Yeah, I can't disagree. I think that for pro writers, though, that's kind of a given? Most of them understand that unless they respect their fans, they won't get very far with them... that's why so many of them do book signings when there is really no obligation to do so, even after they become famous enough that it's no longer especially necessary in terms of self-promotion.

I think that Diane Gabaldon probably assumes she's being respectful to her fans. She's wrong, but I highly doubt she set out to offend anyone. And even though I disagree with GRRM, I feel he's been quite civil in putting forth his POV.

As I say in my subsequent post, I find the fan response to Gabaldon to be fairly disturbing, in part because much of it is coming from people who aren't really fans, but also because it's disproportionate to her "crime," which was to incautiously and stupidly advertise her ignorant, emotionally overcharged viewpoint. Many people are being respectful. Many more aren't.