seriousfic

Ah, the dogpile. We've all seen it happen. The OP does something controversial. Within mere moments, it seems, a happy and production member of fandom is then transformed into a "wanker." How does this happen, you ask? Let's find out together.

The wank-avalanche starts small. A few lurkers or friends get wind of the OP's gaffe and spread the word. Like wildfire, it spreads. And it seems like everyone has something to say about it. Hundreds of comments hit the OP's inbox, all telling him or her what a douche they are. The OP becomes overprotective and lashes out. Before you know it, a full-blown wankfest has started.

But it doesn't have to be this way. We can prevent wank with a few simple steps.

1. Don't look at this picture of Catherine Tate's breasts.

You looked, didn't you? I know, I know, you'll be in your bunk.

2. Fill out this questionaire before commenting.

Do I have anything to add to this discussion? If your sentiments have already been covered by another commentor, then restating them could simply put more pressure on the OP.
Is the OP joking? Being sarcastic? Ironic? On the internet, the "I'm just kidding" mannerisms found in nonverbal, face-to-face communication are not available. Add a mental "[/sarcasm]" to the comment and see if it fits.
If you know the OP is joking, are you still upset because they're not allowed to joke about something? Says who?
Put yourself in the OP's shoes. Do you understand their position? And what would you do if you were in their shoes and you received a comment like the one the OP has been receiving/you were about to make? If you say "I would never make a gaffe like the OP did in the first place!", go home. Now.
Are you only commenting to make a clever burn/use a "bitch plz" icon?
Could your comment/tone be nicer? Think long and hard about this one. Just because wankers always claim that the tone is too harsh, doesn't mean you're not being a jerk.
Has the OP apologized? Are you still mad because their apology wasn't "apologicious" enough?
Were you referred to the OP's gaffe by an independent party? Beware of "lynching mobs" that form when someone else decides to play vigilante with their f-list.
Could your problem with the OP be described as "My kink is okay, but theirs isn't!"?
Even though you have kinks that are just as "bad"? (i.e. they write non-cons, you write incest.)
Do you have any friends that share the OP's position or viewpoint?
If you found out a friend shared the OP's position or viewpoint, would it make you de-friend or otherwise push them away?
Are you thinking of banning the OP from commenting on your journal?
Even though the OP's never commented on it before?
Would you ever consider reading one of the OP's fanfics/fanarts/vids?
A week from now?
A month from now?
A year from now?
Will you never, ever, have anything to do with the OP or anything they create?
But you're not a grudge-wanker?
Who is hurt if you don't make a comment on this post?
Who does it help if you do?