Concordia discors

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You know, someone once said that they enjoy my fandom even better than my memoirs, and while I can’t say I’m entirely sure I appreciate that sentiment, when I look over the comments I have to, however reluctantly, agree with it. The comments section is a thing of beauty and a joy forever.

Whereas BNFdom is, in comparison, usually more burden than delight. So many toes to avoid stepping on, you know, even as one tries to make sure everyone sees the superiority of one’s own fanfiction. As a for instance, I spotted two typos in PrinceC’s intro, but should I point this out--thus confirming my editorial skills--or keep quiet, out of loyalty? In my experience, one usually appreciates having easily fixable mistakes pointed out, but how can I possibly know if he shares the same reasonable outlook? Fanfiction authors put up with so much ‘helpful’ feedback that I hesitate to bring it to his attention. But then, he’s clearly destined for BNFdom, so it’s one of the things he should be warned about.

And then there are the hangers-on. I’m sure my dear friend Charlotte knows the sort of thing I mean: well-intentioned people offering one electronic goods and comp’d suites, but dragging their feet and howling with outrage if you suggest they spend their spare change on something worthwhile. It’s not that I don’t adore presents--I do, I really do--but there are more important things than influence peddling, when you get right down to it. Behind so many kindnesses there’s a manipulative hand trying to shore up their own fanbase. One is almost safer redirecting people to a worthwhile charity than one is accepting gifts from friends of dubious intent.

( Of Vice and Velvet (introduction) )
Of Vice and Velvet: Chapter One