ella_rose88 | pimping

I think the issue is more that A/G fans separate themselves from the rest of fandom, so when fandom-wide events like this occur many don't take part (or even know about it). Many people in our corner of fandom STAY in that corner and never venture elsewhere. For a situation like this, the problem isn't everyone else -- it's "us" (and by "us" I mean it's not as if A/G is an "underdog" -- it's the second-most popular ship. The solution to the problem is to make sure A/G shippers know about this even and to encourage them to participate. =)

Anyway, events like these aren't contests/ship wars. They're just a chance for everyone in fandom to get together and enjoy themselves and to celebrate a show they love. =) That said, definitely encourage A/G shippers and Gwen lovers to participate!

As for G/L, people ship them because they see chemistry/potential in the pairing. *shrugs* I think a good guideline to follow is "never get bitter." As a Harry/Hermione shipper I was constantly the "victim" of comments like, "How can you ship H/Hr when Ron and Hermione are so clearly canon?" And at the end of the day it really does come down to preference. I think it's important to remember and respect that. Do you have to agree with their opinions? Of course not! But just think how riled up you would be (or have been if you've encountered this) if A/M and A/Mor shippers said something like, "I don't get why people would ship A/G."

♥

I think the issue is more that A/G fans separate themselves from the rest of fandom, so when fandom-wide events like this occur many don't take part (or even know about it). Many people in our corner of fandom STAY in that corner and never venture elsewhere. For a situation like this, the problem isn't everyone else -- it's "us" (and by "us" I mean it's not as if A/G is an "underdog" -- it's the second-most popular ship. The solution to the problem is to make sure A/G shippers know about this even and to encourage them to participate. =)

I think that this is the problem. That we stay away from it because I think people get intimidated by the A/G or Gwen hate. Though most people are probably not mean. It can be hard to put yourself out there when it seems like most people ship certain ships that you don't.

I guess I decided to do it because I like the whole set up of it and if its a general challenge that welcomes all pairings (including ones that I don't ship) why can't A/G be a part of it.

As for G/L, people ship them because they see chemistry/potential in the pairing. *shrugs* I think a good guideline to follow is "never get bitter." As a Harry/Hermione shipper I was constantly the "victim" of comments like, "How can you ship H/Hr when Ron and Hermione are so clearly canon?" And at the end of the day it really does come down to preference. I think it's important to remember and respect that. Do you have to agree with their opinions? Of course not! But just think how riled up you would be (or have been if you've encountered this) if A/M and A/Mor shippers said something like, "I don't get why people would ship A/G."

they way I saw it was more of a A/G fans shipping Gwen so that Merlin could be with Arthur. That is what bothers me. If people actually think that G/L have chemistry that is a completely different story. I respect people opinions, though I may not understand it. I just thought that it's odd considering that A/G is the second biggest ship and yet more people are signing up to do G/L.

I think someone told me that some A/Mor fans did say why would anyone ship A/G. So it has happened.

I think people get intimidated by the A/G or Gwen hate.

That's the real problem. For some reason there's this belief that if you leave our corner of fandom you're going to get virtually stabbed, but it's just not true. Are there people out there who are just generally horrible and will treat Gwen and Arthur/Gwen fans badly? Yes. But for the most part the general fandom is very pleasant.

they way I saw it was more of a A/G fans shipping Gwen so that Merlin could be with Arthur. That is what bothers me.

Well, it actually makes sense. Pairing Gwen with Arthur is, in their mind, unacceptable -- Merlin is his soul mate (just like how to you pairing Arthur off with say, Morgana, would be ridiculous). So they're looking to pair Gwen off with someone and they find that Lancelot is the most attractive answer to them. I actually prefer that because it means they're not hating on Gwen -- they want her to be happy. TBH, from what I've seen, most A/M shippers pair off Gwen with Morgana, but that isn't really relevant. ;-)

why can't A/G be a part of it.

It's not that A/G CAN'T be a part of it -- it's just that A/G shippers aren't too interested. Like I said, the problem isn't the big bang or anything else -- it's awareness/enthusiasm in our corner of fandom.

I think someone told me that some A/Mor fans did say why would anyone ship A/G. So it has happened.

LOL. I meant particularly to you. It's quite a terrible feeling when someone tells you that, and I spent five years on the receiving end of those sort of comments (and still get them now!).

That's the real problem. For some reason there's this belief that if you leave our corner of fandom you're going to get virtually stabbed, but it's just not true. Are there people out there who are just generally horrible and will treat Gwen and Arthur/Gwen fans badly? Yes. But for the most part the general fandom is very pleasant.

True. People do tend to speak they opinions against A/G or Gwen, but I don't think that they attack people. I would hope not. I'm looking forward to seeing if more A/G fans will participate now. Hopefully, the word will get out and people won't be afraid to participate. The set up seems very open to all pairings.

Well, it actually makes sense. Pairing Gwen with Arthur is, in their mind, unacceptable -- Merlin is his soul mate (just like how to you pairing Arthur off with say, Morgana, would be ridiculous). So they're looking to pair Gwen off with someone and they find that Lancelot is the most attractive answer to them. I actually prefer that because it means they're not hating on Gwen -- they want her to be happy. TBH, from what I've seen, most A/M shippers pair off Gwen with Morgana, but that isn't really relevant. ;-)

LOL I guess one could view it that way. I mean it does make sense that they would pair Gwen off with Lancelot, if they want Merlin with Arthur. At the end of the day though I pair off Gwen with Arthur and that's cool. That's how its gonna go with the show too. Fandom is good for people like A/M fans because they know that A/M is not going to happen the way they want it to. A/G fans are lucky because we know that the producers are very much going down the A/G path.

It's not that A/G CAN'T be a part of it -- it's just that A/G shippers aren't too interested. Like I said, the problem isn't the big bang or anything else -- it's awareness/enthusiasm in our corner of fandom.

I don't get that though. WE can participate! But the lack of enthusiasm is surprising. Man if I could write fanfic I would totally participate.

LOL. I meant particularly to you. It's quite a terrible feeling when someone tells you that, and I spent five years on the receiving end of those sort of comments (and still get them now!).

Thank god never to me. I would not handle that well at all. I get upset over the little things.

That sucks that people have made comments like that to you. Harry/Hermione are awesome! Whether in a "friends" sense or romantically. I mean since talking to you I've become more H/Hr than R/H. I just love how H/Hr just interact with each other.

I don't get that though.

Wait, sorry, what don't you get? LOL

Wait, sorry, what don't you get? LOL

LOL I don't get why people feel like they can't participate or they just don't. Do they see the overwhelming number of A/M fans and that and feel intimidated? I could understand that but its not like the community says that "this is for A/M fans", its very much an all pairings are welcome. so why don't people participate.

I think that maybe the amount that people have to write and the deadline might be a factor though.

I'm half tempted at trying to do some art for it though it would have to be done by hand.

ETA: The idea of this big bang is making me think that this is something that I could do with ag_fics. I like the idea of having people sign up and be cheerleaders. I think that is a really fab idea.

Edited 2011-02-03 00:38 (UTC)

I think that maybe the amount that people have to write and the deadline might be a factor though.

Mmm, I don't think so. If that were the case there'd be a lot fewer participants over all.

its very much an all pairings are welcome. so why don't people participate.

a) Don't know about it
b) Too frightened to take part in a general fandom activity because they have incorrect views of the fandom

And those are the two things we need to attack. =)

Yeah well the people I tried to talk into doing it said that they can't do that many words by the deadline because of uni and real life so it is a consideration.

Too frightened to take part in a general fandom activity because they have incorrect views of the fandom

I wouldn't say that it was totally incorrect though. I think there is some basis as to why some people may be scared to venture out. But at the same time I think that there are a lot of positives in general fandom. I don't know exactly though because I've never really ventured much outside the A/G sphere of fandom, but I'm sure they are people that are nice and kind to people despite what they ship.

WE do need to try and encourage more people to try and participate if they want to of course. Some people may enjoy staying where they are.

Oh I vaguely considered participating but I'm afraid that real life stuff is going to make it difficult for me to meet deadlines and really, I can't ignore work to write fanfic as much as I would love to. :(

I am a little surprised G/L is such a popular pairing though. In a way it's good because that means they don't hate Gwen, they just like A/M more. At least it's better than completely erasing her from the story altogether. That said, I think hmsharmony is right - us A/Gers tend to stay in our little corner of fandom, whether it's because we just don't want to read A/M or it's just easier to avoid the Gwen hate. Admitted, I keep my involvement in the wider fandom limited because I don't really like reading why Gwen is a disloyal, cheating Mary Sue. I have read the occasional A/M fic though - I just pretend it is a friendship fic. :D

I am a little surprised G/L is such a popular pairing though. In a way it's good because that means they don't hate Gwen, they just like A/M more. At least it's better than completely erasing her from the story altogether. That said, I think hmsharmony is right - us A/Gers tend to stay in our little corner of fandom, whether it's because we just don't want to read A/M or it's just easier to avoid the Gwen hate. Admitted, I keep my involvement in the wider fandom limited because I don't really like reading why Gwen is a disloyal, cheating Mary Sue. I have read the occasional A/M fic though - I just pretend it is a friendship fic. :D

That is the thing. Some of them might like Gwen, but I have come across some fics that have her cheating, which I don't like. I think that its fine if people ship A/M but I doubt whether they actually ship Gwen with Lancelot, but rather so that Merlin can be with Arthur.

That being said I just came across a post that has most of the Merlin communities listed and A/G has like three general communities. I don't think the others have that many.

I wish I could. I'm just afraid with all the deadlines/check-ins I won't make it in time. Plus I'd need a beta because I've never had a beta in the Merlin fandom and I'm not super comfortable with someone I don't know. I think I better just stick with the shorter stuff for now.

The cheering part sounds cool though. Be fun having someone cheering you to write, lol.

There are some Arthur/Gwen writers, right? Looks like they still have plenty time to sign up.

I think I sometimes like Arthur/Merlin fics more than Gwen/Lancelot. I don't mind the triangle, but I'm not that into them as the endgame, but I respect others feel differently of course. Personally I love A/G of course, Merlin Arthur friendship, and lots of the knights, hee.

Have fun cheerleading!

pimping

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject