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Snowflake Challenge promotional banner featuring an image of a coffee cup and saucer on a sheet with a blanket and baby’s breath and a layer of snowflakes. Text: Snowflake Challenge January 1-31.

Challenge 15:

In your own space, create your own challenge.

First of all, I can't believe this is the last challenge! It really flew by. I managed to complete all 15, which feels like succeeding at a personal challenge that I didn't know I had. A quick thank you to all the mods who put in so much hard work in running this! Also to all the people who have commented here at any point- I enjoyed and appreciated seeing all your responses and interacting with you and I hope to come across you sometime in the near future.

This Snowflake Challenge really gave me a chance to interact with those that I normally would not have come across and I appreciate that. Not just that but the interaction in general. So that leads me to two personal challenge, which you are welcome to take on yourselves.

1. This year, step out of your comfort zone.

Interpret that however you would like. I know I am a perfectionist- it is not a brag; it's actually really inconvenient and frustrating because I'm often scared to try new things or get mad when something doesn't come out right the first time. My family has commented on it too.

This year, I want to be less afraid and try new things, in and out of fandom. Take a step I wouldn't have taken. As long as I'm not hurting anyone, I shouldn't be afraid to fail.

2. Participate.

From what I have realized from reading the responses to these challenges, people miss the older fandom days with more interaction and I think this is a 'be the change' situation. Whether that involves commenting, recc'ing, creating and/or all of the above, it can be done! We may not be able to go back to when forums were popular and you couldn't keep up with your LJ flist, but surely there are ways to bring that kind of activity to what we have now. I'm even figuring out Discord!

I was lucky enough to find two co-mods so that I could help run my first AO3 challenge. This year, maybe I will run my own community or lead something else. Someone suggested a more general comment_bingo (I have to find out who did that to credit them too), with permission from the people over at the Steve/Tony one who run a ship specific one, and even though it might be work, it hasn't left my head and I might try that. We'll see.

After all, like I said, it's worth a shot. :D

Current Mood: tired

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I will try.

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And that's really all anyone can ask for. *cheers you on* You can do it! :D

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eoa

These are some lovely challenges; good luck to you on both!

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Thank you- on both counts!

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siberian_skys

I'm taking up both of your challenges. I'm one of those people who miss tho old days of fanom when we still had message boards and struggled to keep up with my LJ list. When I moved over to DW I was surprised at how quiet it was. I have made a goal to be more active on DW when Snowflake isn't here to push me. And my other goal that fits this is to dedicate myself to make sure I comment on every fic I read.

I'm also going to make every effort to take your first challenge into the world and step out of my comfort zone. I need to move and I've found the whole process very difficult. My goal to get my place sold and get moved by the end of the year, but sooner rather than later would be preferable. I also have a lot of phobias that surround driving. I do drive, but I don't like doing it in unfamiliar places or places that involve heights--bridges, overpasses, flyovers, exit ramps, that sort of thing. I'm going to add to my goal list to take a drive to an unfamiliar place. I'm thinking maybe carry-out to get Schwarma. I've been to the restaurant, but I've never driven there. It's less than 20 miles, so it would be a good test run.

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That's great to hear! And I'm with you- I made a DW just as a backup and then I drifted out of fandom/LJ somewhere around 2012/2013 and when I came back, I wasn't surprised, but still sad, that not a lot of people were on LJ. I know there is some but I don't know where to seek it out. At least there is some, slightly easier to find fandom activity on DW. Those are good goals for yourself.

Aww, moving is a pain in the ass. Good luck with getting your place sold and moving! I hope it is a smooth process, or as smooth as can be. Driving can be a lot; I like to do it and there are certain things that scare me, even after almost 15 years- I still don't like to drive in cities like San Francisco and any steep narrow streets are stressful. And don't even ask me to parallel park between two cars. Not happening. But it is good that you want to do it! That seems like a reasonable place to start.

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siberian_skys

I love your Eyore icon. He's so cute.

I left LJ with the whole exodus when the servers got moved to Russia. That was jut creepy, IMO.

I hate all this moving stuff. I really hope this is the last time I'm going to have to do it.

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Thank you! It was made by (appropriately named)

toocuteicons. :D

I get that. I was just leaving at the early stages and I'm assuming I made DW as a backup for partly that reason. I just remember people getting fascinated with Tumblr and I did too, and then since my main fandom had ended, and I lost interest in writing and real life got busy, I just stopped using both.

I don't blame you. Fingers crossed that it is the last time then!

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siberian_skys

Thank you so much for the icon link. I bookmarked it. I need to do something about my icons and I have been dragging my feet. I even had very kind people answer my wish of Hawkeye icons and I still havan't upgraded my icon page.

I don't know wy I can't get my act together. Maybe I just need a vacation. I't ridiculous that I let these things go lately.

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You're welcome! There are plenty of icons to be found. It doesn't seem like there are as many as back in the LJ days but people are thankfully still creating them for the rest of us to enjoy. I have to update my icons as well.

It happens. I think that when you have a lot of stuff going on, the combined pressure can make you freeze and get overwhelmed. A vacation to destress is always nice if it is possible but otherwise, you just have to take each task one by one.

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siberian_skys

Awww. Thor when he still had hair. :-)

I typed this once and managed to delete it. My bad. To paraphrase what I'd typed the first time around. I think, was that I'd frozen a lot recently and was planning to start over tomorrow. I also said, that a vacation was not in the cards until everything I needed to get done was done and COVID was under control. When these things happen, I'd like to knock one of the 50 states that's on my bucket list of. I'm about 1/2 finished so it would be nice to knock another state off. I'd also like to go back to Key West and I really want to go to Disney and see the new Star Wars attractions during Food and Wine. Food and Wine is awesome.

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I usually don't go for guys with long hair, but it does work for him. :D

It happens. That's fair. I definitely see why you would be reluctant to travel in the current situation (I haven't gone outside the state either and when I did within the state, it was out of necessity) and if you have things to do. Seems like a good goal to have! It would be a fun trip if you can make it happen, hopefully sooner than later.

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siberian_skys

I'm old, so I enjoy long hair. :-) come from the days of head-banging music. I'm always surprised when I see an old band and they've cut their hair. *sniff*

I miss the world. Every-time I think we're getting better we revert right back.

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lol fair. I grew up with the boy bands of the 90s/2000s. Yeah, that would be weird.

Understandable. I hate the phrase "the new normal" but I think that is what it is. At least for another year.

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siberian_skys

I grew-up with the bands of the 70s and 80s. I was always confused in the 90s. I couldn't keep the boy bands of the 90s straight. I know that's sad. I've been watching Chris Knights house show, though. I didn't realize who he was at first, but he's revitalizing old farm houses in Massachusetts . I finally worked it out since I knew the Wallburgs were from Boston.

I'm not sure I believe things are ever going to get back to normal at this point. I'm afraid to let myself think so, because every time I do I get bit in the butt.

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To be fair, a lot of them did look alike, and I think that's what they were going for too. I'm sure plenty of people mixed up Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC, if that wasn't a genre they weren't into. I actually have never heard of Chris Knights. Oh yeah, I did know about the Wallburgs being from Boston but I don't think I ever listened to their music either.

It's probably better to adjust to the current situation and work around it rather than comparing to how it used to be. At some point it will but to hope for it any time soon will just lead to disappointment.

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siberian_skys

That confused me, too. The Chris Knight I knew was on the Brady Bunch not The Backstreet Boys. Though the Chris Knight that turned out to be a Backstreet Boy looked familiar, I just didn't know why.

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There wasn't a Chris Knight on the Backstreet Boys though? The five guys were Nick, AJ, Brian, Kevin, and Howie. There was a Chris Kirkpatrick on NSYNC but that's not the same guy. Sometimes people just look familiar and you don't know from where.

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siberian_skys

And this is why I'm forever confused with the boy bands. Which band did the Wallburg guy front? That's the band that Chris Knight performed in.

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Two of the Wahlberg brothers (neither of them Mark) were in New Kids on the Block, but that didn't have a Chris Knight either, only a Jordan and a Jonathan so maybe you're thinking about one of them.

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siberian_skys

Now I've figured it out. Donny Wawllburg was in New Kids. He's the same guy as on Blue Bloods. For some reason since I started watching the farmhouse show that the guy's name is Chris. IT's not, I checked. It's Jonathon Knight. who I had confused with Chris Knight from the Brady Bunch, but only by name, because I know they weren't the same person. Chris Knight looks nothing like Jonathan. Another reason why I'm tired of getting old. It sucks.

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Well, mystery solved! At least it's relatively easy to figure out, with all the information out there.

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siberian_skys

I'm just tired of my old brain not cooperating with me.

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Frustrating, but it happens to everyone.

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Yay for doing all 15 challenges! These are both great challenges! (After my first Snowflake I really felt the whole 'be the change' energy, too.)

Comment bingo sounds like a fun idea!

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I was excited at being able to keep up! I was always looking forward to the next challenge. I can see that. It is probably the adrenaline rush of all the interaction that happens during this time. I'm just like "OOH MORE PEOPLE. MORE FANDOM!"

Right? I loved the one that the Steve/Tony comm does; writers always lament not having enough comments and a challenge comm to encourage commenting seems like the 'be the change' type mentality. I just need to figure out *how* to generate those bingo cards.

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I can't find offhand the one I used in the past (probably lost in my bookmarks), but I googled and there are several free bingo card generators, like this one: https://myfreebingocards.com/bingo-card-generator

You can maybe check them out and find one you like best?

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Thank you for searching! I did some googling too and came across that one as well, so I will see what works. I may just message one of the Bingo Card comms and see if anyone will be willing to tell me what they do. Can't hurt to try, right? :D

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They'd probably be happy to tell you which card generator they use.

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Good news: turns out

allbingo linked their generator in a 'how to create' post! So that's one step done. :D

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That's fabulous!

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Thanks for the encouragement! Now I just have to wait and see if the Steve/Tony comm mods get back to me about using and modifying their list.

muccamukk already got permission but since they're not the ones running it, I figured it might be better to give them at least a head's up that it isn't theoretical anymore.

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*fingers crossed*

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*crosses fingers too*

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oooh, I can complete both your challenges with one thing. I recently created a social media account just for my fannish stuff, so I have a strong base for community participation! I was stepping out of my comfort zone because I've never fannishly interacted outside of AO3 before and it was surprisingly scary!*
*in an anxiety way, not a jumpscare way :P

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That's great! Go you for taking that step! It is definitely a little nervewrecking to throw yourself out there, but it is awesome that you did, and I hope it goes well. :D

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bradygirl_12

Shoot your shot! :)

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Well said! :D

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These are terrific challenges!

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Thank you! :D

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enemytosleep

First, congrats to getting all 15!

These are both lovely challenges to take up. As you say, sometimes we need to take the first step to changing things, and getting fandom more active again on DW certainly needs everyone's help! I had a community idea also this month: Plot Bunny Rescue where folks can share fic ideas that they can't complete for others to adopt. Hopefully we can get some good general comms going again!

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Thank you! :D

Thanks! I didn't want to do anything too complicated but at the same time, one that really related to Snowflake. The phrase "easier said than done" exists for a reason, because it is easy to sit and lament but harder to actually do something about it, and I'm in the former category way too much so I figured I could at least try to make a change. What I've learned is that there is definitely an audience for comms and fannish activity. And that comm idea sounds great! I think I came across something about adopting WIPs but I don't know how active it is anymore.

Hopefully we can get some good general comms going again!
Fingers crossed!

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Good challenge!

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Thank you! :D

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1. I feel you on this one! Failure is just a way of life. Sometimes things don't pan out the way we want them to. I've struggled to be okay with this myself. Just remember to take it one day at a time and remember everything is a learning experience!

It's so easy to type all of this out and a lot harder to do it, but just know you're not alone. But I particularly like "As long as I'm not hurting anyone, I shouldn't be afraid to fail" because you're so right!

2. This is a great one, too, and one that I'm hoping to embody since I know I was one of those people wishing for the same level of activity. Things have changed in the last decade with fandom, but I can only hope that we make the most of knowing that there's a community out there interested in being active. I'm not someone who does rec lists but I've decided that, you know... try it out, see how it goes. There's no harm in trying it out. (You make it look super easy doing recs so I'm like "If

svgurl can do it and make it look easy, maybe I can do it, too!")

I believe the comment bingo idea came from

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You're absolutely right. I get down on myself a lot when I fail or worse, even get scared of starting in fear of failure and that is a mindset that I really need to get over.

Just remember to take it one day at a time and remember everything is a learning experience!
Wise words!

I appreciate you saying that. The support is definitely a good motivation for sure, which I'm lucky to have in real life. I get paranoid about stuff, like with baking for example, I'm like "omg what this doesn't taste/look good" and I have realized as long as I set out to do my best, it's okay if it is not perfect. I can always try again. Like you said, learning experience. The consequences are definitely something worth weighing and most of the time, failure is not the end of the world, despite how it may feel.

Yay! It is good that you want to do so as well. It feels like many people want more so that can only lead to good things if everyone takes the next step. The activity may look different but it is still there. And there really isn't any harm! If you don't like it, there isn't any long term commitment involved.

I'm like "If svgurl can do it and make it look easy, maybe I can do it, too!"
*nods* Yes! It is very easy, trust me. I'm a lazy person so if I can do it, anyone can lol And there are places like

recthething that make it even easier.

Oh yes, you're right- thank you so much!

Edited Date: 2022-01-30 08:28 am (UTC)

From:

brokenhighways

Congratulations on completing all 15 challenges! I've enjoyed reading your responses! :D

I like the challenges you've set for yourself. Being less afraid to try things is always a good goal. Wishing you the best of luck with both!

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Aww, thanks! I've enjoyed reading your's as well. ♥ :D

I was trying to go with something in the spirit of the Snowflake Challenge and somewhat doable and this is what I came up. I'm glad you liked it too!

Being less afraid to try things is always a good goal.
It's definitely something I need to remind myself of constantly.

And thank you! We'll see how it goes.

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tjs_whatnot

This are great challenges!

♥ ♥

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Thank you! And again, for running this! It has been a great experience. ♥ :D

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corvidology

A few years ago a mate gave me a mug that said 'what would you try if you knew you couldn't fail?' and it really resonated with me.

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I can see why it would! That's really something that would give almost anyone pause. :D

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corvidology

I work in academia, so I have to attend a lot of 'touchy feely' type of things only some of which are really useful.

In one of the sessions I had to attend, the leader of the session asked "How many of you can sing, dance, draw, write?" and in a room with about 50 people in it, 4 raised their hands. Then she said, if this were a room full of 10 year olds, you would have all raised your hands. I always think about that when I decide I'm not going to post something... and then I post it! :D

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Got it. That is interesting, and I can imagine there being a lot of useful takeaways.

There is definitely something to keep in mind. As we get older, we tend to interpret the question 'can you do x' as 'can you do it well' or are 'are you great at it' rather than just a simple 'can you do x', which is a mind block that children usually don't have. There are aspects of our lives that we could for sure use that childlike confidence and it is good that you are letting that mentality push you forward. :D

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silveradept

An excellent pair of goals, and I wish you much success on them. I have been able to do many things outside my comfort zone in the last little while because I had to do a thing and have the results of it just be, rather than it being to be something specific or up to an impossible standard. It's been very different, doing things that I wouldn't have considered beforehand.

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Thank you! And it is great that you have been able to do that. Sometimes life does give you the opportunity to challenge yourself without the results weighing heavily, which is a good combo. :D

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I wish you all of the best with your goals!! I'm super excited to see how many of these challenges seem to follow directly from the general feelings we saw in the "I wish..." snowflake. It seems like there are so many people who are keen to make Dreamwidth into a fun, active place for fandom (I'm one of them, too!). I hope we can try and be that change we want to see this year, and talk about our successes and lessons learnt during the next

snowflake_challenge!!

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Thank you! :D I feel the same way. I've been going through people's entries and it really does feel like there is a good portion of them that have been inspired by the "I wish" challenge. And there really are, which is great. It makes me really hopeful that all of you want to make DW and fandom in general a more active place, especially since I have definitely lamented in the past how I do prefer DW type sites over all other platforms.

I hope we can try and be that change we want to see this year, and talk about our successes and lessons learnt during the next snowflake_challenge!!
Yes, that is a great goal to set and aim for! :D

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I hope we can try and be that change we want to see this year, and talk about our successes and lessons learnt during the next snowflake_challenge!!
Yes, that is a great goal to set and aim for! :D

It's on!!

...Now I just need to hope I remember it then XD

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LOL you and me both! But I have faith in us. *waves pom poms* :D

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Well done for completing all 15 Snowflake challenges.

I like both of these challenges, I'm going to try and get more involved and not stay hiding under my stone for so long. I felt that this year there was a real sense of having lost the community-ness of fandom and that people were aware of it.

"surely there are ways to bring that kind of activity to what we have now"
I like the way you put that. There are, and hopefully this year we can all add a little bit :)

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Thank you! :D

That's great to hear. I have definitely stayed on the sidelines too, because I'm wary of getting too deep into fandom/fear of drama, but I'm going to try to get more involved as well. You're right about the lack of community when it comes to fandom and it is something that was good that should and can exist.

Aww, thanks! And agreed! I have full faith in all of us.

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And you have some really interesting comments on this post, I think your challenges have resonated with a lot of people :)

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True! I was pleasantly surprised by that and I'm glad that was the case. I really liked the challenges other people came up with too. :D

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