Hi, all. Please bear with my long post. Although I am not an avid poster or known for lengthy missives, I just had to jot this down. I had to fire up my laptop to compose this as the topic has crossed my mind before and today’s references to the last thread brought it up again. Also, apologies if you have moved on by the time I have finished writing this.
I remember when
Talon first started posting here and I commended him on being so polite and knowing how to nimbly navigate the sometimes tricky waters of a fandom site. I thought then (and now) that he is a balanced and nuanced poster with an even-keeled temperament. Essential attributes to have if one is to remain a part of an on-line forum for the duration, as there are inevitable disagreements and differing opinions during discourse.
I can also remember vibrant, clever and often very snarky posters on the old Planet Fierce and early Adamtopia forums. All were super fans of Adam Lambert participating in the rich, exciting and promising time of his burgeoning career. Adam was being understood, loved, protected, and advocated for by his fans during a time when gay-friendly ethos was not the rule of the day. Far from it.
During those times on the sites, along with appreciating his talents and enjoying him, fans felt free to
lovingly snark on some of the ridiculous (Adam’s word) things he would wear or do. This made for a layered and textured place to feast on; I literally had to visit the fandom every day – numerous times. (I still visit and still will because,
once he’s in...). Against this back drop of the early on-line fandom, I now sometimes roll my eyes and scroll through the he-can-do-no-wrong-gift-from-god-most-handsome-best-singer-voice-one-in-a-million-only-he-can-sing-or-entertain-fans-should-not-go-to-anyone-else’s-concert-or-talk-about-other-good-singers, etc., etc. stuff. LOL!
Having said the foregoing, I will say that sometimes I give pause when reading some of Talon’s
posts. This started a few QAL concerts ago when during some voice/singing comparison Talon made a reference to Freddie wiping the floor with Adam in a somewhat (for him) scathing post. I gave that entry the side-eye. A poor choice of words, which I believe he admitted to at the time. I am paraphrasing things but I believe that is the gist.
One can also appear to be negative when not meaning to by certain choice of words. For example, saying Adam is the “weakest” at, as opposed to, “not as strong” in an area, may connote unintended ideas. And maybe there really is no need for the parsing of words because the mal intent is not there. However, over time stuff adds up and (mistakenly) paints a picture.
There can also potentially be disquieting feelings whenever references are made about the strong negative feelings other die hard Queen fans have toward Adam, with supporting quotes baldly stated. Because, although those quotes are truly reflecting what some other Queens fans feel, seeing them often written here at Adamtopia by a Queen die hard somehow taints the posted entry. Although it is not the intention, this may come off as a bit passive aggressive in tone. And not to speak for anyone else, but this may be what others unintentionally perceive. It could be taken as being tapped upside the head with a baseball bat wrapped in cotton swathing. (Sorry for the dramatic analogy!
)
So, although I find most of his posts to be informative, insightful and believe Talon is a very polite and level-headed contributor, I can also understand some of the discourse generated by his posts. Just a thought.
Or, this can all be in my head and I should speak only for myself.
Ciao. Back to (mostly) lurking.
Edited