I abandoned a story after 46 chapters, because I lost faith in my ability to write the story in a way I was happy with. It happens, and that's life. I took a break, saw my way though the problem and finished the story later. I don't believe any writer would stop on purpose. It's not like we want people to beg. It used to upset me to see people asking whether I would finish the story, because it was a painful reminder of how much I had let people down.
I don't know which story you're referring to, because I don't read much fanfic any more, but I do know you have to like the idea you are writing. If a plot goes in a direction the writer doesn't like, (and we have less control over that than you would think) then it's impossible to continue, even if the readers liked that angle. I couldn't create something I didn't believe in. Isn't it better for a writer to change the direction and finish the story rather than leaving it mid-way and starting something new?
You mention requests to post more frequently like they're a good thing. I don't see "post more often" and "we want another chapter tomorrow" messages as supportive. When I've set a weekly posting schedule that I'm comfortable with, then demands for more are annoying and can easily be viewed as a criticism ("you're not doing enough to please me!") rather than a message of support. Some writers might like that sort of back-handed compliment, but I hate feeling as though I have to defend or apologise for my decisions.
I don't know which story you're referring to, because I don't read much fanfic any more, but I do know you have to like the idea you are writing. If a plot goes in a direction the writer doesn't like, (and we have less control over that than you would think) then it's impossible to continue, even if the readers liked that angle. I couldn't create something I didn't believe in. Isn't it better for a writer to change the direction and finish the story rather than leaving it mid-way and starting something new?
You mention requests to post more frequently like they're a good thing. I don't see "post more often" and "we want another chapter tomorrow" messages as supportive. When I've set a weekly posting schedule that I'm comfortable with, then demands for more are annoying and can easily be viewed as a criticism ("you're not doing enough to please me!") rather than a message of support. Some writers might like that sort of back-handed compliment, but I hate feeling as though I have to defend or apologise for my decisions.