IM PROUD

On a job application: “What is your preferred name and gender, we value diversity, so be honest.” Me: 

Kabsuslabdiqjsgoqbdieywjq

Happy Birthday to our China Star, Zhong Chenle! ♡☆

The Tumblr writing community is dying.

It’s something I’ve noticed over the past two years of using this site. It was gradual, imperceptible at first, something that most would brush off as a silly concern, or fault Tumblr algorithm for. While it’s true that Tumblr’s engine leaves a lot to be desired, I’ve noticed that even popular blogs have started to dwindle in terms of interaction or motivation. There could be a lot of reasons for this, but the biggest two I’ve noticed, experienced myself, and asked fellow writers about is this: (1) content being stolen, and (2) lack of feedback or interaction. I’ve never seen any logical person defend content being stolen, so I want to address point 2 instead.

Lack of feedback and interaction. I’m not saying this on my behalf so much as I’m saying this for friends and smaller blogs who have lost motivation to write. I was looking at my yandere writing blogs list the other day and noticed that a good majority of them no longer write. I usually update the list every few months, and by that point, more and more writers have stopped writing entirely. This isn’t a problem confined solely to the yandere fandom; in fact, there’s less writing blogs in general these days, especially ones that are active. I used to run a very popular BNHA blog with some friends, but that dissolved after our content was stolen and our followers stopped interacting as much. Out of our 8,500 followers, we hardly got 0.015% notes (~128 notes) on an average post. Tumblr is to blame for the lack of eyes seeing our posts, for sure, but that also means that at least 128 people saw one post and didn’t leave a comment or ask. We were considered a big blog; imagine what it’s like on a small blog.

My friend recently made a post that summed this up perfectly: 

“I’ve seen people say “Be grateful that people even lurk on your page.” and, while I get the message they’re trying to say, it’s more dismissive and hurtful in my opinion. Like you’re saying, “Oh your writing is mediocre, you should be grateful people even LOOK at it.”

Me personally? I’ve heard the argument that AO3 is a better place to post fanfics, and while that might be true, I’ve had friends experience firsthand the lack of interaction there too. I’ve heard the argument that interacting with some writers is intimidating (me included). I’ve heard that argument that followers might be too shy to interact. I’ve heard the argument that writers should write for themselves and not for views / likes / reblogs / etc, and while that’s ideal, it’s not sustainable for everyone. What works for one writer won’t work for another, but you know what will? Interaction.

That comment or ask that took you 2 seconds to write? We remember it. That reblog with the compliments in the tags? We remember it. Every single ‘named’ anon we get (heart anon, sunflower anon, etc)? We remember them. And the best part is? It’s actually easier to do these things on Tumblr since you have the option to send anonymous asks or make a sideblog specifically for reblogs! Trust me, whether the lack of interaction is the cause of a lack of motivation or what have you, every writer appreciates feedback (don’t be shy to offer some critique or compliments) or even a simple keyboard smash with some emojis. Even sitting down for 5 min a day per week to comment on your favorite writers’ new pieces makes a huge difference. Personally, since Tumblr’s activity feed is beyond terrible and I have over 1,500 posts, I don’t always see new reblogs or comments on my content; asks though? Always see those, can never go wrong with those. If you don’t want to reblog or leave a comment, then you can never go wrong with an anonymous ask. 

As my wise friend says: writing is an art, and in order to improve that art, we need other people’s eyes to see what we don’t.

For the sake of every writer (past, present, and future) on this platform, please share this post.

Reblog if you you would love our idols even if they gained weight.

(via maty24-blog)

💖💖

Black Lives Matter: It’s more than a hashtag.

We kicked off this year with a celebration of Black voices and storytellers, showcasing their continuous contributions to science, music, art, literature, media, fashion, gaming, and many other fields. With #BlackExcellence365, we also highlighted artists like Aundre Larrow (@aundrelarrow) and Gianni Lee (@giannilee).

As the country dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic, Black communities disproportionately fell victim to undue violence and death at the hands of the very institutions that were built to serve them. In May, for eight minutes and 46 seconds, the world watched as George Floyd’s life was snatched from him at the hand, or rather under the knee, of an officer sworn to protect him. In eight minutes and 46 seconds, George Floyd was added to a long list of names that live on through hashtags. In the wake of his brutal murder, the world erupted in protest. 

In eight unbearable minutes and 46 horrifying seconds, “Black Lives Matter” had a new meaning. Overnight, the words transformed from a hashtag into something more tangible, something to live by and enact. For many, they represented the beginning of a journey of learning and unlearning—of edification and empathy. For others, they served as the echoed cry of the angry, anguished, and heartbroken. “Black Lives Matter” is more than a movement. It’s a space to mourn the loss of the countless Black men and women who were murdered—like Floyd—for simply being themselves. 

We remember and never forget:

Breonna Taylor | George Floyd | Elijah McClain | Rayshard Brooks | Daniel Prude | Tony McDade | David McAtee | Walter Wallace | Kevin Peterson | James Scurlock | Atatiana Jefferson | Aura Rosser | Stephon Clark| Botham Jean | Philando Castille | Alton Sterling | Michelle Cusseaux | Freddie Gray | Janisha Fonville | Eric Garner | Akai Gurley | Gabriella Nevarez | Sandra Bland | Tamir Rice | Michael Brown | Tanisha Anderson | Korryn Gaines | Rekia Boyd | Kayla Moore | Amadou Diallo | Sean Bell | Oscar Grant III | and countless others

#BlackLivesMatter has been trending on Tumblr since May, where it will remain for as long as the community stays engaged. By sharing resources, artwork, and communities we can keep important causes top of mind for us all.

Donate/Boost/Sign:

Black Lives Matter Network

Official Petition for Breonna Taylor 

Justice for Jacob Blake

Justice for Regis Official Fund

Gianna Floyd Fund

Minneapolis Freedom Bail Fund  & Louisville Community Bail Fund 

Reclaim the Block

Campaign Zero

Black Visions Collective

The Bail Out Project

National Bail Out

National Bail Fund Network

Brooklyn Community Bail Fund

Northwest Community Bail Fund (Washington State)

Atlanta Solidarity Fund

Chicago Community Bond Fund

Other ways to donate in support of Black lives and communities

Mental Health Resources:

Ethel’s Club - A Black-owned and operated social club offering access to Black therapists and a multitude of creative events for People of Color. 

Crisis Text Line - A different approach to crisis intervention, Crisis Text Line makes it easy to get the help you need. Just text  741-741 to chat with someone who is willing to listen and provide you with additional resources.

Shine Text - Black-owned! Sign up to receive cheerful texts and tips every day. 

Therapy For Black Girls - A Black-owned directory to help you find Black therapists in your area.

Tips for Organizing/Protesting:

Knowing your rights - ACLU

How To Prepare for a Protest - (Remember to wear a mask!)

Fun Online Communities and Things to Do:

Some of our favorite online communities. 

Nerd Culture: @blacknerdproblems, @superheroesincolor

Poetry and Literary Spaces: Cave Canem Literary Balms program for Black poets,  Nuyorician Online Open Mic Events, Well-Read Black Girl

Podcasts: Therapy For Black Girls, Strong Black Legends by Netflix’s Strong Black Lead, The Read with Crissle and Kid Fury, The Nod with Eric Eddings and Brittany Luse.

And the best Tumblr posts? Just click right here.

Why artists and writers reblog their work multiple times:

They posted it late at night and want people to see it in the daytime

They want others to reblog it

They want more attention for it

THEY WANT OTHERS TO REBLOG IT

They have followers in different timezones and want everyone to get a chance to see it

THEY WANT OTHERS TO REBLOG IT

IF THEY REBLOG IT MULTIPLE TIMES, THEY’RE DOING IT BECAUSE THEY WANT ATTENTION FOR IT AND THEY’RE LIKELY NOT GETTING ENOUGH, SO THEY KEEP REBLOGGING IT IN THE HOPES THEY’LL GET SOME

BE A COOL BRO AND REBLOG

THEY’LL LOVE YOU FOREVER

STAND WITH SOPHIE

TW: Sexual/Child Abuse

WAYS TO HELP:

https://gf.me/u/ys4x69

gofundme.com

Stand With Sophie, organized by Kourtney Chalmers

Sophie, 9 years old, has disclosed she has been continuously subjected to domestic violence, sexua… Kourtney Chalmers needs your support for

http://chng.it/CqmpGnwP

Change.org

Sign the Petition

StandWithSophie

Sophie’s biological father does NOT know where his kids are as of today. The children claim that some of JAKE BELLINGTON’S (her abuser) family members assisted in the abuse.

Please reblog

Same

Why ARMYs Need To Stop

ARMYs really ruined BTS for me tbh… I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately and I’m just so tired and wanna rant

Before I continue, yes I understand that not all ARMYs are toxic, a lot of you are some of the nicest coolest people I’ve ever talked to

But because BTS is so big and the fandom has grown, there are plenty of toxic people within it now and it’s soooo fucking annoying

ARMYs start shit all the time now… like all the time, they say whatever whenever because they think BTS are THE only talented Kpop group for some dumb reason

“This groups rappers could never compare to ours” “Ok but has anyone noticed they’re copying BTS?” “It’s cool that your group won that little award, but BTS went to the BBMAs so…”

I’m so sick and tired of this shit

I know that in some cases y’all are just trying to defend yourselves, but honestly the majority of the time now, I see ARMYs starting stuff before anyone else, not just saying things out of defense

Y’all constantly talk down on other groups like they aren’t talented or something, just because BTS went to the BBMAs, well news flash: Western recognition for a band doesn’t determine their level of talent

All Kpop groups are talented and have worked very hard to get where they are

YES! Even idols under the big three companies! They all trained for years, stay up late working on songs and choreo, and put in lots of time to be the best artists they can be

All Kpop idols have put in their fair share of time and work to be recognized. They all deserve recognition. I’m proud of all of them.

Let me repeat that:

THEY ALL DESERVE RECOGNITION

Let me say this again:

BTS IS NOT THE ONLY KPOP BAND WORTHY OF BEING LOVED AND PRAISED

Don’t get me wrong, I love BTS, and I have for many years. The boys are so talented and I’m glad people are seeing that

I’m just annoyed that y’all will shit on every other band, start rumors about members, and trend rude things about them on Twitter because of your weird obsession of keeping BTS at the “top.”

Which once again, I’ll mention, getting recognized in America isn’t really the “top.”

BTS love other Kpop bands. They love being friends with them and hanging out with them. I’m sure it rips their hearts out when you attack their friends for no good reason.

Other bands deserve the love BTS has, so stop acting this way. It’s embarrassing for the rest of the fandom that knows better and it’s embarrassing for BTS. The way y’all talk about them now paints them as arrogant jerks, but we all know they are far better than that. I’m tired of hearing

“BTS knows they’re better than all other groups” “They won’t let other groups ride on their coattails” “BTS knows they ended all other groups”

Like seriously stop, BTS doesn’t think that way about other groups, those people are their friends, they’re not constantly trying to show them up or be above them.

BTS is doing what they love. They’re making music and sharing it with the world. But because of you guys their messages don’t come off the same way they used to. And people don’t see them the same way anymore either.

You’ve turned them into a spectacle, not artists.

“There’s that Kpop group with the crazy fandom”

It’s not about you ARMY. It’s about the boys you’re supposed to love and support and carry through everything.

It’s not about starting fanwars or acting like other groups aren’t as talented. It’s about sharing how amazing BTS is and showing the world how truly talented they are.

Just share positivity. You know that’s what your boys want. They want you to be kind to others and enjoy their music. Stop constantly hating other groups and accusing them of copying BTS and other such nonsense. (Y’all almost ruining Minos life the other day by passing around misinformation bc that’s how ready y’all are to destroy anyone who isn’t BTS is a whole different rant of mine).

Just love. Spread love. Be kind. Support don’t discourage. Lift up don’t take down. Love don’t hate. I know you know better ARMY. Do better for your boys

-Someone who has made her own mistakes in the past and just wants all of us to move past silly fanwars and unnecessary hatred

Trust me, I know from my own experience that passing around hate helps nothing, be bigger, be better, be kinder

THIS IS A REMINDER FOR ALL FANDOMS, YOU CAN ALL LEARN SOMETHING FROM THIS, DONT START HATE OR WARS

ARMYs aren’t the only ones to blame for unnecessary hate, so I hope you will all take this to heart

An edit to the original post for anyone about to comment what I’ve already been reading in comments today:

1. Yes I know, not all ARMYs, I clarified this originally, I know there’s plenty of people within ARMY who aren’t toxic, I get that, I’m just saying that ARMY grew significantly recently for obvious reasons and therefore by sheer numbers of new fans, there’s a lot more toxicity within this fandom recently, many new fans don’t know how to act and surprisingly I’ve seen a lot of people feeding into their attitudes instead of condemning them for starting shit

2. If you comment hate below this post you’re just proving my point

3. Yes I understand that other fandoms are toxic too, I understand that there’s toxic people in all fandoms, I concentrated on ARMY bc they’re the fandom the whole world is looking at right now due to BTS going to the BBMAs, however just because I used ARMY as an example doesn’t mean what I’m saying doesnt apply to all fandoms, it was a message for all of you to take to heart and understand that fan wars are ridiculous and they need to stop, and if we just let toxic people be and ignore it instead of condemning it as some people suggested, the toxic people will just get worse since they aren’t facing consequences for their harmful behavior, everyone needs to be kept in check

4. My only message here is to stop hate, it’s not to encourage you to push blame to another fandom, or try to argue why someone else is worse. I wasn’t trying to tell y’all you’re wrong for only liking one group. It’s completely ok to like one group and one group only. But it’s not ok to be rude in any way or form to another. That’s my whole message. Stop hate.

ANOTHER EDIT:

If you’re about to comment about the fact that people should just be able to separate their love for a band from the fandom, please go ahead and read the comments to see how many examples there are of people having such scarring times with ARMYs that they literally cannot even look at BTS anymore, once again, I didn’t write this post for you to try to move blame, the whole world is looking at you right now ARMY, you’re causing people to avoid BTS and Kpop altogether, you really cannot separate the two when you love a band because when you scroll through tags and social media to learn more about them, you just see that stuff, it’s not avoidable, and ya, you can ignore it for awhile, but sometimes it becomes overwhelming, and like people in the comments have mentioned, sometimes they were part of ARMY but because of mistreatment by others, being in the fandom and loving BTS were ruined by them, don’t you dare lecture people about “separating fandom and band”