I feel like most fanfic I have read in the past from all manner of websites and posts were either self insert or smut based in some way. Mind you there is nothing wrong with that at all. Every fanfic made at some point is self indulgent. However What got me into writing fanfic was the lack of lore based fics in my own experience. Fics that have a plot that actually flows, one that differs from what most people write or think of. I didn't realize how many people felt the same until I started writing lore based fics, I'm incredibly greatful for each read I get, even if it mildly makes someone's day better I am more than happy to continue doing so.