Fandom - Blog Posts
i’ve been on hold at my library for a book about asexuality for a few weeks and i just read an article about some concepts in the book re: consent. and holy shit. blew my mind. i’ve NEVER read about consent in the context of a relationship with an ace and an allo that resonated so strongly with me, and as a person in such a relationship!! it’s so!!! i’m even more excited for the book now.
for anyone interested, the article is How to Negotiate Better Consent: An Asexual Perspective and the book i’m waiting for is Ace: What Asexuality Reveals About Desire, Society and the Meaning of Sex.
things that don’t belong on AO3
People out there who are new to AO3 might not realize that some of the things they are posting actually violate the Terms of Service. While these kinds of posts are great for social media sites like tumblr or Twitter, they are actually not allowed on AO3. AO3 isn’t a social media site. It’s a fanfiction archive.
Since most people don’t read the Terms of Service for sites that they use (no shade - I’m including myself in that description), I thought I’d make a post about things that you should not post on AO3. This list is in no particular order:
requests to help find a fic
lists of prompts
requests for prompts
translations of someone else’s work, if you don’t have their permission (this includes published fiction as well as fanfic)
someone else’s work (either published or fannish)
liveblog reactions to watching episodes
invitations to a discord server
songfics that include the full lyrics to a copyrighted song
a placeholder - no actual fic, just a work posted saying that a fic will eventually be there
class notes or homework (unless that homework is fic or fandom meta)
searches for role playing partners
rec lists
requests for recommendations
callout posts
fandom organizing (ex. let’s vote X for People’s Choice!)
requests for money
fic planning/outlining
As new people join the site, works like these are bound to be posted to AO3. Give friends and fellow fans a heads up, and hopefully by letting people know ahead of time they can avoid posting these mistakes.
Remember, it’s a group of volunteers who needs to deal with all of these posted works so if we can lighten the load they’re dealing with I’m sure they’d appreciate it. ❤
thinking about why queerbait ships are so popular here and realised that they make really good love stories because they're naturally slow burns. the two people will only get together after a long time, if ever, because the writers don't often want to commit to writing a queer relationship - they'll just pull the classic 'it's up for interpretation'
so since the pairing are 'friends' we get to see their relationship genuinely develop over a longer period of time than the classic 'i've known you for 3 episodes and i want to start dating' because in my opinion at least, that usually feels really forced and fake, whereas friends to lovers or even enemies to lovers is a much better dynamic
and that gets people invested!! the relationship feels complex and real and people are convinced that they're going to get together so of course we keep watching. all the writers need to do is, you know, actually write these things as romances instead of queerbaits that are never intended to be canon
anyway yeah that's my input. yes this is about destiel but also every other vaguely gay queerbait ship that never gets resolved ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Save a fanfic writer, leave comments on old fics
There is this a peculiar set of reasons and biases when it comes to NOT commenting on AO3.
They are all false, but here they are:
Do not comment on old fics
Do not comment on each chapter of a multichapter
Do not comment if the author left the fandom
Do not comment if the author doesn’t respond to comments
It can be summoned up as DO NOT ACT LIKE YOU ENJOYED THE WORK AND YOU LIKE THE AUTHOR.
It comes from the idea, that if you leave a comment on my old work, or leave too many comments, I will think you are strange, clingy, and gross.
Readers are imagining it as commenting on an old Facebook photo — only your granny and creepy strangers do that.
That is not the case with AO3.
Writers put their works there for long-term storage, and we expect, wish, and hope that you will like our works and tell us about it.
This all very interesting, not, but why should I care?
This has awful consequences. Fanfic authors feel constant pressure to create more and crippling fear of being forgotten, useless, and being literally kicked away from fandom.
I’m online friends with a few great fandom authors, who wrote storied with thousands of kudos, but ALL of them at some point expressed this fear. Very talented people told me, “I’m not sure if I should have ‘writer’ in my bio. I didn’t post anything new in the last half of a year.”
Some young or entitled readers might say, “Hm, well, they are right. They should create MORE to be relevant. Isn’t that a good thing to push authors to write more?”
For better or worse, life doesn’t work like that. We are talking about real people, who go to real schools, have real jobs, families, and all the other important things outside the fandom. Some of them might push to create more from that fear, but most would only get more frustrated and depressed about the whole fanfic writing.
So, please, if you like the work comment on it.
Even if it’s old, even if it’s a multichapter, even if the author doesn’t have time and energy to interact. Especially in all those cases.
Encourage your authors, and show them your support.
Comment on fanfics
A few days back on AO3 I found an unfinished, two chapter spideypool fanfic that was cute and had lots of potential and was also last updated two years ago. Two whole years! And it had only three comments, all of which on chapter one, none on chapter two. I enjoyed the fanfic, despite it being far, FAR from being finished and the chance of it ever updating again anytime soon was just about zero. So you know what I did?
I wrote a damn comment. On chapter two.
And I made sure that fucker was long and had a small theory of where I think the author would take the fanfic in the future. I let the person behind the fic know that I friggin LOVED the two chapters I got to read! That I would LOVE to see more! That I’d jump out of my skin in happiness and virtually hug them half to death if I saw that they updated it.
Let me remind you this fic wasn’t updated in two YEARS! I was the first to comment on it in a year. And the first to comment on chapter two! And you know what happened today?
I got a reply.
From the author of the fanfic. And the author said how I gave them life for a project they had loved (still did) and that they were now working on a third chapter. After two YEARS of not updating. Of not writing. And it makes me so friggin happy seeing what I did. What I caused.
With a single. Damn. Comment.
All that it took for me was to think a bit about what I wanted to tell the author and the comment it. All it took was one comment. And suddenly this person was inspired to continue a fanfic they had abandoned for TWO YEARS!!
I couldn’t be happier. I couldn’t be more proud.
Comment on people’s fanfics. No matter how few chapters there are. No matter how many years have passed since their last update. Comment. You like a fanfic? Comment on it. It’s that easy.
Reblog if you think fanfiction isn't a waste of time.
Reblog if you think it’s a good way to practice writing.
Reblog if you have made friends because of fanfiction.
My sister called it a waste of time and I want to prove her wrong.
comment: great chapter, can't wait to find out how the story continues!
me, the writer: lol me too
Good Femslash Fics Already Exist
With the whole push for more femslash in fandoms, I’ve never understood the amount of hate I see femslash “fans” direct towards existing creations. There’s nothing wrong with wanting more variety, I do too, but every time someone brings up the fact that femslash fan fictions are already being written someone opens their mouth to say “yeah but those suck.” And then they proceed to read 300+ atrociously mischaracterized mlm fics. They complain abt plotless fluff and then read the exact same pwp scenarios over and over again
And hey, if you don’t want to read femslash that’s totally fine. You don’t have to pretend it interests you. I’m someone who actively looks for femslash and my only problem has been a lack of content in smaller/male-dominated fandoms, the fics themselves are cute af. Ya’ll are missing out on some real masterpieces by labeling all existing femslash fics as “boring,” some of my favorite fics ever are femslash. If an mlm ship invades the tags just filter it out, filter out every mlm pairing in the fandom if you have to. AO3 gives us that option for a reason
I’m not saying we don’t need more variety, but we’re not going to get that by shitting on writers who actively put in the work to make more femslash. When I started writing femslash consistently it was very discouraging because I’d seen soooooo many people online saying they want more femslash fics, yet nobody was reading mine. Then I looked at the stats on other femslash fics and they were the same, really great fics were barely getting any hits or kudos. It kinda sucks knowing that an mlm fic I wrote in 3 hours got more kudos than a wlw fic I spent months on (for pairings of relatively equal popularity). This seems to be the biggest roadblock for people wanting to write femslash, no one supports it. Even tho fandoms claim they would support it, they never do. It’s something I’ve learned to stop caring about but not every writer is gonna push through
This brings me back to a comment I saw about “boring, hair-braidy wlw fics.” That description really stood out to me, and to this day it makes me feel a little self-conscious about my old femslash fics that were “boring” and “hair-braidy.” But then I came across a fic for this one pairing that had actual hair-braiding. It was incredibly well-written and meaningful, exploring how both characters struggled to ask for help but they were able to recognize each other’s dilemmas and help in subtle ways. They did this, of course, by fixing each other’s hair when they both felt helpless to do anything with it. Such a simple way to express a very deep bond. This made me reassess the way people talk about femslash fics, and the way I’d been thinking of them myself. Is fluff really that much of a crime?? Do all cottagecore-type fics really have no substance?? Do femslash fics have to copy exactly what slash fics are doing, or are they allowed to have their own tropes??
My attitude towards the overload of plotless fluff wlw fics is “this is a good starting point.” We need more people writing femslash, more variety in what is written, but that doesn’t mean what we have is bad. I critique wlw fic tropes a lot but I always give the disclaimer that I actually love the fics themselves, I just want to see more of a different thing. And I comment on every femslash fic I read (every fic I read in general but especially femslash), I try to leave something thoughtful to let the writer know I appreciate the effort they put into their work. You’d be surprised how many writers said they were encouraged to update a fic or write more femslash because of a positive comment I left them. Engaging with fics will give you more of a good thing. It has so much more influence than that video you’re about to make talking about how there’s no good femslash fics. When you say things like that it actually discourages people from writing, and makes them feel bad about things they’ve already written. Support femslash writers guys, it’s sexy
how am i supposed to go to work when im literally thinking about The Character
me, seeing a fic writer I like in the comments of an random fic
I headcannon Alastor as autistic and sure I can explain all my reasons but this is more important:
Made by Always_Wrong
ITS ANOTHER LIST OF HAZBIN HOTEL FIC RECOMMENDATIONS! Specifically Alastor fics. I don't really read anything else. Also yet again, Platonic/ Non Ship fics. (All on AO3)
For the Hotels Sake by ThatMissedBullet
https://archiveofourown.org/works/50784673?view_adult=true
Alastor is actually being a good friend to Angel after a bad night.
Soft and Platonic Angel and Al. Very fluffy with angst.
When the Morningstar Take Action by Charlie_W_Hawthorn
One of my favorite Alastor Angst writers! I love all their fics.
So, this one is kinda an AU of if Lucifer was a bad person and had a really big grudge against Alastor. He's a real jerk throughout the whole thing.
Everyone gets protective of Al and I love it even if he doesn't. I 100% recommend. There's a sequel that's still updating too.
Of romance and whatnot by DasIchigo
https://archiveofourown.org/works/53899156
This is one about Al's Aroace-ness. Angel and Charlie ask if he and Rosie are dating. Spoiler Alert the answer is no.
Love, I'm Just A Sinner, I Can't Be A Savior by HellTeaAndBiscuits
This one is ANGSTY and has a lot of nonconsensual touching. Some of the gang learn about the deal Al made and how he's treated. BAD Lilith in this one.
Here's my first list:
HAPPY LATE VALENTINES!
I present to you a comic of Hazbin Hotel to you in honor of Aromantic Spectrum week!!
(this took me far too long 😭, also, why is Al's legs so hard to draw wtf)
Aro week folks!!
So I know it can be hard to find aroace Alastor and Alastor/ platonic relationships content. But I have put together a list of Al bonding with the others platonically. (All are on AO3)
Escaped By A Hair by PurpleArrowandLeather
Alastor's retreat to lick his wounds nearly costs him his life. Thankfully, Charlie is worried enough to go looking for him.
Post Season One
Mother, Dearest by WritingSoupBowl
In Episode 6 instead of having a meeting Adam tries to kill Charlie and Vaggie. Trying to escape, they run into Al's mother.
You've Got A Face for Radio by ckret12
This one is specifically about how Alastor is Aroace and I love it.
"He's never wanted sex. He's never wanted love. He's never seen a problem with this.
It's taken about a century, but he's pleasantly surprised to discover that the rest of the world is finally starting to catch up with his perspective."
Staff Infection by ItAllStartedWithANightFuryLovingGirl
This one is adorable. Everyone gets sick and Al won't admit he needs rest.
To Make A Skirt by another_athena
This has to be one of my favorites in this list and it's longer. It focuses on Al and Angel a lot. It's incredibly clear that Alastor is Aroace in this one and I love it. Also boys wearing feminine clothes together. It's just adorable and it has some angst.
In sum: Angel is bored so Al teaches him how to sew.
(I love touch-averse Alastor so much)
Good Friends To the Second End by Neo_followthe whiterabbit
More platonic Al and Angel. It has a coming out scene with Al too and that's pretty good.
I love these two being friends.
Okay, those are all for now but I was wondering if anyone had any like these? I love reading stuff like these
I found a new thing that absolutely gets on my nerves.
I was scrolling through the Alastor Aroace tag as you do and I keep seeing people say things like, 'if he's Aroace then why so fruity' or 'how can he be Aroace if he acts like this' referencing to the fact that he is eccentric and silly.
All I can think is, um, why is that important, like at all? I was already annoyed by the fact that people just say someone is gay simply because they act a certain way, that is both offensive to gay people and puts people in boxes, but now it's grown to be more than a frustration.
I mean, do people not see how freaking offensive that is? And it seems as if it's genuine sometimes and even if it's not it's not a funny joke.
What do you mean you don't think he can't be Aroace cause he kicks his feet and drops his wrist? That has nothing to do with sexual or romantic orientation! It's so... It makes me feel like him being Aroace is just a joke to them. That it's more of a silly note the author made than real representation.
Do these people not realize we can see things and that we exist? That, maybe, not every character you find fun and attractive is a gay man?
I just saw a Tiktok where it's like, 'I think he wants a man,' to that one scene of kicking his feet and it pissed me off.
Anyways, I just needed to say that.
Okay, so I wanted to discuss the situation with Alastor, his canonical sexuality, and fans.
I have seen the two sides alot.
So one side ships Al with numerous characters and sees this as casual fun.
And the other thinks this is disrespectful cause he is ace, or Aroace.
(I believe that he is Aroace. His va said so, his character has shown no interest in romance, and Viv may have confirmed it at some point)
Now, I am sex repulsed ace and I'm aro. And I have strong opinions. Alastor is my favorite character in Hazbin Hotel, he is also the FIRST confirmed ace character I've seen. (This doesn't include subtly implied characters) Because Al is the first and I care for him he is very important to me.
My opinion is really mixed because on one side it's; yeah, it is a fandom, and fandoms ship. It's what they do. Its also kind a rude to judge someone for their favorite pairings and stuff, in my opinion.
On the other side though I'm hurt. I am a queer person with basically no rep. And I hadn't realized how upset I was by this until I saw discourse over this character. I had FORGOTTEN that it was possible to have confirmed canonical ace characters. I had gotten so used to that just being a head cannon. And not only just an ace character but also an Aroace character. And not just that but a seemingly non sex favorable ace character. I would even argue he is sex repulsed.
My real problem with all this is:
Yes, I KNOW ace characters can have sex. But do you know who else can? Literally every single allosexual character. I KNOW aros can date. But you know who else can? Everyone else. The appeal of ACTUALLY having characters with the same sexuality as me is that they would be like me. Cause I and other aces like me never, ever get stories like that. So many times in media I would be enjoying a character who had shown NO interest in sex/romance and would suddenly be partnered up with another just for the heck of it. This has happened SO many times it's not even funny. It's incredibly frustrating.
So, the point I'm trying to make is that; YES, there are aces who have sex. HOWEVER, a large number of us do not. And it's like everyone forgets that. Your not writing Alastor having sex with Angel cause your showing the vast spectrum of asexuality. Your most likely writing it cause it's sex between two hot characters. It's simply maddening.
(One thing I wanted to say was, despite the fact that Al is ace i don't think it's bad to find him attractive. He is very pleasing to look at so I understand allos finding him hot. However I'm not sure where I stand with people sexualizing him. I think I'm leaning towards, 'please don't do it'.)
Now, the worst thing though is when I'm looking for content to enjoy. When I found out Al was canonically ace I was so happy and excited. I'm pretty sure this situation wouldn't make me nearly as frustrated if it weren't for the overwhelming amount of sexual content for Al. Some would be fine. I could just scroll past it if this were the case. But it is not. Content for Al is MOSTLY sexual. That's why I don't believe people when they keep saying they aren't invalidating aces because almost every time I go looking for a fic I have to scroll for HOURS just to find few non ship fics.
I can't even use the Asexual Alastor tag because all that does is bring me to a bunch of fics where the author is like 'he's ace trust me,' then proceeds to write smut.
Why can't I even use a tag made for aces without being drowned in smut. It's so frustrating! Like I'm getting to a point where I wish the authors would stop using the tag and openly admit they made him not ace for the story. Like I know your trying to not throw away his canonical sexuality but I mean at this point I think it'd be better if you did. And if someone is going to write sex favorable ace Al then please leave it to the aces. I trust us to at least weave it into his character instead of stating it and acting like it's there when it's not.
So basically: I don't mind if you ship him, just don't say he's ace or Aroace if your neither of those in ship/smut content. I'm sick of trying to find content that isn't sex/romance in Aroace tags!
I don't want to judge people for liking a ship. But I'm really tired.
ON A DIFFERENT NOTE, I would love to see content with Al and Lucifer. Like them hating each other to like frenemies. It would be so funny.
Anyone have any platonic content with Al and the rest of the cast???