I’m being deliberately vague and omitting certain details as I write this. At least one of the people involved appears to want the issue I’m about to discuss to be laid to rest. They have a right to that. And the details aren’t necessary for me to make this post.
A certain franchise has a big release. A development in that franchise led to a creator raising concerns that they may have been plagiarized. This is an issue worth being concerned about because matters of creative conduct aside, the company which owns the franchise could do a lot with it. They could make movies, and video games, and whatever else, if it turns out to be a hit.
What’s the reaction of the franchise’s fandom been to date? Of what I’ve seen… attacking the concerned creator. Editing their Wikipedia page. Accusing them of trying to exploit franchise interest for quick fame and money. Assuming they’re entitled and self-important for not only raising the concern, but that creator’s fans raising the concern first.
I don’t think I saw anyone pause to consider that they may not know enough to judge. In fact, just a simple hinting that I was going to be keeping an eye on reactions led one person to attack me with their overly broad assumptions about me.
And when things came to an end? And the issue of potential harassment of that other creator was raised? Justifications. “You don’t just say that stuff on social media.” “That creator embarrassed the one we like.” “Accusations rub people the wrong way.”
This is… not a good look. At all.
There are components I can go into, but I think doing so, at this juncture, would give away what I’m talking about even without details.
What I will say is that I have seen these kinds of attacks and justifications many times before. This case has a much narrower scope. With, as far as I’m aware, less dangerous outlets pursued. But it’s still the same bad taste.
Even still, I’ve learned a lot of things from what’s transpired. Insights I never would’ve gathered otherwise. Some of these people remind me of me pre-2013 when I fell for the justifications used to harass a female Bioware employee for daring to suggest a “skip gameplay” button. Others… not so much.
I hope the other creator will do okay following this, and that the outcome is from that creator’s actual feelings, not cause a bunch of people harassed them into dropping it.
salarta 