure I will rub someone the wrong way at some point as I tend to say what I think and have zero tolerance for internet drama.

Lifes too short.

Yes, actually. I was into this one story because the art was really fluid and clean, the story and characters were interesting too. But as I kept up with it and followed the creator on social media, they increasingly came off as bitter and negative to me so I unfollowed them. I don't need more negativity in my life. I might have continued to read their comic since it wasn't as negative, but they stopped posting on Tapas anyway.

As for titles I've yet to read, definitely if someone rubs me the wrong way I am more disinclined to check out their work.

I'm pretty sure the artists of Solo Levelling consists of a team under a single username (as most professional Korean manhwas are made) so it's hard to know exactly who to contact. I think a number of people have reported the comic already, but most of the comments state they don't want the comic taken down. Instead, they want it revamped using original art.

Also fun fact: the comic is also posted on Tapas and it has over 1.4k subs gained since September 2020 and so far, (surprisingly) ONE comment about the tracing from Solo Levelling. Oof :disappointed_relieved:

Maybe we should report it then? Do you have the link to the story?

I don't really want to get banned for putting the name of the comic in case it falls under witch hunting :disappointed_relieved: but I would be happy to talk to a moderator over it! Including the link to the compiled evidence of the tracing so, they could judge it for themselves.

Yes! Definitely consider doing that! Try a moderator from the forums, or if not, you can probably send an email to Tapas.

I'm not really sure who to contact tbh. I don't know if the moderators on the forums are also handling reports over series titles as well :weary:

I just think that Tapas is a great place with nice people overall.
When or If I ever had said or done something that steppede over some toes, I have always apologist directly and tried to keep the drama out of the public debate, and take the debate with the persons involved.

And I hope you will do the same with me.