This is what I am henceforth calling "The Laws of Fandom" because they happen so much.
| What happens... | When you/your friends do it, it is... | When other people do it, it is... |
|---|
| 1. Post a critique of a piece of fiction: | Perfectly legitimate commentary on something you read. | Bullying and persecution. |
| 2. Make disparaging personal remarks about a writer: | Totally fine. The writer deserves it because you don’t like her she hasn’t earned politeness or respect. | Bullying and persecution. |
| 3. The writer responds negatively: | Standing up for yourself. You are bravely fighting back against unjust criticism, and exercising your right to free speech. | Pathetic, attention-seeking behaviour. They are whining and should grow a thick skin. Furthermore, it is an attempt to suppress free speech. |
| 4. The writer's friends respond negatively: | Admirable. They are loyal and true and standing up for their friend. | A mass attack. They are a bullying cabal who are banding together to persecute you. |
| 5. Totally unconnected observers respond negatively: | Impartial validation of your position. They are clearly sensible, intelligent individuals who came to a fair conclusion totally on their own. | Dogpiling. They have been brainwashed by propaganda and/or are secretly in cahoots with the bullying cabal. Either way, it’s more persecution. |
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lily_winterwood
