The infamous 10 Unpopular Fannish Opinions Meme...

[castalie]

... that makes us all look like rottweilers on crack.

The lemming in me started to whine because I still hadn't done the 10 unpopular opinions meme, so to shut it up, I decided to do it. That's when I encountered some difficulties. First, I had some problem coming up with ten of them - although having ten wasn't an obligation, of course. Then, when it was finally over and done with, I realised my little meme sounded bitchy at times, well in other words, I realised I sounded bitchy. I wondered whether posting it was actually a good thing. I mean, where's the point in writing something that makes you sound snarky for no reason, right? But I read the meme at several of my friend's LJs, and realised they all sounded that way.

So I thought, what the hell, let's join the bitching fest, after all -

1- I happen to love Domestic Discipline stories. Strangely enough, it doesn't mean I wish to spank my girlfriend, or be spanked by her each time one of us will screw up, it doesn't mean I condone DD in RL. See, it doesn't even mean I actually believe in such a relationship in RL. It just means this is one of my kinks in fanfiction. No need to start analysing the thing, sorry to disappoint all those DD haters out there. I also happen to totally understand why someone would loathe such a subject btw, but on the contrary of a lot of those DD haters, I don't think they're scum because they don't like this particular theme.

2. I like Mpreg. I don't read a lot of them, mind you, I think I only have three of them saved on my HD, but I think they're funny that way - unless they're picturing totally femme!characters though, granted, and even then, I have a pretty high tolerance. Well sorta - and my favorites are the ones which focus on the angst. No surprise here. I don't think Mpreg is stupid just based on the fact that it's not realistic and wouldn't happen in RL. I actually always thought it was pretty funny to hear this argument. So apparently, people think it's pretty normal to see a couple adopting an alien kid and seeing him grow up to be Superman, they don't have anything to say about wizard kids going to wizard school, and of course there's nothing wrong with traveling across the galaxy using a stargate, but seeing a pregnant male is absolutely out of the question, and so unrealistic. Yeah, right, everything else happens everyday *rolls eyes*

3. I HATE bottom!Jack, and find stories portraying him that way really dull, no offense to all those writes who actually write great bottom!Jack stories. I just don't see it, and never will I'm afraid. I don't think it's him, know what I mean?

4. I absolutely don't mind if Blair is always on the bottom. If you want to know something, I actually hope he's going to always be on the bottom. I just love it. I don't really care about it being unrealistic or not. If I want to read something realistic, I avoid fanfic, thanks.

5. I don't think it's funny when Jim or Jack explain they did 'research' before making love to Blair or Daniel, when they explain they went online or read books. I don't think it's cute at all either. I never heard of men doing research before fucking their female lovers, I don't see why they would feel the need to do it when it's a male partner. They'd actually know more about pleasuring their male lovers, what with being male themselves and everything. Apparently trying sodomy with a woman doesn't require any knowledge, but when a man is trying to do it with another man, he has to do research, because hey, everyone knows this part of the human body is so different from woman to man, and therefore making the penetration so much more difficult.

6. I don't expect to receive a reply when I send a feedback. I always send a reply to someone who sends me a LoC, I'm always delighted when a writer replies to me, but I don't expect it. After all, the mail I wrote is for them, I don't expect to be thanked for my 'effort', it's not about me. Therefore, I don't feel all offended if I don't.

7. I don't find anything interesting in Smallville. I don't see Clark as this sex God. I tried to get interested in it, to no avail *sigh*

8. I don't believe in the Golden Age of any fandom. I won't go into specifics, but I don't think some TS writers are goddesses just because they were there when said fandom was born. Sorry to disappoint, but without new writers, a fandom is bound to die sooner or later, and make that sooner than later. They should be happy to see new writers entering their fandom, and stop trying to proove the unworthiness of those newbies.

9. Disliking slash does not equal being a homophobe. There're a lot of genners out there, or hetters who can't bother reading about m/m or f/f. It doesn't mean they're a bunch of homophobic assholes. It does mean though, that they have different tastes. As long as they don't downright come and tell you writing slash will give you a free ticket for hell, I don't see what's the problem with disliking slash.

10. Only liking slash, or only liking Gen, or only liking Het, doesn't make you a narrow minded jerk. It doesn't mean you have no respect for any of the other genre, it doesn't mean you have no respect for the other writers or readers, it doesn't mean you can't even discuss about a different category than your own. It just means your tastes run that way. No reason to get all riled up about it. One way or the other.

Comments

[turps33.livejournal.com]

WOOHOO SIS! I love these! You go girl!

I actually know where you're coming from in terms of sounding bitchy, I took mine down for a while then put it back up *g*

I think your reasons for MPREG are great, and DD and SV. I've tried to get into that fandom so many times and just can't.

Also, this Disliking slash does not equal being a homophobe should be in the internet constitution somewhere. Some people just don't want to read about slash and that's all there is to it.

You rock and I'm glad you posted these.

[castalie.livejournal.com]

I almost didn't post that one, seriously lol I thought I would just send it to Babycakes and you later on, because after all, I'd worked on the thing, but really it sounded so... well, you know *g*

I'm glad you liked it at least *eg* I feel less lonely in my snarkiness and bitchiness lol

Thanks for the support- go, you!

Yes!

[kimberlyfdr.livejournal.com]

The #2 MPREG....YES! I like MPREG, well-written MPREG, and I even try to write it myself. I like it, I don't expect everyone to like it, but I do, so I don't know why some people make it a point to giggle or shout in disgust at the mere mention of it. It's fiction and if I like fiction that deals with a man having a child, that's my choice.

Thank you for mentioning it in your list:)

Re: Yes!

[castalie.livejournal.com]

First, I really like this icon of yours lol

Second, oh so you like MPREG too, uh? I knew I couldn't be the only one! I mean, I only know *one* person among my friends who likes it, namely katikat, and I was starting to wonder *g*

I'm so with you, it's just *fiction*, like any other fiction out there- *why* the hell do people have such a problem with it? It's just a theme among tons of other themes, you know? Well, yes, you know *g* And I sure never saw anyone being *forced* to read it *shakes head*

And you're welcome for my adding it to the list! lol

[fraught.livejournal.com]

Re, Domestic Discipline: I dislike it in fanfiction because there has not ever been a fandom where I could see my pairing of choice engage in that kind of kink. I understand its appeal (and I myself am a big fan of BDSM-type fanfiction, forced seduction, etc. but not out-and-out rape. An example of a BDSM-type story in TS fandom that really works for me is Valentin's "Throwback") but I don't feel DD works for, say, Jim and Blair.

MPreg squicks the hell out of me and I don't find it funny, either ^_^. Oooh, look, Blair is craving pickles and chocolate! How funny and so ORIGINAL! Yeah, except not.

Blair should always be on the bottom :p. That's my preference, anyway, though I've read some really hot top!Blair.

Re, disliking slash and homophobia. I'm of two minds about this -- on the one hand, I agree with you; on the other hand, ivyblossom makes a good point here as well. It has certainly been *my* experience in over four years of slash fandom that the vast majority of slash-haters are also homophobic.

[castalie.livejournal.com]

I actually *love* DD with Jim and Blair *g* I never have enough of it *sigh* The first times I tried it was in XF, and I'm still reading it, too. Those are the two fandoms I love to read most when a DD theme is used. I just love the idea. I tried it for some other fandoms, and yeah, it works as well, but really those two ones are my favorite target.

So far, I think I only encountered three persons who liked Mpreg.. one of them is really into it, but that's all. I know there must be more out there, though... well there got to, right? lol

We totally agree on bottom!Blair, then *high fives dominque_elize

The thing is, sure some of those who hate slash hate it because it's same gender sex, and I saw a *lot* of flamers using this homophobic argument, but I also know of lot of people who just dislike it because, well they don't like it, period. Just like when I say I hate Het and never ever read it- I don't think anyone would even think of saying I'm heterophobe, know what I mean? That's why I don't like this assumption. I mean, I don't like the idea of putting all the slash cautious in the same bag.

[fraught.livejournal.com]

I actually *love* DD with Jim and Blair *g*

Eh, no offense, but of all the kinks I can see Jim and Blair practice, DD is the most OOC one *grin*. I can see them doing the dom/sub thing, although perhaps not as a permanent lifestyle kind of thing. I can even see them roleplay (see Valentin's "Throwback" for that sort of thing). But I can't see them do DD. No way, no how. But if that's what you like, more power to you :p. It'd be a very boring world if we all had the same taste :).

So far, I think I only encountered three persons who liked Mpreg.. one of them is really into it, but that's all. I know there must be more out there, though... well there got to, right? lol

Oh, there's probably a lot of people out there who like mpreg; they're just ashamed to admit to it or something *grin*. I don't know why mpreg squicks me so -- if it makes any difference, I hate pregnancy fic with m/f couples as well.

but I also know of lot of people who just dislike it because, well they don't like it, period.

Oh yes, sure, I totally get that. Some people just don't like or Don't Get it. Still, I also think ivyblossom makes a good point in that essay I linked. I remain of two minds about the whole issue *sigh*.

Just like when I say I hate Het and never ever read it- I don't think anyone would even think of saying I'm heterophobe, know what I mean?

Some people *would* say that, actually. Or, more precise, you'd be accused of misogyny, which is something slashers often get accused of. Me, I used to dislike het as well, but I've mellowed a lot over the years, and there are now fandoms where I prefer the het couples over the slash ones, simply because they make more sense (X-Men Movieverse: Logan/Rogue instead of Logan/Scott. Harry Potter: Harry/Hermione over Harry/Draco or Harry/Ron, but Sirius/Remus over Sirius/female or Remus/female).

[castalie.livejournal.com]

No offense taken. I mean, why should any one feel offended because someone else gave their opinion, right? Hmm, or I could say, no offense either but I can see Jim and Blair doing it *g* Actually, when you said that DD with Jim and Blair would be totally OOC, I agree. See, I consider DD totally OOC for most of the characters, be it Jim and Blair or Skinner and Fox. I see DD stories as sorta AU stuff, with OOC characters, because canon or fanon, I wouldn't see them enter such a relationship. I mean, how could I say that- I don't see a DD relationship as being realistic. When I read a BDSM fic involving any of my guys, I see it as realistic stuff, even if totally fanon, all right? But when they're entering a DD, they're, in my eyes in a OOC view- the only thing is, it doesn't stop me from reading those fics and believing them... I'm just seeing from a totally different angle. Man, I'm pretty sure I didn't express myself clearly...

And really, no offense to you either, btw *wink*

Oh, there's probably a lot of people out there who like mpreg; they're just ashamed to admit to it or something

lol That might be a solution, yes. I can see it actually *ponders*

[fraught.livejournal.com]

But when they're entering a DD, they're, in my eyes in a OOC view- the only thing is, it doesn't stop me from reading those fics and believing them... I'm just seeing from a totally different angle. Man, I'm pretty sure I didn't express myself clearly...

Oh no, no, no, I perfectly understand that! Because I experience the *exact same thing* with a story in a different fandom -- Gundam Wing. It's this really badly-written BDSM story with horribly OOC characters and it's just badbadbad when it comes to characterization, but... guh. So. Damn. Hot. When I read that story, all my snobbish expectations and wants about good characterization go flying out the window -- I don't care that it's OOC, I don't care that it's unbelievable from start to finish, I like it because it's hot and I *want* to believe the characterization, even though I can't.

Right. So I probably didn't express myself very well either, but I get where you're coming from :D.

[castalie.livejournal.com]

Right. So I probably didn't express myself very well either, but I get where you're coming from :D.

I guess we might have expressed ourselves better than we expected. I totally see where you're coming from too *g*

That's kinda what happens when I'm reading DD indeed.

You have your bad GW BDSM story, and I have my DD. They're not to the characterization we would usually read, but we can't help it. We still read it, and apparently want more! lol

[alinewrites.livejournal.com]

Yeah, well, I'm gonna agree with dominique_elize here... MPREG does nothing to me. A pregnant woman's not so hot, why should a man be? Or is it some kind of "let's be absolutely equal" kind of thing? I don't get it. (the fact that I've been pregnant 5 times might influence my judgement, of course). LOL

And spanking -please- I made a point of never spanking my kids because it' humiliating, so an adult? Butt naked on someone else's knee? What for? Is this some kind of twisted come back to the good old fashioned day when people thought you could learn something when being spanked? Come on, let's get real. An erotic spanking a real one, ok, but domestic discipline? Looks too much like "violences conjugales" to me.

wouf, wouf (rottweiller barking)

Oh, I agree on the rest. Have a nice day and have fun!

[castalie.livejournal.com]

About the DD, yeah, you're like all those who don't like it. I don't think I ever heard another argument, and it sure is a good one, btw lol The thing is, when I read DD, I just don't it as I would another fic. There're some tacit rules, and I use them all when I read one of those. I actually read some DD that were, IMO, abuse stories because the writers didn't use those tacit rules to write their stories. Sure, it's not realistic, I mean for me, it's not, but that's not what I'm looking for when I read this theme. Or else, that would be bad *shakes head*

That was a nice bark, btw! lol

And okay for the rest (Mpreg excluded I mean). Hope you had a nice weekend?

Oh man, can you imagine next Monday? If everything goes according to plan, I think I'll still be high lol

[alinewrites.livejournal.com]

Next monday!!! Yeah!

Ah... which are the tacit rules? Always curious!

[castalie.livejournal.com]

Actually that would be hard to put in words, cos it's more a feeling than anything else. Plus, this is just how I see it, and not a general opinion. But basicly, it's all about the context- a DD story has DD totally normal, and used by just everyone else if you hear them talk. All the characters
agree with it, and there's no real hang up about the thing. It absolutely doesn't have a realistic conatation, ie pain, real humiation or abuse. Sure, the one on the receiving end is hurt and feels humiated, but it's just not the same thing as in a realistic story. The feeling isn't the same because the background, the context isn't the same. We're not looking a real lover or even friend relationship here... this could be seen as an AU of sorts. Try putting a DD theme in a realistic story, and you'll end up with a nice domestic abuse story on your hands... there's a nuance between the two. But seriously, it can't be explained. It's just how I see it, and that's why I don't have anything against it. It's just a not a real story, the characters are different from the ones I'm used to reading- everything is set in this weird universe where spanking anyone is normal... it's just a shift if reality and a shift in rules and behaviour.

[alinewrites.livejournal.com]

All right but in 24/7 there's a lot of spanking... I think it's why I didn't like it so much, this and all the public humiiations. I like BDSM when it's a private stuff, something strong which only belongs to the characters but when it's displayed, I always feel like saying, come on, buy yourself a dog.

It's really abuse to me, and the whole story is about breaking someone in + IMO it was completely OOC.

I think the only characters who are good for BDSM are Jim and Blair (+ chris and Toby. But everything about Chris and Toby is different, the violence isn't really implied between them. I can as well imagine Toby beating Chris up)

But well, it's just my opinion.

[castalie.livejournal.com]

Oh yeah, there was a lot of spanking in 24/7, wasn't it? One of the reasons why I liked it so much *sigh*

I agree with you about Jim and Blair being good characters for BDSM. But I would add Skinner and Mulder. I might be biased though, see, the first BDSM stories were XF. Actually, I realized how much I liked kinks thanks to that fandom! lol I mean XF is the kinky fandom, to me. You can find whetever you want in it, and in whatever quantity you want.

[patk.livejournal.com]

>>> I don't find anything interesting in Smallville. I don't see Clark as this sex God.<<<

I *love* you. *g*

>>>Sorry to disappoint, but without new writers, a fandom is bound to die sooner or later, and make that sooner than later. They should be happy to see new writers entering their fandom, and stop trying to proove the unworthiness of those newbies.<<<

...all the more for that. *g*

Pat

:-)

[castalie.livejournal.com]

Ah! I knew I couldn't the only one not saying *anything* even remotely interesting in SV. I mean, I thought I was getting hooked at one point, then realized that no, there was no way I would get into it. Show or fandom. I love reading about those SV related entries on my flist, but this is a complete alien world to me *g*

[x5-536.livejournal.com]

LOL! seriously, you are the only person i know who actually likes MPREG! oh and i agree with the 'research' thing. it kinda annoys me too, i thought i was alone on that one. this is one of the reasons why i prefer ER to FT.

...i love bottom!jack but you know that already!

[castalie.livejournal.com]

Yeah, and now everyone thinks I'm this Mpreg lover lol *shakes head* I never said it was the kind of fics I actually *searched*- I mean, I even said I had only *three* saved on my HD or on my disks... three out of *hundreds and hundreds* lol But it's true that I don't have a particular hang up on that kind of theme like most of slashers have, and I never feel the need to mock that particular guideline either *g*

[x5-536.livejournal.com]

yeah ok so let's rephrase: you don't mind MPREG. that still makes you one in a million, lol.