What's with all this "discussion"

[kellifer]

I have a pretty eclectic flist... people have linked to me for different things. I think because when it comes to fandoms, I'm pretty all over the place (commitment phobic? Me?? Nevah!) I do occasionally have people commenting on a story that they wished they could read it but it just isn't their fandom... or they have read it because I wrote it but it wasn't their fandom at all. Most interesting is the crossovers where people only know one of the fandoms but still read which I'm really chuffed about.

I guess I'm getting to a point where I'm going to start losing favourite writers out of the fandoms I'm still reading. It hasn't really happened to me before but I'm now coming up on fandom age of two years and it has started.

My question is... how do people feel when their favourite writers... move on?

I'm still writing in Stargate so I don't feel like I've "moved on" per se, but I have switched out from where I started I guess. I mostly wrote Sam/Jack (SG-1) when I began, not because it was an OTP but because I was writing stories for someone else. When I started writing stories for me... I obviously leaned more towards Daniel-centric pieces because he was my favourite character. I discovered slash and Jack/Daniel and was hooked.

Atlantis and John/Rodney felt like a natural progression, almost organic and I think that is where I picked up as a writer. The introduction of Ronon as a character had me more hooked on the show but I was still in love with SG-1... I was just... having a fling on the side.

I started dabbling in BSG and Firefly, and then found Supernatural and switched over to mostly gen, even in my Stargate stories. I still write the occasional pairing, but it's rarely the focus of the story or it is a requested fic, which I still love doing. I write for other people on the most part...

A favourite writer of mine has pretty much moved fandoms. She dabbles sometimes back in the pairing I love but she is mostly writing for a show I don't know. I feel like I should be able to read it and just treat it like original fiction (because I don't know anything canon) because I love her writing to pieces... but I can't do it. I admire and am flattered by people who do that for me but completely understand those that don't.

I haven't had any writers I like drop out of fandom completely yet, but I know it is only a matter of time.

So my question is this... have you had a writer you've regularly enjoyed move fandoms or move on completely? Do you read "outside" your fandom of choice for the writers you have enjoyed in the past? How do you feel when someone has moved on and you're not ready to let go yet?

Comments

[libitina]

I'll usually resist for a few years and then I'll catch up on the new canon in a big rush. During the few years, I will read a few PWP stories but skip the longer, plottier, stories. After I watch the canon, even if I am not converted to the new fandom, I'll now go back and read my favorite author's fic (again, if I already read some of it).

[kellifer-fic.livejournal.com]

Ah, interesting... but we all know resistance is futile... *smiles*

[tripoli8.livejournal.com]

I don't think you and me ever crossed paths much in SG-1, but I only stumbled across the show/fandom in the first place because one of my favorite HtLJ writers at the time went over to the dark side. Come to think of it, I'm pretty sure she's in SPN now.

In any case, it's a total bummer, especially with the recent-and-ongoing exodus from SG-1. But I'm rarely interested enough in new fandoms to stick with writers unless they're really something special, because she's writing in context for other fans of her show, and my connection to the characters isn't there. I'll read something occasionally, if I have familiarity with the canon, but I rarely get much out of it.

[kellifer-fic.livejournal.com]

Ah yes, I'm probably having these thinky-thoughts because I'm dreading seeing the SG-1 fandom in decline... bring on the movies!

[lyssie.livejournal.com]

Yup. There were some awesome comicsfic writers who decamped for popslash ages back. I still kinda miss 'em.

I do not, however, read popslash.

[kellifer-fic.livejournal.com]

Am I really dumb to not know what popslash is? I keep seeing references to it...

*is still astounded at the volume of stuff she doesn't know*

[kensieg.livejournal.com]

I read outside my fandom for writers I adore. If I don't like the fandom then I try to find someone else I like who is still writing in my main fandom.

I've been in fandom for over 10 years.~1995--Forever Knight to 2007 Stargate Atlantis. From mailing lists and real life meetings to websites, irc and LJ.

In those 12 years I've changed immensely as well as fandom and technology.

If you're lucky your adored writer will revisit your old fandom or start in a new fandom you are now a part of.

James--Zort was one of the writers I read in fandom. I started reading her Forever Knight stuff. I'm lucky that today she sometimes writes in my current fandom of Stargate:Atlantis.

[kellifer-fic.livejournal.com]

I do think about reading outside the fandom... but I just can't feel the same connection to the story. The connection to the writer should be enough but it isn't...

At the same time, I would love to read original fic by these people yet I can't read outside a fandom? I just guess I don't get my brain sometimes.

[mangst.livejournal.com]

How do you feel when someone has moved on and you're not ready to let go yet?

I feel a little depressed at first but I find that great minds think alike and I usually end up crossing their paths again. And that feels like running into and old friend. :)

[kellifer-fic.livejournal.com]

Dawwww... I love you thinking of it that way and you've made me hopeful. :D

[rogue-planet.livejournal.com]

Yes, I have and since I'm a bit of a lemming, sometimes I follow. Case in point, Shallot. I have resisted Supernatural since it started to air, because I barely have the time for the fandoms I have. Well, she started writing, so I started reading and waiting for the DVDs to come in the mail.

Same thing with Cesperanza. I followed her to SGA and to a lesser extent Dead Zone.

Even if I don't follow the cannon (I typically read in a fandom BEFORE I see a show) I usually follow the author. That's how I found SGA.

[kellifer-fic.livejournal.com]

Ah yes, I must admit that my full-on immersion into Supernatural was fandom-driven. I have seen others fall to it in the same manner and all I can say is yes, I understand.... :D

The lemming drive is strong in most of us...

[lastingdreams8.livejournal.com]

To me, you are an amazing/wonderful author, and if you were ever to 'move on,' I would truly miss you and your works/anything that you could've turned into a masterpiece.
In general, when you read someone's work, and get familiar with it and then they move on, it's gonna be like missing an actual person, because their voice comes through when writing. So, if the author moves on from a fandom, all those potential stories would've been lost in space and time, and it's sad.
I am actually waiting on a series to be finish. It's not exactly the same thing as an author moving on, but I really miss that author and the characters they have created, so moving on might require a slight mourning.
Thanks for enduring my ramble:D
Have a lovely rest of the week!

[kellifer-fic.livejournal.com]

Awwww... thanks hon!

I love the way you have put this... feels exactly right. It's like a friendship has changed and evolved and you have lost contact...

[beatrice_otter]

It depends, really it does. On the author, on how interested am in what fandom(s) they move on to, on my mood at the time. And sometimes you get hooked on a new fandom as a result; I got hooked on Buffy in 2003/4 after the last episode was aired, solely because of fanfic, and I can't even remember at this point what author it was that made me start reading it. And now I own the first three seasons on DVD. I didn't like the movie "Labyrinth" when I saw it, but I do read the occasional Labyrinth fic because a favorite author of mine wrote one and I liked it.

But losing authors isn't what you should be worried about. It's losing archives. Because when the main archive for your fandom/pairing (or even just the archive that you like the best) goes the way of the dodo, it can be very painful. Because inevitably there'll be a few fics that aren't backed up anywhere. Your fandoms are all ones that are still active fandoms; as the show gets canceled, they tend to become less active as a general rule. As that happens, as people move on to other fandoms or out of fandom in general, it becomes harder and harder to find people willing to go to the effort of maintaining the archives.

[kellifer-fic.livejournal.com]

It's losing archives

Oh absolutely... I never even thought about that. I feel a little pang everytime I see someone delete a journal because not only are you losing their ongoing presence in your life but everything that has come before. i know some writers who don't archive anywhere but their journal (I'm one of them... I know it's not the wisest thing...) so everything is gone...

[lamis-p.livejournal.com]

If I really love the writer I will try to follow.

I tried to watch SGA because so many excellent writers were in the fandom but I really didn’t like it. Supernatural was the opposite, I really enjoyed the canon so was able to enjoy the fic.

I do tend to get obsessive over one show/pairing/fandom so changing can be slow and traumatic. Luckily I’m fickle and grow bored. Good writers tend to have good taste so I do look to them for my new choice in obsession.

Unfortunately, I am unable to drag writers I loved in previous fandoms to my new fandom. It is very sad the world does not revolve around my needs ;)

[kellifer-fic.livejournal.com]

Hehehee... the world would be a much more simple place were everyone to do what I like... hehehee...

I understand trying out a new show... I've done that myself and had it fail just as dismally... I feel a little pang everytime I see the stories in that fandom... but then I guess I am guilty of doing that to other people too...

[http://users.livejournal.com/_minxy_/]

Yes, I have. I have seen that dreaded phrase "I really don't write SG-1 anymore."

It made me sad.

And then I sort of was (forcibly) pimped into a shiny new fandom *cough* Supernatural *cough*

AND GUESS WHO WAS ALREADY THERE? Yup, tons of SG-1 fen.

It makes me happy.

That is my story.

[kellifer-fic.livejournal.com]

Hehehee... absolutely. I do a happy little dance everytime I see just one more person crossing over.

*hands you party hat and streamers and points out the welcome banner*

[dolimir-k.livejournal.com]

So my question is this... have you had a writer you've regularly enjoyed move fandoms or move on completely?

Yes. Several.

Do you read "outside" your fandom of choice for the writers you have enjoyed in the past?

Yes. In fact, I've discovered some fantastic fic this way.

How do you feel when someone has moved on and you're not ready to let go yet?

Well, I'm sad. But I understand it.

I used to be in the Sentinel fandom....was rather prolific (heck, all told I wrote over a hundred stories). But I've moved on. I rarely even read sentinel fic anymore.

I think fandom is sort of an evolution. I basically went: B5, Sentinel, Smallville, Supernatural.

The thing I absolutely adore about LJ is that you can pick and choose what you read. It used to be if you wanted to get a taste of a fandom you'd have to join a list or two (and then put up with all the cliche shit, in-fighting, etc.) On LJ, you can read recs. Follow an LJ without actually having to commit to it. It's much more accessible. Because of that, I've read fic that I never would have before. I can play in any fandom I want and post it to my LJ.

LJ makes it possible to keep in touch with folks who have moved on to other fandoms. While I might not follow them as closely, I know where to find them. *g*

[kellifer-fic.livejournal.com]

I think fandom is sort of an evolution.

Hee... it is for most people. I think I'm still clinging to dinosaurs a bit and telling everyone that's it's not *really* an ice age, it's just a bit cold out...

It used to be if you wanted to get a taste of a fandom you'd have to join a list or two (and then put up with all the cliche shit, in-fighting, etc.)

Oh ABSOLUTELY. I have done the yahoo groups thing and while helpful and a good way to get into fandom, it was very restrictive.

LJ makes it possible to keep in touch with folks who have moved on to other fandoms

That is something I'm very happy about... :D

[amalthia]

i follow the authors. Though sometimes they pick fandoms...I just don't get so I go my separate way and hopefully meet up again sometime in the future. :) But I do keep track of favorites. :)

[kellifer-fic.livejournal.com]

Interesting, so you follow authors more than fandoms?

I guess in a way I do this to lately... as communities become glutted with stories, it's harder to pick and choose what you want to read and hit something truly good, I tend to stick with reading stories recced (thanks to people like your good self... *smishes*) and written by people I know. I *want* to read everything and give everything a chance but unless I am on holidays (like I am now) I just don't physically have the time.

[crayonbreakygal.livejournal.com]

I've definitely discovered new fandoms because of people leaving other fandoms. If you looked at my flist, you'd probably go huh because all the interests are so varied. I could probably then go down the list and tell you why I friended them way back when and what fandom they're in now. I've discovered SG-1, Supernatural and BSG this way. There was no way I was ever going to watch these just out of the blue.

Do I still read them? Some of them, if I have the time. I still will dabble here and there with their fic. It is hard to let go sometimes.

[kellifer-fic.livejournal.com]

It is hard to let go sometimes.

Yes... yes it is.

[poisontaster]

I haven't REALLY run across this too much. Firstly, I'm still pretty new to fandom and secondly, my fandoms are still going pretty strong.

I have been pimped into new fandoms by authors I've particularly liked. I back ended into SGA through reading rageprufrock's SV stuff and then starting to read her other works. Up to that point, I hadn't watched the show at all, but the fanon got me interested in the canon and then there was RONON and it was all over but the shouting. Reading thisisbone's John/Ronon led me into her Fast and the Furious stuff, which really isn't my FANDOM, but the stories are good enough for me to follow along. And that led me, indirectly to maygra.

My friend inlovewithnight and I met each other in Firefly fandom, but shortly after Serenity, both of us BROKE severely and we haven't really been back since. But I'll read her Horatio Hornblower stuff and she'll read my random ficcage and periodically we'll meet up for beers in BSG or, most recently, the Black Donnellys (moment of silence). So we keep each other around and sometimes we'll meet up and sometimes we don't.

[kellifer-fic.livejournal.com]

then there was RONON

Hehehee... yep... absolutely.

What happened to the Black Donnellys... everyone was so keen and then there was silence? (In Australia, the land of no new shows so I have to live vicariously through y'all.)

[tonicollins.livejournal.com]

have you had a writer you've regularly enjoyed move fandoms or move on completely?

Yes, it sucks, naturally, though what irks me the most is when they leave wips. Long, involved, nearly there and now never to be done, wips.

Do you read "outside" your fandom of choice for the writers you have enjoyed in the past?

Yes; sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

How do you feel when someone has moved on and you're not ready to let go yet?

Sad to see them go and hoping that a new one will take their place and be just as good if not better.

[kellifer-fic.livejournal.com]

though what irks me the most is when they leave wips.

Oooooh yes, that would be maddening!

[workerb.livejournal.com]

have you had a writer you've regularly enjoyed move fandoms or move on completely?

Yes, it's happened a few times. However, I'm usually the one who moves on first. I can be fickle at times. :)

Do you read "outside" your fandom of choice for the writers you have enjoyed in the past?

If it's an author I like, I'll check out one or two fics s/he's written in a different fandom, even if I'm not familiar with the source material or fandom. If I really like the fics, I'll check out the source material and see if it hooks me. I've pulled into a few fandoms this way.

How do you feel when someone has moved on and you're not ready to let go yet?

I feel a bit sad and re-read their old stuff. That makes me feel better. Then I go hunting for new authors to read.

[kellifer-fic.livejournal.com]

I've pulled into a few fandoms this way.

I just think that's so cool that people are finding love for shows *through* fandom, rather than finding fandom through shows... hee!

[pepper-field.livejournal.com]

I feel like I should be able to read it and just treat it like original fiction

See, I think that most fanfic writers don't necessarily write in a way that would be accessible to anyone other than fellow fans. There's usually a sort of taken-as-read feeling... It's not always the case, of course, but whereas with original fic the writer has to create the whole world within the fic, with fanfic there's already going to be so much there, so much established in canon - stuff that doesn't need to be said, it's just implicit.

And I feel sad when writers move on, but then, I usually enter fandoms years late, so usually everyone's moved on. It takes some of the sting out of it. *g* Stargate is about the first current(ish) show I've been a fan of, so I'm not looking forward to it winding down. I'll feel bereft.

[kellifer-fic.livejournal.com]

It's not always the case, of course, but whereas with original fic the writer has to create the whole world within the fic, with fanfic there's already going to be so much there, so much established in canon

Ah, that is definitely my problem... I can't *quite* connect to the characters because the world and the character has been built elsewhere and the story is just a little glimpse but maddeningly, tantalisingly just a glimpse...

[lyore.livejournal.com]

You've already got a ton of responses to this, but I thought I'd add my two cents.

I'll sometimes follow favourite authors to new fandoms, but generally only if I've got at least a basic familiarity with canon. I'm not sure how well fanfic would work as original fiction, given that it often assumes, or even requires, a certain level of familarity with the scenario/setting/characters to properly appreciate.

When author's leave, I feel sad, of course. On a more irrational level, occasionally I've even felt annoyed with the new show/movie/book ('Stupid xxxx! You're stealing my authors!' kind of thing). I'll even admit to feeling this way about Atlantis somethimes :)

[kellifer-fic.livejournal.com]

Hehehe... I do that too!

[rigel-7.livejournal.com]

I'll usually follow writers over once I catch up to the fandom, it takes me a while though :P I'm usually 5 years too late.

I'm always tempted to clicky your SPN fic, cos I love your writing - but I am almost completely unfamiliar with the canon of the show. I know that it's ficcish tentacles will soon pull me under. Wherever there is fic, I'll eventually go. :P Then you'll get this avalanche of squee feedback, when I finally get the DVD's :D

I'm hoping people stick with SG-1 though, and don't let the fandom die. We can all be multifandom whores, as well as the multishipping variety!

[kellifer-fic.livejournal.com]

Hurrah for multifandom whorage!! That's where my heart lies... :D

[wive.livejournal.com]

Two more cents....
I friended you cause of the Lorne/Novak fics... *wink*
(I just read through them again, made me *flail* again.)
I just love how you have "captured" them both.
Ahem.... my point... If say you write another fic (another fandom) I will try reading one. I always give people one chance.
First thought on SPN/SGA... *frowning of my nose* LMAO
But after reading the first chapter, you sucked my right in to it! ;0)
You know when you read something and you can see the characters in front of you?
Thats when a fic is good and you did excellent.
On the other hand when you read a fic on a fandom you don't watch, you can't really "see" them. How they act or re-act at certain things, doe's that make sense?

Hugs!

[kellifer-fic.livejournal.com]

On the other hand when you read a fic on a fandom you don't watch, you can't really "see" them.

That makes perfect sense... that is exactly what I was getting at... *hugs you* It's the characters that draw me to a fic and if it's not an original fic and I've had time to create the characters for myself in my mind because of the world built by the author and not a fandom I'm familiar with so the characters are right *there* then I have trouble... attaching.

Oh, and don't you worry. There will be more Lorne/Novak. I'm working up to it but I won't leave them in the dark. :D

[becky-monster.livejournal.com]

Okay, I'm going to be the exception to the rule here;)

I tend to see fandom (while lovely and involving as it is!) to be secondary to the show.

If the show doesn't do it for me, then I don't care who's writing for it, I'm not reading. See SGA, Supernatural as examples. Sorry, but that's how I feel about it. How about you?;)

I've seen favourite authors up sticks and move to new fandoms and I haven't been able to follow because of the above. Hell, I've moved fandoms - more like downsized;) - but that's okay.

Why?

Because I've found a whole new raft of writers to enjoy and new friends too. Which is all for the good;)

As for letting go - It's annoying, but not as annoying when folk diss your new shiny fandom by saying '90% dreck, 10% good' with regards to fic!
Grrr... And yes, I am hoping that I might make that 10% one day;)

[kellifer-fic.livejournal.com]

Hee... that's basically where I'm at... I tend not to read fandoms outside the ones I know but I would jump on original fic by these authors... :)

[mecurtin.livejournal.com]

It used to bother me a lot, but I've been around a looong time now and one of the nice things about fandom is running into old friends in new places. I say, "The Great Wheel of Fandom spins, and now I see you again." And then there are writers who move on and I follow them, clutching at their ankles. But I've now gotten relaxed enough to trust that even if they move into a fandom I don't care for, the Wheel will spin again.

[kellifer-fic.livejournal.com]

The Great Wheel of Fandom spins, and now I see you again."

Hehehe... nicely put!

[abyssinia4077.livejournal.com]

Oh, man, I'm so there. My previous fandom was a really tiny place - I think there was maybe a core active group of about 10 of us, so not only were several of them some of my favorite authors, but they became good friends too.

I then went on a yearlong break from fandom and came back to find nearly all of them had shifted into Supernatural while I was discovering Stargate. It's been hard, because I miss my old fandom friends and I had to poke out there and find new people - but I still keep in touch with most of the old ones and now I know cool new people and authors.

I finally broke down and watched SPN so I could see what they were talking about and, while I enjoy it, it just doesn't spark me fannishly. I'll read the stuff my old friends post (and tend to really enjoy it) but don't really look for more. As for them, a few of them know Stargate and another has let me sit her down and make her watch some (so indoctrinated into the Cult of Daniel) but they aren't overly fannish. We'll still beta for each other and talk about stories though, so it works.

But it's still hard sometimes. And I discovered SG-1 only a few months before the show ended, so here I am basking in new fannish shiny and a lot of the fandom is moving on. It's definitely sad to see favorite authors go, especially when you're still gleeful about the show - you miss them and their glee, you know?

[kellifer-fic.livejournal.com]

Oh absolutely. I felt like I was coming late to the party only discovering Stargate in season 8... I figure it will be a fandom that will endure for a little while after the show's finish but people have already started moving on. We'll just have to make sure to support ficathons and the like to keep it alive... whee!

[janedavitt.livejournal.com]

Oh, interesting! I think we've all had it happen. I moved into Stargate SG-1 all blazing white heat of enthusiasm, read the classic J/D authors - and then found most of them had already gone or were going. I'd come from the closed canon of Buffy where you could expect a gradual downsizing but SG-1 was still going (S8) and I was baffled.

I didn't get that for most of the authors I was reading, the draw was J/D and that was waning with RDA's departure and I didn't get how much of a pull SGA was.

I've had three major fandoms, Buffy/AtS, which I tend to count as one, SG-1 and now The Sentinel. I've felt huge guilt at abandoning fandoms and felt fickle, disloyal, whatever but it just happens. And it's not like you ever lose the love completely.

I did feel a pang when I saw a post about the J/D ficathon and I ticked the box saying I wouldn't write but I'd maybe do back up but I find I get to a point where I'm written out and that's it. Squeezed dry.

Your other point about reading the author not the fandom... sometimes I do. Sometimes I don't. I was reading Bone's Sentinel fics over and over without ever clicking on any of the other fandoms she'd written in - until I started watching due South and tried her dS fics and then wondered why I'd been so resistant to trying them. I do think if you don't know the canon you're not getting as much out of the fic as you should which is a pity.

And to wrap up this long answer, I've found each fandom you make friends who stick and eventually you'll share a fandom again because a show that has the same qualities as the one you met in will pop up and there you'll both be.

[kellifer-fic.livejournal.com]

And to wrap up this long answer, I've found each fandom you make friends who stick and eventually you'll share a fandom again because a show that has the same qualities as the one you met in will pop up and there you'll both be.

I think you've nailed it and given me hope at the same time. Of course the shows we end up fanning appeal to a particular audience type and so you'll find a lot of the same people coming around. I guess the migration from the stargate fandoms to supernatural is proof of the pudding... :D

[empressvesica.livejournal.com]

So my question is this... have you had a writer you've regularly enjoyed move fandoms or move on completely? Do you read "outside" your fandom of choice for the writers you have enjoyed in the past? How do you feel when someone has moved on and you're not ready to let go yet?

I have on all counts. I started in Buffy three years ago and from there somehow aquired a set of writers I follow in four or five fandoms.

I think for me, the thing is that many of my favorite writers have become actual FRIENDS over time so I am perhaps more inclined to read even if I don't know the characters and have, by doing so, been sucked into more than one new fandom.

It's like a game with us. Find a new fandom. Write a few teasing/taunting crossovers like jelly bean trails into the woods and watch your friends/writing heroes find their way into the dark forest of your newest fandom. :D

But we are evil like that.

[kellifer-fic.livejournal.com]

Hehehee... definitely a wonderful way of looking at it. :D