#fandom tips

[pygmi-says-hi]

I am feeling unsupported and ostracized in fandom.

Do you have any tips?

aww, that's too bad!!! i'm sorry!!!

if you're in a specific fan group of that fandom, definitely try to find a new group. That's not healthy behavior and you deserve a great fandom experience. Fandoms are usually a lot bigger than you think, there's gonna be other options.

If it's a site that you're uncomfy with, branch out to somewhere else. Don't necessarily delete any accounts, but finding new platforms might rejuvenate some appreciation.

Understand that your involvement in a fandom should be fun and nurturing!!!! some fandoms are really yoxic, unfortunately. Please don't let that get in the way of your appreciation! Your content is worth sharing and as long as it is positive and brings you enjoyment, that's what matters.

Taking a break is okay too. If you're unmotivated but feel pressure to create, take a few days off to do other things. A fresh start might do you some good.

As contradictory as this sounds, try interacting with other creators more. Some of my fandoms are pretty small, but the more I interacted with other creators, the stronger those relationships got. Spread your work, interact and support other's work too.

I hope you feel better and find your people!! good luck!!!

[veeisstressingout]

A Little Bio Info for Fic Authors (or Just Authors in General)

Identical twins obviously means they're identical (has to be either two girls or two boys – like the Weasley twins); fraternal twins look different (could be two boys, two girls, or a boy and a girl).

To have identical twins, it's usually caused by a twin gene – that would most likely be carried from the parent's (who happens to be a twin) side – and just means that a fertilized egg produces two embryos.

I've been seeing a lot of fics any twin of any fandom having kids with the reader or another character and they end up having fraternal twins – usually one incorporating characteristics of the twin in the relationship, and the other having characteristics of the reader/other character. Yes, this is possible, but it would not be a result of the twin gene.

With fraternal twins, it is the result of the female accidentally secreting two eggs during ovulation, rather than the expectation of just one (identical twins come from just one egg). Typically, the production of fraternal twins results in only one surviving (or if they both survive, usually one has health problems the majority of their life). It is truly a miracle to give birth to two healthy fraternal twins.

Also, fraternal twins are usually caused by either the woman's body instinctively secreting more eggs (because she is older than the average reproductive age – Parks and Rec explain this better with Leslie's pregnancy) or because of an enhancer (such as pregnancy pills).

I mean, I'm not saying authors automatically have to follow this information. It's your own writing, characters can have how many of which children as you want to write about; that's why it's called fiction. I just thought that having this bit of information might help some :)

[zorosroronoas]

What are your tips on running a source blog?

this is a really interesting question that i'm not even sure i can answer properly, but i will try my best! as a disclaimer, i'm most definitely not an authority on this subject, no matter how many source blogs i may run now or have run in the past, but i'll just try to describe my process creating & running a source blog. for reference for which source blogs i currently run, they are: @xmenuniverse, @batfamilycentral, @opla, @falloutprime & @ringsofpowerdaily (it's a lot, i know).

- setting the blog

now when i set the blog up, i always pick a costume theme (you may notice i used the same for several of my blogs bc it's easy & it works well with what i want). i try to personalize it as best as i can with header, icon, etc (same for the mobile theme) + create some standard pages: about, navigation, affiliates.

- launching the blog + intro post

when i'm ready to officially launch a new source blog (& after i make sure my posts will show up in the tags! i always do a little test 1st!), i post a little intro post, where i welcome ppl to the blog, explain what it is about, what tags i will be tracking if ppl want to tag me in their edits, etc. here's a reference. you can tag this post with the general fandom tags, edit tags + potential fandom related source blogs that can give you a boost. this helps introducing the blog to new ppl & gain a few followers hopefully.

- editing + creating a following

honestly this is self explanatory. the best way to gain followers is to post in the tags. for fandom blogs it's best achieved through making edits: gifsets, graphics, etc. be sure to always use the fandom edit tags + search up other source blogs related to the fandom that you may be able to tag.

- taking requests

something that i do often is ask for requests, particularly when starting a blog. it helps to engage with ppl & give you ideas if you are struggling with what to edit. this is, however, 100% optional.

- running the blog: tracked tags

now i create source blogs with one main reason in mind: to help boost the work of other fandom creators + create an archive of their work. this means that i try to reblog as many of ppl's original creations as i possible can & to do this there's always a few tags that i track & check out regularly. this is basically up to you + the free time you have. generally i track at least the blog's tag (tends to be your url or something similar) + edit & fanart tags, but you can also check general fandom tags, tho it's a lot more work. personally i play it by ear, depending on my needs.

- running the blog: setting up a queue

my goal when running a source blog is to be able to keep it updating regularly for as long as possible, so i always send posts to the queue, instead of reblogging them all right away. it also helps with not spamming your followers. something that i do do is try to prioritize edits or art in which my blog is personally tagged. this means i tend to manually go into the queue & send those post to the beginning of it if i can. this is only achievable if i'm only tagged in a few edits once in a while tho, otherwise it gets too overwhelming. for example, i simply can't do this with @ringsofpowerdaily, bc i'm tagged in far too many posts.

- running the blog: fanart

honestly this is ultimately completely optional (as is every tip in this post), but i always try to include fanart as a part of what i reblog if i can. this is not always common place with source blogs, which often tend to prioritize gifs & graphic edits, but like i mentioned, i want to help boost fandom creators to the best of my ability & fanartists are a huge backbone of fandom. tbh some of my blogs run almost exclusively on fanart (@xmenuniverse, @batfamilycentral & @opla during the hiatus) & i wouldn't be able to have them post regularly if it wasn't for it.

the problem with fanart is that it is sometimes hard to track down. ppl are not as conditioned to using a fanart tag as they are an edit tag, so the fandom fanart tags may be pretty bare & it may required you to search through the general fandom tags instead. this is up to you & completely optional & i only do it for certain blogs & depending on necessity.

- getting help

tho i currently run all my blogs alone, it's not uncommon & i've done so in the past, to have multiple members in a source blog. they may be either promoted to admin or just a regular member, but if you need help posting more original edits regularly & setting the queue up, etc, it can be helpful to have more members. you can either ask a friend you can trust or set up an application form for new members. always remember tho that once you upgrade someone to admin, you can no longer make them leave the blog if you want & they have full range to make changes on it, so only do so for ppl you feel you can trust!

- affiliates

this is not terribly important all things considered, but as part of the costume theme i use, there's always a little place for affiliates. this is nothing more than ppl you can link to on your blog & they will do so in theirs, to help promote your blogs to each other's followers. don't be afraid to apply your blog as an affiliate to other source blogs, if they have the option. the max i've got was not getting an answer, which generally means it was not accepted.

- keeping the source blog a neutral place

now this is something i personally consider incredibly important when running my source blogs: i always try to keep my personal opinions off the blog, unless it's something that i consider actually harmful. i won't post if i like or dislike something, i will do my best to reblog edits/fanart of characters, ships or media of all kind, including those i may not be a fan of. it's important to me that my blog is a welcoming place to all members of the fandom.

- tagging system

i think one of the most important things about running a source blog or any blog working as an archive is to have a functioning tagging system. this can be as simple or as detailed as you like. my tagging varies depending on the blog & the fandom. for example: @xmenuniverse & @batfamilycentral are dedictated to comics & its varied adaptations, so not only do i tag by character, post type (#gif, #graphic, #video, #still, #picspam, etc), i also tag the media type (#comic, #tv, #movie, #vg, #animated) & i try to tag each comic, movie, tv series (for example: #c: batman, #m: batman returns, etc).

for blogs like @opla, @falloutprime & @ringsofpowerdaily, since they are only dedictated to a specific tv series, my tagging system is different. i tag characters, by season (#s1, #s2, etc), by episode if possible (#1.01, #1.02), as well as post type & whether it's an edit of the show itself (#tv), the cast (#cast) or fanart (#art).

- self care

last, but most definitely not least, it is important you put yourself 1st when running a blog, ANY blog. source blogs can be a lot of work, & unfortunately sometimes ppl don't value it as much as they should. it's okay if you can't make new edits all the time, it's okay if you can't check the tags today or if you have to take a break or that request is taking too long. ppl will have to understand.

i hope this long ass post is helpful in any way & if you have any more questions, feel free to message me again! you are also free to use any of my own blogs as reference, i don't mind at all!

[andrewminyardslawyer]

PSA for those writing coffee shop AUs, bakery AUs, etc.

I have worked in the food service industry for 20 years and I just wanted to make an informational list of common mistakes or misconceptions I see in writing about said industry. Not trying to be a jerk, just thought I would try to make a helpful list! I will add more if I think of any and please feel free to ask any questions you may have!

- it's cookie dough, not cookie batter. Doughs are for thicker stuff, typically something you can pick up in your hand (cookies, bread). Batters are more liquid and pourable (cakes, brownies, muffins)

- one person cannot make all the products from scratch and bake everything themselves unless they are a very slow business. Most of the time someone has a specific thing they do weather it's focused on specific products or split up like one person does the batters/doughs, one person preps and bakes, one person decorates. Sometimes one person does multiple things but generally not every single thing every day by themselves

- Front of House = people interacting with customers like barista, waiter, person at the register. Back of House = people making the food (line cook, baker, etc), dish washer (the worst job in the world, I salute all dishwashers everywhere)

- if they're doing stuff like bagels, doughnuts, breakfast pastries, cinnamon rolls, bread, etc they are there EARLY. Depending on the product some people start working at 2 in the morning. I saw a published book that had someone making dozens and dozens of cinnamon rolls from scratch in like one hour. Not possible even though I wish it was

- frosting, icing, and glaze are all different things. Frosting is the thicker stuff you see on cakes and cupcakes. Icing is typically for cookies, especially the decorated cut out sugar cookies. Glaze is thin, like what you get on doughnuts

- 99% of people who work in the food service industry will immediately go home and shower. I've seen lots stories where the character gets done at work and goes out. You are covered in various substances with powdered sugar in places you didn't know it could get, a shower before Literally Anything is a must

[wingsforthewicked]

Woe, my passion project be upon ye-

And that's it! For Now!!

Thank you so much for reading and i hope it comes in handy for any of your wingies needs :3 This took me... a While, more than it should've, but is finally here! And maybe i've been slacking a little on the tagging for this blog specifically, but i recommend besides reading all of this, to go check my Guides tag, as i'm missing a few little things here and there that i couldn't for the life of me find a way to explain, and i've already re-done this Way too much for my liking o(-(

But you can also just go around this blog to get some inspiration :o I got a Lot of different wing styles here, and again i gotta go back to tagging (and fix my blog web theme, don't worry about it—) but other than that, you're free to explore this lil blog of mine

Two last things—First, i did all of this for free, i want it to reach as many people as possible (which is why soon-ish i'll translate the entirety of it to spanish and add image descriptions to both versions, i need a break....), but if you liked this enough and would like to leave a lil' tip on my kofi (@/rainbowpinyata), i would appreciate it a lot... Second, my inbox is always open if you or someone you know is in need of a more in-dept explanation on any of the parts of this, as i had to resume most of the info, or just needs a little bit of advice. I'm gonna explain wings Much more than i already have on the next part, but that... is going to take a bit, so...

Anyways, many thanks to my friends for always being there for me, i don't think i would've gone past the first draft or the many others after that without their encouragement, suggestions and general help with keeping me going. It means everything to me.

Also, click for better quality pls, the pages are pretty big but... this site....

[teaboot]

I don't know who needs to hear this

But if you go into the comments section on AO3

And type

Then replace image url (keep the " marks) with the url of a picture

You can leave fan art in the comments of a fic

[potatounicoorn]

The 5 Robin's expect I made this with my only context being my 3 days of Tumblr and Ao3 scrolling and 3 episodes of Young Justice

[feedthefandomfest]

Comment Bingo: Old Fic Edition

Very simple rules: connect 5 squares in a line by commenting on fics that suit the task in each square

Very simple goals: encourage readers to comment on older fics; encourage fandom writers to KEEP WRITING

STEPS:

Download Bingo Card HERE (png) or HERE (jpg) or HERE (pdf)

Complete the tasks on the card, marking off each as you go, until you've completed 5 in a line (vertical, horizontal, or diagonal; NO double-dipping; center ♥️ is a free space)

POST your winning card (or list your filled squares) and tag @feedthefandomfest! Glory in your victory.

SEARCH TIPS:

This card requires some familiarity with AO3's search filters. Once you've narrowed your results according to fandom/ship/additional tags, certain squares require you to sort the results by Date Updated, which is the default. Other squares require you to search for fics posted within a certain range of years, which you can do by scrolling on the search menu to More Options:

Note that to enter a date range, you must format the date as shown.

REWARD:

✨ victory badges ✨

New badge for this card, but here are examples from previous cards:

Tag me when you earn a bingo (or double, triple, quadruple... FULL CARD bingo) and I'll reblog a shiny badge with your name on it to commemorate the win.

FAQ:

Can I comment on tumblr or only on AO3?

Either one is great! This card especially is more designed with AO3 in mind, but some can be adjusted to suit tumblr as well, so I say go for it. Tumblr fics deserve love, too.

Can one comment count toward multiple squares if the fic fits more than one category?

Since the goal is for as many fics to receive comments as possible, try to comment on a different fic for each square.

Is there a time limit?

Nope! Take your time or set your own deadline, whatever works for you. This blog is still in its early experimental stage, so feedback welcome. Play around and let me know what you like and what might be added/changed—including ideas for squares on future cards!

Do I have to record progress on the actual card?

Nope! If it’s easier to keep track in a different way, that’s fine. This is all very honor system, so if you say you earned a Bingo, we’ll call it a win 🎉

Some people have been tracking not just completed tasks, but the fics they read along the way, so that when they post a bingo, they can also promote the fics/authors in a little rec list. Not required, but definitely cool to see!

Can I adjust the task in a particular square to suit my comfort level?

Of course! If you deliver something in the spirit of the task, then it’s all good. Use your best judgement in constructing a comment that will make the author smile, and you can consider it a job well done.

In general, so long as each square has produced at least one comment, you’re golden and I salute you 🫡

Happy commenting!!

[frownyalfred]

your friendly weekly reminder:

ratios don’t mean shit

no fic is too short or too long

you don’t have to do what your commentators want

some of the best fics get 0 comments

some fics get more kudos because they’re in a popular fandom/pairing at a popular time

people will enjoy your fic without commenting and that’s hard sometimes

keep writing ❤️

[nouverx]

As a french person, it's kinda funny to me when fanfic writers make Alastor speak french, and it's always things like "Bonjour mon cher, je t'aime" you know, typical french words from the main France french most people learn here and there.

The thing is, Alastor knows french creole from Louisiana, which isn't the usual France french most people know. Alastor would speak like "Bonjou konmen to yê?" Or "Mo laimm twa" instead ahah.

Also, there's different versions of french creole, the one from Louisiana is not exactly the same from Antillean Creole or French Guianese Creole. If you want here's an example to what Louisiana Creole sounds like!

So yeah if you want to spice up your fics and be more accurate with your Alastor speaking french creole, dont be afraid to look out for Louisiana Creole expressions instead of the typical french you'd normally use! Makes it more fun and more accurate 💃

[maesonc-artistic-adventures]

Based on Chapt 13 of @cutebutalsostabby ‘s fanfic “Big Oof 2022, aka Whumptober”

“‘You,’ Hyrule declared furiously, ‘are an absolute, complete dumbass.’

Lying prone on the ground with a deeply pissed-off mage looming above his head, it was rather difficult for Warriors to argue the point. He gave a weak thumbs up and croaked back, ‘Yep.’

Hyrule shook his head disbelievingly and announced, ‘You and Legend give me shit for this all the time, but you’re both equally as bad.’

Warriors nodded. ‘Very true,’ he rasped peaceably. ‘Be sure to learn from our bad examples.’”

————————————

Hyrule and Warrior’s dynamic is so excellent and few do it as well as this fic!

[tiddie-taylor]

I've been seeing people draw anxiety with a tail and I just gotta say that I feel like it would look like this

[pa-rou]

who had dadow on they 2024 bingo card

[allthingswhumpyandangsty]

HOW TO AO3

the difference between "orphaning" a fic and posting/making a fic under "anonymous" section.

orphaning a fic

once you've orphaned a fic, it means the work is no longer yours and there is no way you can "unorphan" the work once it has been orphaned. what does it mean? — it means your name will not be attached to the work, you cannot edit the work, you cannot delete the work and you cannot reclaim the work. you will lose the ownership of your work forever once you've orphaned it.

posting a fic under "anonymous" section

by posting or making your published work "anonymous", your name will not be publicly attached to said work (but will still appear in "my works" section where only you can see). the big difference between orphaning a work and posting/turning a work under anonymous section is that — unlike an orphaned work — you can edit, delete or even reclaim a work under anonymous section anytime you want. you will also still be receiving an email alerting you when someone gives kudos or comments on an anonymous work of yours.

if you don't want your name associated with some specific works you wrote, but at the same time still want to have ownership of them, I suggest you turn them "anonymous" instead of orphaning them.

remember: orphaning a fic is permanent. once you've done it, you cannot undo it. whereas posting or making published work "anonymous" can be undone.

[opalescentidiot]

[booksandpaperss]

psa that there’s no reason to be shy or nervous abt commenting bc if an author genuinely did not want comments they would simply disable commenting on their end. if you have the capability to comment that means they’re welcome and that you should <3