On the Golden Age of fandom - a rant

[graculus]

One subject guaranteed to make my blood pressure peak is when someone (and isn't it always someone who's been in fandom since Gutenberg invented moveable type?) starts in on how much better fandom was before the Internet and how the invention of the computer has lowered the tone, yadda yadda yadda.

Apparently, way back when, everyone was nice to everyone else, there were more zines with better stories than anyone could shake a stick at, and the sun shone the live long day.

To which I say: bullshit.

The people I know who were in fandom pre-Net assure me that there were just as many shysters and morons around then as there are now. The exponential growth of fandom that the Internet has allowed means that though the numbers may appear higher, the proportion is doubtless the same.

Half the time, it seems to me, the driving force behind these kind of comments is sheer snobbery. The fact that the great unwashed can now access the former ivory towers of fandom really does not float these people's boats. Sure, I may (and do) kvetch about the quality of fic and moronic postings to lists I've seen over the past few years I myself have been around in fandom, but this is taking things to extremes.

Get over yourselves, guys. And stop playing the revisionist history game.

This rant brought to you courtesy of my need not to spout off on a certain list where someone is going on about how "younger generation internet fans are generally more resistant to ideas like 'canon', 'accuracy of characterization', and 'good writing' than older fans." etc. etc.

Comments

Golden Schmolden

[blktauna.livejournal.com]

Apparently, way back when, everyone was nice to everyone else, there were more zines with better stories than anyone could shake a stick at, and the sun shone the live long day.
To which I say: bullshit.

How right you are. Its elitism at its worst. I've gone through archives and found great stuff and complete crap... And in new zines I've read good stuff and complete crap... As for everyone being nice... Well somehow I doubt that. Back in the old days it was easier to freeze out the unwanted than it is now. Maybe that's what they are missing...

someone is going on about how "younger generation internet fans are generally more resistant to ideas like 'canon', 'accuracy of characterization', and 'good writing' than older fans."

Blahhahahahahaha... Older fans are just as guilty as younger fans! I'll bet the person bitching is one of the worst offenders!

And to be perfectly honest, I'd rather have even the morons post cause ya know I get ideas from them so they are contributing anyway!

What really yanks my chain are people who denigrate 'netfic'... What's wrong with posting your fic on the net???? I go through the same editing process for stuff I drop on my site as I do for a zine. Again it smacks of elitism.

Fie and a pox on em!

[iibnf.livejournal.com]

I've been in fandom 30 years, and don't really see a great deal of difference 'tween then and now. There were ignorant wankers around then, and there are ignorant wankers around now. I think the only reason we look back on the past with fond memories is that the chaff has long since fallen away. Only the real die hard writers remain, and they have often learned quite a bit of their trade over the years.

Perhaps also we are inclined to remember the better stories we've read, and forget all the crud.

The dumb folks have a faster voice now, that's one difference, they can get their comments out without editing or filtering. Previously, they had to work for it. ('They', I say, with my nose in the air, fully aware I've done my share of dumb things).