Is there a real problem, and why? What's happening in fandom that inspires these thoughts and feelings? Your mentioning 'frustration' is key, I think.
This is something I wouldn't have been able to articulate before reading the discussions in this post, and I'm glad I'm able to now. What's frustrated me is that I had unrealistic expectations for what the SGA fandom would be like and, of course, being unrealistic they weren't met. I'd heard all the buzz about SGA, how it had become the little black dress and was drawing in many writers from many other fandoms. I was anticipating a shift in fandom trends: I was anticipating SGA would become one of the first megafandoms and that a megafandom would function differently from a regular sized fandom, particularly in terms of reader and writer variety. However, as others pointed out, there seems to be a tipping point in variety availability past which the chance inherent in reading someone new is deemed too risky for any number of reasons. That's why, as other commenters have pointed out, smaller fandoms are more embracing of reader and writer variety. That's perfectly logical, but somewhat counterintuitive.
And having read through others' comments, it's clear that the issues I have with the SGA fandom are, in large part, a result of my unrealistic expectations.
Finally, thanks for allowing this discussion, and particularly for your polite admin reminders. And, of course, for the hidden gem post. I haven't gotten a chance to take a look at it, but I think it's a great idea, regardless of any issues I or others may have with fandom readership. :)
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branchandroot
Re: Cont.
Date: 2006-03-25 01:12 pm (UTC)This is something I wouldn't have been able to articulate before reading the discussions in this post, and I'm glad I'm able to now. What's frustrated me is that I had unrealistic expectations for what the SGA fandom would be like and, of course, being unrealistic they weren't met. I'd heard all the buzz about SGA, how it had become the little black dress and was drawing in many writers from many other fandoms. I was anticipating a shift in fandom trends: I was anticipating SGA would become one of the first megafandoms and that a megafandom would function differently from a regular sized fandom, particularly in terms of reader and writer variety. However, as others pointed out, there seems to be a tipping point in variety availability past which the chance inherent in reading someone new is deemed too risky for any number of reasons. That's why, as other commenters have pointed out, smaller fandoms are more embracing of reader and writer variety. That's perfectly logical, but somewhat counterintuitive.
And having read through others' comments, it's clear that the issues I have with the SGA fandom are, in large part, a result of my unrealistic expectations.
Finally, thanks for allowing this discussion, and particularly for your polite admin reminders. And, of course, for the hidden gem post. I haven't gotten a chance to take a look at it, but I think it's a great idea, regardless of any issues I or others may have with fandom readership. :)