So, I honestly haven't been reading much "new fic" lately, for many reasons. I've been busy at an internship all summer so I didn't really have time, and then I was trying to finish another book. I tell myself those are the main reasons, but I also know the big reason.
The lingering fear in the back of my mind that the fic is going to be deleted before I can even finish it.
For a long while I stopped reading WIPs all together because of the delete-fic-apalooza that seems to be going on over at FF.net constantly. I know there are other sites to read stories on, but FF.net to me is just easier because the majority of stories are posted there and then I don't have to keep track of checking multiple sites for updates.
Over the weekend, I found a completed fic to read. Lo and behold, there was a sequel, and of course I had to read it (I really loved the first part of the story). This sequel was a WIP, but I decided to take the risk and read it because I loved the first installment. It just so happened that after I caught up to the final posted chapter of the sequel and added the story to my favorites, THE STORY GOT DELETED. The author posted a note on the end of the first part of the story (that was not yet deleted) saying that she didn't intend to finish the story or post it elswhere. I was incredibly sad, but she gave her reasons for not wanting to continue with the story.
I completely understand the author's frustration and decision to not repost, but that doesn't make it any less disappointing for me (and her many other readers) who were wrapped up in the middle of this story and wanted to see it finished.
I just want to know, has something similar happened to someone else? Does it just make you want to give up on reading WIPs all together? Do you think I should gradually start trying to read stories not on FF.net?
Also, do any authors who have had stories deleted want to give a little insight into what goes on in your mind when something you have put so much work into gets deleted?