snowflake challenge #13

[svgurl]

Challenge 13:

In your own space, share a favorite memory about fandom: the first time you got into fandom, the last time a fanwork touched your heart, wild times with fellow fans (whether on-line or off-line), a lovely comment you’ve received or have left for someone.

I got into fandom, because no one was really writing this rare ship (Clark/Oliver from Smallville) that I was suddenly into so I was like "maybe me?" While I had written stories before as a kid, which I used to pretend were Bollywood movies (don't ask), I definitely remember having to get over a mind block to actually write fic and the awkward moment writing out my first fic on a word doc. And of course it spiraled from there. I discovered LJ through a google search when I was looking for fic (I was already reading on FFN).

I think my favorite fandom memories involve the friends I made- all the interactions we've had, and even the gifts (fics, icons, etc) we've given each other. Someone once made me a Clark/Oliver fanvid for my birthday to the song I had always associated for them (GDI so mad I didn't download it) and honestly it legit made me cry. A part of me has always felt guilty for just dropping fandom like I did (I tend to be someone who gets fixations and wander off) and I do wish I had kept in touch with some of them. I was very grateful to find see some still active, and others I have come across in other platforms; I'm also happy that there was some sort of activity going on DW, and the nice people I've come across over the past almost 2 years since I've been back in fandom. Definitely enjoyed all the discussions. ♥

I have to add though that I was searching for something else last year and I came across an old comment I got on an earlier fic and it was basically someone being like, "What did Oliver ever do to you, except be handsome". It made me laugh. And also sums up how dramatic and angsty I could be. :D

For all the times I am like "ugh, all that fandom drama means I'm staying on the edge from now on", it is good to remember that there were a lot of great memories, and when done right, fandom can be a lovely community where you can create great bonds, without even knowing each other's name.

Comments

[turps]

For all the times I am like "ugh, all that fandom drama means I'm staying on the edge from now on", it is good to remember that there were a lot of great memories, and when done right, fandom can be a lovely community where you can create great bonds, without even knowing each other's name.

I completely agree with that.

Fandom can be hard, but it can also be amazing so I'm very glad you've got such good memories to share.

That is a shame you didn't download the fanvid though, it sounds like it was perfect for you.

[bradygirl_12]

I agree, too! Sometimes I get fed up with fandom, but I've been involved for more than half my life, so, yeah, not going anywhere. :)

[svgurl]

It's better to curate your experience than give up on it completely. I feel like there can be a place from everyone and the drama is avoidable. :D

[svgurl]

Thank you! I think sometimes the bad memories can overshadow the good ones, especially when you've been involved in said drama like I have, but it is good to remember that there is a lot of good and I do like to try to hold on to the happier memories instead of being too bitter. :D

It really was perfect. I think I will always be disappointed I didn't. I never even thought to back then and when I just drifted away from fandom, it didn't cross my mind then either. I need to work on saving what I like because even fave fics can get deleted from AO3.

[wearing_tearing]

"maybe me?"
Yes, you! I love that this sentiment is what got you writing and participating in fandom. :D

"What did Oliver ever do to you, except be handsome"
Best comment, really.

And your posts are making me want to watch Smallville. All seasons have been recently added to HBOMax in my country; I don't think I ever watched it all from beginning to end.

[svgurl]

I have no idea what was the final push but I guess weeks of fruitless, unsatisfactory searching for content just made me do it. I imagine it is a feeling a lot of people relate to!

Best comment, really.
Truth! I got it well over a decade ago so I had completely forgotten that it existed, but it was a delightful surprise to come across. XD

Lol nice! Living up to my name successfully! Over here, it is on Hulu. It is definitely a time commitment but at least you can forward past stuff, if you ever do get the urge. I have at least a couple people on Twitter having gotten into it during the past two years and have been binge watching. It has been interesting to see the reactions.

[wearing_tearing]

I watched the pilot and I'm a little shocked at how vividly I remembered some of the beginning scenes??? Apparently it made an impression on me XD I'll probably keep watching a couple of episodes at a time :D

[svgurl]

It's funny what sticks out, isn't it? Like you wouldn't think you'd remember but then you are like "OH I REMEMBER THIS" when you do. Almost like knowing to the next line in a song you haven't in years.

Awesome! Happy rewatching!

[peaked]

I think it's great that you came into fandom wanting to fill in a void! "Maybe me?" is the best approach to content creation imo and I feel like fandom sometimes forgets that you have to start somewhere with these niche pairings!

One of the best things about fandom is people's generosity and the connections you make with people you otherwise would never meet for any other reason. (And getting to find those people again! It's honestly crazy to go "Hey, I know you!" after so long.) I think a lot of people would be understanding of interests waxing and waning tbh. There are fandoms that I absolutely love, but sometimes you need to wander away for a little while to come back feeling fully refreshed and into it.

[svgurl]

I feel like fandom sometimes forgets that you have to start somewhere with these niche pairings!
True, someone has to be willing to be the first. It is funny how and when inspiration strikes. I still don't remember what the final push was but I just remember figuring I would give it a shot and be awkward about it. I definitely wasn't the first one to write the ship and I even started after JH left, with no hopes of return, but definitely ended up writing a lot.

For sure, you meet people of all ages and from all types of places that you would never come across if you hadn't done so online. Drifting apart is natural, but it is definitely exciting when you come across one another again!

There are fandoms that I absolutely love, but sometimes you need to wander away for a little while to come back feeling fully refreshed and into it.
Definitely agree. I think I was pretty mono-fandom in terms of writing and participating so when the show ended and my muses died, I found new fixations but sometimes that break can reawaken your interest.

[brokenhighways]

A part of me has always felt guilty for just dropping fandom like I did (I tend to be someone who gets fixations and wander off) and I do wish I had kept in touch with some of them.

Aww, you shouldn't feel guilty! I'm happy that you were able to find some of them again, tho! :)

[svgurl]

I know, but I can't help it. I think I feel worse because I did it once before, where I just suddenly dropped fandom after Smallville pushed my limits, without a word and didn't think to say anything, and felt bad when I found out people actually wondered where I disappeared to. I guess the second time around, I had already gradually been posting less anyway so it wasn't as sudden.

And thanks! I'm happy too! I came across a couple of people on Tumblr and I was like "I KNOW YOU :D :D :D"

[spikedluv]

which I used to pretend were Bollywood movies (don't ask)

Ha! Now I really wanna know. *g*

Love that comment you rediscovered!

A++ last paragraph.

[svgurl]

LOL it's sadly not that exciting. I just used to write a lot of original works, while picturing Bollywood actors in the roles of these romance/drama themed stories, down to picturing where a song would fit in. Sadly those are all lost to a broken computer that has long been donated, but it's probably better off. I'm sure I would be horrified if I could read them now. XD

Same! I had forgotten about it and it was a fun rediscovery.

Thank you! I was trying to end on a positive note. I get annoyed and bitter over past fandom drama but at least here, I didn't want to dwell.