Rolf Ohst

One thing that always strikes me as interesting about fandom is how institutionally conservative it is.

That's not to say that it's necessarily ideologically conservative (though I do see more than my fair share of misogyny, racism, ableism, acephobia, transphobia, imperialism apologia, fascism apologia, etc.), bur instead that fandom is broadly a community that privileges tradition and the status quo over change.

There is a veneration of the older Big Name Fans, particularly those involved in the creation of AO3. This often comes with the implication that they were faultless and pure of heart, and if they argue(d) for something, then it must be the right answer.

That ties into the originalist push that is often used to oppose changes to the community or to AO3 specifically--it was perfect in its creation, the original intents were entirely right and implemented correctly, and any change is a violation of that impeccable original design and so is bad. The old laws (Don't Like, Don't Read etc.) are also often still pushed as the law of the land, with limited conversation about new or updated cultural rules or norms.

There is also a strong implicit or explicit in-group mentality that I see, often also used to oppose change. Fandom is by women, for women, and any change must consider women first, last, and always. And if you are doing or asking for something that might impact women (specifically the women who are currently welcome in fandom), it's because of misogyny.

I'm generalizing, of course--fandom, like any other community, has a diversity of ideas and viewpoints. But I do wonder, if I asked people who consider themselves part of Capital-F Fandom whether they would support cultural or structural changes to the community or to AO3, how many would say yes.

A coral fungus (Ramaria sp.) in Hertfordshire, England

by Will Atkins

“Veil of Smoke” by Unknown Photographer ◇ Cigarette smoke caught between transparency and touch

_sr_ch

imagine love and safety reaching every corner of the planet, even in the place where it feels most improbable

@ femalepentimento

America is fascist because America is racist and has been since its founding. I’m sorry liberals and fellow white people but you can’t blame Russia on why America sucks. That’s letting yourself off too easy. No, America sucks because your neighbors can easily be rallied up into racist mobs. No Russia required, because this is a problem that predates any of our hostility towards Russia.

Also for fucks sake, the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. Putin is only in office because the west performed a coup in Yeltsin’s favor and Putin was part of his cabinet. Just like with Saddam and Bin Laden, we created our own enemies from shattered alliances we formed against communism. I really want to believe that none of you are so illiterate you don’t know Russia has been capitalist for thirty years.

Initiation Well Location: Sintra, Portugal

A pair of wells, called the Initiation Wells, spiral down deep within the earth, like inverted towers. The wells were never used to collect water. Instead, they were part of a mysterious initiation ritual within the Knights of Templar tradition.

Brick panel with a lion, from the Palace of Darius I, Achaemenid Empire, 522-486 BC

from The Louvre

Michele Soavi - Cemetery Man (1994)

“Through Beaded Veils” by Marcin Górski