Alright TF Fans, we need to talk.
I don't get involved in these things very often but I feel this is particularly important. And honestly, I am angry. But I'm going to be civil and discuss this in as polite of a manner as I know how. If I've misunderstood any information, I apologize.
Sometimes people say things you don't agree with, or do things they really shouldn't. That is not grounds to bully them, hack their blog, and generally harass someone. No matter how they act on an opinion on their personal blog it is not grounds for retaliation.
Yesterday (January 27th, 2015) I posted a reply to a post by Scalrettshana, reblogging with the original, unedited artwork, a link to the artist and the comment that the post was fairly ironic. I want to clarify now that I meant no harm towards Scalrettshana in saying this. I merely found it funny. I admit that my reply may have been a touch thoughtless. But the number of nasty and downright mean replies that Scalrett has gotten in the past few days has honestly shocked me. So I wanted to talk about it. (I'm terrified of posting this, just so you know. I feel like I'm about to throw up but I feel it needs to be said).
About the art used, while they may not recognize it for what it is, the original post was art theft. But rude and spiteful comments are not an appropriate way to solve this problem. Sometimes people don't understand and need an explanation. After reading a few of Scalrett's replies and comments it's became quickly obvious to me that they didn't know that they were stealing. I've already explained the situation in a private reply to an ask Scalrett sent me. But I'll reiterate here: any art reposted without the artist's permission and without credit given to the artist is art theft. End of story.
Also, I feel that this pertains to both sides of the conflict: while you don't have to agree with someone else's opinions, please respect them. If you see slash, or any subject, that you don't like, just move on. Stopping to comment is only going to start conflict and put a big fat target on your head. Equally, if you see someone dissing something you like, it's best just to move on. It is not grounds, however, to openly attack them, laugh at their expense, or generally be rude.
Relationships are important! Whether they are romantic or platonic, people are allowed to see them as they wish. If it's alright for people to pair characters that have no interest in each other in canon, it is just as valid for people to see canon romantic relationships as platonic. As someone who is aromantic I often feel strong friendships that don't involve a romantic element are few and far between in fandom. It's alright for someone to want that, just as must as it's alright for someone to ship characters that aren't romantically involved in canon. What is not okay is actively seeking out slash posts or anti-slash posts and harassing the OP. While I do personally love slash and often write for pairings I understand that other's don't love what I do. And that's okay.
So before I shit my pants from nerves I'm going to hit the post button and pray I don't wake up to a barge of angry messages in the morning.
