Have you ever talked to a reader of your story? How did it go?
Only online. Back in my fanfic days there were some people who read and liked my stuff who were in the same fandom sub-community. And they were all felow writers. Likewise for my drabbles, I get comments from other writers, rarely from other people. Sometimes there's some veiled criticism.
Also alpha and beta readers. They have to be critical, it's what I need. But I love it when they also tell me if they like something, it's good for the ego.
Other than that, no. I don't publish, don't go to conventions, don't have a 'fan-discord'...