Some thoughts on Recent Events in the Fandom
So as I am sure many people have noticed there has been a lot going on in the fandom lately. Yes I am talking about the ML Blackout. Seeing as how it is on it’s last day, and I am STILL seeing so much arguing on the subject, I figured I should give my 2 cents.
This was an effort to raise awareness of the growing problem of art theft in the fandom and even more so the effect that it is having on content creators. Many artists are pulling out of the fandom in frustration. Its heartbreaking to see.
I could talk to you about why the blackout happened. But I think most of you already know that. I could talk to you about my thoughts about it- (for those paying attention I did not personally participate and was on vacation for the majority of the event, but did share a lot of posts relating to it and issues regarding fan content theft in general), but that isn’t really important at the moment either.
Here is the thing I think we need to be talking about-
Regardless of the blackout, regardless of how you think art theft could or should be dealt with, regardless of if you think that it doesn’t apply to you and you shouldn’t be dragged in or punished or however you viewed what happened in the last 2 weeks there is one thing I want you to think about and to remember.
The people who make this art for the fandom- for ‘you’- they are people. They are people who have a right to their feelings, who have a right to protest, who have a right to want support and respect. Its not about you- it’s about them. And you should respect that.
We as a fandom need to remember to take the time to listen to our artists, to praise them, to support them, to take the time to listen to what they have to say- regardless of if we agree or disagree. That’s called common decency.
If you really love the art- tell them. Find and follow artists sites, don’t get your images from repost sites. If an artist is upset because they have been hurt by art theft don’t blame the victims! Show them love and be patient. Respect their feelings and their needs. If they need to protest LET THEM. If they need to be heard listen. If the art thieves are making creators feel like they have a reason to leave then you should be doing everything possible to give them reasons to stay! Give feedback! Tell people you appreciate them! Teach people who are new to the fandom how to be good supporters! And for heaven sake don’t think that anything gives you the right to be mean and rude to your fellow fans.
Art theft doesn’t just rest on the shoulders of the people who are doing it- they survive because they have a market that is content to reap the fruits of their rotten labor. They survive because we think that creators owe us something, instead of seeing that every piece of art, that ever work of fiction is a gift. Something that we should feel honored by- not entitled too.
Take the time to be smart, to be empathetic. To look at yourself and see what you can do to be a positive influence in the fandom. Because making fandoms great isn’t just on the artists, it isn’t just on the thieves, it’s on all of us.
So the next time you see something like this- the next time you see an artist upset and struggling- take the time to ask yourself: Can I help make things better?