Challenge #4:
In your own space, make a list of things that you wish existed in fandom or elsewhere, and/or that you'd like someone to create or do for you. Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so. A machine that will write my fics for me! :D Oh, wait, this is not the impossible wish list? Okay, for real then:
Book recs: I really want to get back into reading but I don't know where to start. I really like mysteries (not thrillers though) and the Jane Austen-type books (I also loved North & South).
Comic book recs! I would like to start getting into DC Comics this year but I'm a little confused on where to start or if there are online resources on where to access them. Clark, Lois, and Clark/Lois are my favorites.
More fics, fic recs, fanart/icons, fanvids, and/or fanvid recs for my favorite ships, especially the rarepairs (listed below):
Smallville: Clark/Oliver, Clark/Lois/Oliver, Lois/Tess, Lois/Lana, Lana/Tess
Gilmore Girls: Lane/Dave
Ted Lasso: Sam/Jamie (though I would love Ted Lasso icons in general! Where do people get those?)
MCU: Sam/T'Challa, Sam/Erik Killmonger, Nebula/Rhodey
Better ways to interact with fandom people, especially to squee about ships and fic ideas together. Yes, I'm nostalgic for the peak LJ days. I do miss having a regular beta too. I like Tumblr, but it doesn't work that way, and I am not quite sure where the majority of people hang out on DW. Also, I have no idea how to use Discord. My fellow co-mods over at Rare Femslash Exchange probably know that by now.
Better tagging system on AO3. I wish people would learn that you don't have to tag every ship/character, especially the "past" relationships or ones that you're bashing. I wish we could get a primary and secondary ship filter. That would be cool but I'm not a coder so I have no idea how that would work.
More of a live and let live attitude. The block feature (something else I wished existed on AO3) exists. I wish people didn't feel the need to justify their ships. I hope people are writing what they like, even if it isn't the most popular thing. It is sad to see burn out over lack of interest.
In note to the above, more feedback! I know no one is "owed" comments, but if you like something, leave a quick note. The author will be grateful. And I do kinda wish comments were mandatory in exchanges, but that is a path I don't want to go down right now.
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If you like North & South have you also read Wives & Daughters? It's another by Elizabeth Gaskell and I personally like it a lot.
One day, as and when I ever get around to writing more Lane/Dave fic, I'll let you know. I have written them as a background pairing in a couple of my Rory/Jess fics, and in a couple of their own short one-shots, but I've never written anything lengthy about just them. I probably should.
Ugh, I miss the good old days on LJ too. I was big into Leverage when lots of other people over there were too and it was a crazy-fun time. I like DW and Twitter and AO3 and all, but it's not the same. I want a big family type situation of all people who love the same fandom(s), but alas, it doesn't happen. Tried Tumblr, couldn't get into it. Have no idea what Discord is about. (I suddenly feel old! lol)
AO3 tagging is a minefield. I tag every possible thing because I feel like I should, but I know some people believe in minimal tagging. Live and let live, I guess, but it means no-one is ever really happy because there's no proper system. As you say, it would be cool if you could have a main pairing listed, separate to any secondary pairings. I mean, why has no-one thought of this before?!
I know I shouldn't, but I do get PO-ed when people don't comment on exchange gifts. I mean, sometimes, I remind myself that these are human people with lives. Maybe they're sick, maybe there's been some tragedy in their life, maybe they just forgot to come back and comment because that happens too, but yeah, I admit to seething about it a little bit here and there. I think it's okay to be a little put out about it - we're human too, after all :)
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I have read Wives & Daughters! It was too bad she passed away before she gave it a proper ending. I was waiting for them to get together and I was so disappointed when I didn't get that.
Yes, please do! I have seen Lane/Dave, mostly as a side ship to Rory/Jess, and as much as I enjoy that, I would love to read fic that is just devoted to them and their relationship. I'm sure you would do a great job if you were ever so inclined. No pressure of course. :D
LJ was fun! I loved having to keep up with my flist and there be so much activity. Like you said, the other platforms are just not the same, especially since communities aren't as active here as they were on LJ, which was the best place to interact with other fans. Don't worry, I don't understand Discord either. For the longest time, I was under the belief it was like reddit but turns out it is more of a chat type social media, where there are different groups you can join or form your own. I use it on a limited basis so apologies for the poor explanation.
There will always be people who complain on how you tag, but I'm just thinking more of the ships/characters. I just feel like unless the ship or character plays a big role, it doesn't really feel all the necessary. I know not everyone shares that view and some people will be upset that you forgot to add 'mention of x or x/y ' but it also just clogs up the tags, especially if you like a less popular character or ship. And I'm sure people have thought of the primary/secondary ships (it wasn't my idea originally) but I don't know how easy it would be to implement. Maybe one day!
I think it's okay to get upset. Like you said, we are human. I know there are people who get busy or have genuine anxiety over it, but there are others who just are serial noncommenters who just don't seem to care and those are people I do judge.