What is it about anonymously poking fun at others and making them feel shitty for what they enjoy/have created that is enjoyable for people? Does toxicity and negativity really make you feel better? Does it make you smile? Do you enjoy seeing a small fandom dwindling because the members no longer feel welcome?
Everyone who creates and contributes to the HL fandom in any positive way should feel so proud of themselves for helping to bolster the community. A nice comment on a post or a reblog with gushing tags means so much.
Nothing nice to say? Keep your miserable thoughts to yourself.
It's easy to say to 'just block' a blog or tags, but you're delusional if you think an obviously targeted post won't make its way back to that person. People talk.
The lack of empathy is astounding.
There is so much focus on romantic/sexual relationships lately. Friendships are incredibly important for characters too, and deserve as much love and attention as romantic/sexual relationships.
"I have spotted the most beautiful feline specimen. I am going to attempt to make contact with her."
"Technically I belong to the UC scientists that created me. In essence I am UC property." He informed. "But someone still needs to give me directive." He paused, gave a pleasant smile that was meant to put humans at ease and offered a hand. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, David. I'm designated C.A.Z. That is short for Computer Automated Zebi." The guard scoffed at this and decided to clear up just why they'd left this thing locked away for so long. "The miners don't want these machines stealing their jobs. Nobody wants it here."
"Yes, sir. Cooking, cleaning, moving the heavier equipment and tending to medical needs. However I might be of assistance." He paused and tilted his head at the question, mannerisms as human as possible. "How did any of us get here, captain? Through creation in one form or in another." He supposed it wasn't quite what was meant, but he didn't know truly how he had gotten here. Only that he'd woken here ready to serve humanity to the best of his ability. "Generally, I would report to the foreman, but I'm afraid his skull was cracked when the strike breakers came in. Unless... you're here to give me a new directive." He rather hoped that might be the case as he'd be lost without someone in command. Stepping from the cell was -as the humans were so fond of saying- as if a weight off of his shoulders.
time to ride.
"I'm afraid I can't answer that." Unfortunately, there were certain firewalls that he couldn't always breach, and this happened to be one of them. He personally suspected it was a 50/50 chance if he was honest, but he wasn't allowed to say that even if he would like to. It was possible he could do his own pre-emptive studies on the creature. Non-invasive. All he would need was a little blood sample and he could do a little research of his own.
"Ah, sorry, Captain. According to protocol the only response I'm allowed is, 'of course you can trust your government'." His face was blank, but he still sighed. He of course knew exactly what they might do with such a creature. Perhaps they were being honest, but it was hard to say. He had worked with the Xeno Science division before they had tossed him out insisting that he was a 'malfunctioning' piece of equipment when he questioned the ethics. It was how he had managed to get bounced around so much from place to place. "I'll keep an eye on the creature until then." He may not be able to do much when the UC got it, but for the time being he could keep it secure.
that they are appreciated. that they are important. that they are amazing. that they are creative. that they are loved.
No matter how long you take to reply, what mood you are in, how insecure you are feeling about your writing, or how active you are — your presence is still very much enjoyed. You never have to apologize or feel bad for taking a while with a reply, or not answering an ask right away. Life can get busy, energy can fluctuate, interest can shift, and emotions can change. You are human and these things do not make you a bad person/partner.
We write together because it is fun and enjoyable, not because it is expected of you to answer every little thing at the snap of fingers.