I am trying not to vague-blog when I say this, but at the same time, I have been on tumblr for over 15 years and think people need a reminder in fandom etiquette:
If you don't like the "content" you see within a fandom, don't engage. The effort it takes to complain about something you dislike can be turned into something you do want to see. Misery begets misery.
We can coexist without bringing each other down.
To add to this, the people behind accounts are that. People. We are entitled to our opinions and our values regarding fandom. Healthy discussions/debates can occur if people are open to listening and reading. Be empathetic. Also, use common sense. A few bad apples sending hate do not speak for everyone in the fandom. Just because I don't like something doesn't mean I am actively bashing the people that do.
Also, if you find yourself feeling alone in fandom, reach out. There's a common misconception that fandom circles are impenetrable. They aren't. Every friend I've made in fandom is because I engaged and made an effort. Does it work with everyone? No. Are there going to be people that you don't really vibe with? Yeah. You can't be friends with everyone. But there are friends I made over a decade ago that I'm friends with now because one day I started yapping at them about the stuff we liked. You find your weirdos and never let go.
There are always going to be tighter circles here and there, but guess what? It's like that in real life, too. But you'd never know unless you try.
Don't regret posting this. Some nonnies might not be permanently bitter, yet I doubt the message will reach those it is addressed to.
