@unforth-ninawaters replied to your post

Phrase it as, “rec list of my faves, my taste is a little different from mainstream.” I’ve found as long as I focus on preference instead of quality people are usually cool with it. Like I feel comfortable saying publicly, “I personally didn’t enjoy the works of x and y popular author.” I mean, taste is what makes a horse race, right? But for a rec list you don’t even have to do that, just say, “rec list of my favorites!” And leave it at that.

That’s a good idea. And you’re right, it is all about personal taste.