User blog comment:Spike the Dragon/My Rant on Sweet Apple Masaccre./@comment-4838972-20140122213125

"Do not read the fanfic, Please."

I think the reason why people read stories like this, Cupcakes, Cheerilee's Garden, and 120 Days of Blueblood is curiosity. When people say not to read a story (as you did), readers wonder why people are making such a big deal about it and will then read the fanfic to find out why. I read Cupcakes and SAM just to find out why people were making such a big deal about them. If I hadn't already read the story, I would have read it solely because of that last sentence.

Additionally, I think the popularity of subversion plays a role in this as well. I traditionally love fanfiction that takes a darker look on the "fluffy, puffy, whimsical, enchanted" world of Equestria. While I'm not a fan of this specific interpretation of a "darker look", others are, hence why things like this are written. Then, when these stories become mainstream, others will say "Huh, everyone is talking about this. I bet if I write something even worse, I'll become even more famous!"

Finally, doubt also plays a role. When someone gives their opinion on something, not everyone will take the person's word for it. Many will then examine the work in question just to see for themselves. Then they will give their opinion and the chain continues.

While I'm not saying the author will realize all of this while writing fanfiction, there is a chance that at least one of these things will play a role in its creation. Does this answer your question.