Am I done with HL fandom?

[macgeorge1]

There was an interesting discussion on a list today about the history of HL fandom and how the fandom has changed over time, and I expressed my opinion that I felt very much removed from it (the fandom) because no one seemed interested in the things I was interested in, that the stories that were being written were, in large measure, not tales that

Comments

[hafital]

*hugs*

I've felt removed from HL fandom for years now (for much the same reason; although I think entropy is natural, in any case). It is possible to still love the show and the universe and not feel much for the fannish activity that's going on. I do it all the time, but it is a bit lonely.

[macgeorge1]

The best residual, however, are the wonderful people I've met through fandom, and those continue, for which I am extraordinarily grateful.

{{hugs}}

[macgeorge1]

I really agree wholeheartedly. The lists were a grab-bag of folks, all coming from various viewpoints. The clashes and discussions were frequently rancorous, sometimes outrageous, sometimes stupid, but rarely boring, and occasionally downright profound.

You were always around and contributing in a truly thoughtful way, for which I was (and still am) grateful.

[unovis]

God -- now I feel so guilty. I'll probably never write that kind of story.

I know what you mean about feeling disengaged from current stories and the fandom in general now. I'm mostly providing clerical services these days.

[macgeorge1]

Don't feel guilty! Your Darius/Methos stories are treasures, and I loved your Methos/Duncan/Amanda/Hans tales. The fandom has truly changed, with most current writers coming from a very different perspective. It's not one I identify with at all, which leaves me on the outside looking in. Sad, but life goes on.

[unovis]

I should instead be telling you how much your continued presence means and adding to the praise for your stories. You, no matter the climate of the current fandom or the current state of writing, write what the readers want to read. They remember what they've read.

[robi_travels]

Can I second Macgeorge's comments. I love the Hans and Foot stories. Still trying to locate one where Hans nearly gets run down by car. Would love more.

Roberta

[adonnchaid]

I'm so glad I have really smart friends like you! Your post gave me an *aha* moment, because I knew I wasn't happy with the state of HL fandom and my involvement, but I wasn't sure why. And what you said is why.

All the fannish HL chatter I see is MethosMethosMethos. And I want to say "no, it was about Duncan". Heck, even the Old West story I'm writing in another fandom where Duncan is going to guest star had one of my betas saying "wouldn't it be cool if Methos showed up?" and I said NO, IT WOULDN'T BE! Because part of what I want is what Duncan is -- a man with principles who will act on them, but a man with the sense to listen and think.

Yet, I'm not really ready to abandon HL fandom for good. I love it too much to let go, so I'll probably stay out here on the fringes for a long, long time.

[macgeorge1]

I hang around, and will continue to do so - more for the friendships than the fandom. The fandom itself has become... shallow, IMO. I'll be around, but I find it very difficult to work up any enthusiasm anymore.

[adonnchaid]

I do feel lucky to have found a fandom where I can have some terrific discussions. Not quite as profound as HL could inspire, but pretty good.

Yet, I miss Duncan. Seriously miss talking about him and thinking about him. I'm feeling very tempted to start watching the series again from the beginning, just because it would make me happy.

But yes, the one truly great thing from HL fandom are the fabulous friends I made (and happily still have) there.

[jotribe]

Aargh. Much of what you say rings so true for me too. I definitely don't feel done with HL. I really really still love it. It still fascinates me. There's so many stories I still want to have told. But so little I read lately really gets me going anymore. I know part of it is this total anti-duncan bias which leaves me either so mad or bored. Well it feels total to me. Part of it is I don't have much time. But I know me - I'd make time if I was compelled. I can't quite give up on the fandom. Things have a way of coming full circle, so I still have hope.

And most importantly, this post makes me sad - does this means you won't finish your WIPs *sob* I was holding off reading them. You know, when i need a HL fix (and I often do. Very often *g*) the first thing I do is re-read one of your stories. I"m forever grateful for them - sending you hugs. I hope you don't disappear!

[macgeorge1]

I have a 'thing' about finishing things, so do not fear that I won't finish. It make take well-nigh forever, but I have every intension of finishing both the Origins and To Touch the Face stories.

I just don't really participate in the fandom anymore. Not the discussion, and not the rec'cing especially, since I haven't read anything in a long time that I found even remotely close to the old HL writing standards of good characterization, interesting plot, important theme, or simply good, plain ole' HOT stuff. (sigh) There are only a couple of writers out there who still occasionally surprise me with something, but that is rare, indeed.