People don't realize how difficult artists have it.
We have to create something that is "true" to us, but we have to make it readily available to people we've never met before. Of course, no one creates art to be commercially viable, as the saying goes, but if people didn't pay for it, everyone would be good at it.
When you begin writing for your audience, you're removing the ability to provide an escape, which is what art does.
There's No Escapism in Baseball
When you let what the audience wants influence your writing, you're certainly not being "true" to yourself or the characters you've created. However, if you are "true" to your vision, there is a very high probability that no one will understand exactly what you're trying to do and it will never be seen or heard.
Thus, your vision will die.
This is why I think we should all "date" our audiences.
You set the tone of the relationship early on by being the dominant personality. You're deciding when you're going out to dinner and where. The relationship provides a feigned exclusivity and you will always give enough to keep them interested.
The Steps:
Surprise them with nice gifts (your work) Call upon them to be an active participant (solicit feedback) Don't talk too much about anyone else (other fans or admirers)
If your plan is to steal the audience from other artists, then be prepared to do everything that other team is doing longer, faster and better.
Much like a real relationship, there may be a time when one of the parties is ready to go in another direction.
Let that happen.