The Fandom Snowflake Challenge - Day 2

[respoftw]

Day 2

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, crazy times with fellow fans (whether on-line or off-line), a lovely comment you’ve received or have left for someone.

I've always been a fan but I only really even realised that fandom and fanworks were a thing a few years ago. I don't know what I was doing with my time before that! I started out as a lurker in fandom, devouring content on Ff.net and, eventually, AO3 without ever really engaging beyond a kudos or a follow. I was on tumblr but my experience was still super passive, just reblogging and liking.

Then one day, I left a comment on a Star Trek fic and the author replied to me! I know this seems super small but I think it was the first time that I really understood that these people creating these fanworks weren't untouchable. They were people like me who loved something enough to want to celebrate it and they didn't make money from this, they had jobs and lives and that really blew me away. I could talk to these people!!

So, yeah, that one reply sort of opened my eyes to what fandom could give me and I started engaging more, I set up a fandom side blog on tumblr and dipped my toe into writing fic and I started meeting amazing people who I could squee about things with and I haven't ever really looked back.

So, massive thank you to yeaka for first making me realise what fandom could mean to me!

Comments

[jadesfire]

Oh gosh, this is just like the biggest warm hug ever. I love hearing how people came into fandom, and how it's so often one little thing, that the person didn't even know they were doing, that makes the difference. What a fab post \o/

[respoftw]

So true. And it's something I've carried through to my own fanwork creations. I ALWAYS reply to anyone kind enough to leave a comment. It's such a small thing but I know it makes a difference!

[talkingtothesky]

the author replied to me!
Yesssss! That excitement is precious. We tend to think 'oh this writer is so good, they won't even notice my words which aren't nearly as beautiful'. But gosh, everyone's human. Every creator loves comments, every reader loves having the effort of leaving a comment acknowledged.

Yay for celebrating the things we love!

[respoftw]

I know there are a lot of writers/artists that just don't reply to comments but I'm not ever gonna be one of them. Even when someone comments on an old fic in a fandom that I've left behind, I always acknowledge it. Because someone could be in the same position I was back then!

[em_kellesvig]

Fandom people are awesome, aren't they? There's something warm and lovely about leaving a comment and getting a reply!!! It never gets old. Even when, or maybe especially when, the writer is your best friend. :D

[respoftw]

You're right, it never gets old. The moment it does is probably the moment I know that fandom isn't fun anymore.

[melagan]

Like you, I lurked. I still remember back in 2005 the first time I left a comment to a story on LJ. I felt so brazen. And then so gobsmacked that I received an actual response.

So no, I don't think it's a small thing at all.

*shoulderbump*

[respoftw]

::Shoulder bumps back::

[spikedluv]

What a lovely story! It's great when you realize that fandom isn't a one-way street.

[silveradept]

That's one of the nice things about fanwork - the people who create them aren't stuck behind walls that only let them interact in limited ways. And they do actually respond to comments!

[alasse_irena]

Hello, here from snowflake.

I always try and reply to comments so people know I appreciate them. I had no idea the replies meant so much too! I am happy to hear this.

[respoftw]

That's great that you do that anyway. Believe me, it can make a huge difference!

[mf_luder_xf]

Aw, what a wonderful memory to read! I am so glad that you had that positive experience and that it's inspired you to participate more in fandom!