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brighteyedjill · 3 years

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Why censor a fandom event?

Do the mods for a fandom event have the right to make restrictions on content? Sure. They’re volunteers running their own event.

But. Fandom is a culture that we build together. If we were just people enjoying media in our own homes, we would not be a community. But we’re not. We talk to each other, reblog each other’s amazing art, comment on AO3, squee in Discord channels over ideas, and so on. That’s what makes fandom great: we build it collectively. And like any culture, we have some shared norms. For example, since AO3 is a big influence on our culture, tagging has become a cultural norm in fandom. We tag for the “big four” warnings on AO3, and increasingly, tag more and more details of content to help people find what they like and avoid what they don’t.

Fandom events like Big Bangs shape fandom culture, too, though. They bring together people who might otherwise not know each other, and have a tendency to dominate the fandom conversation for a time. Restrictions in a Big Bang have a chilling effect on content creators. That means that some work will not get written because of these restrictions, and also that people’s opinions towards this kind of content may be influenced on a larger scale. I personally find this unfortunate, as some of the things on the restricted list are things I’ve written about, uh, a lot. But aside from just me, there are larger implications to consider. Read more about the history of strikethrough and content restriction to learn about who is harassed and excluded when fandom culture turns against “questionable” content.

I posit that restrictions like this are not always The Norm™ in fandom events, nor should they be. In a fandom like the Witcher, whose canon includes everything on the restricted list, most of them graphically, I believe content of a similar nature should be welcome in fandom content. I ran my first Big Bang in 2009, and have participated in half a dozen bangs and reverse bangs since. None of them had content restrictions (here’s an example of a Big Bang without content restrictions that’s been running since 2011). Some Big Bangs do; sometimes this is dependent on the canon content, more often it depends on who has power and influence in the fandom. Here’s a case for why not to include restrictions in future events.

What are these restrictions meant to do?

As I understand it, these restrictions are meant to make things more inclusive by allowing more people to participate. Are they successful in that? It’s possible they allow different people to participate. As with many things, there are competing access needs here. More on that below. But let’s look at what “making things more inclusive” means in practice.

Problem: We want to allow participation from people who don’t want to come into contact with dark content.

OK. Let’s help participants avoid coming into contact with dark content if they don’t want to. How might they come into contact with dark content?

1.) People might hear upsetting conversations in Discord chat

Solution: Ask people to post in the appropriate channel. Use a “walk away” rule to encourage people to leave the channel if a conversation comes up that they’re not comfortable with. If you want to go further, you could have people warn for certain topics, or restrict darker topics to a specific channel, though this runs up against a different issue (see below).

2) People might see content in the claims that they don’t like, or don’t want to work on.

Solution: Usually in a Big Bang the artists look at a list of summaries and tags and choose which fic(s) they’d like to work on. No artist is going to be forced to work on anything they don’t want to. Even artists who enjoy dark content are often illustrating something other than the darkest, most graphic, or most explicit moment of a fic. In a claiming situation, you can have writers tag their fics, just like they would on AO3, to allow artists to filter out content they’re not interested in or that they would find upsetting.

2.5) We won’t find any artist to work on certain pieces.

Solution: This happens sometimes. You could put out a call for more artist participants, allow artists to claim a second piece if they want, or you may have to tell a creator that there’s not a match for them. That is a bummer, but this happens sometimes, especially in fandoms where writers vastly outnumber artists. But in no scenario will any artist be forced to write for a piece that squicks them.

3) People might see content in the Big Bang collection that they don’t like.

Solution: This one’s pretty easy. Tagging. Tagging has been used on AO3 since its inception to help people avoid content they do not want to see. People don’t have to engage with content they don’t want to see if it is properly tagged.

4) The mods don’t personally want to engage with the content.

Solution: Find a mod who will, so that mods who don’t want to don’t have to! You can get a volunteer to do this, I guarantee.

5) I want to encourage the creation of lighter or SFW content.

Solution: I get that. Say so! Explain what content you welcome, and phrase what you’re looking for in a positive way (e.g. “We require that content be T rated or below and have a generally positive outlook and an upbeat ending.”) rather than what you don’t want. Be clear, specific, and up front about it, so that you connect with the creators you’re hoping will participate.

6) I think this content should not exist.

This is the one I can’t help you with. If the reason you’re banning content is because, consciously or unconsciously, you think that it’s morally reprehensible, or that the people who make it are bad, I do not have a solution to offer.

Competing Access Needs

I’m not going to get too far into the weeds on how making a list of restricted topics is impossible, because others have addressed this point. No matter what list you come up with, someone out there will find something you failed to list, but that you feel should be restricted. What to do? If they’ve already completed a fic, tell them to leave? Tell them they have to change it? Let it slide? There will be endless questions about what is and isn’t allowed, which is time-consuming and exhausting for mods, and paralyzing for creators. How do I know if this scene is un-graphic enough? Will I need to revise my whole fic? Will I get kicked out entirely if I write the wrong thing? Will some participants get preferential treatment or the benefit of the doubt because of their identities or their connections?

Censorship brings up competing access needs. Someone doesn’t want to see non-con. Someone is writing non-con fic to work through their own trauma. Someone is writing it for other reasons. Can you accommodate all these folks? I would say yes, in the ways detailed above. But when you start restricting content (as in Strikethrough or Boldthrough, discussed in the history link above), you’re not wielding a scalpel. You’re wielding an anvil, and you’re gonna crush things you didn’t mean to crush. Again, check out the history link to see who gets crushed.

So… what to do?

Do I think people should change the rules for the events they’re running? No (john mulaney we are well past that.gif). As I said, people who are running their own events have the prerogative to restrict them for whatever audience they’re hoping to reach. Questioning fandom practices is not “shitting on” anyone (and hey--no scat allowed).

What I would really like is for Witcher fandom to have a think about how we want to proceed as a community. What should be the norm? Witcher fandom culture (in its current form, i.e. big) is still relatively young. There can be variation, sure: Discord server vibes vary wildly, for example. But in the big events or activities that we hope will be open to the largest part of the community, how do we want to intentionally foster the maximum amount of great content about our favorite things? There are ways to be inclusive that do not involve censorship, and I believe we should use them.

#I've seen bad things happen in other fandoms #I really like y'all and I would like the Witcher fandom to continue to be a place that is inclusive of all content #the witcher #fandom meta #censorship is the worst ship

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kirikamibang · 4 years

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FAQ

What is the KiriKami Mini Bang?

The KiriKami Mini Bang is a fan event dedicated to sweet rarepair of Kirishima Eijirou and Kaminari Denki from My Hero Academia! Writers who join will create a never-been-published fanfiction that is at least 3k words in length. Each writer will be paired with an artist, who will create at least one (1) full piece for their fic.

How does the pairing process work?

At the first check in, each writer will provide a title, summary, list of tags and content warnings, and a short excerpt of their fic. This information is kept secret, to make sure the claims process is totally anonymous. The mods will take this information provided by the writers and put it in an anonymous document for all the artists to read through. Artists will pick five (5) stories they would like to work on, based on the information provided by the writers. From there, the mods will do their best to match every writer with an artist. From there, they will work as a team to create content together!

How is a Bang different from a Zine?

Zines are an anthology of fanworks compiled into one PDF or bound into a physical book, that are then sold for profit or charity, and distributed to consumers. They are exclusive in nature, because printing costs require they only take a small number of contributors to fill a small number of pages with a limited number of pieces. Bangs, on the other hand, are free fandom events that anyone and everyone can participate in! We encourage everyone who believes they can create a fanwork that meets the requirements in the scheduled time-frame to join and participate. Bangs are all about community, and content creation. The heart and soul of a Bang is the love content creators have for their chosen ship, or trope, or fandom. You strive to meet a minimum word count, or a minimum art piece count, and can go above and beyond if you want to! You and your event partners get to decide what and how much you make, with no rejection emails in sight!

What is a Mini Bang? How is it different from a normal Big Bang?

Mini Bangs have a lower minimum word count than a Big Bang! Artists are also required to create a lower number of art pieces. So, while a Big Bang might require somewhere between 15k or 40k minimum words and 2-3 fully rendered art pieces, we only require a minimum of 3k and 1 fully rendered art piece. However, much like a Big Bang, there is no maximum word count or limit on the number of illustrations. We encourage our participants to have fun and get as creative as possible during the creation period! Mini Bangs are an excellent low-stress event for content creators, because the only requirements are to hit the minimum word/art count and finish a piece before the posting period begins. They're also a lot of fun!

How do beta readers fit into this?

If we have enough beta readers sign up, we will set up a separate claims document with all of the anonymous info from writers who indicated they would like to work with a beta. Betas will claim fics the same way the artists do, and will work with their writers to polish the fanfics up and make them shine before posting!

Does this Bang have a theme?

Nope! All content should focus on KiriKami, but other than that, content creators are free to create for any AU, trope, or plotline they want! We want you to be able to have fun and create something you and your partner can enjoy!

Does that mean there will be NSFW content?

Yes! However, it will be separated out from the SFW content during claims. We request that all participants provide their age (18+/-18) upon sign up. Anyone over the age of 18 will be free to create NSFW content. NSFW pitches from adult writers will be placed on an 18+ claims list with all relevant tags and warnings, and will only be available to 18+ artists and betas. Anyone who is caught lying about their age to access the NSFW claims list will be let go from the event.

How do I participate?

Once sign-ups open, fill out the appropriate Writer/Artist/Beta sign-up form, and you’re in! There is no application process, no acceptance or rejection, no limit on skill or ability. If you are passionate about KiriKami and join during the sign-up window, you are in! Once you’re in, Discord will be our primary method of contact with participants, but we will send out emails for all major deadlines. Please ensure your provided email is accurate and up to date!

Do I need Discord to participate?

While it is not absolutely mandatory, we strongly suggest you join the KiriKami Bang discord to keep on top of the deadlines and keep in touch with the mods. We will send out emails to all participants regarding all important information and deadlines, however there is always the risk that an email will be caught in a spam filter. Discord is also the fastest and easiest way to get in contact with your event partners. Your partner information will be provided via email, but it is the participant's responsibility to reach out to their teammates and begin collaborating.

Can I apply for more than one role?

As long as you are capable of handling the workload and agree to respect the anonymity of the claims process, we will be allowing participants to take a maximum of two (2) roles. For example, you could participate as a Writer and a Beta, or a Writer and an Artist, but not all three.

Why is it so important that claims are anonymous and the fanfiction is unpublished?

One of the most important (and most fun!) parts of a Bang event is the fact participants are paired based on the fic premise alone. Keeping the fic ideas a secret ensures everyone gets a fair chance at getting picked, without follower count or hits or kudos or likes factoring into the equation. Once claims have ended, some teams can choose to share small hints about their WIPs, but we discourage the sharing of snippets, screenshots, and excerpts on social media. When content creation teams choose to keep the fic and art a secret during the entire event, it also means that the people following along with the event get a wonderful surprise flood of art and fanfic during the posting period!

What’s a pinch hitter?

Should a creator drop from the project during the creation period, we will call in a pinch hitter to fill that content creator’s spot. This might mean an artist or beta will take on another fic, or it might mean a writer steps up to create a second piece with an unpartnered artist.

My question wasn’t answered here, where can I contact you?

You can contact us in a number of ways! Please feel free to DM us on Twitter or on CuriousCat! Our email is also linked in this carrd. If you are a member of the KiriKami discord server, please ask in a mod-contact channel or DM one of the mods! We will answer your question as quickly as possible!

#kirikami.bang.faq #kirikami.bang #faq #mini bang #fanevent

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ayakashiramblings · 5 years

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Thanks for the 200 +2 followers!

Hi guys! I haven’t been updating frequently (my schedule sucks) but I really wanted to thank you guys for making me hit...

Like wow, that’s a nice number! So, like I did for the last post showing my appreciation for the first hundred followers, I consolidated all the replies I wanted to address and talk about some of the upcoming works and all. Especially those requests that I haven’t done. I am a bad person, I’m sorry. Please wait for me.

Also, if this post makes you uncomfortable in any form, please PM so I can edit it!

Sorted by users:

@fenrirthemyth

Thank you so much for your comment! I was very worried about ‘Why He Doesn’t Sign‘ because it’s my first time ever doing something related to angst and I still wanted Oji to be in character but sadly observing Aoi. I hope to improve my writing gradually (hence why this blog exists other than me just spazzing about Ayakashi and all)

@jadaninerowena

Oh, thank you so much! Nachi technically doesn’t want to be seen as our younger brother but he’s really the best family Futaba has ever had and I’m glad it was fluffy enough to be appropriate for his birthday!

Speaking of birthdays, I have 2 works for Yura and Gaku respectively although if you know me well enough by now, Gaku is going to get roasted in his severely.

Thanks again! uWu

@aromantic-misguide-to-romance You’ve actually reblogged my works and that helps it get circulated a lot so I really appreciate that!

And yes, Facebook doesn’t exist. No one in my class uses it. Deal with it.

I’m joking though, I just had to dig out some of the older social media sites to match the oresamas in the game because their interfaces are more intuitive and easier to handle. Even 100 eyes can get strained when looking at a tiny smartphone. Thanks again for sharing! :D

PS: They made the Ayakashi Discord Channel so head over to them to join everyone who loves Ayakashi... and see my puns.

I’m a punster :D

@dany-ryujin

I think I have previously thanked you for the last time I did this sort of post but that’s because you are perpetually sweet <3. I’m glad that the headcanon appealed to you! I was a bit worried about it getting repetitive so I tried to vary the type of dragon MC was. In fact, more of the recent headcanons involving both the Twilight and Dawn factions were about different types of MCs, including the latest requests that I have been staring at during my free time so if you enjoy them, I hope the next few posts will make you happy! Thanks again!

@altaria98

Thank you so much for following me! I’m always happy to see your comments and messages. Plus, a fellow Aoi fan that I can relate to!

For the first comment, yeah, I don’t know why but the moment I roast Gaku, the whole piece goes haywire and you get Twilight: Breaking Dawn and Relationships!

Nobody should scroll down to Gaku for their own sanity.

The best compliment for a fic if the fan for that character of that fic gives you a sweet comment like this. Checklist: To do You (SFW) was when I tried to see if I can imagine Aoi frantically planning for a perfect outing but having a teenager’s problems like insecurity... and desserts. Yeah, don’t ask.

I was a bit scared of doing this list specifically because of Aoi. It does feel weird imagining his size considering the stated age but I’m glad nobody found it offensive or illegal. Seriously though, I might have to make it more explicit that he is eighteen years and above for these things. Speaking of which...

@saizoslilwifey

HELLO, FELLOW TRY GUY FAN! I did the PG-rated version of Eugene Lee-Yang’s ranking skits with the girl scouts but you caught it and loved it! Thank you so much for the comments! It made my day seeing someone catch that reference. :D

@homu-mod

This is still about Rank-kings but this is also about the sweetest fellow Koga fan! Aye there! If you want more of Koga being perfect... get ready to spell with your ABCs.

@katiestrope

I edited the first picture because that account is deactivated and I don’t think you’d be comfortable with me showing it so I cropped it out. But I cannot crop out your words that got me thinking... that I should eat. LOL! Seriously though, thank you so much!

Will I do a sandwich? I did with Kuro and Aoi but admittedly, I don’t have much experience in writing threesomes. I do have drafts of them, along with other pairs.

I also have bleach for any of the professors who might have noticed it. Just in case.

@heather-hutchcroft

Ok, bear with me, you don’t get photos because YOU DO TOO MUCH. Like seriously, when I was typing this, my fingers were starting to ache from pressing the screenshot button on my laptop repeatedly. Thank you so much for reblogging my works! It’s really helpful :D

@blinded-by-forest-sunlight

As you can see folks, this sweetheart actually sent me this sweet message in my ask box. Seriously, this was very nice! Thank you so much! I hope I can still produce decent stuff and improve! :D

@mseliteminority

Your replies are what makes me hate my works less, like the first comment. How the Dawn Faction Pleasures their MC was something that made me struggle for a while because I wanted it to be extensive. And honestly? Anywhere for any of the Dawn Faction member gets set on fire upon their touch, hehe!

You even commented on my crack pieces as seen with Joining… the inari sushi cult with Toichiro Yuri. Made simply to apologize to the poor Nonnie who got her request on Toichiro very late for the explicit version of the Twilight Faction’s First Time with MC.

Hopefully, I produce more Aoi and Kuya fics like the most recent one celebrating the release of the Event Stories. A Feathery Kiss - Kuya was frankly a rushed job so I hope to do a better one next time!

Finally, Kuro as a Yandere -NSFW edition, was what made me wonder... why do people like Yanderes? Your comment was what made me like this piece in the end because it was pretty fun to see how others reacted to one of the least likely characters to stab someone suddenly going psychotic or something.

Thanks again for your supportive and engaging words! And I will get back to your ask because I am combining it with the other 2 as a sort of comeback piece (if my professors ever free me).

@aikanachi

Wow, the first time someone ever made a playlist based off a headcanon of mine. For The Koyurona Group and the Onmyoji Girl, I did try writing lyrics (terrible ones) for each of the group members. I did record it... before deleting it. LOL. So it’s a good thing someone with good ears, like a certain Nekomata, made this! Thank you so much! :D

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xZnWooEGaeyWuuav9azsA?si=yW_r6An9S4qAhgSKUJh94g

@singingonmyojileyka and @saeryenkalador

Nonono, thank YOU for following me and always reblogging my pieces... even the very questionable ones like for the second comment since it really was a random ramble on roasting Gaku again in Random Headcanons #1: Gaku’s Diet. And it was so nice to do Nachi, Koga, Kuya and Kuro because those are also my favourite boys! Plus Aoi... plus Yura... plus Gaku... plus Toichiro... plus Ginnojo... you get the idea.

@carolithe

I couldn’t help it! Your country is very beautiful and it was a great trip! :D I’m glad Gaku is a spirit haunting wasabi-flavoured snacks now and hope we can be munching on some, one day together! Thanks again!

@ikementally-deficient

Yes, fellow comrade! Your wish is my command and I shall always try to present Oji-San(sClothes)! I hope to do justice for him so that all of his eyes can look me in the eye. Thanks again!

PS: Follow them for Ayakashi matchups! They are super good!

@askayakashi

Thanks for mentioning the list! :D Although honestly, it really isn’t the most accurate, LOL. But yeah, I really should tag these lists more. It would be great to gather everyone here...

To roast Gaku.

And everyone else! Seriously, if I could, I would have dumped all those notes but I’m already behind in making my study notes. Whether it’s a ‘like’, a reply, a reblog, a suggestion, a critique or a funny request, I love everything from all of you.

Once again, thank you for following me! I’m so happy to be part of this loving and funny fandom and hope to get know more of you! :D

#ayakashi romance reborn #arr #voltage inc #ayakoi #thank you for 200 followers #200 followers

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