I've noticed this phenomenon among some fan-art produced here on DA, especially in my case, for Snaiad.

Some users are too eager to "diss" the creations of their fellow Deviants, poking holes and writing them off in curt, dismissive tones. This is unproductive and juvenile.

When someone produces fan-art for a project, any project, this shows that they have "lived" in that world long enough to go ahead and make stuff on their own. Dismissing such eager participation would be the most stupid course of action to take.

I almost never "denounce" Snaiadi fan-creations, unless they look too much like pokemon or cheesy monsters. Even if I don't canonize every concept, they can still provide inspiration for versions that can later become "official."

More importantly, the single most valuable thing in such situations is to make my fans feel accepted. Participation is almost as important as art and science in keeping projects like Snaiad alive.