Admittedly, I have a hard time with scathing negativity re: SPN, too. And I do think it has to do with fandom's somewhat skewed expectations in part. (Especially with regard to hankering back for S1/2. They are not those people any more. I value the changes. I don't love the Winchesters any more or any less now than I do their S1/2 selves; they are different people now. Also, if you rewatch S1/2 have their own problems many unhappy with S5/6 tend to...conveniently forget. XD THOUGH WHAT I DO. WHEN I MISS S1/2. IS I REWATCH S1/2.)
I think the big difference for me (aka why I prefer positivity to criticism) is, SPN is both my Show and my fandom. And as my fandom, there are two important things: 1) What happens in canon absolutely is what happens. These are the choices the conversations the characters the plots the scenes we are given. 2) It is in part the obligations of fans to make connections, fill in or puzzle out or write in whatever it is that will bring that canon home for you. That's on you, as a fan. As someone who loves these characters. As someone who is in this because it makes you happy, or gives you something to be passionate about, or offers you catharsis.
But! At the same time, I've been trying to acknowledge that this is not the same approach everyone has. And they are entitled to a bitchfest if that is how they so choose to participate. I won't read it; it's easy enough to scroll past or avoid. Maybe avoidance isn't always the best coping strategy, but I see no reason why it would be damaging to simply go about fandom in separate spheres.
tl;dr Don't let it get to you, bb! It makes for a much more enjoyable experience if you acknowledge the other side, yet choose not to pry. We can be happy and supportive together! XD
no subject
I think the big difference for me (aka why I prefer positivity to criticism) is, SPN is both my Show and my fandom. And as my fandom, there are two important things: 1) What happens in canon absolutely is what happens. These are the choices the conversations the characters the plots the scenes we are given. 2) It is in part the obligations of fans to make connections, fill in or puzzle out or write in whatever it is that will bring that canon home for you. That's on you, as a fan. As someone who loves these characters. As someone who is in this because it makes you happy, or gives you something to be passionate about, or offers you catharsis.
But! At the same time, I've been trying to acknowledge that this is not the same approach everyone has. And they are entitled to a bitchfest if that is how they so choose to participate. I won't read it; it's easy enough to scroll past or avoid. Maybe avoidance isn't always the best coping strategy, but I see no reason why it would be damaging to simply go about fandom in separate spheres.
tl;dr Don't let it get to you, bb! It makes for a much more enjoyable experience if you acknowledge the other side, yet choose not to pry. We can be happy and supportive together! XD