In which I ask a million questions

[jelazakazone]

Ok, people. Talk to me. I want to hear why the OTP thing matters. I know that there are tons of people who won't read a fic if it's not with their OTP. Why is that important? Do all other pairings seem OOC? I'm really curious about this. I like all different kinds of stories, although there are some stories I don't read because of characters,

Comments

[alby_mangroves]

Why is it important?? Because there are days where I want nothing but Arthur and Merlin. NOTHING. It's an emotional thing, not a thought-through logical thing. They provoke a certain emotional response in me and I need to feed my heart with it.

I'm interested to know why you think fandom is pushing each other down instead of supporting each other?! Has something happened in fandom that I'm not aware of? I mean, I'm consciously choosing to ignore anything that's not a positive fandom experience for me so perhaps I've missed something.

[jelazakazone]

I get that, truly I do, but I guess I want more and some days I'm open to it.

Oh, I have just seen a couple people (or more) talking about bad fandom experiences recently and it makes me very sad. I feel like I've only had incredibly good enriching experiences. I don't know if I'm stupid and oblivious or just really lucky. I stay away from the anon meme stuff for that exact reason: I don't want to seek out stuff that is going to make me cry feel bad about myself. (Damn it, not fair that my SHOW made me cry.)

[alby_mangroves]

OIC.

Anon meme - I respect their right to discuss whatever they like in whatever manner they like but it's not for me. I'm not interested in shipper wars and from the unfortunate glimpse I've had of the place, it's just people airing their feelings, sometimes in a less-than positive or constructive way. I mean, we all need an outlet, so let them go for it.

My fandom isn't about that. I'm not saying it's all that happens there, obviously there are also constructive discussions and stuff, but I'm not thick skinned enough for the trolling which inadvertently happens in an anon environment.

eta: And hells yeah, I'm open to other pairings I frequently read them. It's just SOME days, you know? I mean, I also really like Gwaine/Merlin, I love threesomes and moresomes, etc etc. But I definitely have an OTP. It doesn't stop me reading other things though.

[jelazakazone]

:)

Agreed about anon meme. I guess some people really need that thing, whatever it is. I spend enough time on my journal and my flist without spending time there.

I have no idea if I'm thin skinned enough or not. My guess would be not.

\o/! That's what I'm saying. Celebrate all of it. It's all about love and exploration.

[47eleven]

I've seen the OTP thing get very nasty on other comm's. I want to clap my hands in front of their faces and yell "People, you don't own the characters. Live and let write."

I think you have to wave pom-poms for anyone end of story. it takes courage to put your fic out there and that should be applauded.

The OTP thing becomes over the top when people become obsessive over characters and that sort of fanaticism is scary. I've seen the whole slash/het thing become pretty horrible there too. I don't know why - bigotry on both sides I suppose. That's when fandom becomes way too personal.

And now I'm off to read your story so Yay!

[jelazakazone]

I guess this is why the OTP thing bothers me. It's not just what alby_mangroves talks about. Or at least it doesn't come off that way.

I love to encourage people to write and post fics. *looks at you sweetly* :D

I hope you enjoy it! It is a bit cracky, as you might expect from the title:D

[47eleven]

It's why the OTP thing can totally screw comm's over and people become so belligerent over it. They're entitled to their pairing ideas but so is everyone else.

Talking about bad fandom experiences, I have a few doozies to tell. really horrible things that have happened on other comm's. Mainly fuelled by jealousy.

Your fic is gorgeous and made me smile big time <3

[jelazakazone]

Yeah, I don't go around telling people that their pairings don't work or are wrong or bad. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, plus if someone writes it well, they might even change my mind:)

Er, god, not sure I really want to hear doozies:(

Aw, that is very sweet. It was rather cracky, I thought, but I was certainly hoping it would make people smile. Glad it worked!

[alby_mangroves]

This thread makes me think that you've been hit with bad comments about your story?? I'm sorry if that's the case :(

[jelazakazone]

No no! I'm all good. Really. It's actually an Arthur/Merlin story with a slash!dragon involved. I actually haven't gotten really any negative comments on anything, even my truly crappy stories. I think I'm just chewing over comments I've seen in the past week from people who've had bad experiences in general.

Thanks for your concern. Really, I'm good! ♥ ♥

[k_nightfox]

I definitely HAVE an OTP, that's no secret. However, I can (and do) read other pairings. I write them too. However, at the end of the day, probably 85% of my reading is about my favourites.

I support anyone's want/need/RIGHT to ship and write about whoever the hell they want. 100% with teeth. Buuuut...that doesn't necessarily mean I am going to read what they write...if that makes sense.

Art? I can love any pairings or scenarios if it's done well :D

[jelazakazone]

My OTP thing is not very solid, as you know. Now that Mordred is in the picture, they are pretty intertwined for me, but I do like some variety. I also tend to follow authors more than tropes.

LOL. Totally! Yeah, I'm the same way. I can't read Percival fic. Just. No.

God, yes. Fanart always blows me away.

[k_nightfox]

I have this thing that, unless I know & like the author OR the summary is really intriguing, I want MERLIN in every Merlin fanfic. I have little interest in stories he isn't a major part of. I can take him paired with almost anyone or gen fic but, I dunno, I always want MERLIN!

Thas like I want the Doctor in every DW fanfic. I can read any era, with any companion but the Doctor's gotta be there or, forget it.

[jelazakazone]

Merlin's my main man too, although I've been known to write femmeslash, but yeah, I completely get that 100%:D

[47eleven]

My mum always says that in some way reading pairings that she wouldn't normally write is always worthwhile - especially if the story really comes alive. Not only because she enjoys the story on it's own terms, but because somehow it reinforces her own ideas of the characters. it's not how she sees them but it's a different angle and gives your own characterisation credibility. That might not make sense but I see what she means.

The doozies are really out there and sad in the end. Why everyone can't just appraciate each other's differences I don't know. People are so intransigent.

Cracky really worked for me. I love warm and fuzzy and fun

[jelazakazone]

No no. It makes complete sense. It's one of the reasons I'm enjoying writing Privates fic; I get to explore completely different relationships and I really enjoy that.

Or why do they feel so attached to their pairings? Live and let live/love, I say, right?

:D I love cracky warm fun sometimes too. Heh. I don't know if you read my Tangled crossover fic, but that was a trainwreckride too.

[47eleven]

Thanks for the link babe <3