I think you've hit on one of the biggest reasons that fandom even exists though.
The personal interaction between people who share a love of something...whether it's a show, an actor, whatever.
We get into something for the stories, but we stay for the people who add life to those stories. At least, that's how it feels for me.
I've been into one fandom or another for almost 10 years now. I remember the days when there was nc-17 stuff on ff.net... and it was all great, it really was. But it was a pastime. It was all very impersonal as well (and if you weren't a writer with access to an archive, you might as well have not existed at all).
I think the social aspect of Lj (or DW or tumbler, etc...) has revitalized and redefined what fandom is, in a way truly amazes me. Although I think there are certainly consequences here (for instance, sometimes things can get quite cliquey, or comms like the anon meme pop up). Still, I have to say, I was never truly passionate about fandom until I made my way onto lj.
I've met some truly amazing people. I've found confidantes and friends that I can be silly with in a way that I can't always be in rl. I've found people who make me a better writer and a more critical reader.
So the point, I guess, is don't be afraid to make those connections...it allows you as a person, as with fandom in general, to grow and morph in some amazing ways. Yes, you have to put yourself out there, but it's always interesting to see how other people respond and connect with things, even the things you least expect.
I've met some truly amazing people. I've found confidantes and friends that I can be silly with in a way that I can't always be in rl. I've found people who make me a better writer and a more critical reader.
Definitely!
I am glad you enjoyed my thinky thoughts and that they resonated with you. Fandom is awesome and people are awesome:)
The personal interaction between people who share a love of something...whether it's a show, an actor, whatever.
We get into something for the stories, but we stay for the people who add life to those stories. At least, that's how it feels for me.
I've been into one fandom or another for almost 10 years now. I remember the days when there was nc-17 stuff on ff.net... and it was all great, it really was. But it was a pastime. It was all very impersonal as well (and if you weren't a writer with access to an archive, you might as well have not existed at all).
I think the social aspect of Lj (or DW or tumbler, etc...) has revitalized and redefined what fandom is, in a way truly amazes me. Although I think there are certainly consequences here (for instance, sometimes things can get quite cliquey, or comms like the anon meme pop up). Still, I have to say, I was never truly passionate about fandom until I made my way onto lj.
I've met some truly amazing people. I've found confidantes and friends that I can be silly with in a way that I can't always be in rl. I've found people who make me a better writer and a more critical reader.
So the point, I guess, is don't be afraid to make those connections...it allows you as a person, as with fandom in general, to grow and morph in some amazing ways. Yes, you have to put yourself out there, but it's always interesting to see how other people respond and connect with things, even the things you least expect.
sorry. rambly post is is rambly
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I've met some truly amazing people. I've found confidantes and friends that I can be silly with in a way that I can't always be in rl. I've found people who make me a better writer and a more critical reader.
Definitely!
I am glad you enjoyed my thinky thoughts and that they resonated with you. Fandom is awesome and people are awesome:)
Reply
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