Hi folks! Quick safety reminder for all you writers and readers out there. If someone comes into your story and leaves a comment marketing themselves as a "professional illustrator/artist", please check these things:
- Their compliments of the story. Is it vague? Does it actually capture anything about your work? "Vivid imagery, intriguing characters" are vague descriptions that are easily applicable to any story.
- Did they only comment on the last chapter of your work? Have they been engaging with you, or is this your first interaction?
- Is this on a fanfiction? If so, everyone needs to remember that you cannot professionally market fanworks; this is a copyright infringement and can get you, or the fan sites you engage with, in trouble. Any "professional illustrator" should know that.
- Do they give you a link? A Discord name? A method of communication? BE CAREFUL BEFORE ENGAGING!!
- Look at the profile of the person. When was it made (bot accounts are often pretty recent)? This isn't always a surefire way to tell, but it can be helpful
The reason I say all of this is that scams like the one I've just described are ALL OVER several of the fan sites I frequent, and I've just gotten my first one here on Wattpad. At first glance, it seems harmless; they make no mention of cost, money, or profit. It can be exciting to have someone interact with your work and the idea that you may have inspired others to create is HUGE, which is part of the reason I really hate this scam because it preys on small creators who are looking for a chance to connect with other creators. Everyone, stay safe. Don't engage, report accounts, and don't let it get you down.
It can be DEVASTATING when the only interaction you've had with your work is a bot comment, and I am so sorry for everyone who has to go through that disappointment. Do NOT let it kill your creativity. Hang in there, stay safe, and keep on creating <3