Indigo, of the comic-book fanfic community:

Sometimes it's hard to find the courage to share a creative pursuit. My parents called me "abnormal" for writing and drawing, and rather than encouraging me to do what I clearly enjoyed and was good at, they discouraged me, and tried to force me into so-called "normal" activities.

Whereas in the fanfiction community, there is no stigma of "abnormal." Most of the adults in the community were these introspective teens who had no way of meeting people with similar talents and interests. In this day and age where teachers pass illitterate students, it should be considered comforting to know that you have a child whose interest means that s/he will be increasing the vocabulary and sharpening the communications skills. In addition, online chat also develops the typing skills -- wholly mundane, totally normal, and absolutely vital to surviving in the business world today.