Rant Post

[sherlockbbc_fic]

Previous (Full) Rant Post

No real directions, but this isn't a place for debate. It's a place for RANTIN' AND RAVIN'.

There is a rule: There is to be no calling out anyone by name in Rants, Chatter, or on the Meme itself. This only produces an atmosphere of animosity and it is no longer tolerated. If you see any names being ranted about, please link

Comments

[anonymous]

I don't understand the obsession with making fans justify what they enjoy.

Well, I don't understand why the idea of explaining why they like something to someone who just doesn't understand and is genuinely curious, and they've explicitly stated they don't want to start a wank is so offensive to some people. Next time I see someone jump on somebody who just asked, out of curiosity, why others find something interesting I'm going to punch someone. Or punch back, because this person who ask this question might be me, since I'm a curious person incredibly fascinated by the differences between the ways in how I and other people think/experience/understand the world/universe/life/fanfiction/everything, and as far as I understand, I'm going to get punched for that. ==' *eyeroll*

[anonymous]

And also, if someone asks me a similar question, I'll be glad to explain, and maybe even a little flattered by the interest. And I usually know why I like things I like, and I also like to discuss it in an analytical, geeky way. Maybe it's narcissistic. On the other hand, I equally like to geek out on what others like, so maybe it's not. *shrug*

I still can't see why others get so defensive when someone's just curious.

[anonymous]

Cos it's not just curiosity lots of the time. Sorry if you can't see that at least well enough to frame your demands for information in a way that won't trigger a punch from someone who's had a bit too much snideness disguised as curiosity. Maybe you could just hang out on the periphery of whatever you're interested in, and shut up and read what they say, rather than wading in and assuming everyone will want to accommodate you in deconstructing their emotional landscapes.

[anonymous]

It's not demands, it's just... curiosity (it would be in my case, that is; I've never actually posted a question about a preference or a kink I don't get). Sure, there are people who just use it to start a wank, but if someone says they don't...?

Also, I don't know who had a lot of snidiness directed at them and who didn't; if someone doesn't like to explain and analyze their interests, or talk about them, it's fine. They can just say it. I think jumping on someone who didn't actually "demand" anything but was curious and wanted to understand an opinion/kink better is a bit of an overreaction.

[anonymous]

DA

"I don't want to start wank" is usually about as sincere and effective in stopping wank as "No offence, but...".

The thing is, what is there to understand about why people might like a particular fic/ship/kink? Different elements of it appeal to different people; if none of them appeal to you anyway, what difference is knowing which specific element other people like going to make to your understanding of it?

[anonymous]

DA

Yeah, why have conversations? They're so stupid. It's so much more peaceful and nice to sit quietly with the people who already agree with everything we think and say. I mean, that's why we're all here an the Love Post, right?

<3 <3 <3

[anonymous]

DA

Having a conversation =/= flogging the same old passive aggressive "I just DON'T UNDERSTAND why people like X so can you ESSPLAIN IT PLEASE."

Ranting is one thing, but criticism disguised as a weirdo plea for information is such steaming bullshit, and unsurprisingly, many of us are sick of it.

As someone said upthread, somehow it's never phrased as "Please tell me everything you like about Fic X". It's always "tell me what you could POSSIBLY see about Fic X."

[anonymous]

OP

Different elements of it appeal to different people

Hah, exactly. That's what I find interesting. And it totally makes a difference to me, it often does.

"I don't want to start wank" is usually about as sincere and effective in stopping wank as "No offence, but...".

I get it. Maybe I just haven't witnessed enough wanks caused by this kind of attitude. Dunno. I still think that accusing someone of something without actual evidence it was their intention is a bit unreasonable (and unfair), but -- yeah, I see what you mean. *sigh* I suppose it's the sort of situation where a few wankers cause non-wanky people get raged undeservedly. Sad. :/

[anonymous]

OP

a few wankers cause non-wanky people get raged undeservedly. Sad. :/

*to get raged at.

[anonymous]

Do you like bananas, anon? If you do, why? If you don't, why?

[anonymous]

DA: I love bananas now. Hated 'em when I was a kid - couldn't stand that mushy mealy texture. Never had a problem with the mild flavour though. I like them now because they are filling and nutritious and easy to eat and come neatly packaged :-)

Another anon who just likes to chat :D

[anonymous]

I like bananas very much because I find them to be both healthy and delicious. I like their versatility in that you can fry the green ones (also, plantains! I like them fried very crisp and dipped in tomato ketchup, rather than fried soft and covered in cinnamon and sugar, but that's just me), eat the yellow/speckled ones, and use the brown, overripe ones for baking! I like that they are a convenient handheld snack, and I like that they are yellow because yellow is nice to look at. I also like that they are berries! Hooray taxonomic classification! You know what is also a berry? Tomatoes are berries. I like them as well, just as a side note. Another thing I like about bananas is that the "trees" they grow on are actually a grass (I think). I can tell you more things about how bananas grow, but idk if this is that sort of post.

In conclusion, for these reasons and more, I love bananas!

[anonymous]

I think it's more about the fine line between curiosity ("Oh, you like that thing? How quaint, I didn't expect this! I'm genuinely curious to know why, I'll sit here and politely listen to your reasons") and being a prat ("Oh, you like that thing? What the hell... but why? I really can't begin to understand, why would ever like something like that?")

The first kind of questions, I'm perfectly ok with them and I'll gladly answer them too. But if I so much feel a hint of the second kind? My answer would be just a quick, "Some people like some things, other people like others, deal with it" because wasting time justifying my personal taste to a prat really isn't my favourite way to pass the time

[anonymous]

OP

Thank you for an exhaustive reply. :) I've read through all the comments and I have reached the conclusionv that I get what the problem is better now -- but I've just clearly witnessed too few wanks over someone's preferences to actually feel it (strange, I've been in the fandom for a few years. I've been lucky to steer clear off bigger wanks, it seems).

[anonymous]

Oh please. 9 out of 10 times, it's not even curiosity. Everyone has a different reason for liking something. It is basically asking someone for an explanation for liking, for example, bananas, or apples like the anon above said. You won't get anywhere by asking those 'personal' questions. Don't you think it's kinda intrusive demanding people explanations for why they like something? And in case you'ven't noticed, people've been quite nice, and some of them have explained to those who are genuinely curious. Plus, not everyone likes to discuss personal things in a 'geeky' way. I don't think that's geeky though as much as intrusive. People have the right to not answer your question, and feel defensive when they have been through enough mockery thinly disguised as curiosity.

[anonymous]

OP

As I said above, I have absolutely no problem with people saying they don't want to discuss something.