Fandom School (7th period): Engaging in a Respectful Debate Within the Fandom

Happy New Year's Eve! It's also a Wednesday, which means that it's time for Fandom School. (As I went to write this post, I noticed that I hadn't posted since last week. Sorry!) The subject is connecting with other fans, and the topic is fandom debates.

Every good fandom involves lots of discussions, and some of those discussions become arguments. Unfortunately, arguments can soon turn nasty and get out of hand. Here's how to get involved in a debate while avoiding the aforementioned chaos.

• Pick a fandom. If you want to compare fandoms or discuss a crossover, you may choose multiple fandoms for your discussion.
• Pick a platform. Do you want to just write a post on your blog or social media account, or will you post in a community/group for your fandom? Or perhaps you'd rather communicate in a forum? There are many other options, but those are the main ones.
• Pick an issue. What do you want to discuss? Do you want to weigh in on a debate prevalent in the fandom(s), or is there something within the fandom that you believe need to be addressed.
• Pick a stance. What's your opinion? Also, are you trying to convince others, or do you just want to share your views?
• Follow the rules of the forum/community/social network/etc that you are using. Most groups have their own rules and guidelines that you have to follow. However, following these usually is not enough to avoid debate.
• Think about how you want to express your view. Always think before you speak.
• Avoid flaming. Flaming is "a hostile and insulting interaction between Internet users, often involving the use of profanity" (Wikipedia). Remember, however much you hate/disagree with others, it is never okay to insult them. People are entitled to their own opinions.
• Acknowledge the other side. Concession and refutation is an essential part of any debate, but it's especially important in fandoms, where people can get really sensitive about their obsessions. Also, try to see things from the opposition's point of view. Maybe you'll even change your mind!
• Don't assume everyone needs to agree with you. Saying something like "Johnlock should totally be canon and anyone who disagrees isn't a true fan" is a surefire way to get people angry. Remember that it's okay to agree to disagree.
• Don't bash other people/fandoms. Just because you hate something doesn't mean it's terrible or that the people who like it are terrible. You can point out the flaws in a book/movie/TV show, but you need to be very careful about how you go about it (i.e., remain objective and focus on specific instances rather than hasty generalizations), and it's generally not a good idea unless you're also pointing out that book/movie/TV show's good points as well.
• Know when to stop. Some people just won't agree with you, and that's okay. You can't beat an idea into their heads.

So, there's the general framework. Also, keep in mind that you may not want to get involved in every debate. Some debates are so heated that you might want to stay out of them. Make sure not all your time spent in the fandom is time spent arguing. Don't forget the merits of plain old discussion. And of course, fandom works (fanfiction, fanart, etc.) are also welcome.

With all this in mind, go to your fandom and get started debating! Have fun, and remember to be kind to everyone.