Sheesh

[leethet]

There's so much bad feeling between slash and gen (and particularly between perceived slash and gen) in this fandom that I wonder if it isn't a good thing when those two "camps" are wholly separate, the way they are in other fandoms. Then at least one side doesn't get hit by the other's vitriol all the time.

I have trouble fathoming people's need to be "right" when it comes to something that is so clearly a matter of personal taste.

Sigh...

Comments

Re: Maybe...

[lyrebird.livejournal.com]

Shrug. The expression of a strong opinion does not necessarily invalidate anyone else's opinion. It's just an opinion. It's nothing to be afraid of.

As for getting over it...it's taken me a number of years to realise why some critically acclaimed slash stories do not work for me. I have puzzled over it for a long time. So to actually come up with an answer is a revelation for me. I like posting about such issues, exploring my likes and dislikes. This does not mean that every writer has to write what I like. I'm not being so unreasonable as that.

However, I think that a sensitivity to any criticism of action plot is going to affect one's ability to analyse fic, including one's own. For example, if you're so sensitive to comments that imply, however indirectly, that an action plot in a particular story detracted from the relationship plot, then you're probably too emotionally involved to study the reasoning behind the comment. There's the danger of misinterpreting the comment as an insult, when it was merely intended as one reader's impression. It doesn't mean that the action was 'wrong' per se. Maybe it wasn't well integrated into the other storyline. Maybe the shift between one plot thread to another seemed too jarring.

It's important to get some perspective. Leaping to conclusions and assuming the worst of others isn't going to help. And if you really disagree, well, so be it. But telling others to 'get over it'...doesn't strike me as very useful or conducive to discussion.

If you'd rather not listen, then don't read. It applies to opinions just as much as fanfic.

Hey Clare!

[leethet.livejournal.com]

I wrote a lengthy, point by point rebuttal of nearly everything you said, and LJ ate it. :)

Then I thought. Hell, it's for the best. All I need to say is:

By now you should know that the last thing I want is to silence the voicing of ANY opinions. I was merely objecting to the assertion that "action slash" is gen (that was a statement, not the voicing of opinion). I understand if Ro's a pal of yours, and if you agree with her classification of "action-slash" as gen in sheeps' clothing. Fair enough, as a viewpoint. But not as a fact. I wasn't attacking her or suggesting she should remain silent. Never. I was simply rebutting (on the channels) the assertion that "action-slash" is gen. It ain't in my case. Can't speak for others, don't wish to. Also don't wish to silence others -- not here, not anywhere.

And here in LJ land, I was just voicing a general opinion about opinions being presented as fact. It bugs me. That's all.
Have a good day.

Re: Hey Clare!

[lyrebird.livejournal.com]

I understand if Ro's a pal of yours, and if you agree with her classification of "action-slash" as gen in sheeps' clothing.

Just to clarify, Ro isn't a pal of mine. Although I have 'friended' her, I don't know her at all...like most of the people on my 'friends' list.

I think when you have been on the lists for long enough, you learn to become desensitised when someone bags something you love. I used to post all the time when someone slammed sex as boring and predictable and cliched. But it never changed anyone's mind. They just wanted to rant and let off steam. Which is what Ro is doing now. She hasn't read any MfU slash in years. If she had, she would have read your work and Nat's and RAC's. Look at her glowing praise of Chicago Affair, for example.

The slash-gen debate will never go away. And it can be interesting to hear views from the other side. Opinions, facts, theory...I find it all fascinating. To each their own.

Re: Hey Clare!

[leethet.livejournal.com]

The slash-gen debate will never go away. And it can be interesting to hear views from the other side. Opinions, facts, theory...I find it all fascinating. To each their own.

And with that I totally agree.