Back from the trip of a lifetime... but this isn't about that. It's about fandom.

[aliciamasters]

Well, I'd like to ramble on about my wonderful trip, but dyrim_rings hasn't had a chance to load pictures, and I'd like it illustrated. Suffice it to say... lots of fun, lots of walking, and a lovely time with my sister. More to follow, once the pictures are up.

What I would like to talk about is fandom.

Comments

[treewishes]

Oh, yeah. HP isn't my first fandom, so I was somewhat prepared for the wank and the hurt. On the other hand, HP certainly has been my OTF, and so perhaps the hurt has been deeper and the letting go much more difficult. Thanks for articulating so much of what this means to all of us. {{hugs}}

[aliciamasters]

This is my first fandom, and will always be my primary one. I feel rather guilty not rushing home to check LJ nowadays, but with fandom starting to scatter a bit, it's a little freeing as well. :)

I guess I'm starting to put it in its proper perspective, which is nice.

[treewishes]

And on a vaguely related note, check out this!! Sadly, it won't be out until next June. See Chapter 13.

[meri_oddities]

Well said. You're right, it's completely personal. I've been in a lot of other fandoms in my life, but this one, it's...different. I feel very at home here, and that makes it even more personal when something happens.

On the other hand, wank is to be expected when you have more than a couple of like-minded people together. I try to ignore it as much as possible.

And I feel bad for Steve.

[aliciamasters]

It's hard to be one of the sensible ones, sometimes, isn't it? When you see all the points of view, you can only sigh and wait for it all to end. :)

Thanks again for the wonderful reading on my trip! Katy kept asking which Meri story I was on. I re-read all the HP, Bond of Honor, and Last Man on Earth, and they were all as delightful as I remembered.

[snapetoy]

You've said what I wanted to say but so much better than I could ever have said it. I missed you! I'm so glad that you had a wonderful time away and I'm even gladder that you're back. *hugs*

[aliciamasters]

Slow to answer, though, eh? Catching up at work has been not terrible, but at home has been a monster. (Mr. Masters seemed to relive his bachelor days, so I have just finished cleaning the house, and spent this weekend putting up decorations for the holidays.)

I am loving my new job, but my fun internet time has been cut back. It must be the sitting at the computer every day working taking the fun out of it. :(

Still, I think I'll hit a 'right amount' soon.

*hugs you right back*

[cnary_crem_dght]

Glad you had fun on your trip and I was just thinking about this today. I realized I've been in fandom for nearly 5 years now and it's lasted the longest out of all my interests/fandoms. I think you hit the nail on the head about how I'm feeling about it now. My personal re-fandom loving happened actually because of the con and meeting people like you, dj and veni who were wonderful and awesome and just made me love snarry again talking and thinking about. <3

So glad to hear from you again and I will be dying to hear about your europe update.

[aliciamasters]

Wasn't that awesome? I had a lovely time at the con. I'm hoping to go to two next year, since I had such a good time; Terminus in Chicago, and Con.txt in Baltimore. Here's hoping I can save up the money!

[cordelia_v]

I'm glad you had such a rewarding trip, Alicia.

And what a thoughtful and intelligent post. Thank you so much. And you know, you've been completely successful, from my POV, at adopting a professional approach and tone to any disputes that have arisen. And it has really served everyone well, as far as I can see. We're very lucky to have you on this ship.

I feel the need to give back to fandom, since it has offered me so much pleasure,

This made me smile. Because of course you're one of those who contribute the most, already. You truly are one of those who make this ship sail, and I will never forget the amazing party you helped to organize for the Snarristas at Prophecy. That alone was a huge present to all of us who could be there.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that we're done hurting each other for a bit.

I hope so, too, dear.

[aliciamasters]

Prophecy was really one of the highlights of my fandom experience, and I was thrilled to meet you there. It really has made my journal experience much lovelier, to know the people involved.

It's too bad that the fracturing of fandom by LJ happened so concurrently with Prophecy, because that could've been a really reinvigorating experience, and yet the LJ part seemed less attractive.

Now, I just enjoy every bit I experience, and feel less guilty about what I skip. It seems to be working for me. :)

(Of course, I need to read Snarry Holidays! I haven't read a one! Now that the decorations are up, I'll get started.)