sinful words (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
and_chocolate) wrote2004-03-08 06:03 pm
and_chocolate) wrote2004-03-08 06:03 pm
Self-indulgent Rant
Sometimes I just can't wrap my head around the LotRiPS fandom.
The "sane" portion of the fandom parades around, shouting at the top of their lungs that "it's not real; we don't believe any of this is truly going on; we're not like the crazies over there with their conspiracy theories; we know it's just fiction," and then as soon as someone writes something edgy or dark or otherwise "unsavory," these same folks are up in arms, complaining that the actors wouldn't do that, or that it's sick or depressing or ruining their fandom....
What happened to "it's just fiction"?
Isn't this just one big game of "let's pretend" in the first place? So how is it somehow worse to write stories where Elijah abuses Dom than to write stories where Elijah buggers Dom? Because, let's face it, neither one is likely to be true and the majority of mundanes would find both ideas equally disturbing. Technically, both are fictional stories about non-fictional people, made up by fans for the consumption of other fans; they're the result of a writer wondering "what if" and exploring a situation that, by definition, is not reality.
Yeah, so maybe it doesn't hit your kink. Maybe it disgusts you, even. You know what? You're obviously not the intended audience, and you don't have to read it! This isn't A Clockwork Orange.
And yeah, it's a bummer that people aren't writing what you want. That sucks and I can feel your pain. But I'm not whinging on in my LJ about how there's not enough of a certain flavor of Orlijah out there, because I know it's not the universe's responsibility to cater to me and my desires -- much as that sucks, too.
Honestly, in the end all I can think of to say is to quote Denis Leary: "Life's hard, get a helmet. Shut the fuck up. Next."
The "sane" portion of the fandom parades around, shouting at the top of their lungs that "it's not real; we don't believe any of this is truly going on; we're not like the crazies over there with their conspiracy theories; we know it's just fiction," and then as soon as someone writes something edgy or dark or otherwise "unsavory," these same folks are up in arms, complaining that the actors wouldn't do that, or that it's sick or depressing or ruining their fandom....
What happened to "it's just fiction"?
Isn't this just one big game of "let's pretend" in the first place? So how is it somehow worse to write stories where Elijah abuses Dom than to write stories where Elijah buggers Dom? Because, let's face it, neither one is likely to be true and the majority of mundanes would find both ideas equally disturbing. Technically, both are fictional stories about non-fictional people, made up by fans for the consumption of other fans; they're the result of a writer wondering "what if" and exploring a situation that, by definition, is not reality.
Yeah, so maybe it doesn't hit your kink. Maybe it disgusts you, even. You know what? You're obviously not the intended audience, and you don't have to read it! This isn't A Clockwork Orange.
And yeah, it's a bummer that people aren't writing what you want. That sucks and I can feel your pain. But I'm not whinging on in my LJ about how there's not enough of a certain flavor of Orlijah out there, because I know it's not the universe's responsibility to cater to me and my desires -- much as that sucks, too.
Honestly, in the end all I can think of to say is to quote Denis Leary: "Life's hard, get a helmet. Shut the fuck up. Next."
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And of course the answer to the "why isn't my pairing/kink/etc. represented" whine is: Well, WRITE IT. Write something so amazing/hot/thoughtful that everyone becomes entranced and wants to explore the idea also. Presto.
Incidentally, speaking of "why isn't there any ____"-- I'm new and naive. Is there any fic where Dom is an asshole? I've seen ThoughtlessBastard!Billy, I've seen Jerk!Elijah, and I've seen TooStupidToKnowAnyBetter!Orli but where are the not-nice Doms? 'Cause if I don't find it soon, I'm gonna have to write it, and it isn't going to be pretty.
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I always find the whole internet flame war concept a bit bizarre, because the internet's such a non-confrontational environment - a person can just walk away from whatever upsets him.
Also, I tend to think of the slash writing I've done as exercises to expand my writing skills, to learn how to write sex scenes, romance, and humor in a way that make an audience have a reaction (positive or negative). I find I can read just about anything if it's well-written, unless Sean Astin is having sex - but that's my own personal squick so I avoid it.
Just my two cents, for what it's worth :)
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I consider myself of the sane sort, but I did have my phase of intense ranting against rape fics for example. Reminds me I should never reread my old entries. What an uptight ass I've been. Jeez.
My explanation is, as always, after a certain time people get on each other nerves, get testy, and the tiniest bit has them in arms. We just know eachother for too long by know. There's no reasonable discussion possible at some point. We've been there, done that.
*hugs small, wank-free fandoms tight*
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how there's not enough of a certain flavor of Orlijah out there
Inquiring minds want to know... what is your "certain flavour"???????
:)
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