When I was much younger and just getting started in fandom, I became acquainted with a number of older fandom folks who I thought were excessively, needlessly cynical. I have a better understanding now of why they felt that way, but I'm still striving to not repeat the same mistake. - ThreadSky

artofjonas.bsky.social • 302 days ago

When I was much younger and just getting started in fandom, I became acquainted with a number of older fandom folks who I thought were excessively, needlessly cynical. I have a better understanding now of why they felt that way, but I'm still striving to not repeat the same mistake.

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artofjonas.bsky.social•302 days ago

When you make the kinds of mistakes that lead to loss, drama & heartbreak, you usually don't learn from them right away. It tends to take years if not decades. Then when you see a younger generation making the exact same mistakes in new spaces, it's hard not to feel some of that cynicism.

artofjonas.bsky.social•302 days ago

There's also a certain temptation to just sit there on the sidelines and go "Gee, what a surprise. Round and round we go." But I don't think I actually want to be manifesting that kind of Statler and Waldorf energy as I get older, you know what I mean?

artofjonas.bsky.social•302 days ago

Even if I feel that cynicism — and I do, every time The Drama explodes on Twitter (or here) — I'm not sure me giving voice to it adds anything to the conversation, or helps me or anyone else in any way. The Drama will happen no matter what, regardless of generation or medium.

artofjonas.bsky.social•302 days ago

I think maybe the best thing I can do now is try to ignore and not feed it. I don't want to set an example or anything, or influence anyone. I just want to keep participating in what I enjoy and focus on the best parts of it.

catboots.co.uk•302 days ago

i've been worried about how cynical i've become lately and it's nice to see someone else thinking about it too, thanku

pascalthedog.bsky.social•302 days ago

This is how I've dealt with it. Getting engaged in opinions online doesn't actually change anything because you're just arguing into a camp of people who all agree with each other.

Just being self-aware gives you a huge leg up over those going through the same needless cycle.

opossumcorn.bsky.social•302 days ago

It's one thing if it's somebody I know and care about, but I always ask if I can talk to them about it first, and that they have every right to tell me to butt out. But random people online? Nah. Imma be in my corner drawin' unicorns.

arrjaysketch.bsky.social•302 days ago

This, and same.

kesherz.bsky.social•302 days ago

Instead of cynicism, I've been trying to teach the younger crowd what I've learned.

When some of them refuse to listen, I can't help but let out a weary sigh. But others... others pick up what I'm putting down.

artofjonas.bsky.social•302 days ago

Some of them are very clearly processing stuff, which is something I greatly sympathize with, but it can also go so wrong and create so much strife. :|

bangaroo.likes.fish•302 days ago

the number one skill i appreciate that i have gained as i have gotten older is knowing when my voice just ain’t needed to further a discussion and when to shut the fuck up. it’s been pretty blissful.

paxorat.bsky.social•301 days ago

If it makes you feel any better, Some of those people who were excessively, needlessly cynical were also pretty young then, and feel guilty and apologetic about it now… and realize it was dumb and pointless in hindsight… even folks who knew you personally like me. :)

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