I thought about reblogging my Common Courtesy post, but instead I’m writing a new one. So let’s start by looking at a definition of courtesy:
courtesy
[kur-tuh-see]
Something happened tonight that has led me to revisit this issue. In general I’m not interested in calling individuals out, but frankly, I’m angry. If you disagree with another fan, express your opinion with consideration and respect. I can think of a few reasons to do this.
- Let’s start with the obvious, it is the right thing to do.
- Those with whom you disagree are not likely to even take your views into consideration if you attack them on a personal level.
- I know it is hard to comprehend, but there is a chance you are either wrong or that neither party is wrong.
- Negative discourse bring everyone down.
- Snark doesn’t further productive dialogue.
In the past I’ve never divulged who or what instance inspired me to post about drama in the fandom. It may have been obvious, but I chose not to largely in part because I was a bystander to events. However, after tonight’s incident I’ve been pondering, and this is the conclusion I’ve drawn: the courteous thing to do is make sure a fan knows when they’ve stepped beyond just voicing their opinion and moved on to attacking people on a personal level. In addition, other fans have a right to know who might one day turn on them, spewing vitriol, simply because you dare to disagree with them.
With that in mind, this is the comment written to me and Snicker’s Mom tonight:
Oh please. Really? Girls, if you’re going to get all high school on this, then your critics are correct. This “Army” of yours is just a bunch of middle-aged women with a penchant for drama. Unbelievable.
Yes.
I mentioned the blog because that was her inference, and anyone who is in this community and pretends that her comment wasn’t about that it is being disingenuous, including the mighty Severus.
So sue me.
I think her blog is smut. There ya go. Have a nice day.
If you would like to read the whole of the comments, they can be found here.
