Serious Conversation about Fandom
Let's have a Serious Conversation (yes capitals) about fandom ... I believe it is a quiet feeling among writers and artists and other creators that the shift to AO3, Twitter, and Tumblr has obliterated feedback, connections, and conversations in fandom. I say it is a quiet feeling because I have had this conversation in person, but few of us say it aloud (in writing):
Feedback helps drive the creators forward.
As cherie_morte recently said (paraphrased): without comments/feedback, we're just shouting into a void; if we love an idea in our heads and we have no connection with those reading/seeing it, then the ideas remain in with us - they are not created and shared with the group.
I do believe that AO3 makes it easy to go for a simple click of the kudos rather than leaving a comment. And I do believe that the increase in device reading (tablets, smart phones, etc) has decreased the timing (or chance) for a person to go back to the post and comment. And I also believe that Twitter has replaced LJ as a forum for conversations and discourse regarding fandom, the show, etc. But I also believe it comes down to the people and how we are using these platforms.
AO3 has a comment button - so it's not hard at all to leave a more committed comment to tell someone why you've enjoyed what they created. LJ is still here with the same functions we all discovered via fandom. And both applications allow free account creation, which makes it one easy step to sign in and leave feedback. I think this is essential for 'new' members to buy into the fandom that is still around and kickin', as well as celebrate the folks who left TEN YEARS of fabulous content to enjoy today, tomorrow, and years later.
This fandom is dwindling rapidly ... and while I see plenty of folks on Twitter talk about being 'new' to fandom, I think the culture has shifted so far towards disconnected that we're not longer interacting with and supporting fandom.
So, I implore anyone reading this post to comment on posts, leave feedback (and more than just 'sequel??'), recognize the contributions folks are making (have made) to fulfill the wealth of created content we are fortunate to have at our fingertips, and start the feedback loop to encourage folks to continue - and even join - the special community feeling that has always made fandom fun!
I promise to post more ... about the show, life, whatever ... and to comment on more posts, more often. Because we can no longer complain about fandom dying when we're not doing a thing to save it.
SAVE OUR FANDOM!
Feedback helps drive the creators forward.
As cherie_morte recently said (paraphrased): without comments/feedback, we're just shouting into a void; if we love an idea in our heads and we have no connection with those reading/seeing it, then the ideas remain in with us - they are not created and shared with the group.
I do believe that AO3 makes it easy to go for a simple click of the kudos rather than leaving a comment. And I do believe that the increase in device reading (tablets, smart phones, etc) has decreased the timing (or chance) for a person to go back to the post and comment. And I also believe that Twitter has replaced LJ as a forum for conversations and discourse regarding fandom, the show, etc. But I also believe it comes down to the people and how we are using these platforms.
AO3 has a comment button - so it's not hard at all to leave a more committed comment to tell someone why you've enjoyed what they created. LJ is still here with the same functions we all discovered via fandom. And both applications allow free account creation, which makes it one easy step to sign in and leave feedback. I think this is essential for 'new' members to buy into the fandom that is still around and kickin', as well as celebrate the folks who left TEN YEARS of fabulous content to enjoy today, tomorrow, and years later.
This fandom is dwindling rapidly ... and while I see plenty of folks on Twitter talk about being 'new' to fandom, I think the culture has shifted so far towards disconnected that we're not longer interacting with and supporting fandom.
So, I implore anyone reading this post to comment on posts, leave feedback (and more than just 'sequel??'), recognize the contributions folks are making (have made) to fulfill the wealth of created content we are fortunate to have at our fingertips, and start the feedback loop to encourage folks to continue - and even join - the special community feeling that has always made fandom fun!
I promise to post more ... about the show, life, whatever ... and to comment on more posts, more often. Because we can no longer complain about fandom dying when we're not doing a thing to save it.
SAVE OUR FANDOM!