stolen from fluterbev...
This is what I am henceforth calling "The Laws of Fandom" because they happen so much.
What happens...When you/your friends do it, it is...When other people do it, it is...1. Post a critique of a piece of fiction:Perfectly legitimate commentary on something you read.Bullying and persecution.2. Make disparaging personal remarks about a writer:Totally fine. The writer deserves it because you don’t like her she hasn’t earned politeness or respect.Bullying and persecution.3. The writer responds negatively:Standing up for yourself. You are bravely fighting back against unjust criticism, and exercising your right to free speech.Pathetic, attention-seeking behaviour. They are whining and should grow a thick skin. Furthermore, it is an attempt to suppress free speech.4. The writer's friends respond negatively:Admirable. They are loyal and true and standing up for their friend.A mass attack. They are a bullying cabal who are banding together to persecute you.5. Totally unconnected observers respond negatively:Impartial validation of your position. They are clearly sensible, intelligent individuals who came to a fair conclusion totally on their own.Dogpiling. They have been brainwashed by propaganda and/or are secretly in cahoots with the bullying cabal. Either way, it’s more persecution.(original post here.)
What happens...When you/your friends do it, it is...When other people do it, it is...1. Post a critique of a piece of fiction:Perfectly legitimate commentary on something you read.Bullying and persecution.2. Make disparaging personal remarks about a writer:Totally fine. The writer deserves it because you don’t like her she hasn’t earned politeness or respect.Bullying and persecution.3. The writer responds negatively:Standing up for yourself. You are bravely fighting back against unjust criticism, and exercising your right to free speech.Pathetic, attention-seeking behaviour. They are whining and should grow a thick skin. Furthermore, it is an attempt to suppress free speech.4. The writer's friends respond negatively:Admirable. They are loyal and true and standing up for their friend.A mass attack. They are a bullying cabal who are banding together to persecute you.5. Totally unconnected observers respond negatively:Impartial validation of your position. They are clearly sensible, intelligent individuals who came to a fair conclusion totally on their own.Dogpiling. They have been brainwashed by propaganda and/or are secretly in cahoots with the bullying cabal. Either way, it’s more persecution.(original post here.)