I was struck by just how emotional people were talking about the film, talking about anticipating the film. With each question came a preamble about what the previous films have meant in people’s lives. So all cliches aside, it’s a really nice thing to be part of something that actually touches people, genuinely touches people. It’s quite a lovely thing.
Martin Freeman in the press conference post TH panel at SDCC Links to the transcripts can be found here:
http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2012/07/19/59431-comic-con-hobbit-press-conference-transcript/
Richard and Andy Serkis sharing a good laugh at The Hobbit panel at Comic-Con. Photo courtesy of richardarmitagenet
As a part of the Richard Armitage fandom, Martin’s quote above really struck a chord with me. Because as part of that fandom, as a blogger, a fanfic writer and fanvid maker–and simply as an enthusiastic fangurl–I think it’s really nice to a part of a group that supports an immensely talented and thoroughly nice human being who actually, genuinely touches people. Touches them through his detailed and nuanced performances and by being the kind, gentle, generous, humble, funny, dedicated individual that he is.
There are many, many wonderful people within this fandom, who are also kind, gentle, generous and happy to see good things happen for fellow fans. I truly treasure many of you as dear friends whom I would never have gotten to know were it not for Mr. Armitage.
Sadly, we aren’t all true friends and fans. It came to my attention today that one of the most talented, creative and nicest people in the RA fan community has been the victim of attempted sabtotage, with someone contacting her workplace, attempting to cause trouble for her.
It’s one thing if you don’t like someone’s fan fiction, their fan videos or their blog postings and feel the need to leave hurtful and nasty comments for them to read (under the cowardly cloak of anonymity, of course).
It’s incredibly childish and doesn’t say very flattering things about the individual who engages in such behavior, but we who have been the subjects of such maliciousness can live with that.
HOWEVER— WHEN YOU TAKE STEPS TO CAUSE SOMEONE TO LOSE PAYING WORK AND BLACKEN THEIR NAME AND REPUTATION WHILE YOU ARE AT IT . . . WHEN YOU ATTEMPT TO CAUSE TROUBLE FOR SOMEONE AT THEIR WORKPLACE AND POTENTIALLY ENDANGER THEIR LIVELIHOOD–YOU HAVE GONE TOO FAR.
Most of us are genuinely nice people who do not go looking for trouble. We want to simply enjoy this fandom and remain positive, upbeat and supportive of one another and Richard Armitage’s career. But this spitefulness, this envy, out-of-control jealousy and pure, unadulterated malice cannot be allowed to go on unchecked. Those of you who participate in such behavior need to be taught there are consequences for your actions.
I do not know what steps this other individual will choose to take. I do know she now feels she must make her tweets private because she feels too vulnerable to keep them public–and that is a darned shame. I know I shall not be sharing certain things–even really good news– on any public website or blog again.
You who are guilty of such contemptible behavior know who you are. Just know that some of us whom you have attempted to bully, intimidate, abuse and sabotage aren’t going to “go quietly.”
Frankly, you disgust me. You are an ugly stain on an otherwise beautiful community in support of a beautiful human being.
Related articles
- The post I didn’t want to write (thearmitageeffect.wordpress.com)
the armitage effect 