Author to Fan relationship: When is asking for help inappropriate?

Rambling time...

 So I've seen a lot of author ask their fans for help with new books. I don't see an issue with this, everyone needs help some times; and this is usually for names. I can understand names being hard to come up with, especially when your book has a lot of background characters.
But when is asking for help inappropriate?

 By this I mean: when are you crossing the line and selling someone else short. A name is one thing, but what about asking someone to create a background to go along with that name? Can it be used for your book when they've done all the work for that one character? Or worse, several...

 Is it okay for you to ask someone to come up with a scenario for your characters to fight through? Or ask them to sell your merchandise (you'll provide it, but they need to clean out what you've given them in a month) with no payment offered for their time?

 I feel like some of these step over the line of an author to fan relationship.
First, how can you use a character someone else made for a story you have already outlined? Or thought up, even. I would imagine this is hard, unless you give out a lot of detail on what you would like to see happen; and even then, are you really the one writing it anymore? If they create the character with a full bio attached, it is theirs, not yours!  One of my biggest fears with this would be any following lawsuits.
Plus asking for such a thing just appears... Lazy. I'm sorry, but in my eyes it does! If you need help with the bio, say something about it bugs you, then that is a little different. To pull someone aside and ask, "does this sound right?" is perfectly fine. It is still your work.

Scenarios is a tricky edge to walk. Some more examples to come...

"Who wants to see Kasey and Roger's book?!" "What should I make my two characters do now?" "Do you think a love scene after this big fight is cheesy?"

 "What should my book be about?"

The first question is acceptable and exciting. If you're working on a series and you think two background characters should receive some spotlight action, this is a great way to introduce the idea. Not everyone is going to be thrilled, but we all have haters somewhere.
The second question looks like more laziness. If you don't know where to go it might be time to end things; or put the project away until a later date. No need to worry over coming out with seven books for one series. It's not always possible, and in my humble opinion unless you do something like what J.R. Ward did, it's better to keep things short... Drawing your series out just to try and make some cash may back fire on you. I can list a few author's who have made that mistake and quickly lost my interest. So, when the ideas stop flowing, just put it aside. And if you're asking this with your first book... Well, just put it aside and try again. The third question- a perfectly fine question to ask if you are honestly unsure. (To answer it, sex right after a big battle is pretty hot.)
I can see everyone having moments where they fear being too "cheesy"; especially when you are new and have no outside opinions about the full product yet. However, it might be best asked to a trusted beta reader so they get the full effect of the battle and current character development.
The last one should go without saying. When I see anything similar to that I ask myself two questions: Are they a ghost writer looking to reel in a new customer? Why are they trying to be an author if they have no creativity. More often than not I find the ones asking this is not a ghost writer. And even sadder, it's their first book. Don't get me wrong, there are some people who honestly have so much in their heads they can't figure out what to work on first and so they turn to their fans. But if they do, it is asked in a more appropriate way.

"Hey, I've just finished Name The Book Here! It's time to move on to the next project, but which one should it be? I've had an idea for a werewolf book, but I think my stand- alone should turn into a series; any ideas?" "Eager to write again! But I'm lost- what do you want to see more of? My witch series or a contemporary romance I've had buzzing around in my head?" 

"Eeek! I have an idea for a horror book, but I've been with the mystery genre for so long... Should I switch over or keep doing what I'm doing?"

Selling merchandise... 

I've actually had a few people ask me to do this, and similar things, with nothing to show for my efforts. There is a big difference between lending a hand, and giving a handout. I'm sorry authors, but when it comes to selling your stuff, I will say no. That's a handout; it's your bookmarks, magnets, books, posters, etc. You should do it, or pay for help. I will, however, share because I am not the one personally pushing said item(s); and I will share it more than once. Not more than once a day, but like in a week. It's nice to show support, hell, I love doing so! Share a page, share a link, not a problem! But when it comes to actually selling their stuff for them, pushing the merchandise on the fans, constantly trying to draw them to the page and website; nope. Not going to happen unless I see a percentage. 

I don't want your big box of bookmarks to distribute to costumers for nothing. I don't want to spam my fan's newsfeed with your links. It's kind of rude and will most likely end in me losing followers. And I think asking someone else to do so crosses that author to fan line. 

"Please share the link to my new book" sounds a lot better than "get your friends to buy my book, and don't forget about the merchandise on my website! Sell, sell, sell people!"

Bottom line here, it's all about wording your questions properly. If you want an opinion make sure that is all you are asking for. If you want some feedback, phrase it nicely. And if you could use some boosts in your sales, do some research on who will happily share the link to your book or website- and only ask them to share, not personally hand the stuff out.

Last thing before I leave: I did not edit any of this. I did not reread it to catch errors, I just wanted to get it off my chest. I've seen these misuse of words and author to fan relationships WAY too often. I felt like something finally needed to be said. If you have any opinions about this topic, or notice a distracting typo, please feel free to share it in the comments. 

Until then, Vampy love to all, and happy writing! ♥