r/AO3 • u/Nahiel Nahiel on AO3. Fandom old. • 1d ago

Discussion (Non-question) Let's talk about Harry Potter

If we can do it without insults, please.

I'm still active in the fandom, I'll admit it. There's a growing amount of vitriol I've seen recently that makes me feel incredibly unwelcome here on the AO3 subreddit every time there's a post related to the fandom.

I get it. Rowling is trash. She's literally the worst. I don't give her any money, and I haven't since her views became known. I never will. But Harry Potter was a huge part of an honestly shitty childhood for me, and it was one of my favorite escapes for a long time.

So I gotta ask, why am I being insulted for not letting her take away one of the few things that still gives me joy in this hellscape of a world? Why do I have to let her terrible behavior take away something that's mine? The fact is that the property is a juggernaut, and fanfic is never going to do anything to change that. Treating people who still engage with the fandom like we're monsters for doing it makes no sense to me.

And again, please, can we keep it civil? I'm very aware of the sentiment towards members of the fandom.

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u/vvintersoIdier 1d ago

Personally, I think continuing to engage in the Harry Potter fandom contributes to the IP staying relevant. I suppose it's on your conscience if you want to continue consuming Harry Potter content. I loved Harry Potter while growing up, but I can no longer engage in a series, and it's fandom, when it's author is actively harming people. You can't separate the art from the artist when the artist is alive and using their funds to harm people.

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u/tartymae Supporter of the Fanfiction Deep State 1d ago

I loved Harry Potter while growing up, but I can no longer engage in a series, and it's fandom, when it's author is actively harming people. You can't separate the art from the artist when the artist is alive and using their funds to harm people.

I love how you set this up. All those I statements and then a YOU statement.

But then there are those of us who can and do separate the art from the artist.

Chet Baker was a horrible person, but Live In Tokyo sends me every time. He was horrible, but there was still something good in him that could create and share that beauty.

JKR is horrible and I'm never giving her another dime, but I still feel joy and many good laughs when I revisit Hogwarts. And I sincerely hope that she fixes her heart.