I've recently been bombarded by emails requesting that I support the What Would They Think campaign on MANIA. While I've logged into my mail server countless times finding notes from individuals, groups, websites and such advertising whatever campaign they're promoting at the moment, the WWTT people seem to be the most persistant of the bunch. The emails imploring me to "join and become a supporter today" have increased as of late, which I'm willing to bet has more than a little to do with the holiday season. Why? It's simple really. Christmas and the New Years bring to mind thoughts of mom, apple pie, and innocence lost. It's a time where most everyone strives to focus their thoughts on all that is good, and kind, and wonderful in this world, simultaniously thinking to purge the world of all that is less than desirable. Yes, I'm fairly certain the holidays play a role in the solicitor's motives, but the campaign is active year round.
You may notice that the pages of MANIA are not riddled with the campaign banners of some online war blown entirely out of proportion. Why? Cuz that's just not the kind of people running MANIA. Don't get me wrong- we care. We're just very selective about what we endorse on our site. All of us, particularly myself, are advocates of free speech online, and firmly believe in this right. For that reason, I am not a supporter of WWTT. While I believe all things require moderation, I am not averse to sexually explicit fan fic. Why? For the most prominent reason, let's examine the very last word of my previous sentence. Fic....as in fiction. The answer is in this very word. Whether you're a teenybopper, a mature fan, a hormone crazed 20-something, or raving total lunatic, fantasy is a natural part of life. Just as I tend to fantisize about a healthy serving of bourbon chicken from my favorite take out place around lunch, I ponder what my favorite Backstreet stud would be like in bed. Or if he even is a stud. For many people, writing fiction about their man (men) of choice is just another way to play out this fantasy; giving in to those crazy, erratic, often erotic, daydreams scurrying through their minds. Far be it from me to deny or protest against this form of self expression. While visuals may not be my favorite form of fan fiction, and while I might not enjoy particularly graphic love scenes, I do not believe in curbing a person's right to write such.
And as for the charge, what would the Boys think should they ever read this? Well, let's think about this for a moment....they're young, hot blooded MALES, with desires, hormones, and fantasies of their own, not to mention the infamous MALE EGO which likes nothing more to be stroked on occasion. You do the math. I honestly to do not believe the Boys would be offended, let alone HAVE TIME to read fiction on the net.
However, to spite all of these opinions, I do RESPECT the WWTT campaign. I believe that THEY believe what they are doing is right and would be appreciated by the guys. I've always said, do what you have to do to be able to sleep at night. In other words, if defending the Boys' honor lets you rest easy, then so be it. I respect you and your decision, just as I hope you respect my opinion.
Recently, I came across yet another banner on a site advertising the "Why Would They Give A Rat's Ass?" campaign. While I got a chuckle and a half out of it's slogan, I did not join this fight either. By now, you're probably thinking "Jessi, what the heck are you talking about, then?", but I assure you, I have my reasons. For one, as I said, I believe in free speech. While it's these peoples' perogative to post this banner on their site, I choose not to. I'd rather not provoke the WWTT folks, nor offend the sensebilities of any of you MANIAcs. Instead, I choose to post ratings clearly on each one of the stories posted or hosted on this site. I choose to place additional warnings when needed, and I choose to disclaimer the crap out of anything even remotely questionable. I like to think of myself as a responsible webmistress, and this is my way of respecting you, the surfer.
There are two active campaigns you WILL find on MANIA, however. The first is the "Respect Their Girlfriends Challange", a cause I wholeheartedly support. My reason?: I would not want to spend a single day in Leighanne, Claudia, or Amanda's shoes. Why? Because, I wouldn't want to put up with the hordes of fans convinced my boyfriend, possibly the love of my life, is their soulmate. I wouldn't want to have to listen to the insults hurled in my direction, or the nasty looks tossed my way. In all honesty, I'm greener than a palm tree in Orlando with envy. I'd absolutely love to date Howie, AJ, Kevin, or even those other two. ;) BUT, contrary to popular belief, I am some what grounded in reality, and I am well aware that I am NOT dating the Boys, nor will I ever. It all comes back to one thing: fantasy.
The other campaign (I hesitate to even call it such) of sorts you'll find posted on the MANIA walls is the small logo we've got going which says "Don't Copy" among other things. I am four square against plagerism and so is the law. I hold nothing but bitter dislike for anyone who would attempt to pass someone else's work off as their own, and this logo is our way of saying "HEY! YOU! Dontcha dare go copyin' our work.....step away from the mouse!".
I feel that I have adequately covered all the topics of the rainbow regarding campaigns (for the time being). If you've got any opinions on what I've just said, I'd welcome your comments. However, if you're planning on argueing the matter with me, save your breath. I'm not looking for a fight, this is just my opinion. (See main "WHERE I SIT" page for explanation.) In conclusion, I'd like to share the newest and dearest campaign to my heart ......
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