An update!

[ltgmars]

It's been a long, long time since I've updated this thing, and while I still check my f-list several times a day, I think I've forgotten how nice it feels just to talk about myself into the ether to the handful of ears still roaming around

Comments

[faded_lace]

Hi Inez! I miss you ♥

This was such a nice post, and I think everyone could benefit from being as conscious and self-aware as you are. Also, it's wonderful to hear someone talk about their idols inspiring them to do good, rather than making them crazy stalkers, or lashing out at other people on the internet for having different opinions. Reading this post made me feel really positive.

Also, things like with your brother are always great to brighten your day ♥ I'm glad he appreciated the gift!

[ltgmars]

Hi~ ♥

You know, it's funny (in a sad way) that this kind of post feels out of the ordinary, because I feel like the very nature of idols is to encourage their fans to work hard and to be the best versions of themselves. I've had to explain the idol-fan dynamic to a number of people recently (who only think of boy bands as pretty men to swoon over); it's made me appreciate that while yes, one of the main objectives from the business perspective is to inspire fans to buy goods, a major trend you end up seeing is how so many fans feel inspired and encouraged by seeing their idols work hard and grow through the inspiration and encouragement they've received from their fans. That dynamic of mutual growth is very explicit in the relationship idols have with fans, so you would think that it would be the easy thing for people to focus on. But alas, I know you've had your fair share of experience with the darker parts of fandom, so I'm glad if nothing else that this post shone a little bright spot back into what everyone should really be here

[faded_lace]

I agree entirely, and I think the guys are probably pretty dismayed to see what goes on when they check twitter and other social media outlets. I'm not even talking 100% about the fans who attack other fans; that's a huge problem and it amazes me to think fans do it in the name of the guys when the guys would never ever wish that sort of fandom war to happen, but I'm also stunned by the other half, which is the fans who see the relationship between fan and idol not as one of reciprocal give and take (fans give support and get entertainment and inspiration, the guys give entertainment and inspiration and get support, everyone grows together and the guys appreciate the fans who have supported them through the years, etc etc) but almost of the guy owing them something for their support? I'm amazed by how many people see the guys as something quantifiable, that they measure their success as fans by how many times they've touched him, or how many times they've spotted him on the street… not in order to show their support, but to be known

[ltgmars]

Mm, it's definitely sad to hear about that kind of behavior, because even on a very basic level I feel like it's disrespectful of the idols as people, much less what they had in mind when they made the decision to work their way up to a place where they could inspire others. My guess -- my hope -- is that at least the majority of fans do appreciate and participate in the reciprocal relationship and that the guys are able to use that overwhelming positive energy to do their best.

Yes, let's definitely catch up soon! :3

[faded_lace]

Exactly… I feel like these people don't even respect them as human beings, not to mention people who work themselves really hard to be a role model for the general public. But you meet and see so many good fans, too, that I'm sure that there's a strong majority… or else why would the guys keep doing it? XD; At any rate, I'm really happy to read you writing about it publicly like this because I hope it will inspire more others, too! It definitely inspired me.

Let me know how your life is going sometime :3 I want to meet up again whenever you come back!