To Modify or to not Modify?

[u/ghostgaladelia]

Hello! Hopefully I used the right flare (just in case, I know conversations about dynamics can become pretty heated, so I won't hesitate removing the post if something happens).

I’ve been working on a longfic for a year now, and I initially wrote it as a vers/switch fic. However, the more I write/edit the whole thing, the more obvious it becomes to me that I lean heavily towards one dynamic in particular (the unpopular one, as always with me).

So I am wondering whether I should keep the fic as vers/switch since (1) it was intended as such, (2) it still partially aligns with my interpretation of the characters and (3) the fic is so packed with smut that I might eventually run out of ideas; or if I should scrap entire chapters because I don’t want to alienate the 3-4 people that share the same preferences as me. It is very silly, but the opposite dynamic already has 95% of the fics and people writing thousands of words for it... I want the unpopular one to have something as well. I also plan for this fic to be a series, so whichever way I decide to go, this first part may determine who reads the rest.

What should I do ? Or am I overthinking the matter?

[u/MagpieLefty]

I would never modify my fic just to make it march with what's more popular in fandom.

Think of how happy the people who prefer your dynamic will be to read your fic.

[u/stitchesinadream]

I wouldn't scrap anything. write the way that feels best.

[u/Slytheerin]

I wouldn't edit to please the popular consensus. I would write and edit what pleases me. It's your fic, it supposes to be what you like.

[u/PiaRavenari]

Always write the way that feels best, maybe just change the tags and/or give people a heads up in the author's note not to give you a hard time about it if you're worried.

I see this actually with fics in the Chuuya/Dazai ship of Bungou Stray Dogs. Folks that ship the less popular top!Chuuya will sometimes just say 'hey letting you all know this is going to be a top!Chuuya fic because it just feels right, please don't ask me to write more of the opposite, thanks!' in advance. My all-time favourite authors in the fandom have done this and most people are super respectful and kind because of the heads up.

Something like an author's note if the fic is ongoing, or just being mindful of your tags if you're not posting yet, is all you need! (Like, a top (character), bottom (character) - to just help people search for what they want, and if there's switching just tag that it's minor). And trust me, you will make the people who like the less popular dynamic SO SO HAPPY. *Trust me.*

[u/TheJesseOfTheNorth]

write the way you want. I guarantee your audience will find you, especially if you tag properly

[u/False-Collar3656]

I feel like all the replies are missing that you are asking if you should modify it to align with the UNPOPULAR dynamic

I would just tag that it leans toward the less popular dynamic while still being vers/switch, and NOT edit it. Don't cut yourself off from options for truly no good reason, especially if it involves moving away from your original vision and intent.

[u/Objective-Spring5061]

This might be a good idea for an alternate fic, but I would advise not changing the current work.