So I wanna address something that I've noticed recently in fandom spheres in general (this is specifically going to the tkdb fandom bc I'm still hyperfixated on it right now)
I understand a lot of you guys may be younger and haven't interacted in fandom the way some of us older folks have. And that's fine, but I wanna explain how you can do that!
Because right now a lot of the artists and writers are feeling a little underappreciated and that means we don't really wanna work on requests or events bc they aren't getting a lot of interaction.
First, this isn't an influencer/audience relationship. We're all real people with jobs and lives outside of this, we do it for the love of the game. If you think it's weird or parasocial to try to talk to the person making the art you enjoy that's an issue. Nobody is famous, we're all being goofy ass people playing toys together. Make a comment, reach out to that author if they made your day better!
This is going to sound ridiculous but use youtuber logic: like, comment, subscribe follow! Because chances are with how small our fandom is that your comment is going to be seen and possibly inspire someone to keep going!
Likes are nice, but reblogs are better. If you aren't sure if you want it on your main blog that's fine. You think this is my main? Most of us are on side blogs. Make a little side blog for stuff you enjoy. Tag it so you can find it again. Use the character names or pairings or whatever you want. That's a way to bookmark the work you reblogged so you can find it easily.
Not sure what to really say to someone? If you've never interacted before just be polite but casual. It's a lot like making new friends irl but we have a level of anonymity that is comfortable here. Just don't demand things or try to befriend someone just because you want them to write or draw for you. You won't always hit it off with everyone but just be genuine and kind. You might make friends or just become acquainted, like someone you say hey to when they pass by but aren't close to.
As far as the etiquette of tagging and commenting goes-
Commenting is the reply feature. It goes in a separate thing attached to the work you're commenting on, and it has a larger character limit than the tags. Anyone can reply to you there so it's always good to @ who you're addressing.
Tags you add to the post when you reblog it. They aren't an actual edition to the post. But this is where you can add your keywords for searching for it later. When reblogging there's a feature to include some of the previous person's tags. If you do < or <- at the start of your tag that's indicating that you're referring to what that tag is talking about.
Both of these places are great places to talk about what you like about the work! They are public though so keep that in mind. If you want to talk just to the artist then use messages. Seriously don't be afraid to just start a message to someone it's just like going up and starting a conversation with a person.
But Pom, what do I say? I'm so glad you asked. For me, and a lot of the artists I've seen discuss this, it's not the quality of the message that's important. You can literally just say that character is so cute! Or, this is my favorite line! ❤ And that makes me happy! You can literally just use emojis and keysmashes -> (ajshhdjskakfhakskhf) and I'll get that you enjoyed it lol.
If you're unsure you can look at what other people have added! Some of us go off in our reblogs about how much we love it or how that lighting is incredible or the prose is insanely beautiful! You don't have to match that. Just acknowledging that you enjoyed it is good. Say something about how you hope the next piece is gonna be just as good! Or thank the author for the food lmao.
There's a lot of ways to interact with the artists in fandom. I personally reached out and interacted with one of my favorite ones here on Tumblr and now we message daily and have best friend ocs!
Tldr: If you want content to consume <- nah let's call it what it is. If you want art to enjoy and fic to read, interact with the artists and authors. Show some love with reblogs and comments. It makes us feel like we did a good job and gives us the energy to continue! Lurking is a choice and I for one am so glad I stopped watching people play and started playing with every one. So come on! We're waiting on you guys to join us! Come scream with us about blorbos and crazy theories! ❤💚❤💚
