On BNFs

[melwil]

It's a long walk from my house to the local cinemas, and I did a bit of thinking along the way. When I came home, someone asked why this happened particularly in the Harry Potter fandom. I'm sure that my thoughts won't be able to answer that question fully - but they might have some sort of insight.

I believe that the way BNF's were formed in the Harry Potter fandom directly allowed msscribe to intially act in the absolutely disgusting way she did.

I came to this conclusion when thinking about my experiences in other fandoms. I began in online fandom in a non-writing community called the Bronze. Basically, it was the offical Buffy board, which was populated by fans and (from time to time) the people who worked on the show (including Joss) - known as VIPs. I was usually on at the same time as other Australian fans, so we were pretty friendly, and I can't recall there being any huge fans there. But there were BNF's in the community besides the 'VIPs'. I didn't have a lot to do with them because of the time difference, but if you said something to them, they were friendly and replied. And although there was the 'official' Bronzer's party, there was no concern when I organised a small gathering for Brisbane Bronzers.

After this, I moved on the West Wing where I did write fic. Again, I was a newbie, but there were plenty of people offering to help me. I had offers of betas, great constructive critisism (which I really needed), and my work was even recced. Some of this attention came from other fans like me - but there were also plenty of bigger names who were willing to help me. I remember emailing two of the biggest names with some trepidation, and they were completely helpful and wonderful.

From what I can see in Harry Potter fandom the core group of BNFs (circa 2003) came from one place - the HPfGU list. These people, especially when Cassie Clare was really popular, built a wall around themselves discouraging ordinary fans from trying to knock. They seemed to consider themselves to be the real 'fans' - therefore they set the rules. You wanted to have your fic on their websites? Then meet the rules. (otherwise it's ff.net for you!) You wanted to participate in their conversation? Then jump through this hoop, and that one over there.

This attitude was unfriendly and extremely discouraging to new comers (when I say newcomer - I came to HP fan fiction late 2002. I'd be reading the books for a longer time). Furthermore, these people were disparaging of anything they weren't in control of (see the recent Heidiwank for more evidence). Therefore, for most newcomers there were three options - 1) slink around on the outskirts, 2) leave hp fandom or 3) suck up and suck up and suck up and hope that one day a few crumbs are thrown your way.

Of course, Msscribe doesn't sound like any regular newcomer. She wanted into the inner circle quickly - and deceit was really the only way she could get it. The way BNFs were structured in HP had made it so easy for her.

I have other, less complete thoughts on BNFs who help fandom and BNFs who don't.

Comments

[melwil.livejournal.com]

I think it was the correct word to use considering the circumstances and what I've read, but I've removed it

*hugs you*

[sangerin.livejournal.com]

All of the above being perfect examples of why I should not even be reading LJ at the moment? I've deleted.

On happier topics, we must make plans for catching up while I'm in Brisbane.

[aldenmacrae.livejournal.com]

~snuggles~ LJ is not so much a good place for happy distraction just now, no. It's lovely to see you, though!

[sangerin.livejournal.com]

Love you much.

So tired, though. Want world to end.

[aldenmacrae.livejournal.com]

~uses lovely!sleep icon~ ♥

[sangerin.livejournal.com]

Does it make sense to say that I *want* to write emails to you, but I just can't actually do it? So much of my energy is taken up just gettingthrough the day... I've managed 60 units chargeable the past two days but it leaves no time to do other stuff (like - for instance - billing, which I can't charge for), and I'm continually worried that the work will run out.

*hugs you and melwil*

[aldenmacrae.livejournal.com]

It makes sense, of course it does. ~heaps of huggles~ Sending you lots of happy & restful thoughts! ♥

[aldenmacrae.livejournal.com]

*Such* good points about the HP BNFs! HP was my first online fandom, so at first I only knew what BNFs were in terms of HP... and then when I heard that one of my LJ friends was a BNF in another fandom, I was all confused. Like, 'Why is she TALKING to me, then? And being all wondermous? It makes NO SENSE!'

Also: ~hugs~ for you feeling upset about everything all over again. :(

[http://users.livejournal.com/_snitchbitch/]

yikes! I'm really glad that I like sticking in my own little corner with my own online friends. Sounds like way too much effort to become a BNF ;)

[gooberfishbowl.livejournal.com]

Wow! I read this at home, then went into work, worked a bit, then pulled up LJ. Looks like that journal was deleted in the time in-between!

Yeah... This is why I don't do Fan Fic. Too much drama for not getting paid to do it.

[quasiradiant.livejournal.com]

man, WW bnfs (though, i can hardly begin to list them... i was sort of not paying attention that way) were awfully nice, weren't they? seriously.

[melwil.livejournal.com]

They were excellent. It was probably the best fandom to enter as a new writer

[remmirath.livejournal.com]

I'm very sorry, I haven't been catching up with my flist lately so I'm a tiny bit confused--could you possibly tell me, what has happened? If you feel terribly uncomfortable talking about it, it's all right if you say no; in any case, I'll just send you a little cyber hug, from one small-time fic writer to another. *HUG*

[melwil.livejournal.com]

That's ok - the cuffuffle is the Ms Scribe fiasco over at bad_penny - here's the first chapter

While none of the events directly effected me or my friends, the social structure of a fandom effects everyone