Depressed Spuffy fan here...

[francy_m79]

.. can someone explain to me why, after all these years, I keep reading fandom opinions on Spuffy, googling old and new discussions, while knowing perfectly fine that all I ever get from that is pain and depression and hopelessness, since 90% of the posts I find out there are negative, and tend to put down, denigrate and demeane the whole Spuffy

Comments

[galathea_snb]

Aww, poor you. *hugs* I have stuff in the SN fandom that gets to me every time as well, hence my avoiding fandom at large and only conversing with like-minded people, which is much, much better for my health. How did I learn to do that? Well, unlike you, I just came to the point where I thought the benefits of randomly looking around the net for opinions are by far outweighed by the disadvantages. I am not really tempted to wander around the internet anymore, because I know what I'll find. I have enough places where I can go that are perfectly suited to my needs and I know enough people with whom I can discuss the joys of Sam and Dean to my heart's content

[francy_m79]

It's an ugly world out there!! *hug*

Unfortunately, there aren't many Spuffy-related places I can go to... being Btvs an old show, most communities and sites died long ago, and lj is not that active anymore.

Also, I tend to want to see the wider perspective on things, as reading only praise on something can be very reductive. Most of the times it backfires, though.

Sigh.

[galathea_snb]

I tend to want to see the wider perspective on things
Oh, I want that, too. Luckily the SN fandom is very active and even in places that are solely focussed on Sam and Dean, the opinions are varied and detailed and put into a wider context. I am hardly a fan who praises everything that happens in the show and most people I know aren't either. Conversing with these people is not only about squeeing together about the things that make us happy, but also about discussing the things that make us unhappy, trying to find a new perspective that makes those things more tolerable. You can only ever do that with like-minded people; it's basically impossible with people with whom you have to argue about your fannish framework first.

[francy_m79]

Yeah, you are right... with people with opposite views you just end up arguing and getting angry for nothing...

I already don't engage, though... I have to learn to stop reading too!!! ;)

[boot_the_grime]

No, I don't think that that many neutral viewers actually believe that Buffy just 'cared for Spike as a friend'. In fact, many haters of Spike and Spuffy who detest season 7 argue that Buffy loved Spike and prioritized him over everything else. I don't know about Buffy-boards, but on Buffyforums the majority opinion of non-Bangel, non-Spuffy fans seems to be that Buffy loved Spike. I also don't think that the comics support the idea that she didn't love him. There are people who think that, and there are people who think the exact opposite (at least one person who didn't believe she was in love with him has changed his opinion since season 8 and thinks she did). Opinions on the comics Spuffy are very split; but it seems to me that many Spuffy shippers in fact tend to be most negative about it, while many neutral fans believe that Spuffy is either the endgame, or at least the main ship for this and the next season

[francy_m79]

No, I don't think that that many neutral viewers actually believe that Buffy just 'cared for Spike as a friend'. In fact, many haters of Spike and Spuffy who detest season 7 argue that Buffy loved Spike and prioritized him over everything else. I don't know about Buffy-boards, but on Buffyforums the majority opinion of non-Bangel, non-Spuffy fans seems to be that Buffy loved Spike. I also don't think that the comics support the idea that she didn't love him. There are people who think that, and there are people who think the exact opposite (at least one person who didn't believe she was in love with him has changed his opinion since season 8 and thinks she did). Opinions on the comics Spuffy are very split; but it seems to me that many Spuffy shippers in fact tend to be most negative about it, while many neutral fans believe that Spuffy is either the endgame, or at least the main ship for this and the next season.BuffyForums is pretty Spuffy-friendly, though, more than other places. On general tv/reviews site (non-Buffy sites) most

[sueworld2003]

"Sometimes I'm hopeful and sometimes I see a huge Spuffy-killing conspiracy. We will see!! LOL"

Personally, I think you're very wise to take that under consideration as I think thats where all this is heading. A negative thing to say I know, but it would fit in with how the story seems to be unfolding imo.

[francy_m79]

Let's hope we are wrong!

[ehlwyen]

I'm sorry Francy! I know how you feel. I guess I just isolate myself further and further from fandoms since I get so passionate and upset when I strongly disagree. I also try to focus my opinions into my fanart. It's at least something constuctive with my time than trying to argue with those set in their opinions.

Still there will always be a lonely night that I think I'm brave enough to explore the Internet for fandom opinion and instead waste my life away into the wee hours of the morning frustrated with what I find.

[francy_m79]

If only I could focus my love for stuff into fanart too!! That's a ship that has sailed...

Let's try not to that to ourselves again, eh? (I know these are just empty words, in my case... it won't be long before I wander out there again against my own better judgement! :p )

*hug*

[sueworld2003]

Sadly I wouldn't have believed all this negativity until those damn comics were released, and a story began to unfold that, well, quite frankly started to corrupt how I viewed events in the show.

By the way, may I pimp your post on my lj?

[francy_m79]

It isn't really a thought-out post or an essay, but if you wish, pimp away!!!!! XD

[sueworld2003]

Thank you. I think considering how quiet lj is becoming any bit of new conversation helps. :)

[moscow_watcher]

Look at the situation this way: if we, Spuffies, had irrefutable proof that Buffy loves Spike, then our fandom would be dead long ago. It's the mystery of their relationship that keeps people arguing, defending, writing, manipping, vidding Spuffy. Mystery is the best way to keep the interest alive.

[francy_m79]

That's an interesting way of looking at it! LOL And in a way I totally agree.

However, the Bangel fandom thrives on the certainty of B/A's undying and fated love, and they won't be swayed from their faith, no matter what happens. It must be nice...

I wouldn't want Spuffy to become the new Bangel, but I'm also very tired of the contrived not-knowing, opaque status quo, which requires, in order to be maintained, that the characters don't ever speak about their issues to each other...

[boot_the_grime]

Oh, believe me, when it comes to fandom shipper wars, there's no such irrefutable canon proof that can't be fanwanked away, if people are just determined enough to see things their way. Shipper wars never die in fandom, even when canon resolves them most decisively. :p

[francy_m79]

Oh, yes..of course.

I still want it, though... I don't see why we should be the ones to suffer forever in uncertainty and doubt! :p It's time to change gear, for me... but as I said, I understand if other people aren't bothered by this the way I am, and I appreciate everyone's input!!