#every time the mutuals are being humble writing meta in the tags i will just unearth it

[agroupofcrows]

anyway. specific characters being tied to gintokis past vs his present + the fact that gintokis past is dead and buried in the ground aka takasugi had to die. not to say gintama is a tragedy but. *gestures broadly* but this is actually a tangent off of the point that i wanted to actually get to (and havent actually gotten to yet) so like yes society if takasugi and hijikata got to interact in canon but also they couldnt have. wait im getting interrupted by another tangent. sakamoto isnt intricately tied to gintokis past in the same way as the other two are and while katsura shares the same past from shoson hes managed to worm himself into gintokis present too to steal other peoples thoughts: katsura is a liminal space in edo in the present where gintoki has surrounded himself with new people from edo from his present katsura is significant in how hes recurring not in a recurring antagonist way like takasugi but as a regular part of the main cast. katsura is gintokis past invading his present and making itself a home in there anyway the actual point of this is sometimes i think about takasugi and hijikatas roles and how they differ like yeah superficially dark haired surly smoking 'rivals' 'gintoki has a type haha' but also i just always get caught up in present edo. youre in edo in the present and nobody is going to die. gintama sazae san setting where its perpetually present except actually its moving into gintokis past until the very end where he finally. finally buries his past for real anyway this is all mostly just spawned from takagin 'one of us will die in this place' vs ginhiji 'your face is so fucking stupid' (-op)

the reason the shared motif of wanting to have a drink together drives me insane. some things can only be fulfilled as a recreation. doppelgängers and time travellers are not allowed to meet their counterparts. gintama characters who are walking corpses ouvre vs. hijikata who regradless of everything has never truly died (tosshi notwithstanding lmao) (-kraniumet)

alright i dont think im ever going to find the original post with the tags about gintoki past vs present + future so

[southslates]

New Tag Game:

Tag 5 or more people that you are thankful were in your 2020, that you’re thankful exists in a world that’s hard to live in. Whether that be through random reblogs on your posts, or people you have had full blown conversations with. Whether it’s just seeing them on your dash, or interacting with them. Please Spread this love. 2020 has been hard for so SO many of us I believe this was started by @johnmurphyisbisexual :D

/ I was tagged by @tinyhistory - I love talking to you too, you’re so kind and humble and absolutely amazing, and we’re all super lucky to have you around :D

I was also tagged by @cattaralol - Cat you are the nicest and absolutely amazing, and I love our server shenanigans. Also by @iloveallmyfandomsequally - Gino, the server is amazing, even though you are an old turkey :D

I’m going to tag a lot of people, I’m sorry. A lot of people have made my fandom experience amazing thus far, especially in the Zutara fandom. 

@my-bated-breath . . . Jenn, you were the first person I talked to, the first friend I really ever made in ZK, and we clicked so hard, so fast, so well. I love you and our crazy conversations and the way we know everything about each other. You’re really one of my best friends. 

@alwaysprincesszel Elsie, you are like a whole part of me. We’re so alike, and our investment in this fandom is so alike. I can’t think of anyone else who gets my relationship to fandom and this ship so intrinsically, and who understands where my passion and anxiety all comes from. 

@avatar-the-last-jerkbender Noooook! The way all of us mesh together us supreme. Thanks for dealing with our Zutara crazies, and one day soon you’ll convince me to be into Haikyuu. I love our niche as hell late night conversations about everything, how honest we all can be, and how dirty ;) we can be. 

@tonguetidee Maren, even though I have no idea where you are half of the time, we click so well around everything. I hope you know how much this fandom and the four of us love you. You’re the nicest person I have literally every met and I love talking to you at 4am while all the the other losers are asleep. 

And then the rest of the lil Zutarians. @dogwithalamp I can’t believe it’s been something like four years at this point? Thanks for being the strangest constant in my life and putting up with me even when I can be (a little) mean. @arghmuffin Jen, though you be young you be amazing-- you know why :D. @whattheheehaw, though you are not a meta writer, your takes are good, and though you must be censured your takes are amazing. @pidgeonlol, your skill is unparalleled and you and Cat always light up the GCs :D. @babytreehugger, Rose, we get each other on so many levels, and I love how we’re living such similar lives and get everything with each other so well. @zksmoon, though you are also child and Jake and Gino have subjected you to a lot, you are amazing and adorable and a cute lil pomme. @nooneslittlegirl, Kels you are literally the nicest person and just jumped in and joined our crazy, and your writing is amazing! @p34rl34rring, thanks for popping in and feeling us and just understanding our vibes :D

And thank you to the spicy zutara fam, my parents and uncles and everyone in between, for making me feel safe and comfortable and humoring and supporting me. @zutarawasrobbed really is the best to salt with, @fictionissocialinquiry @ifyouwereamelodymeg @rideboldlyride and @idontreadheartbeats are the best parents(tm) a girl could ask for :D. @hvitserker is an amazing uncle, @theplaguebeast thinks I am funny or something and that is incredible, and @firelxdykatara is just a gift to this fandom on all accounts and always humors me and my terrible sleep schedule. @cobraonthecob always spreads so much love, and so many other people - @cablesscutie, Elmo (whose tumblr I cannot locate *cries*)

And on tumblr, so many of my mutuals make my day. Y’all know who you are and you’re absolutely amazing. Everyone who reads/comments/kudoses on AO3, I hope you know you make my days.

I probably forgot some people, lol, but thank all of you guys for existing. I know this is way more than five, and please don’t feel obliged at all to do this. Just wanted you guys to know I love you <3

[tervaneula]

This might be an odd thing to post but I want to memorise this day - it’s been exactly six months since I drew my first fanart after watching the Good Omens miniseries the previous day. 12th of June.

Since that day I’ve made 52 pieces of fanart. Fifty-two!! What!!!! It really doesn’t look like there’s that many drawings but the number itself is just staggering to me. The last time I’ve been this productive was probably three-to-four years ago because of Undertale and even then most of it was simple sketches. This folder doesn’t even include all of my ineffable sketches and wips, nor all the other things I’ve drawn during these months! It feels incredible to have been able to draw this much in such a short time, because in the past there has been whole years when I’ve barely touched the pen. Not to mention that I started writing little things again. That’s just. Wow.

This is just completely blowing my mind and I couldn’t be happier. All the people I’ve followed, gotten followed by, talked to, admired from distance for their meta, art, and writing have made my life feel so full. Not to mention my heart! What the heck guys, this fandom really has been the most wholesome one I’ve ever participated in (of course there’s always some rude and/or depraved behaviour but luckily people can learn to be better) and I’ve felt so, so welcome.

I’d like to think of myself as easily approachable but the truth is that I’m an unskilled conversationalist, so every single lovely ask I’ve received means the world to me. And just so you know, if we’re mutuals or talked like, once, I consider you a friend. In practice it means that whenever I see a fun post from you or your url shows up in my notes, I can’t help but smile and my chest fills with warmth. And no matter who you are, if you regularly reblog my art and leave comments in the tags (I love to read the tags!!!) I recognise your name every time and I love that 😎

I’ve surpassed 10,000 notes minimum each month and that’s INSANE. Of course I’m not nearly as popular as some other artists in this fandom and frankly, I quite like it this way. I was so used to just doing my own thing, getting less than 20 notes per post on average, that this sudden feeling of being seen was and continues being overwhelming on some days.

All in all, I want to thank all of you for being yourselves: kind, creative, wonderful people. You deserve the world. This little Finnish heart that I have is humbled, I’m so very grateful. Terry and Neil really created something wonderful, for it to be able to bring people together like this.

A BONUS: Because I’ve been feeling so happy for a long time now, I finally felt brave enough to fulfill a dream I’ve had for years - this sweet baby girl will move in with me when she’s ready! (✿´∀`✿)

Tl;dr: I’ve been drawing Good Omens fanart for six months now, being in the fandom makes me happy, I’m getting another snake

(ღ˘⌣˘ღ)

[asklotarasarrin]

Getting Started Role Playing

I’ve had a number of asks on this topic over the years, and rather than retyping the same thing repeatedly, I’m gonna try and collect my thoughts on how to go about this. All of this is assuming you’re on desktop; mobile makes some things a little more difficult. Feel free to add to this; I’m sure there’s things I’m forgetting.

Warning: Long Post!

First things first: Preparation

Get your blog in order

Create a character bio - This should include character name, a description, and a background. If your character is a canon character, then it’s not so bad to forego this, but I think it’s a good idea even for canon characters, as not everyone is going to be familiar with every single character in a universe.

Put a short explanation of the blog in the blog header - This is like a pitch or an introduction to what your blog is about. This should indicate you’re an RP blog, who you RP(if you have multiple muses on the blog, I think it’s okay to just say ‘multiple OCs’ or ‘multiple muses’), and maybe the universe your muse is from. Some blogs also include if they’re selective or not, multi-ship or not, open to cross-over/multiverse or not, etc, but not nearly as necessary.

Rules page - not necessary, but sometimes helpful if you have any particular things, such as being unwilling to RP smut, or you have some triggers/sensitive topics that you aren’t will to do, etc.

Make sure your inbox is open - Seems silly, but I forget this one frequently when I’m making a new blog. Check other blog settings as well- (submissions, anon, etc)

Follow other blogs - This seems obvious, but it is key. Follow other blogs you want to RP with! Find others from the universe your muses are set in. Do take the time to read their bios and rules pages, if they have any.

Write an Introduction post - Not everyone does this, but I think it’s very helpful. It should be a SHORT post, in or out of character. Many blogs are disinclined to reblog long intro posts because people instinctively skip over walls of text.

Reblog RP memes - The Intro post will help generate interest, the RP memes make it easy to break the ice.

Next Step: Getting Out There

Provided you have taken the time to read other people’s rules and bios, reach out!

If they’ve reblogged memes you are interested in, send an ask with that meme - These are GREAT icebreakers so you can get started with relatively low effort. Friendly reminder: Read the meme carefully. Typically the meme has some form of explanation or instruction in it, and it is very frustrating when someone sends in a meme when they clearly did not bother to actually read what it’s about.

Use the messenger to ask to plot - Sometimes blogs don’t post memes often, or they reblog memes that don’t quite work for your character. Politely ask to plot. Try to come with ideas. It can be frustrating when someone comes to you wanting to plot but has NO idea about what to do. I personally will frequently take premises from memes I like and adjust them as necessary.

Open starters - Alternative to memes, sometimes blogs will post ‘open starters’. These are usually open ended in-character posts that other role players can reply to. It isn’t a bad idea to post your own open starters either, if you’re feeling up for it. Note: Generally speaking, open starters once taken by someone are not available for additional role players unless otherwise noted in the tags. If you like an open starter that has already been taken, you can also use the messenger to ask if you can also get in on that. Many RP bloggers use thread trackers, so the starter would need to be copied to a new post before beginning RP.

Important Notes: Etiquette

There are a number of rules and behaviors that are important to keep in mind, some obvious, some not so much. In no particular order.

Patience - This is my number one thing. RPers come from all walks of life- full-time students and career people, big and small families, personal struggles, different time zones, language barriers abound. And Tumblr is not a well programmed website, so notifications don’t pop up, or get buried under other things. So don’t panic if people don’t immediately reply. Don’t be rude when following up after a reasonable amount of time has passed. Give people the opportunity to measure their replies to you.

Try to keep your In Character and Out of Character clear/separate - Some RP blogs are actually a mishmash of personal and roleplay. Many blogs indicate in the tags or with markings of some form(the most common being ‘//’ slashes or () parentheses). It can be confusing for people without these markers.

Do not reblog RPs you are not involved in - This is a personal pet peeve. RP posts are often only snippets of the overall story, and when reblogged it is taken out of context. The other problem is it adds notifications to a thread that aren’t from the partner, and can be confusing. RPThreadTracker doesn’t have a problem with it, but other forms of tracking can struggle.

Respect and ‘Don’t like Don’t follow’ - universes big and small, OCs and Canon Characters over the top and from humble beginnings, we’re all here to have a good time. You’re not going to like every mun or muse you come across. Not every other blog is going to like you or your muse. People talk shit about self-inserts, teenage OCs, people who like to RP almost exclusively smut, and myriad of other things. But those muns are doing things that make them happy. And you don’t get to control what other people do. If you don’t like it, don’t follow. Don’t RP with them. Let it go.

Self Care - This is part of a larger topic and related to the above bullet point, but important to at least touch on. Not everyone who RPs is well or good. This is meant to be fun. So if you are stressed out or overwhelmed by an RP partner or thread for whatever reason, talk to your partner about it. If they do not respect your requests or needs, then it would be better to not RP with them. There are people who struggle with a myriad of health and situational issues. You will at one time or another meet people who will insist you cater to their every whim, try to control you and your muse. Block these people.

Read tags - This may not seem like an etiquette thing, but this is important. Some people communicate extensively this way. It will help to prevent communication errors.

Read More - use the read more function for NSFW threads. It’s the [...] at the end of the options bar

Tagging - Tag NSFW, triggering content, and anything else you think appropriate. I also try to tag my different verses, my in character and out of character posts, etc.

Trim Your Posts - This is hard to do on mobile, but necessary. When a post has many reblogs, it can be tedious to scroll past. Trimming them/cropping them makes a big difference. [Link here for a tutorial on how to trim - Browser]

Mun and Muse Knowledge [Meta Gaming] - There maybe things your character does not know, and cannot know, that you know. Remember to keep the distinction. Nothing kills my desire to RP with someone than their character somehow reading my character’s thoughts.

Controlling other Characters [God Modding] - You control your character. Your partner controls theirs. You don’t control if they get hit by a punch, if they dodge, if they punch back. It’s part of the give and take.

Drive the Story - Role Playing is joint story telling. Don’t put all the burden if directing where the story goes on your partner. Give your partner something to react to, to build on. If you only ever give one sentence replies, it’s going to get tedious fast.

Other Tips and Tricks

I am a big fan of XKit, a browser addon that makes Tumbling much easier for RPers. [Link here!] The specific functions that are most helpful are Editable Reblogs and One Click Reply. Editable reblogs makes it far easier to trim in post. One Click Reply makes it possible to reply to comments and other notification forms.

In addition to those two, I also like to use the Blacklist, and Post Block functions. Some RPers or topics I particularly cannot stand, so I use Blacklist to keep them from my dash. Post Block is great for those discourse posts and individual RP threads that just squick you out for whatever reason.

I also am easily lost and confused by the innumerable notifications I get on the daily, so it became very important for me to use a website called RPThreadTracker. I highly recommend it, as I occasionally have threads that don’t get replied to for weeks. They also have an add-on button so you can click to add a thread to your list quickly and easily.

Terms

There is a bit of a jargon with this. Sorry if it’s been confusing thus-far!

Mun - the writer behind the blog

Muse - the fictional character, the character

IC/OOC - In Character / Out of Character

OC - Original Character

Thread - the roleplay, the chain of posts making up the story

Selective/Semi-Selective/Private/Mutuals Only - This is often in a blog header - indicates how picky the mun is about selecting RP partners and threads. Read their rules. Respect their decisions to RP or not to RP.

Multi-verse - Indicates the blog is open to threads outside of their designated universe. (IE, my Warhammer character being willing to RP with an Overwatch character). It is advisable to message the mun to hash out the details.

DM or PM - Direct message or private message. Both indicate the tumblr message system.

AU - Alternate Universe. Indicates a deviation from the traditional universe.

[everythingjonsa]

1440 followers ....OMG!!... I’M OVERWHELMED

I joined tumblr a couple weeks after the first trailer for season 7 released, the one with Cersei saying “Enemies to the east...” I never checked how many people were following me because the APP on my phone somehow was stuck at 10 and though I would get notifications as time went by I assumed I had somewhere about 100 - 200 followers. My obsession with the posts and the metas never really gave me the opportunity or the inclination to check how many followers I have. 

I don’t know why I never thought of checking from my Laptop before because I don’t use it very often unless I want to make a very long post but I did today and I was truly shocked to discover that I have 1400 plus followers. 

A BIG THANK YOU TO EACH ONE OF YOU FOR THINKING THAT THIS BLOG IS WORTHY OF FOLLOWING. I’M TRULY HUMBLED AND EXTREMELY OVERWHELMED!! 

There are a few people I have to thank and I have to use this opportunity to do that. 

Thank you @fedonciadale!! If not for you, I would’ve probably run in the opposite direction after what happened on my first day. You are one of the sweetest person I’ve ever met and I’m glad our friendship has extended beyond the fandom. I love you and you will continue to inspire me always. You are the reason why I stuck around and discovered this beautiful community and I promise you, I shall never ever forget that!!

Dearest @jonsasnow!! Thanks for being my friend, philosopher and guide on tumblr when I was so ignorant about it’s various ways and etiquette and never ever failing to respond to my queries however stupid or insignificant they were. I’m a fan of your writing and will always be. 

 Thank you @amymel86 for sending all the positive messages and I simply love your FICS!!!

@lookingatyousideways @rinsin68  @a-baleful-howl @natty86 @occupyvenus @stuckincinemascope @thenutofroyalty @geekprincess26 

I’ve enjoyed all our discussions and will always look forward to forward to more!!

Dear @thewesterwoman how I love your well thought out metas and logical reasoning!! I’ve enjoyed every single one of our conversations. 

Thank you @scullylikesscience for being the constant voice of reason in this fandom. 

I know I am missing many wonderful people, please forgive me and don’t hate me!!

And Finally @kitten1618x. My Jonsa soul sister!!  I SHARE “EVERYTHING JONSA” with you and more. When I need to discuss, when I need to vent, when I need to share, when i need to flail .. you are always there. Your concern for me moves me and I absolutely LOVE YOU to pieces!! Your well written metas continue to inspire. Thank you for BEING YOU!! 

Thank you @normadcisba for faithfully reblogging each one of my posts. Thank you @knives78 for all the interactive asks.  

Now I’m going to take a little time to say something that I should’ve probably said very long ago. When I first joined Tumblr on the very first day, I was misunderstood by a few bloggers. I won’t name anyone and I don’t want to get into the details of what happened because it doesn’t really matter anymore. I just want to tell all of them that I understand that a misunderstanding is really just that - A MISUNDERSTANDING.

I hold no grudges against anyone. I didn’t then, I don’t now and I won’t ever. This is me taking a step forward and saying earnestly with an open heart that if you are a fellow shipper and do not like to spread hate just like me, I’ll welcome you with a broad smile, always. 

Since I can’t tag each one of my followers, my mutuals and the blogs I follow, this is me thanking everyone of you from the very bottom of my heart for making my journey in this fandom a beautiful and a wonderful one and I’m sincerely looking forward to continuing this beautiful journey.