So farewell then.
15 years is a long time and a lot of water has flowed under the bridge. But now it's time to say goodbye. No more threads after this one, we're closing down. The site will at some stage become a read only site. So if you want to leave your contact details in this thread for other posters to get in touch that would be great otherwise email us at whedonesque@gmail.com.
The admins would like to thank the posters at this site. You made this site and we wouldn't have lasted as long as we could without you. So thank you. And if you want to mark our passing, please find a charity or organisation that deals with the treatment of Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) and leave a donation.
And a special thanks to Caroline who I had the privilege of meeting.
August 21 2017
This thread has been closed for new comments.
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About membership.
Shep | August 21, 07:21 CET
Sunfire | August 21, 07:22 CET
ReptilianSamurai@gmail.com
[ edited by AnotherFireflyfan on 2017-08-21 13:24 ]
AnotherFireflyfan | August 21, 07:24 CET
Xantastic1316 | August 21, 07:27 CET
wasabiseventeen | August 21, 07:28 CET
Darkness | August 21, 07:28 CET
@johnytyh
Numfar PTB | August 21, 07:31 CET
And of course, anyone can find me on twitter. @nypinta
[ edited by NYPinTA on 2017-08-23 01:21 ]
NYPinTA | August 21, 07:37 CET
be_found | August 21, 07:38 CET
As for us, we've had our time in the sun. It's been good. We may Tweet occasionally though.
Simon | August 21, 07:40 CET
Reading Ms Cole's piece, it's hard not to feel her pain - it's raw. However, the reality is Joss Whedon is human. Did anyone think any different? The sad truth is that this is not such an uncommon story. Affairs happen. And human relationships are complex and messy- I don't doubt for a second that Joss Whedon was entirely in love with his wife and yet also fell to temptation.
I feel icky even talking about this private relationship which we know effectively nothing about and is not our business. But I think it's fair in response to what seems like Whedon community doing exactly that and turning their back on a man who has given us all such joy with his work.
And what about the work? The assumption appears to be that somehow these issues mean that Joss is a fraudulent feminist and that this infects his work. But how? This is not a feminist issue; it is a human issue. People - men and women - are hurt when they are cheated on. I honestly cannot see the link between 'Joss Whedon had multiple affairs' to 'Joss Whedon is not a feminist and is a hypocrite'.
For my part, I don't think any of this is our business. It also doesn't make me respect Mr Whedon's work any less. It's tragic that this seems to have had awful effects on Ms Cole.
But we aren't the people to judge Mr Whedon. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.
Let Down | August 21, 07:42 CET
Let Down | August 21, 07:45 CET
I hope not. Its not... right?
Darkness | August 21, 07:45 CET
Goodbye everyone. The fandom has been a significant part of my life even as I have mostly quietly stood at its edges. I will truly miss this site.
Shep | August 21, 07:47 CET
Buffyfantic | August 21, 07:47 CET
Toivo | August 21, 07:48 CET
Darkness | August 21, 07:49 CET
Kiba | August 21, 07:51 CET
It's been a wild ride which has informed my friendships and world. I ended up going all over the world due to this place. Thank you, everybody, for every damn thing.
gossi | August 21, 07:51 CET
xo
@jcurries on twitter
[ edited by jcs on 2017-08-21 13:56 ]
jcs | August 21, 07:51 CET
I've always loved this website and have enjoyed very good, thought-provoking discussions within its threads.
Thanks to all of you. I'd especially like to thank Simon, as I've often seen great moderation from him (and I also think we often have similar opinons of stuff!).
Hadn't heard about the Kai stuff yet but I just googled it. Is this really the reason for closing up shop?
I'll say that I would rather go on with collectively enjoying the works helmed by Joss over here, even if the man would turn out to have some major flaws.
Valentijn | August 21, 07:56 CET
@RealDrDana on twitter, not a very creative handle, I must admit.
[ edited by Dana5140 on 2017-08-21 13:58 ]
Dana5140 | August 21, 07:57 CET
greconp | August 21, 08:03 CET
Gill | August 21, 08:06 CET
But most of all, it was your site. I hate it when through the decisions of site owners a community no longer has a place to hang out. But here were are, we're doing it. Our Facebook and Tumblr pages have been shut down and as soon as I can get it done, this site will be moved and switched to read-only.
We're keeping our Twitter account. Because there's 80,000 of you on there following us. So come join us there if you don't already. And thank you, thank you, thank you for making this place legendary.
[ edited by Caroline on 2017-08-21 14:21 ]
Caroline | August 21, 08:12 CET
I know I wasn't the most active user here but checking Whedonesque sure was a part of my daily routine. I'm really sad to see you leave as you became some sort of safe haven more than 10 years ago for me (yeah, I wasn't here at the beginning, since I only watched Buffy on 2007... we all have flaws, you know?).
It was really nice to have such a place where spoilers were not accepted and where news were always what I needed (not necessarily what I wanted though... ;) ).
I'll be truly lost without you because I was always counting on you to know when new comics were available and to find new TV shows to watch with great writings and/or great actors. How will I ever find some place as complete as Whedonesque?
Frankly, this site wasn't only about Joss, it was about so much more that I was sure it will live on and on forever. I never expected it to close and I'm really, really sad to see you leave. I wasn't ready to deal with that and I'll miss you a lot - more than I should and probably more than you would expect.
I hope you're all OK and you'll find new projects to enjoy yourself - but not in a Dollhouse way, please.
My twitter if anyone is interested : @ShipouJG. You should probably know I'm French and half of my tweets are in French, though.
It is hard to find last words to this post, but I guess the hardest thing in this world is to live in it without Whedonesque.
Ship | August 21, 08:13 CET
DanielJay92 | August 21, 08:13 CET
This feels so wrong though. Even though called Whedonesque, this is about a lot more than Whedon. It's about being able to follow new things created by other great writers that worked with him, and new projects of the actors we've come to love from his shows. I understand the decision by Simon, but hope that the option to have the mantle taken up by someone else is at least considered.
Anyway, best wishes to everyone, I'll miss reading everyone's input with the rare chime in from myself. *Waves sadly*
DreamRose311 | August 21, 08:16 CET
Let Down | August 21, 08:19 CET
AndrewCrossett | August 21, 08:23 CET
But i really hope this is not the case. Doesnt make much sense.
I have known couples which have lasted 60 years without cheating, and friends of both sexes that have cheated.
If there is one thing I learned is not to take the word of an ex spouse who was cheated and is hurt at face value. "Im telling you this publicly so you know he is not who you think he is" and "thou, people who give him awards, shall think twice before doing it again" doesnt help. Its not even about lying. Sometimes its just about perspective.
Not defending Joss. He might be a douchebag. He might secretly kill children on weekends. Small ones. Cute ones. Not attacking Kai either. She might very well be the most honest and acurate person here. I dont know.
But thats the point. I dont know. And im certainlt not taking one side of the story, a hurt, emotional side, as hard evidence of anything. Not even that that person is lying. It sucks, because its easier to choose sides. But when you dont know, you dont know. Nobody likes not to know, but one has to face the music, wheter one likes the melody or not. And i just dont know.
And if somebody has problems with the cheating, of course, its a loving site, its a fan site. Personally i think if tommorow we find out that Shakespeare was a serial rapist, it doesnt change the fact that Hamlet is Hamlet, and if Cervantes was a serial killer, the Quijote is still the father of modern novel, and the best one ever. But we want to love the people that give us great art. And thats not always possible. I get that. I do think putting the "no-no" on cheating would make reading books and watching movies and visiting museums rather difficult, but this is a love site, a site for support and love, and i get it if someone cant do that anymore. Still think the evidence is rather shallow, though.
I hope its not the case though, and this site is closing for any other reason. It would be disapointing. Turning your back on this guy after so much wonderfull art based on so little. Evidence and proof, i mean. A bit douchy, actually.
So i hope its something serious, adult and mature. Not some judgemental crap of someone we dont know based on the hurt words of someone we dont know in a situation we know allmost nothing about. That would be stupid. And disapointing.
So... somethin serious, but not really serious.
PM: Thank Caroline for your post. A personal farewell is always better than a dignified, albeit cold, one. After 15 years "Hy. WE are closing down. Thank you for everything. Post your contact if you want to stay in contact and,,, bye." out of the blue, without explanation an all is not really the most classy way to handle this.
Nobody owes anybody anything, and im thankfull for 15 years to Simon en al, but... Yaeh, a bit of warmth is welcomed.
[ edited by Darkness on 2017-08-21 14:28 ]
Darkness | August 21, 08:23 CET
Caroline | August 21, 08:23 CET
Or we can just call it 'Esque'! ;-)
[ edited by Shep on 2017-08-21 14:29 ]
Shep | August 21, 08:28 CET
Ship | August 21, 08:28 CET
KissingToast | August 21, 08:31 CET
Darkness | August 21, 08:33 CET
Again,really depressed this is happening.
[ edited by Buffyfantic on 2017-08-21 14:36 ]
Buffyfantic | August 21, 08:35 CET
https://www.bleedingcool.com/2017/08/21/whedonesque-website-closes-whedongate-donations-ptsd-treatments/
The timing on this sucks.
"Thank you Joss, for all this years of great art, entertainment, depth, friendships and joy. How shall we repay you? I know: we´ll close down the same day the internet is ripping you a new one."
Darkness | August 21, 08:38 CET
This is sad and it's hard, but it's understandable.
Much love to you all.
[ edited by maxsummers on 2017-08-21 14:39 ]
maxsummers | August 21, 08:38 CET
First of all, THANK YOU. Thank you for your hard work and devotion. 15 years is indeed a long time.
gossi took me on as a mod at serenitymovie.net and I joined Whedonesque a short time later. Because of these two facts, I have the friends I have, I have my fiancé, and I have great memories (Browncoat Backup Bash!). Like Caroline, my interest in Joss has faded somewhat, so I haven't visited Whedonesque in a long time. But I still treasure all the good. And there is so much good.
So! Feel free to follow me on the ol' tweeter if you don't already! Come for the lame political insights, stay for the daily dose of cute budgie photos! =)
@AlsoDizzyEllie is my handle.
Dizzy | August 21, 08:39 CET
"Thank you Joss, for all this years of great art, entertainment, depth, friendships and joy. How shall we repay you? I know: we´ll close down the same day the internet is ripping you a new one." [/i]
Agreed Darkness.
[ edited by Let Down on 2017-08-21 14:41 ]
Let Down | August 21, 08:41 CET
Pantaryl | August 21, 08:45 CET
Haven't visited here much in a long time, but this and the other site related shows meant a lot to me, and gave me most of the friends I still have to this day. Thank you all for giving me a light in the dark when I needed it most, thank you all for everything.
Fare thee well, old friend.
dev | August 21, 08:45 CET
deepgirl187 | August 21, 08:49 CET
Thank you all for making this website last as long as it did.
unscrewed | August 21, 08:49 CET
Krusher | August 21, 08:51 CET
I'm also DanSlayer on BuffyForums and SlayAlive. I check BF almost daily even if I don't post much.
Dusk | August 21, 08:52 CET
@CraigOxbrow
Craig Oxbrow | August 21, 08:53 CET
Darkness | August 21, 08:53 CET
twinkle | August 21, 08:54 CET
[ edited by Liam Mars on 2017-08-21 14:57 ]
Liam Mars | August 21, 08:56 CET
Profane | August 21, 08:56 CET
eddy | August 21, 08:59 CET
ActualSize | August 21, 09:02 CET
without_passion | August 21, 09:03 CET
stevekaw | August 21, 09:06 CET
I suppose the thing that's hardest about this is that Whedonesque was never merely the exploits of a single person. It's been a spiderweb of related shows, writers, actors, themes, and fans. Not merely a news-stop, but a place with a pervading sense of family. Alas, that interconnected nature means the latest news echoes along each thread of that spiderweb.
But even among all that melancholy and conflicted emotion, I hope that there's healing to be found and peace to be had for those involved. So often, Whedon's work is about people who are deeply flawed, but with a dangling thread of hopeful redemption. Would be nice if life imitates art on this occasion.
inverse | August 21, 09:09 CET
catalyst2 | August 21, 09:12 CET
As of late I only came to post when AoS was on. Still, gonna miss this place.
NYPinTA | August 21, 09:13 CET
I don't throw the baby out with the bathwater based on a blog post. Don't know either of them personally, intimately; no one in the public realm does.
Has this site run its course? Not for me to say. I had some good times here. Particularly memorable was Joss' post about Du'a Khalil Aswad (Let's Watch A Girl Get Beaten To Death). Deep, meaningful, heartbreakng (http://whedonesque.com/comments/13271). If that was fake feminist crap, I will go jump off the nearest cliff.
Thanks to Luke (SoddingNancyTribe) and Damon (Zeitgeist) for always being nice and responsive to me.
EDIT - Twitter: @TonyaJ
Facebook: Tonya Jarrett
[ edited by Tonya J on 2017-08-22 16:21 ]
Tonya J | August 21, 09:15 CET
All the best to Kai. All the best to Joss, despite his mistakes.
Goodbye Whedonesque. May we all see each other around the internet enjoying these stories regardless of the flaws of their creator.
bknick | August 21, 09:17 CET
I wanted to get my comment in before they shut down to say thank you. Thank you to the mods and everyone that's ever posted. I'm glad the twitter will still be active, you always have the best gif or quote for whatever is happening in the world--often I'll scroll through the news I missed if you post something, trying to guess which event you're referencing.
This is the only Whedon site I've been part of, so I may try some listed above. I'll miss reading everyone's live discussions about Agents of SHIELD. I'll look for that site, too. Once again, thank you. As Taffy like to say, "Blue skies!"
BlueSkies9 | August 21, 09:17 CET
QingTing | August 21, 09:18 CET
I do have one question. Does this mean The Library at Flickr will also be closing? There are some threads over there I would like to save somehow if that's the case.
Thank you, Caroline, Simon, at al.
samatwitch | August 21, 09:22 CET
Warm thanks to Caroline, Simon, and all the moderators, as well as to the whole community. It was (and is) a lovely place.
speechlady | August 21, 09:23 CET
Giles: You mean life?
Buffy: Yeah, does it get easy?
Giles: What do you want me to say?
Buffy: Lie to me.
Giles: Yes. It's terribly simple. The good guys are always stalwart and true. The bad guys are easily distinguished by their pointy horns or black hats, and, uh, we always defeat them and save the day. No one ever dies and... everybody lives happily ever after.
Buffy: Liar.
eddy | August 21, 09:24 CET
Not at all, that stays open for as long as Flickr is going.
Simon | August 21, 09:28 CET
zeitgeist | August 21, 09:29 CET
kantgitrite101 | August 21, 09:34 CET
[ edited by b!X on 2017-08-21 15:36 ]
@theonetruebix | August 21, 09:36 CET
Prosperina | August 21, 09:36 CET
(One for the road!)
Dizzy | August 21, 09:37 CET
zeitgeist | August 21, 09:39 CET
[ edited by ActualSize on 2017-08-21 15:52 ]
ActualSize | August 21, 09:39 CET
will.bueche | August 21, 09:43 CET
[ edited by Darkness on 2017-08-21 15:45 ]
[ edited by Darkness on 2017-08-21 15:46 ]
Darkness | August 21, 09:44 CET
zeitgeist | August 21, 09:45 CET
It's been a fun run but if Caroline has been thinking of moving on then this is a good time as any. The amount of time involved must have been incredible over the years! I hope you can know how much it is appreciated for all you and everyone involved has done to give us a home here.
Stay shiny and keep flying wherever you are.
Beatle | August 21, 09:47 CET
VeryVeryCrowded | August 21, 09:48 CET
I feel you. But I dont think anybody but yourself will be able to help you on this.
Darkness | August 21, 09:48 CET
I never really saw this site as a representation of Joss Whedon alone but more like 1 degrees from Joss.
I'm sad to see this go. So much of this world is fading to black, some normality here is comforting. Something of old to keep nostalgia and renewed interests alive - breath a new life into ones we didn't know of.
Thanks to all for everything, this site - this fandom, all you played a big role in me getting to know me.
@eraofmoon
Mirage | August 21, 09:49 CET
Darkness | August 21, 09:51 CET
Goodbye, and thanks for all the stakes, souled vampires, big damn heroes, horrible singing docs and living dolls.
"It's a brand new day"....but it's without you.
Oh, and if anyone is interested: davidmello@whedonopolis.com or @impalergeneral
[ edited by impalergeneral on 2017-08-21 15:52 ]
impalergeneral | August 21, 09:51 CET
zeitgeist | August 21, 09:51 CET
ActualSize | August 21, 09:54 CET
Thanks to Caroline, Simon, Sunfire, SoddingNancyTribe and zeitgeist for everything. I cannot imagine the fortitude it took to keep this site going.
menomegirl | August 21, 09:57 CET
areacode212 | August 21, 09:57 CET
I'm not sure if after the news from today I'll be able to go back and watch Buffy etc in the same way again...but I'll hold on to how important they were to shaping who I am today (alongside the fandom, this site, and what the works stood for.)
rg253 | August 21, 09:59 CET
Made a lot of friends here. Accidentally started an activist movement here. Talked and argued and laughed with lots of weird and fun and cool people.
Sorry to see it go, but I wish everyone involved the best. Thanks.
C. A. Bridges | August 21, 10:07 CET
I'm also troubled by everything being said, and won't speculate as veracity. But I will say I've been advised on many occasions never to meet your heroes. It's just too much to expect of them.
Agent | August 21, 10:14 CET
m'cookies actual | August 21, 10:17 CET
Thanks to all you wonderful people for making this place so cool, and for all the memories and friendships. Love and thanks to Simon, Caroline, Milo, Zeitgeist, and Sodding Nancy Tribe.
You saved the world. A lot.
Willowy | August 21, 10:19 CET
Cider | August 21, 10:23 CET
If anyone picks up some of the pieces from this side, I hope that they'll let the other Buffy/Whedon pages know.
I can respect not wanting others to take control of one's work, as I've tried passing something on only to see it ruined, but I wish things were different.
Rosenberg | August 21, 10:24 CET
Fenchurch | August 21, 10:25 CET
Lucky0317 | August 21, 10:27 CET
So long one and all, maybe I'll see you around the other boards.
Stoney | August 21, 10:31 CET
Thank you for leaving this site around as long as you did. I definitely understand the reasons for closing. Exploiting power imbalances is not okay.
swanjun | August 21, 10:32 CET
AndrewCrossett | August 21, 10:33 CET
I'm on Twitter and IG as @Linnea1928. You can also find me on FB at Facebook.com/Linnea1928.
Take care all.
Linnea1928 | August 21, 10:33 CET
Dana5140 | August 21, 10:35 CET
Particularly the script discussion links, which were still going strong just three days ago.
Please do keep the archive online for a good long while.
Tobu | August 21, 10:36 CET
[ edited by zeitgeist on 2017-08-21 16:50 ]
Darkness | August 21, 10:38 CET
Kairos | August 21, 10:44 CET
Naturally my post is excrutiatingly long.
Whedonesque was my online home for *years*, tho' not lately - for a variety of reasons, *none* having to do with my love of this site & its members - and I have *always* lurked when not posting. I will miss it. Some of my most hilarious, emotional, thrilling, and favorite times online have been spent here.
I was glad to read Caroline's explanation of the impending site shut-down, which is kind of what I'd thought - a combination of factors, but prompted by recent sad revelations. I'm grateful to her & the keepers & admins & mods that have kept this place alive & thriving, and I'm happy it will remain online as an archive. My heart goes out to everyone involved or affected by these revelations & whedonesque's closure.
I will always love Joss & his creations, and though my feelings about both have altered a bit over the 20 or so years I have loved them, this is still the case. I was thrilled when I got to meet & speak with Joss during the WGA strike, and that is, as they say, a fixed point, regardless of anything else that has happened before or after on my timeline. #Nevertheless
"All of this has happened before, and all of this will happen again."
I joined Whedonesque in 2006 - just a few months after my mom & my brother-in-law died, and it & Joss' works helped get me through a shattering time. I won't ever forget this. Many of my friendships - both online & in meatspace - began via this fandom. I miss the people that have dropped away from this site, as well as the folks that have died. I cherish the people & friendships that have survived.
Whedonesque helped me hone my writing, shaky as it is, and taught me how to have respectful interactions with folks with whom I disagree - a skill I sorely lacked when I first joined. It's still a work in progress.
Today is a, pardon me, fucking sad day. I heartily wish you weren't closing, but the choice is not mine, and I respect your decision.
My dears.
(I am @quotergal on twitter, quotergal on gmail, Karen Hatch on FB, and Javista Organic Coffee Bar on instagram - and Goners' doors will remain open for as long as there is one Goner left standing. :)
QuoterGal | August 21, 10:48 CET
I am so proud of what we as fans have achieved and, no matter what comes next, I hope that we will remember that. We have done the impossible. We are mighty. And we are family, no matter how much distance may come between us.
Thank you all, and thanks especially to Caroline, Simon and Sunfire for all that you have done to bring and keep us together. I will miss this place. *hugs*
JenskiJen | August 21, 10:49 CET
mazza | August 21, 10:51 CET
I know that's not what we should be asking here. We should be celebrating this site, thanking Simon and Caroline for all they've done here. We should be reminding ourselves that all of Joss Whedon's TV shows and films resonate beyond the life of their creator.
And yet, the question haunts me. Does anyone here read Orson Scott Card with unbounded admiration? Does Roald Dahl's personal darkness color Willy Wonka?
Do we laugh at Bill Cosby anymore?
Those are extreme examples, but the principle is the same. I keep going back to a Robert Christgau review of Public Enemy: "[Chuck D] is not the first talented asshole to front a great band--and he won't be the last."
I can't answer these questions. It's up to each person to decide how well they can separate the artist and his art.
But I hate to see this site close. Maybe at some point, something new could rise from the ashes--something dedicated to the ideals that all of us share, rather than the work of just one man.
Until then, goodbye everybody.
Peace.
[ edited by cjl on 2017-08-21 16:56 ]
[ edited by cjl on 2017-08-21 20:32 ]
cjl | August 21, 10:55 CET
libradude | August 21, 10:58 CET
[ edited by QingTing on 2017-08-22 16:42 ]
QingTing | August 21, 10:58 CET
No. Sorted. ;)
zeitgeist | August 21, 11:00 CET
Darkness | August 21, 11:02 CET
Before I found the Whedon fandom, I didn't have many friends. Because of the Whedon family I found a career (having worked at Geek & Sundry really only because of Whedon extended family and meeting Felicia Day). I got a group of best friends and friends (everyone in my wedding party except for my sister was because of the Whedon fandom) and have so many amazing memories and experiences.
The day I got membership here felt like winning the Olympics.
Nothing changes those experiences or my time on this site.
Please keep in touch. @Tabz (Twitter) @supcomtabz (FB, IG).
- Tabz
BrownCoat_Tabz | August 21, 11:03 CET
Jelly | August 21, 11:05 CET
gossi | August 21, 11:06 CET
jubal lives | August 21, 11:06 CET
Tonya J | August 21, 11:06 CET
inthemoment | August 21, 11:09 CET
[ edited by WilliamTheB on 2017-08-21 17:17 ]
WilliamTheB | August 21, 11:09 CET
MrArg | August 21, 11:10 CET
swanjun | August 21, 11:11 CET
You can find me on @jody_houser on Twitter. I'm writing comics professionally now and post about that quite a bit. :)
MindEclipse | August 21, 11:12 CET
I love the simple design, the moderation, the conversations about little big topics, and overall a sense of serenity (no pun intended) which is a rare achievement for any social enterprise, enabled by a mysterious chemistry of creators, mediators and participants.
@msvarjak
[ edited by kleemotion on 2017-08-22 07:06 ]
kleemotion | August 21, 11:14 CET
I'm a little bummed about this decision. When I read the article yesterday it pretty much just reminded me of my parents (my father's affairs took me a long time to come to terms with), but fundamentally I feel like even the greatest artists are human and their work often comes from flaws and deep persoanl pain. Although it harms my personal opinion of Joss Whedon (he always seemed like someone I felt like I would really like in real life, which is a fairly odd thing to say about someone with such a high profile), my own personal line in the sand for artists tends to be further than infidelity. The story Kai tells, which I choose to take at face value, is a tragic one, as it was with my mother, who spent 40 years with someone who led a double life, and lost an awful lot of time she could have spent happier with someone who wasn't pretending all the time. I don't disregard any of that. I also believe that our moral condemnations based on limited outside information is pretty silly, especially as someone who saw how complicated a sitaution my own family was in actuality if you were close to it.
Complicated feelings, but regardless, thanks for all the wonderful years. And thanks to Joss for creating so many works that brought all of us together for so long, regardless of how some of us doubtlessly feel about him now.
[ edited by rabid on 2017-08-21 17:18 ]
rabid | August 21, 11:16 CET
[ edited by libradude on 2017-08-21 17:20 ]
libradude | August 21, 11:19 CET
Harmalicious | August 21, 11:19 CET
jeffk | August 21, 11:20 CET
Harmalicious | August 21, 11:20 CET
eddy | August 21, 11:21 CET
gossi | August 21, 11:23 CET
Tonya J | August 21, 11:27 CET
"Well, here I am."
chrisobrien | August 21, 11:29 CET
feelinglistless | August 21, 11:30 CET
I'm disappointed but not surprised by what Kai Cole alleged about Joss Whedon. I mean that in the sense of being disappointed with Whedon rather than with Cole. I neither fully believe the account nor disbelieve it; I lean toward credulity. It sounds like she was terribly hurt by this and I feel deeply for her. At the same time, what I've always appreciated about Whedon's work is not purely the feminist text -- though that is important -- but the emphasis on the imperfection of humans, including people who strive to be good in an often difficult and heartbreaking world. I was saddened by the news of his and his wife's split, because I was hoping that Whedon was able to work out *through his art* the things that would lead to him hurting his own life and the people around him, because of temptation, weakness, sadness, or just the instinct to be selfish and hurtful. But it still didn't really surprise me, and nor am I surprised now. People are people. Years of infidelity is unusually bad in some senses, but in some others (especially given the environment in Hollywood) is no real surprise. I love John Lennon as an artist, too, and his rap sheet is much worse than what Kai Cole alleges against Whedon. I feel uncertain how to deal with my conflicting "separating the art from the artist" issues in general, because part of thing is, yeah, I actually do appreciate flawed *people* as well as people who make art about flawed people -- even though I don't want to see them hurt others, because I don't want to see other people get hurt. And part of the art/artist fear is that I suspect at times that it takes a person in touch with their dark side (their dark place, as Whedon has described it before) to make them a better artist, a subject which comes up again and again in his work -- think of Angelus or Spike's works of violent art, or Willow's desperate intellectual longing which eventually leads her to worse and worse places, or Topher's creative spark nearly ending the world. Whedon does stories about mad creators who destroy their lives all the time, and so it's maybe inevitable that in order for him to be good at this, things would get out of the delicate box and into the real world, like Moloch who is released when the words from his book are read or scanned aloud (bet you weren't expecting an "I Robot - You Jane" reference in an impassioned post in the farewell!).
My father's treatment of my mother, too, was (as best as I can understand) far worse than what Cole alleges here, which is maybe some of the reason why I default to softness. The shiny halo around Whedon has faded since I idolized him when I was much younger, and I am not really claiming that he's still an unusually good person -- how would I know that, anyway? Nor am I critical of others who do judge him more strongly. The hypocrisy which Kai Cole describes may well be real. There's maybe something perfect about this story, in a dark way, of the final unmasking of the biggest of Big Bads in the 'verse itself, of Whedon finally having a dark secret exposed the way so many of his characters' secrets have been exposed and forgiven over time. You can't stop the big moments from coming, and all that. I think this is going to be hard for him. Whether this could remotely compare to how hard the last couple decades have been hard for Cole -- well, I don't know (maybe; probably not); and it's going to be their children who will probably suffer the most. Still, I'm sorry for everyone. A more critical person than I would say that the trait in Whedon's stories that the "villains" of one story can be the heroes in another, that people who give in to temptation can still be salvaged and can still remain sympathetic, that forgiveness is given because it is needed, not because it is earned, that people are ignoring others' pain because they are focused on their own, and so on, are (in the end) self-serving from a person who maybe recognized that he'd eventually find himself the villain of a story, and that the truly good people in the world should recognize and reject this sophistry and apologia for what it is. Maybe. Certainly there are even times where Whedon favours cutting through the villain's rationalizations and recognizing that sometimes there is no "there" there, that there is just darkness and hypocrisy underneath, and some of Whedon's political discourse has at times suggested some Manichean workings (understandable, perhaps, in the current political climate, but...). But I prefer to think that those stories are real and still mean something, for me at least if not for anyone else. I wish the best for everyone involved and hope that they can get the help they need.
As to the question of the mods, my take is, it's their site. Caroline said that she has been considering shutting down for a time. If they don't want to do it, they don't have to do it. We don't owe them anything, nor do they owe Whedon anything. I get the frustration that some people are showing about it, I do -- I'm sad to see this site go, too, and it *feels*, because of the generosity of spirits of the mods, that the site belongs to all of us. But it still requires people running and maintaining it and that's a labour of love that we can't expect them to force. I get also the point that others have offered to take up the site -- but I dunno. It's hard to let go of one's own project.
[ edited by WilliamTheB on 2017-08-21 17:44 ]
WilliamTheB | August 21, 11:32 CET
I found my own community through Joss Whedon's work. With Firefly being released on DVD and the movie Serenity coming out, it energized a fandom and I became one of the founding members of the PDX Browncoats. I started it because I wanted to share my love of Joss' work with others. These were my people, and finally I didn't have to be alone anymore.
Whedonesque was a big part of that. It was the first online fan community I ever joined. My first post was in 2003, and I was very active in those early years, until twitter came along. I still follow Whedonesque friends on twitter and Facebook.
I still have enduring friendships from this, and we still talk about Buffy, Angel, Firefly, and Joss' other works. And through this all I have learned who I am, and how important community is. I learned the power of stories. I thank you all for this, and I thank all the moderators here for creating a safe forum without all the drama of most of the online world.
Thank you to all of my W-esque friends, and all the W-esque friends I never met. It's been real. We've had our ups and downs (and this is the lowest down yet), but we've had each other. That's what matters.
Twitter: @electrcspacegrl
Facebook: Elisabeth Janette Jondahl
Email: electricspacegirl@gmail.com
electricspacegirl | August 21, 11:34 CET
williams_muse | August 21, 11:35 CET
I'm sad to see you go.
bloodyrockerswitch | August 21, 11:35 CET
find me on twitter and everywhere @okelay
okelay | August 21, 11:36 CET
Thank you admins, regular posters and all others over the years for this site. And thank you Joss for all those times you also posted here and made us fans feel closer to you.
*this is one of those long threads that will take me time to read through. Sadly it will be the last.
urkonn | August 21, 11:41 CET
The mods are good there too. Just read the sticky after they confirm your membership to the group.
eddy | August 21, 11:42 CET
My opinion of Buffy, Firefly and other of Joss's creations remain unchanged. I will still look forward to what he does next. But I won't idolize him because of it.
*I don't mean to compare being a rapist with being racist or homophobic – it just that my mind went to Bill Cosby and Mel Gibson.
urkonn | August 21, 11:45 CET
Turtle | August 21, 11:46 CET
Well, this is unexpected but also understandable. I'd like to thank this community for one, helping me to stay informed about some of my favorite art and artists and two, providing me with a wealth of friends and fans not otherwise possible.
When I started my podcast in 2006, the first thing I did was a commentary for the Firefly pilot. The folks that have spread the word here about what I do are priceless to me and I am forever grateful.
For those of you who wish to keep in touch:
Twitter: @johnpavlich
E-mail: sofadogs@gmail.com
Thank you all and farewell.
-John Pavlich
The Sofa Dogs Podcast
kungfubear | August 21, 11:46 CET
Illy | August 21, 11:48 CET
Joss work fundamentally altered my life, and for that I will always be appreciative. Joss may not be as good a person as I thought he was, but he is still, fairly often, an extraordanary artist.
Thanks again for giving us a place to talk about his work.
[ edited by rabid on 2017-08-21 17:50 ]
rabid | August 21, 11:49 CET
Harmalicious | August 21, 11:49 CET
wolfpurplemoon | August 21, 11:49 CET
NurseBobbi | August 21, 11:51 CET
eddy | August 21, 11:54 CET
Nevertheless, thanks to the admins, the posters and everyone I've had the pleasure of interacting with. Every time I read a Whedonverse-related piece of news, I shall think of ye.
Stay shiny, folks! We're all just as fallible as one another.
[ edited by Dude Meister on 2017-08-21 18:09 ]
Dude Meister | August 21, 11:54 CET
-RBB
@unktrismegist
RBB | August 21, 12:00 CET
Kayley | August 21, 12:00 CET
Farewell then...
I'll miss you.
7lovelyangel | August 21, 12:03 CET
madmolly | August 21, 12:03 CET
I've loved this site and thank you to everyone I've met and I can only take the good with me.
bubblecat | August 21, 12:07 CET
lottalettuce | August 21, 12:08 CET
The community here is awesome. Pretty much everyone is respectful to others and professes thoughtful perspectives. While I rarely posted during Dollhouse and Agent's of S.H.I.E.L.D. airings, I always read through the comments the day after to get the broader fan experience of those episodes. The excitement and intellectual stimulation was always evident. It is sad that the group will likely be fractured a bit, but I understand and know from experience that change always comes eventually. We'll all muddle through somehow.
Qixotl | August 21, 12:17 CET
I think the worst thing for me is that this is so very SUDDEN. I wish you could have had a closing-down month, or week, or something. Ease us into it. Have threads for reminiscing and whatnot. That could have been spectacular.
Like many, I wish you would reconsider the kind offers to keep something going in some form. (I like the idea of just calling the new hangout 'Esque" :D I'm sorry, I forget who said that.)
Most importantly, thank you for your incredible hard work and kindness over the years. It is appreciated, and this place will be sorely missed. I teared up typing this, and I was merely a lurker most of the time.
darling | August 21, 12:17 CET
quantumac | August 21, 12:18 CET
leenah | August 21, 12:26 CET
Old layout? Pft! This design is the best there is, non of the newer formats can beat it. It is impossible to keep things sorted and easy to find in the new flashy ones.
Moderators and site maintainers have done a legendary work to keep this place going for so long it is a part of the Whedonvers it self.
I will miss it immensely. Sad now.
Satai (with Punsch) | August 21, 12:26 CET
I've enjoyed this site through the years; never imagined I would learn about its closure from the Drudge Report! (Headline: "Fan site shuts down as left eats its own".)
Thanks for being a source of information and insight through the years. All the best to you all in your future endeavors.
Bishop | August 21, 12:27 CET
iphi1 | August 21, 12:31 CET
This is a shock, there's no two ways about it.
This is always the first site I click on every day for the sense of community, the inclusiveness, the intelligence...you will be missed. Recently I've loved the AoS commentaries particularly, and have bought several books and at least 1 CD based on posts made here. As a con veteran of nearly 15 years' standing, I've always felt that this site reinforced the sense of community that society tried to tell us we shouldn't have.
Thanks again. All the best to you all.
171 Oak (@171_Oak)
171Oak | August 21, 12:35 CET
narky | August 21, 12:38 CET
So, what are we going to do now?
171Oak (@ 171_Oak)
171Oak | August 21, 12:39 CET
This has been a great site over the years, a font of news and a hive of happy discussions around some great shows. I will miss it, and its fun blackness and archaic layout. However, I saw the tweet this morning that heralded this and, even as my heart sank, I realised how fitting it was. Having now seen Caroline's explanation only makes me more sure of that. Nobody should have to pour their lives into moderating something that their heart's not in any more. And nobody should have to give up their website just because other people have made a home there - we have plenty of other ways to keep the discussion going.
I'll miss you, whedonesque, but thank you for the years, and I'll see many of you around online *somewhere* I'm sure. :)
(@skittledog, for the record)
skittledog | August 21, 12:39 CET
Well done!
I'm sorry to see it go, but I understand. Please know you all made an incredible moment in time where I was able to meet incredible people.
I'm on twitter @hann23.
Thank you and all the love ❤️ to my techno Scooby gang.
hann23 | August 21, 12:40 CET
debw | August 21, 12:41 CET
Meanwhile, I've started a brand-new fandom Twitter account - @sudden_eyes
I'll follow all y'all.
Much love.
javelina | August 21, 12:42 CET
[ edited by jclemens on 2017-08-21 19:05 ]
jclemens | August 21, 12:42 CET
I feel people who are confused should go read Cole's piece again.
For me the piece was not about Joss Whedon, so much as it was the power that deception has in creating stress and trauma to the point where the person who has been deceived can not function psychically or socially.
Deception can be executed in many forms, it does not have to be marital infidelity. What Cole said in her piece was that the cumulative toll of the deceptions she faced led her to withdraw from society, and kept her from being able to do the things she loved like architecture, and producing entertainment.
She took a big step in declaring herself a part of the mentally ill community by declaring that she has suffered from Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
The lesson I took from her piece is that if we purport to love someone do not treat them with such disregard that you choose to not engage in honest conversation, respecting the other person's thoughts, and feelings. The point of feminism which she chose to highlight is that the deceptions she faced led her to lose control of the ability to make fully informed decisions, about her own life, and body.
The final thing I want to say about the piece is that it highlights the importance of truth as the guiding principle in all social interactions, without truth, all relationships are corrupt from the beginning. Only when all people know the truth in a social interaction will they have the ability to make fully informed healthy life decisions and be able to express love, affection, and connection with the other people in the social interaction.
[ edited by Tausif on 2017-08-21 18:54 ]
Tausif | August 21, 12:47 CET
If anyone still needs erroneous preconceptions about Nielsen ratings and the business side of TV corrected I can be found on twitter @IrrationaliTV.
*insert painfully corny trying too hard and failing horribly witty joss-like banter here*
IrrationaliTV | August 21, 12:50 CET
Whedonesque has. Thank you all.
Tausif | August 21, 12:50 CET
minime283 | August 21, 12:52 CET
BuffyForums.net too. :)
Stoney | August 21, 12:53 CET
The timming of this is terrible. Whedonesque was always aside from whatever controversy Joss or the cast were going through and ending on a biased note on the day after a major controversy when the internet is pilling against him is a shame. I have no illusions about him. I mean, I did follow him on Twitter... But he's human. And ending the site today just feels like we're judging him when we know nothing about what's really happening in his life.
Anyway, thanks to EVERYONE that made this site possible. It was a wonderful community. A place of thoughtful, interesting, respectful conversations and exchange of ideas - a hard find on the internet.
There's rumblings of a sequel called Esque. I just wanna throw out there that a subreddit has exacly the same format as the site...
Ricardo L. | August 21, 12:53 CET
It'll be sorely missed, and I am very much hoping there will always be a place for the kind of community this site catered to. If not here, then hopefully somewhere else.
Thanks to the mods for their hard work. Thanks to caroline for building this site. I'm glad we got a chance to meet at one point. And thanks to all those numerous posters for the great discussions we've had on here.
I will miss this place.
GVH | August 21, 13:00 CET
Bunnies | August 21, 13:01 CET
Tonya J | August 21, 13:02 CET
Jjsquid | August 21, 13:07 CET
zeitgeist | August 21, 13:07 CET
I also made friends I treasure deeply who have become so close, I no longer think of them connected to their screen names to tag them here. That's a lovely and powerful testament to this place, Rachel, Luke, Tari, Cora, Gayle, Beth, Karen, Elisabeth, Amanda, Catherine, and the recently passed and still much beloved, Nicki, or nixygirl.
To have found my soul's mate here in this place will always render it sacred to me, and those of you who encouraged zeitgeist and me in the early days and ever since are our foundation. It's breathtaking to recall and imagine how the slightest deviation in a day would have meant I had no reason to seek out a site like this, lobby to join, and make a foolish comment that causing another poster to laugh probably meant we had to get married now, and then actually marrying the incomparable guy. And would mean this family we've built... literally, with children, two, and extended, with Our People, would have never happened. Hard to imagine it as accident.
I was active on The Black 10-11 years ago when I first discovered the shows and the Intro Level Feminism met me where I was and elevated my thinking and my desire to know more/be more/do better. For the most part, though, I've moved on, treasuring the early work for what it was, what it meant, and what it gave me. Then.
But the world has changed. Art has changed. Television has changed. Movies have changed. Feminism has changed. I have changed. The soul food that nourishes my desire to understand and evolve my feminist, progressive, intersectional, activist, humanist beliefs is Not Served By Joss Whedon. I am grateful for the amuse bouche, but...
Women are my hosts at this feminism banquet. Women in history. Women on this site. Wise Women the world over.
Thank you, Whedonesque for being the right thing at the right time in the right place for so many. Thank you, Caroline and mods for keeping it safe and smart. And thank you all, for always elevating the dialogue, pushing our collective critical thinking, being stupid-silly when times called for it, and for making me comfortable in my first fandom. Peace.
[ edited by barest_smidgen on 2017-08-21 19:14 ]
[ edited by barest_smidgen on 2017-08-22 03:56 ]
barest_smidgen | August 21, 13:08 CET
zeitgeist | August 21, 13:12 CET
mark214 | August 21, 13:12 CET
igj | August 21, 13:15 CET
N27 | August 21, 13:17 CET
"Life isnt bliss, it's living."
destructo_gurl | August 21, 13:22 CET
My email: cpepp001@gmail.com
Charlie | August 21, 13:27 CET
Kaan | August 21, 13:30 CET
Simon | August 21, 13:36 CET
nothingtofear79 | August 21, 13:39 CET
Dizzy | August 21, 13:40 CET
Simon | August 21, 13:41 CET
iamadorable | August 21, 13:43 CET
Willowy | August 21, 13:47 CET
zeitgeist | August 21, 13:52 CET
I did have any frame of reference for a conversation, though. I shook his hand, we talked briefly, and I bolted.
That fall, I decided to watch an episode of Buffy. I quickly got hooked. I started buying DVDs (PHYSICAL MEDIA -- what a different era) and binge-watching the show. This is an era before YouTube when I was trying to talk friends into putting together a TAPE for Channel101. Netflix was a mail order rental chain. I was just coming off a stint working for Movie Gallery and the local two screen cinema.
I loved the pacing and rhythm of the show. It changed the way I viewed pop culture. It changed the way I TALKED. I became fans of the actors but ESPECIALLY of writers like Jane Espenson.
I played a text based Buffy RPG online. I was always big on MUDs and their cousins, as well as message board and play by e-mail RPGs. I played literally hundreds of characters in those types of games. (I'd keep five or six windows up at once and hop between characters. This was a delight for me as an actor who liked "character" roles and as a writer who craves immediate feedback.)
I also auditioned for Buffy Between The Lines (the fan audio show) because of posts here and had a brief part in an episode or two. That was the first time I was cast in a voiceover project and the beginning of an obsession for me with learning more about audio editing and audio equipment. These proved valuable when I worked as a storyteller for children, telling traditional folk stories in new ways before assemblies full of children.
I usually miss out on the big internet naming land grabs. Facebook URL, Twitter, my website domain name. Even in school I was sometimes "Patrick Number 2". I'm struck by the realization that, here, I'm just "Patrick".
I can't say that I was ever as much of a Firefly fanatic as some. Dollhouse had some interesting ideas with a disturbing edge to it. I ate up references to Karl Capek's RUR (one of my favorite plays and one I've wanted to stage for years) and Philip K. Dick's ideas. Avengers was a very watchable movie.
I was, for the most part, a lurker here. In the end, though, the community that developed here on Whedonesque and from Whedon's cohort was what energized me. I checked out shows like Lost, Madmen, Grimm, and Once Upon A Time in passing at least to check on what felt like "old friends".
I chain viewed The Guild (and may have automated it to help with their viewcounts). I love Felicia Day's writing online and in her memoir and in her comics (don't forget to pick up a copy of The Guild Library Edition hardcover; it has new stories). Felicia Day is the only person I can ever remember being nervous about meeting, to a point where I avoided meeting her until I was on-set for MST3k. I'd met (in passing) pretty much all of the Buffy cast first, along with Stan Lee, Mickey Rooney (I was focused on calming HIM down), a LOT of actors, and a former President of the United States. Heck, I'd had a small correspondence back and forth with Obama. No queasy nerves there.
The current press coverage stings. I feel for Kai Cole as someone who also has a form of PTSD. (My roommate was murdered ten years ago.) I feel for Joss' female collaborators; already, many of them are being accused of "sleeping their way to the top", of having undeserved success in their careers. I don't believe a single one of them has had one iota more success than they deserve. (Although the world is also full of people who I think deserve more success than they get.) If anything, I'd say every one of Joss' collaborators deserve more success than they've had. Some of them apparently slept with Joss but my opinion of any of them remains undiminished, without knowing or caring which of them did what. While I have deep sympathy for Kai, I have no less love or admiration for the female writing staff and actresses than I did before this came to light.
The community that has emerged from Whedon's work and Whedonesque mean a LOT to me. This has been my happy place online. Sometimes, you need to move on in search of a happier place, though.
You can find me on Twitter at @_PatrickGerard_ or check out my comic "Ungrounded: The First Revolution" on ComiXology or in physical form on Amazon or B&N (or Book Depository, internationally). There's a Buffy fandom reference in there as well as a sanctioned cameo by The Barenaked Ladies (courtesy of Kevin Hearn).
See you all next apocalypse!
Patrick | August 21, 13:53 CET
But despite my love for this community I was afraid to check in here after Kai's piece, I thought this would be the last holdout of apologists and people who didn't want to engage with this serious matter. I'm proud and happy to be wrong. And I'm also crying a little. I may be a lurker, and a mostly absent one, but I loved this site nonetheless. xoxo
aphasia | August 21, 13:53 CET
...
And now I'm finding out the (apparent) reason. I think the users Let Down and Darkness already put it best, but to make it clear:
I would like for this site to remain.
But if this has truly been years in the making, there probably isn't much one can do. Maybe someone will try a new site of similar built and with a similar URL. Let me know if that's the case. (It really should be. If most – or atleast enough – people don't want it to stop, there has to be a way it can continue. Don't stop the signal.) I wouldn't be the most active person (might be a bit more active if it's a message board that includes "foreign" topics), but I'd hang around.
Social media...not so much. I don't have Twitter, or Tumblr, or MySpace (anymore), or Instagram, or Tout, or whatever the hell else there is. I do have Facebook, but only because of the messenger. And since I don't have any sort of private relationship with anyone on this page, that wouldn't make much sense.
Regarding Joss Whedon and the current issue I only have two (three) things to say:
1. If the accusations against him are (more or less) true, it makes him a bad husband. But not a bad person.
2. I hope he's doing somewhat okay. I've been a fan of his – both his work as a writer, producer and director, as well as him as an entertainer – for many years, and even though I got a bit annoyed by him in recent months, because I don't agree with the politics he vehemently communicates, it doesn't make the good memories less so – or means there won't be more of them in the future. I don't want him to suffer, but what's happening now can't be easy. Especially because it's so public. I hope, in the very least, that this news didn't break out of the blue for him so that he had time to mentally prepare.
3. I furthermore hope their children are okay. I have no connection whatsoever to them, but they are innocent in this and don't deserve to see their family life dragged through the mud. I'd never leave the house again, if that were me.
Okay, I'll also add this: We, as a society, really...really should consider to move away from strictly monogamous relationships. Yes, we want them. We want our partners to only look at, and desire, and touch...us. But that's not realistic, because we, too, want other people. Even if we don't touch them. And if we do, we get scared shitless. Scared of being left, scared, of losing our houses, our money, our children, our...lives. And so we lie. We lie, because we don't see any other way. Telling the truth is just to risky. We have everything to lose – and nothing to gain.
But here's the "funny" part: The lying can be worse than the actual infidelity. Because once it's out in the open, years later, everything that happened since is tainted. Every memory atleast partly a lie. Every gift no longer connected to love, but to a bad conscience. I could go on and on and on.
In a perfect world, those, looking for the one true love, would find it and never get tempted otherwise. But this world isn't perfect, things aren't black and white, and being attracted to other people doesn't mean you love and desire your spouse any less – or no longer most of all.
So, maybe, the idea is to talk about it. Very open and from the beginning. Before ever getting married. "What happens, if...?" Maybe, for some couples, it would even make sense to grant each other one or two one night stands per year. Or make them mandatory. Or experience other people...together. There are many options, many different things, that may work for many different people. But the one thing, that hasn't worked for far too many people – is monogamy. Because while right for some, it's by far not right for everybody.
Oh, and for what it's worth: This site's design is probably my favourite on the entire internet. To borrow a phrase from the late, great, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper: 'Old school's cool!'
Sahjhan | August 21, 13:53 CET
Caroline | August 21, 13:58 CET
aphasia | August 21, 14:01 CET
Paul_Rocks | August 21, 14:02 CET
It was mostly exhilarating and hilarious and inspiring; on rare occasions, it was sad and aggravating and frustrating. The work we celebrated will endure, as will so many wise and profound and funny and ridiculous and crazy posts and comments. All credit to Caroline for all of this; to Milo and Herb; to the indefatigable Simon; to Damon, my sparring partner-in-crime; and to Sunfire. All love to the friends I made here.
"What are we going to do now?"
SoddingNancyTribe | August 21, 14:02 CET
[ edited by zeitgeist on 2017-08-21 20:05 ]
zeitgeist | August 21, 14:03 CET
Shapenew | August 21, 14:05 CET
@theonetruebix | August 21, 14:09 CET
Valerie | August 21, 14:11 CET
The sun, for sorrow, will not show his head.
Go hence, to have more talk of these sad things.
Some shall be pardoned, and some punishèd.
For never was a story of more woe
Than this most human side of our bright hero.
RobynH | August 21, 14:12 CET
As you can probably tell from the fact that I still have an active Yahoo account and subscribe to RSS feeds (LOL!), I'm not a big fan of change. I will miss this site and seeing those updates whenever I turn on my PC. Thank you to the admins, mods, and members for your hard work, dedication, and contributions that have kept the signal going for so long. I wish it wouldn't be ending so abruptly and agree that the timing is unfortunate. Allowing time for a grieving process would have been appreciated (although I can see the potential can of worms situation there), and while I understand the decision, it only adds to my existing sadness ... again, not a fan of change. I'm mostly active on FB, but I keep that pretty limited to family & friends in RL. I also have a Twitter account @MizBehavin1, so feel free to contact me there. {{{Hugs}}} and thanks again.
MizBehavin1 | August 21, 14:12 CET
mozzarellademon | August 21, 14:12 CET
brother_grady | August 21, 14:24 CET
Again, thanks for everything Caroline, Simon, Sunfire and others. This site was always a genuinely good read, and also really the only reason I consistently knew what was happening on AoS. ;)
Much love to all.
[ edited by Agent on 2017-08-21 20:33 ]
Agent | August 21, 14:25 CET
And I respect and understand your choice of closing down. I don't understand doing it today, it does feel like a reaction to Joss' private life, which is none of our business. Whedonesque was never about the personal drama, so closing down on this particular day doesn't feel right to me.
But I'm still very grateful for all these years, and for this wonderful fandom. Long live Buffy and long live the Whedonites.
Nico-Angel | August 21, 14:25 CET
Particular thanks to all the moderators - Caroline and Simon above all, but everybody else too, past and present. You have set a model for discourse and maintained the standards you set yourselves. Thank you.
Gill | August 21, 14:27 CET
And thank you to Caroline, Simon, & Sunfire for providing this place for us all for so long.
Vague That Up | August 21, 14:28 CET
patxshand | August 21, 14:38 CET
Be who your dog thinks you are.
falina | August 21, 14:41 CET
jeffk | August 21, 14:41 CET
Rowan Hawthorn | August 21, 14:43 CET
Sometimes the right kind of theme party is more than that. "Oh, you know that thing? You're one of those, meaning one of us. You reach." Whedonesque is like that.
Thank you, overlords, for making the place for this to happen.
Thank you, collaborators; the guests make the party.
Thank you, purple people, for the inspirations.
Should we meet out in the world, say the password and I'll know you are a friend from here. You'll recognize me by my Jayne hat.
BierceAmbrose | August 21, 14:46 CET
What pushed me even further away from Joss were his recent forays into politics. It's a bit sad when you realize and admit to yourself that you are no longer a fan... or at least as big of a fan... of someone or something that you used to have a huge passion for over many years of your life. But that's how it goes in life. You love something or someone for a period of time, maybe even to the point of not being able to imagine a life without it/them, and then it ends and you move on... I didn't like how he turned his Twitter feed into a tool for preaching, ranting and venting of his political opinions, instead of using it as a platform to talk about the things that actually made him so popular and beloved among his fans in first place, i.e. his work as a screenwriter and filmmaker. The final straw for me was when he in an utterly sexist and hypocritical manner compared Nicole Kidman to a dumb, blond-haired plastic doll for her opinion that American people should unite behind the new president after the elections.
I haven't been visiting this site much and caring about Joss' activities for most of the time in the last months/years... So I didn't even know about the Kai Cole blog or the divorce (still don't know the details) and Whedonesque closing down until I learned about it on a different Whedon-unrelated site. I actually don't have anything to say about it, apart from the fact that I'm not surprised by the allegations at this point... But I'm not gonna judge him. It's up to Joss (and also his ex-wife) to deal with the situation and it's also his own choice whether he wants to comment about it publicly or not. He doesn't have to, although there will surely be some people who will expect it from him.
Anyway, I guess I've already moved so much past my Whedonesque days that I don't really feel sad about the site closing down. But I still do remember those days fondly and truly wish for Joss to come up with an original work in the the future that will once again ignite the same passion in all of us like his former masterpieces did. And maybe even bring about the renaissance of this site. He certainly has it in him to do it, no matter what we think of him as a person or of the beliefs and flaws that are part of him.
Until then, farewell fellow Whedonites. :)
[ edited by Anuris on 2017-08-24 22:30 ]
Anuris | August 21, 14:51 CET
But everything must end.
Thanks for everything. And yes, tweet out a word or two every now and then!
@Valsadie on Twitter
[ edited by Valsadie on 2017-08-21 20:54 ]
Valsadie | August 21, 14:53 CET
I will cherish my memories of B3 (which started here on these black pages) and the writers strike (again, here) and even the thrill I got when Joss posted in a thread to praise my Serenity travel posters, before correcting me on my spelling of Londinium (I still maintain it was spelled "Londinum" in the script and closed captioning!)
But most of all, I will treasure all of you, both the friends I have made and grown closer to over the years, and the ones from whom I have drifted away, whether due to time or circumstance.
I am better for having been a member of this community.
[ edited by lexigeek on 2017-08-21 21:35 ]
lexigeek | August 21, 14:55 CET
MattK | August 21, 14:56 CET
Thanks to everyone who made it great.
Goodbye.
snj | August 21, 14:56 CET
Especially you. Yeah, you.
Tin Ear Tom | August 21, 14:57 CET
A whole phase of my life started when I found Whedonesque, and a number of my best faraway friendships too. Thank you for bringing us all in.
Wishing you all the world <3
ef | August 21, 14:59 CET
waterfallbooks | August 21, 15:04 CET
Fly safe. Stay shiny.
ETA:
Twitter & Instagram: @Lomara
[ edited by Lomara on 2017-08-23 08:58 ]
Lomara | August 21, 15:07 CET
The last day has been challenging, as I work out how capable I am of separating artists from their body of work. I don't think I can, and I will continue to unpack these complexities in my own time... without Whedonesque.
aapac | August 21, 15:10 CET
[ edited by Harmalicious on 2017-08-21 21:18 ]
Harmalicious | August 21, 15:18 CET
MandyMouse | August 21, 15:22 CET
garyyager | August 21, 15:22 CET
cabri | August 21, 15:25 CET
i'm bummed over the blog post from Kai, it makes me sad that someone who's work i have cherished has had such a hard time and caused her to be pained when it seemed ok from the outside.
i'm really grateful to the admins and the people on the posting team for this site - you've really given this community an amazing gift of 15 years. thank you. thank you. thank you!!! <3
i'm @kdlb in most places.
kdlb | August 21, 15:26 CET
You can all find me on Twitter and Instagram as @stardotgeek.
stardotgeek | August 21, 15:26 CET
I'm both surprised and not surprised to see the site come to an end at this moment. It feels right though, it feels like the right time for ends and new beginnings.
It's been over a decade since I've been a regular, daily visitor to this site, but it's always been here, chugging along, and I never stopped checking in now and then. So thanks to all of the admins for maintaining this bit of constancy on the ever-changing Internet over the years.
Jayne: Hell, there weren't a one of 'em understood what happened out there. They're probably sticking that statue right back up.
Mal: Most like.
Jayne: I don't know why that eats at me so.
Mal: It's my estimation that every man ever got a statue made of him was one kind of a son of a bitch or another. Ain't about you Jayne. It's about what they need.
forcorreo | August 21, 15:27 CET
I haven't posted here much but I've always liked coming here for the episode discussions and curated news/links.
Let's go to work.
D-e-f- | August 21, 15:28 CET
So sad to hear that Joss Whedon is apparently just a fallible human being after all - one who happens to be a damn good writer, I might add. And while I highly doubt he's either the first or the last to come/go as such, when you spend your life making castles out of sand on the turbulent deserts of (12-year-old level - as per good old Louisa May) political correctness, such are the results you are doomed to reap...
Caroline, Simon, et al:
Thanks for the memories. This was the very first internet-based discussion forum on which I felt compelled by the topic and comfortable enough to start making my voice known amongst strangers. And although a great deal of what I've had to say on here over the years was little more than trivial trash, I'd like to think that I got at least a few heads thinking more deeply/appreciatively about things a time or two (at the very least, my own based on the reactions gleaned from others to my words.) ;)
And don't let anyone ever tell you that the web design of this place is/was anything less than stellar. I can count on one hand the number of websites I've seen that have managed to succeed in so thoroughly fulfilling the task for which it was created over such a long period of time with almost no changes needed. Yeah - there are always tweaks you could make, or extra features that you'd love to have had (especially, I'm guessing, on the back end of things.) But when it comes to meeting user's needs. I remain one VERY satisfied user*.
This. Tbh joss himself was never the direct reason why I got sucked into this fandom. It was the stellar community of collaborators (especially stemming from the Firefly era onwards) on whom he openly relief that made it all special. And what made it whedonesque, rather than just Joss Whedon 24/7. And this site managed to successfully cater to that sort of a big tent fandom mentality to an extent that I've never seen anywhere else.*
So again, thanks for all the memories! It was a fun 15 (technically just around 10 for me) years.
*
PS: In truth, I've been pondering reaching out to you folks for a little over a year now in search of advice on starting a big tent fandom friendly "whedonesque" equivalent for another multi-talented, auteur extraordinaire artist currently in the early stages of establishing a permanent place for herself in the mainstream world (Here's to hoping your response isn't just GET OUT. GET OUT WHILE YOU STILL CAN...)
;)
brinderwalt | August 21, 15:28 CET
Today I'm reflecting on countless cherished memories shared within the fandom. I met so many incredible people and have sadly lost contact, but I still always think of them from time to time. These people and the Whedonverse were the highlights of my high school years/late teens. I can't thank them enough.
I felt like Whedonesque was always the epicenter. Very, very sad to see this go.
hitnrun017 | August 21, 15:29 CET
The reason really sucks, but it is nice to see so many familiar names, some of which I haven't seen in years. It makes it easier to take, seeing all of us gather here.
Willowy | August 21, 15:29 CET
Mort | August 21, 15:32 CET
(Sigh!) And I love the basic, straighforward black design and all! Much more pleasing to my eyes than many a site out there, in the internet wilderness. Place always felt like home. Maybe because the love of the people here always shone through.
As for the reasons, I can't really judge. I can imagine this site takes a lot of time and effort to maintain. I was always impressed at how up to date and wide ranging it was in keeping up with all the actors and behind the scenes creatives of any show or stories Joss ever had any involvenment in. I loved that. But if it's makers don't have it in them to continue, well even if I think they're wrong, it's absolutely their right to pull out and end it.
As for the man himself, I met him once. As some folks here might remember, I had the unusual coincidence of sitting next to the man on the flight from Dublin to Glasgow, when he was going between the film festivals at both, for Much Ado about Nothing. It was a highlight in my life, that I take nothing but fond memories from. Obviously an hour and a half is not long to get to know someone, but he seemed like a good man to me. And I still believe that.
Not only that but the experience has prompted some other unique conversations. I remember meeting Hayley Atwell in 2015 and talking to her about Joss's cut script scenes for Peggy Carter in the original Avengers. That really broke the ice.
Heck just three weeks ago I was talking to Alan Tudyk at the London comiccon and he had a a big laugh at my worry that his 'fan on a plane' scene in the first Con Man episode might be inspired by it. (It wasn't!) I also met Alexis Denisof that weekend too, (along with his wife that you might have heard of) and had a fun conversation with him over the contrasting characters of Benedict and Wesley, given the Amy Acker romance in both. And that conversation too, kicked off from talking to him about my Joss encounter.
And best of all, a dear, dear friend of mine, who I may not know for much longer, was so inspired by my enthused writings on this site about my conversation with Joss, that it actually inspired her to finish writing a book she had put all of her heart and soul into. And for that I will always be grateful.
So people can jump to all the silly conclusions and judgements they want, but I will always be grateful for this place, and the man who inspired it all in the first place.
(And boy oh boy, will I miss the late night Agents of SHIELD episode comments. The new season will not be the same without that! :( )
Fare Thee Well everyone. And thanks for all your kind comments over the years. I enjoyed talking to everybody on here, and will always remember the place fondly! Now if it's all the same with you, I kinda wanna go slay the dragon! ;)
Jas | August 21, 15:32 CET
Thoughts no one will read:
1. Nostalgia dulls the mind and spurs inaction. Let yourself put aside memories and don't idealize the past.
2. Never revere a human or put anyone on a pedestal. It will only lead to disappointment.
3. It is usually more painful to be hurt by "the nice guy" you always trusted than to be hurt by someone from whom you expected ill treatment.
FornicusLordOfBondageAndPain | August 21, 15:32 CET
I just read them.
Bummer levels increasing. (being extremely tired/exhausted doesn't help things today, heh)
D-e-f- | August 21, 15:35 CET
Right now I keep thinking of the many times on Buffy and Angel when a character concealed a painful secret.... Anyway, I remain a fan of Joss and his works even while feeling disappointed in the man himself. I don't claim that this attitude is right for everyone. It just feels right for me.
idiot jed | August 21, 15:37 CET
Mort | August 21, 15:40 CET
This has always felt like the one civil place on the internet, where people express complete thoughts in complete sentences, and disagree without being mean.
I am saddened and disheartened by the timing. It feels petty, and I'm certain I saw a glimpse of the baby as the bathwater flew by.
mnspnr | August 21, 15:52 CET
Grack21 | August 21, 15:52 CET
GrrrAargh | August 21, 15:53 CET
JohannaHunnie | August 21, 15:53 CET
napoleon27 | August 21, 15:56 CET
vampmogs | August 21, 15:57 CET
Spacegirl3200 | August 21, 16:02 CET
The Do That Girl | August 21, 16:04 CET
I hope Joss will hear the anger of many fans, and understand that a lot of it is not about his private life, but stems from frustration that we still have so very far to come before film and tv treat female characters and actors equally, and before girls believe they are equal to boys.
I hope Joss will use this to consider how - if he still has the opportunity - he can in the future broaden viewers' imaginations in relation to gender by as much as Buffy did in the 90s.
Whether I will be one of those viewers in the future will depend on whether this is a case of infidelity (which is none of my business) or of workplace harassment (which would change the work for me).
To Whedonesque, where I was mostly a lurker - thank you. Whedonesque was the best. Your rats were low, but your standards were high. So don't lose hope. There's still heroes in this world - even if it's not always the people we expect.
dr_atalanta | August 21, 16:11 CET
Grack21 | August 21, 16:14 CET
LadySings1 | August 21, 16:22 CET
And honestly I like the layout.
Grack21 | August 21, 16:39 CET
commandlinegamer | August 21, 16:40 CET
Dana5140 | August 21, 16:56 CET
I refuse to let time change the value of these memories and will carry them with me forever regardless of how the world changes around them
not sure why anyone would want to contact me but my email is literally my username @gmail
take care and best wishes
TaraLivesOn | August 21, 17:04 CET
Grimes - someone who I somehow managed to totally miss out on the existence of up until around a year-and-a-half ago.
brinderwalt | August 21, 17:17 CET
Since before I joined, Whedonesque's meant a lot to me. I feel a little lost at the idea of keeping up with all the writers', actors' and other creatives' careers without it. Coming here is a daily ritual, always one of the first places I check online. It's been amazing on the highs and a comfort during the lows. Whedonesque taught me everything I needed to know about TV ratings, and I had an excellent time fretting with you all. (Those in the UK will know what this means: while applying to unis I would check here for Dollhouse's ratings picnics every day before checking my UCAS.) It even helped with an essay I wrote in my final year of university, when I used the archive to find all the original critical reviews of Dollhouse. So thank you Whedonesque.
I'm going to comment briefly on the news from today. It breaks my heart. There are many artists whose work I revere without revering the person. I hope Kai and Joss find the best way forward without this getting uglier. This explains why Bellwether Pictures faded away without a word. I think the toll this has taken already is fairly evident, and explains a few things over the past few years. In an interview a year or two ago Joss was asked for his favourite Shakespeare quote, and he chose "I am indifferent honest, but yet I could accuse me of such things that it were better my mother had not borne me." It was an unexpected and sad choice at the time, and now it is referenced in his twitter profile. When I consider people's mistakes, I tend towards wanting to understand and forgive, though I understand why many people do not. To each their own.
Bluelark | August 21, 17:18 CET
IMMORTAL | August 21, 17:18 CET
12 years of Whedonesque just doesn't seem like enough. I am grateful for all the hard work all the admins & mods put into this site. By FAR, the classiest news site on the internet.
I am deeply saddened by this change.
Caroline, thank you for creating this place. I always respected your thoughts & vision. And we both love Tony Head:)
[ edited by kazzmere on 2017-08-21 23:26 ]
kazzmere | August 21, 17:25 CET
While I wasn't quite expecting this post, I respect the decision and the reasoning behind it. I hope all those involved in this site's admirable longevity and quality take pride in their accomplishment and in how much better their efforts made the world for many peeples, as the comments here demonstrate.
Whatever negative fallout comes from recent events, the fact that the whedonverse and its many collaborators inspired this source of positivity and inclusiveness shouldn't be forgotten.
Thank you one and all, mods and posters and commenters alike.
giles (yes, it is my real name) | August 21, 17:30 CET
Lots of great specific memories from then...
Uploading "Dollhouse Testimonials" to YouTube as part of a b!x-spearheaded (I think?) fan campaign in the run-up; reading along jealously with the fans meeting the writers at the marches; finding and devouring Jane Espenson's OUTSTANDING writing blog; driving to the various Sunnydale locations in Torrance on my way to Comic-Con; cruising past the Fox lot on my first trip to Los Angeles and thinking about how Mutant Enemy was in there; seeing (but not having the courage to speak to) QuoterGal at a screening of the Guild and Dr. Horrible intro'd by Joss & Felicia...
I could go on, and many of these aren't directly related to W'esque except by dint of the passion that fueled them, and that this site fueled in me for many, many years. So thanks Caroline, mods, and posters all.
sumogrip | August 21, 17:32 CET
Grack21 | August 21, 17:33 CET
This community of writers, actors and artists is so much more than the human flaws of one man. I really wish we would just let some time go by to heal and then start this site again. :(
whedonite26 | August 21, 17:35 CET
So long and thanks for all the fish.
tomg | August 21, 17:40 CET
(Man, I miss the old newsgroup days).
Grack21 | August 21, 17:40 CET
Grack21 | August 21, 17:41 CET
Grack21 | August 21, 17:47 CET
Invisible Green | August 21, 17:50 CET
RobinInSeoul | August 21, 17:52 CET
Walosi | August 21, 17:53 CET
Lysithea | August 21, 17:59 CET
sari | August 21, 18:01 CET
Whatever might have happened over the last twenty four hours, Joss Whedon will always be my hero. He's flawed but aren't we all?
Almost twenty years ago, I watched Buffy for the first time and decided that I wanted to work in television. Now, decades later, I'm here, behind the camera, producing shows for the BBC, MTV and some of the biggest channels in the UK. So much of my career to date can be traced back to his work and the cast and crew of Buffy. Without Joss' input, I'd have gone down a very different path. Now I spend every day grateful and thankful for my job. I even wrote my dissertation on his work! His ideas and principles, storytelling and technique have carried through like nobody else. Nothing can change the past.
Thanks again to all the mods and all the posters. Its been a great run.
Apocalypse | August 21, 18:08 CET
lloannna | August 21, 18:09 CET
I also want to say to Caroline, Simon, et al., that after reading your statement yesterday evening about not posting about the Terrible News, I considered sending you all an email and asking that Whedonesque post something and create some kind of forum for discussion. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized what a difficult position that would put you in: sacrificing time and emotional energy moderating a potentially heated discussion, suddenly in the middle of a media sh*tstorm. And if you felt it couldn't be done right, I respect your decision not to do it at all. Given the weight of the news, the fact that discussion would filter into any comments, and your other commitments, I totally respect your choice to close the site.
I am truly sad to see the site go, especially in these circumstances, but you all have done fantastic work for a really long time, and your farewell is no less classy and thoughtful than anything you've given this community in the past 15 years. I really appreciate the encouragement to donate to charities supporting CPTSD treatment--what a great way to recognize the real pain Joss's actions caused his family (regardless of the details), without wading into a blame game.
You guys have been great. All my best wishes to everyone.
Three Flowers In a Vase | August 21, 18:11 CET
strangeaction | August 21, 18:14 CET
Let me also say thank you. I have really enjoyed this site. I think when I first noticed it, you weren't even accepting new members! I was glad to get in, and have had a lot of fun reads.
I think Joss is sparklingly creative, and I've wildly enjoyed a lot of his work. However, given his stated worldview, his actions and the darkness of his tweets sadden me, but don't surprise me: they follow.
For my part, I pray for him. He'd not thank me, nor maybe would you, but that's not why I do it.
Thanks, hosts and admins. Thanks, witty contributors.
filops | August 21, 18:27 CET
Those stories were more than just Joss. Kinda like this website.
It frustrates me that this site is closing, though I completely get it. I loved having a one-stop shop for the work of people who all come from the extended family of shows and movies, and I'm not the only one.
*sigh*
@andrea2s1 / @nathan2s1 on the twitters
Andrea 2s1 | August 21, 18:37 CET
This was a place where one could always expect to find civilized, intelligent conversation about a variety of topics. Quite different from the vast majority of the internet. Much of this is because of the diligent efforts of the moderators - please know that it was very much appreciated! Good luck to everyone involved with Whedonesque - moderators, members, posters, and lurkers!
JossIzBoss | August 21, 18:38 CET
I'm indescribably sad about this, I feel like my friend just died, even though this will only be my 38th and probably final post. I suppose letting go is the only thing to be done, even if the only real loss were illusions.
Since I don't have to worry about impressing anyone anymore, I always thought SoddingNancyTribe was the indisputably coolest nick in the universe.
sleeper | August 21, 18:40 CET
NYPinTA | August 21, 18:42 CET
NYPinTA | August 21, 18:43 CET
MalGal | August 21, 18:46 CET
I will miss this community, and I want to thank our moderators for all the awesome work they've done over the years. Best of luck to all the wonderful people who have made this community.
Effulgent | August 21, 18:49 CET
(Crap, all this thread-watching is totally giving me flashbacks to 2008 . . . )
SoddingNancyTribe | August 21, 18:50 CET
Thank you to those of you who have said kind things.
Sunfire | August 21, 18:54 CET
dino | August 21, 18:54 CET
I am in some mental turmoil about the reason. On the one hand, it matters, and closing the site seems like a necessary step. One the other, not only is the site more than Joss, but Joss's work is still wonderful.
All my best to the moderators and posters. It was a fantastic site. All my best to Joss and Kai too, whom I have never met.
BtVS, Angel, Firefly, Dollhouse, and Dr Horrible are still worth talking about and quoting. I need a new Whedonesque!!
StephenP | August 21, 19:01 CET
Fred_Sonja | August 21, 19:02 CET
Time for a Buffy rewatch, methinks.
Grack21 | August 21, 19:03 CET
ninjapigeon | August 21, 19:05 CET
NYPinta, Michelle Lovretta rocks! Lost Girl was one of my great pleasures over the past 6 years, and Ksenia Solo was super as Kenzi- and all the others were very open to their fans- Anna Silk, Kris Holden-Reid, Zoie Palmer, Rachel Skarsten. It was a post-Buffy pleasure, and it led to the even better Wynonna Earp, which is a true passion of mine. Fandras is doing Joss proud; the last episode was a distinct call-out to Tabula Rasa. Many fans have suggested a cross-over between Buffy and Wynonna Earp- they figure Purgatory is right on another Hellmouth.
Dana5140 | August 21, 19:07 CET
Thanks to Caroline, Simon, Sunfire, zeitgeist, SoddingNancyTribe, the ever-present but rarely seen Milo and well, everyone else that made this place what it was. Stay safe guys.
Saje | August 21, 19:09 CET
-AthenaMuze
AthenaMuze | August 21, 19:12 CET
Hope to see you out there- @Mchiplis
wrecks | August 21, 19:15 CET
Tim Minear | August 21, 19:19 CET
Tonya J | August 21, 19:21 CET
zeitgeist | August 21, 19:23 CET
Harmalicious | August 21, 19:24 CET
JesterInACast | August 21, 19:26 CET
Slipping About | August 21, 19:28 CET
hann23 | August 21, 19:31 CET
roddikinathome | August 21, 19:34 CET
I'm glad this will remain available as an archive. Before Buffy I was a Xena fan and in the late 90s whoosh.org was was a website I visited religiously. It hasn't been updated in over 10 years, but I'm immensely glad it's remained online, HTML frames and all.
My Whedonesque profile also says I have posted 0 links and 0 comments. Well, better late than never.
tomihawk | August 21, 19:34 CET
electricspacegirl | August 21, 19:37 CET
I'm sad to see the end of this site, although I understand and fully support the decision. What a labor of love it must have been, to do this for 15 years.
Cheers to you all!
JT | August 21, 19:45 CET
Glad to see you both, even if, as they say, it's for a sad reason.
(Saje, you were such an important voice on Whedonesque for a long time - your absence was palpable & your presence missed when you stopped posting.)
Jeebus, seeing everyone's posts is just making the impending loss that much more poignant. 😪
ETA: sumogrip, just saw what you said upthread. Truly, I'm just not a scary lady. I'm sorry you didn't feel comfortable enough to say hi.
[ edited by QuoterGal on 2017-08-22 01:53 ]
QuoterGal | August 21, 19:48 CET
Welcome back at the end of days to all the long ago posters, and welcome to the lurkers who sound so nice. <3
Sunfire | August 21, 19:55 CET
Nixygirl died? OMG! Words simply fail me. I am lost, truly.
catalyst2 | August 21, 20:01 CET
Should you wish to, I'm easily reachable on Twitter @whyiwatch. May love keep you in the air!
Pointy | August 21, 20:10 CET
I kind of wonder if this, the last thread, will wind up having the largest number of individual members posting. I mean, I'm sure there are longer threads in the site's history, but ...
lexigeek | August 21, 20:15 CET
This Website is part of who I am and I am so incredibly sad to see it go, even if I understand why. Caroline, Milo, Herb, thanks for all the work on it. Caroline, thanks for giving us all this space. Simon, Sunfire, Zeitgeist, SoddingNancyTribe, I've met some of you in person but know that all of you made this website what it is. Like so many others, I learned how to be a good internet citizen here and I quote those lessons and enforce them wherever I can.
I found people here who will always be friends. I learned so much from so many people, from all the points of view expressed.
And then, there was its purpose. To let us all know what was happening in the WhedonWorld and to allow us to talk about it. I kept moving away, but always came back because it is home. Thank you.
[ edited by Lioness on 2017-08-22 02:23 ]
Lioness | August 21, 20:15 CET
Eden | August 21, 20:15 CET
Since then, I've enjoyed visiting the site to see what the actors were up to, and the conversations. I've made a lot of great friends thanks to this 'verse.
Thanks for all that you've done Whedonesque! <3 You're definitely leaving a void when you're gone. If anyone wants to connect, I'm @zengrrl on most social media. =)
zengrrl | August 21, 20:16 CET
[ edited by elfgirl on 2017-08-22 02:23 ]
elfgirl | August 21, 20:22 CET
Let Down | August 21, 20:23 CET
Kiba | August 21, 20:24 CET
zeitgeist | August 21, 20:30 CET
samatwitch | August 21, 20:34 CET
Thanks for dropping by to share that with us, Tim. You're aces!
Has anyone seen Maddy? Or pat1082?
Willowy | August 21, 20:35 CET
As with most first loves, I guess it was inevitable that the honeymoon would pass, and I would learn ugly truths that I and others had been hiding from myself since the beginning of the relationship, but nothing will diminish the bright memories of those early days of discovery and naive joy.
I'm eternally grateful that I was privileged to have this space to share with all you wonderful people.
Mercenary | August 21, 20:37 CET
A HUGE thank you to all the people who have done so much to keep it running: Caroline, Zeitgeist, Simon, Sunfire, SoddingNancyTribe, and so many other folks behind the scenes. And a huge shout out to all the wonderful Whedonesquers who I have been honored to read all these years! Watching people stop in to this thread has been a precious but sad gift. Gossi, QuoterGal, Pointy, lexigeek, saje, electricspacegirl, whyiwatch...and so many more. Thanks to you all! There won't ever be a place exactly like this again.
Finally, thanks to Joss, Tim, and other Mutant Enemy folks who helped make Whedonesque such a special corner of the internet.
Also, I still think about Mr. Printy the Imprint Chair and have a little giggle to myself, so there's that.
ladygrey | August 21, 20:45 CET
tikamajere316 | August 21, 20:47 CET
Lioness | August 21, 20:53 CET
Casie | August 21, 20:53 CET
Especially over the last year, I've had a lot of trouble squaring my love of Joss's work with the ongoing series of scandals and controversies that seem to follow him around, this latest being the most disappointing. I can only imagine how difficult that must be for the owner and moderators of this site. So I can't blame them for deciding to pull the plug.
It's tough to say goodbye after almost 13 years as a member, but say goodbye I must!
Thanks to everyone who made this site the wonderful community it was.
Knuckleball | August 21, 20:55 CET
goodtime | August 21, 21:00 CET
catherine | August 21, 21:07 CET
And thank you, Lioness....we did some great shit, didn't we bix? I planned a CSTS event by myself! And it sold out! Never would I have the nerve to do that before Whedonesque.
Harmalicious | August 21, 21:07 CET
[ edited by Rune on 2017-08-22 03:10 ]
Rune | August 21, 21:09 CET
Best of luck to you all!! I will miss this site more than I know right now.
without_passion | August 21, 21:12 CET
my remorse my fear and doubt
such a crowd we need a bouncer
or the walls will buckle out
but redemption is upended
and comes singing through that spout
to drown these ghosts
and end their moan
gonna drink me back to eden
all alone
I know how you all look at me
I grow tired of what I can’t be
I came here drawn by art and found people I'm proud and happy to call friends. I need the art of rebellion and joy and triumph and overcoming and growing, and I need the art of falling and grieving and losing and growing weary and full of doubt. We all need friends who will be with us through all.
Farewell for now. Let's stay friends.
On Twitter, I'm @Pointy07.
Pointy | August 21, 21:16 CET
For years, I checked this site AT LEAST once a day, frequently more often than that. I have fallen off in the last few years, but I would check in every once in a while. And it was always nice to know that this place was still here, chugging warmly along.
I've been in a pretty terrible mood since I read the news yesterday. If it hadn't been for the Eclipse, which was beautiful and transcendant, today may have been one of the worst days of my life. I feel betrayed, hurt, and devastated. I have a lot of complicated emotions, and haven't figured out how to put them into words right now. The worst part is that last night I had a moment of lack of trust in my partner, who was out with her castmate. This is despite not being a normally jealous person, and having absolutely no reason not to trust her after 7 years of being together. So I think I have some stuff to work through as a result of this. It is completely understandable to close down Whedonesque at this moment, and though I am sad about it, I think it probably for the best.
Thank you for everything, Whedonesque. Here's to a bright future to everyone who reads this.
Giles_314 | August 21, 21:17 CET
There's more to the Whedonverse than Joss.
Six Degrees of Whedon. Don't let your love of the Whedonverse fade away.
I'm @Marsia on Twitter & Facebook, and will keep posting news and interviews, and about CSTS and other fandom charity events events on Whedonopolis.com
Marsia | August 21, 21:24 CET
I'll add my voice to the many that the timing was unfortunate although I can empathize both with this being a big decision that wasn't taken lightly. I absolutely appreciate all the hard work the mods have put in over the years and the posters that made this site what it was. Even if I never saw you all at cons or twitter (the first was never my thing, the second I'm just not very active although that actually is my Twitter info), this place was a home.
I truly understand those who have been emotionally impacted this week and can't claim I'm untouched by it. For me, I've never been much for symbols. I don't claim to know about the veracity of the news. I love discussion and I love ideas. So I hope for those who are affected, that you all find peace and closure. This is not ours to bear.
I always considered Whedenoesque a great touchstone in my life for what a fandom could be. And perhaps one of my greatest sorrows about its closing, is so very few come close to hitting the mark.
I truly appreciated the open discussion and myriad of voices amongst all of us and I consider my life enriched by hearing them. To the man himself, Joss I thank you for taking me on many a journey that at turns amused, delighted, terrified, and yes, occasionally emotionally wrecked me. I wish everyone who has ever been involved the best.
And even as a poster that was probably by turns argumentative, frustrating, curmudgeonly, and standoffish (on good days), I have nothing but love for all of you.
IF you'll excuse me, there are kids on my lawn.
P.S. I've added this edit, because when have I ever left a post alone?
[ edited by azzers on 2017-08-22 03:25 ]
azzers | August 21, 21:25 CET
No matter how we may feel about their Creator at this point, I still enjoy those wonderful works of his. Buffy, Angel and Firefly were, and are, incredible 'Verses full of rich characters and tales that made an impact on a much younger me. I will always treasure them.
Good luck to all!
Can't stop the signal...
[ edited by Darkest Wicca on 2017-08-22 03:30 ]
Darkest Wicca | August 21, 21:25 CET
Still processing my feelings on the news. Feel free to reach out & connect.
Twitter: @WineDarkKindBar.
Like With Pie | August 21, 21:29 CET
an ass out of myself. I'll miss you guys, especially IrrationaliTV who brings sanity in explaining what is inherently a crazy business.
Thanks all.
JDL | August 21, 21:31 CET
StowawayPete | August 21, 21:33 CET
While it's an understandable decision, I really wish this site could've gone out in a more fitting way and at a better time, given what a great place it's been and how fantastic the community was.
I'd drifted away due to not being particularly interested in Avengers or Shield, but it was always reassuring to know this site was still here to pop over to occasionally to see what was going on. Feels strange that it won't be any longer.
Echo the thanks to the brilliant and long-serving mods and to all the posters - discussions here were always so entertaining to read and take part in. And disagreements were almost always polite. The hours I spent here were countless and this site did mean a lot to me. It is nice to see so many familiar names, even in the circumstances.
Goodbye and all the best to you all.
[ edited by NotaViking on 2017-08-22 09:35 ]
NotaViking | August 21, 21:33 CET
I found Buffy over a decade ago. I was young and stuck in a weirdly patriarchal world, and I needed a story where the girl got to be the hero. Buffy (the show and character) filled that need, while Willow was the first queer girl I ever encountered in a work of fiction–and the first of many steps toward me coming out as a bi woman, many years later.
So much of my life has changed in the last fifteen years or so, but I will always be grateful that BTVS was there when I needed it. I fell head over heels in love with those characters and the fictional universe they inhabited (and, later, fell in love with ATS and Firefly). I didn't know a lot of people IRL who loved the shows the way I did, and Whedonesque made me feel less alone. For years, I looked at this site every day, and it's still a tab that's always open in my browser. (I may have a problem with excessive browser tabs, but that's another story).
Anyway, this has gotten long and rambly, but I think what I really want to say is just this: Buffy and Whedonesque have an important place in my heart, and it felt important to say that, before Whedonesque closes up shop. <3
erendis | August 21, 21:44 CET
Cheers.
[ edited by Crypto on 2017-08-22 10:53 ]
Crypto | August 21, 21:49 CET
I still remember the day membership was open for a while so I could suddenly join. It was a holiday, if I remember correctly.
Here's hoping we can reassemble elsewhere just for the fun of it even if I can't keep up with the conversation or think of anything clever to say.
Thanks to everyone for making this such an interesting, engaging community.
Scraggles | August 21, 21:49 CET
[ edited by Xane on 2017-08-22 03:52 ]
Xane | August 21, 21:52 CET
And I'm not at all an on-line presence anywhere or a social media guy, but I was probably never more (albeit rather sillily) thrilled than when Joss acknowledged one of my (very, very rare) posts here.
It took my remembering that to bring me down from most of the heightened negative emotions (some fair, some not so much) I was experiencing while reading so much of this (Some disappointment remains.).
So even though I'm not very good at it, I'm going to try to focus on the positive both in terms of the man and the site closing, and thank Joss the entertainer (and (with all due respect for and compassion toward his ex wife) thus in ample part Joss the man) and the mods and members for engaging and entertaining and sometimes challenging and enlightening me for so long.
There's a hole in the world. Feels like we ought to have known...
Brett | August 21, 21:54 CET
I'll always remember the wonderful, lively, stay-up-til-my-eyes-were-sore discussions here. From the beginning, when I lived and breathed the Angel the Series posts as Season 5 aired, to when I started writing my own reviews for the Buffy Season 8 comics and kicked off the SlayAlive Q&As with the comics creative teams.
Thank you to Caroline, Simon, Sunfire, zeitgeist and SoddingNancyTribe for keeping the fires burning. What a wealth of fandom discourse left written on these black pages. I'd like to think there's a metaphor there, how together we were bringing the light. (But then I'm always looking for a bit of hopeful symbolism <3)
As for me, my trail of bread crumbs leads back to Tumblr, if you're looking: @angearia
[ edited by Emmie on 2017-08-22 04:15 ]
Emmie | August 21, 21:54 CET
PaperSpock | August 21, 21:56 CET
Sallie | August 21, 21:56 CET
*kiss to y'all!*
aphasia | August 21, 22:05 CET
I won't have this or us sullied by recent ugly news. That Is Not Us.
I'm saddened and sorry for those who learned of the death of the Lurveliest nixygirl from my comment. It was recent and sudden. More on her in the Library under my post "Hello, Old Friends." Her beautiful, funny, heartbreaking service was live-streamed to include the hundreds around the world who called her their own. In my time here, she was the Heart and the Momma of Whedonesque.
barest_smidgen | August 21, 22:19 CET
Xander | August 21, 22:21 CET
Emmie | August 21, 22:26 CET
AndrewCrossett | August 21, 22:37 CET
taranova | August 21, 22:49 CET
zelda | August 21, 22:53 CET
Whedonesque has been around for almost as long as I've had an internet connection. My first computer with internet was only in the year 2000 (dial-up), so two years before Whedonesque. Around 2005 I found this site. I loved it and made it my homepage so it was the first thing I would read every time I would go online.
2 years later, in 2007, while I was living in Ireland for 6 months and didn't own a computer there, I would go on internet cafes for 1 hour every few days to do 2 things: email friends back home (Brazil) and check Whedonesque. During one of these online check ins, I saw a post about The Guild. Didn't have time to check it out at that time (I didn't realize the episodes were pretty short), so made a mental note to do that as soon as possible. Little did I know how much that would impact my life. A LOT, is the answer.
Then in 2008 I finally caught one of the open registration periods! I still remember my excitement when I got in. At that point I have been lurking for 3 years and it was just the coolest thing! I was a Whedonesque member!
Of course I ended up not posting much... For a number of reasons, but mostly a mix of my awkardness, feeling intimidated talking to people from whom I've been reading posts and comments for a while, and when shows were being aired, like Dollhouse (and then AoS), I didn't get to see it at the same time it airs in the US, so I always felt like everything I would/could comment had already been said. Ah, and at that point I was also very invested in The Guild's community, and ended up talking more over there.
But still, even though I wasn't an active member, every single time I interacted with a Whedonesque member, online or offline, it was a joy. I especially treasure two moments: the first time I went to SDCC, in 2009, and went straight to the California Browncoat's booth and saw danregal...
(me) "I know you!"
(him) "I know you too!" (to my total surprise!)
(me) "No, you don't..."
(him) "I do. You commented on a Flickr picture from last year's Con that you wish you could come to SDCC one day just to stop by our booth. And here you are!"
He probably doesn't remember that, but it's one of my favorite SDCC moments I've ever had and will always appreciate it.
And then, the second SDCC/Whedonesque moment was at SDCC 2011 when we had a little lovely dinner with a few Whedonesquers and Guildies. I was very nervous that it would feel like us, Guildies, were intruding on their dinner... but everyone there was so nice! We had great pizza and I got to put faces to usernames I've been seeing for years.
Lately I was lurking less frequently, mostly because of the convenience of having the site's feed on Facebook and just clicking on things I was interested from there, but still...
Let me say it again that while I was never that active here, and I don't know most of you guys well enough, I still love this site and I am very thankful it existed and that it was here for this long. Thank you again to the founders, the mods, and all the members.
I may be conflicted about a lot of things right now, but my respect and appreciation for Whedonesque is not one of those things. <3
[ edited by maxsummers on 2017-08-22 05:03 ]
maxsummers | August 21, 22:55 CET
When we know home is near
Understand
We'll go hand in hand
But we'll walk alone in fear
Tell me
Where do we go from here?
zelda | August 21, 22:56 CET
erastus | August 21, 23:00 CET
javelina | August 21, 23:03 CET
Yefa | August 21, 23:16 CET
In the 8 years since, Whedonesque has been the first site I open when I boot up my computer. My process goes: Whedonesque, Gmail, Youtube, and assorted blogs. Whedonesque was where I found out about Dollhouse, where I first learned that Joss was selected as the director and writer of Avengers 1, and where I was able to keep up with all the cast and crew that brought me such incredible entertainment starting with Buffy and going beyond. There hasn't been a day where I thought, "Well, I don't think I'm going to check Whedonesque today."
I rarely posted in the comments sections, but the discussions that took place there were some of the most amazing, civil, and thoughtful I've seen on the internet. Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr just cannot compare to the insights shared between the beloved members of this community. I have a great deal of gratitude and respect for the moderators who cultivated an incredible welcoming space for us. I don't think I'll ever find such a thing again.
To Caroline, Sunfire, Simon, and Zeitgeist (plus any moderator I might have forgotten -- so sorry that I don't remember your names!): no words can sum up the innumerable thanks for your dedication to Whedonesque. You built and watched over a community for 15 years, a community that might never be replicated in the history of pop culture -- not in an age where Tumblr and Twitter are the new hotspots for fandoms. Whedonesque was something truly special, and I'm never going to forget it.
To the members of Whedonesque: seeing that new comment notification appear below a daily post has become something of a highlight of my day. I loved reading everyone's thoughts, even if I disagreed with them or they pertained to topics I knew nothing about. The simple fact that I never feared the comments sections of Whedonesque growing hostile the way they do on other pop culture/social media sites always gave me incredible relief. My love goes out to you all. <3
To Joss, Tim Minear, and any other cast & crew that might be reading this: your collective works changed my life. Whatever else happens next, I'll carry what you've done for me to the end of my days. Thank you for everything.
I'll leave for my contact info (Twitter only) here, but I suspect I'll be adding a bunch of accounts in the coming days:
Twitter: @GabrielKHall.
PS: As far as site design goes, I favour the black-and-white simplicity of Whedonesque far more than the extravagance and dazzle of most other sites, notably EW, Buzzfeed, Twitter, Tumblr, and more. Everything you need to know about Whedonesque is right there at the front. I'll be sorry to see the site go, but never let it be said that the site design is less than stellar.
Shining | August 21, 23:23 CET
I just wanted to say thanks and bye.
Vinity | August 21, 23:36 CET
Oh, most definitely (was an avid reader/viewer of the motion comics preceding Lost Girl's original premiere... (and yeah - very weird reasons behind my love for that show as well.)
Haven't had the opportunity/drive to hunt down any of her work since, but I'll definitely have to look this Killjoys of which you speak up.
[shameless plug on]
Also, for those not yet in the know (which I'm guessing is quite a few - even here), this is Claire Boucher - aka the self-made, uncompromisingly independent one-woman powerhouse singer, producer, sound engineer, multi-instrumentalist, writer, dancer, fashion model/icon, graphic artist, music video director, video editor, and video colorist who is the solitary mastermind behind the futuristic multimedia project known as Grimes. Which is to say - exactly the kind of strong female character many people seem to be stuck thinking can only exist in fictional universes...
[shameless plug off]
[ edited by brinderwalt on 2017-08-22 05:52 ]
brinderwalt | August 21, 23:40 CET
I will miss Whedonesque so much, it's been a part of my life for so long. Since I found Firefly - many years ago now.
I remember when I got to join here how proud I was to be a part of this amazing classy community.
It's a saved destination in my bookmarks, but I came every day by typing a W in my search box and off my browser would go to here - home.
I made friends, life long forever friends because of this fandom. I joined others doing good works and felt empowered as a person because of this fandom. This fandom has inspired so many good people, so many good charities and fund raisers and kindnesses. This isn't just a place to share thoughts, to discuss tv shows and movies, it's been a catalyst for goodness.
Thank you to Caroline who made it, the mods one and all, but particularly Simon who I spoke to the most, and to all the participants here. A friend who is so mightily important to me and I talked about this at dinner tonight - ( I wouldn't know this lovely lady if not for Firefly and Joss. )- This place is a class act. Pure and simple. From the design, to the discussions, to the mods keeping the place safe and on focus.
Goodbye Whedonesque. It will be so hard not to come here every day. But I understand. All things must pass.
FollowMal | August 21, 23:59 CET
As to the news item - I have many conflicted feelings - a lot of which end in feeling heartbroken regarding both of them in different ways. It's hard to know what to say. So I won't.
But the reason I'm commenting for the first time in _years_ is to sincerely thank Caroline, Sunfire, Simon, zeitgeist, and SoddingNancyTribe, et al for everything that you've done to keep this site up and running - even after toying with shutting it down for 5 years. It's like losing a friend. The historian in me appreciates that you are transiting to keeping a read only form of the page so we can visit.
Thanks. Even though I mainly lurked and have been absent a lot the last few years, I will really miss this site and everyone here.
My twitter is @daisybuttercup.
Bye all.
DaisyButtercup | August 22, 00:03 CET
When I heard the news today that this site was shutting down, I immediately remembered how badly you made me feel all those years ago- everything that goes against being supportive and loving in a fandom. And all because I don't capitalize my comments. Guess what? e.e. cummings never capitalized and he is my literary hero. But you wouldn't know anything about that because you acted like vicious fascists and bullied me off your site. So yeeh, Whedonesque was memorable- in a bad way. Glad you are gone. Maybe you'd still be around if you didn't have major control issues.
[ edited by tayriley on 2017-08-22 06:05 ]
[ edited by tayriley on 2017-08-22 06:09 ]
tayriley | August 22, 00:03 CET
I was 14 when I started coming here. Just blossoming into a full-on Buffy and Joss fanatic. I remember so much from that time: The Succubus Club podcast. The Bronze posting board. Learning about Angel's cancellation on here. While I don't post as much as I used to back then, I would always swing by here to see what new things were happening. And now, this just won't be, anymore.
So many of the sites and communities from back then are gone now. The only real place to go now for the old school fans is http://www.thebronzealternative.com
This is going to take some time to get over. And we just celebrated the Buffy tv 20th Anniversary, too.
I just wish Giles were here, with me. I could use a Giles right now.
SpikeBad | August 22, 00:06 CET
And some of you are making me feel my age! I think I was 29 when I started coming here. :P
Oh and on the random chance any of you need to get a hold of me its my nick @gmail.com
[ edited by Grack21 on 2017-08-22 06:19 ]
Grack21 | August 22, 00:12 CET
On FB G Tommy Jensen if you want cast a signal my way.
Clear skies folks, smooth sailing.
Ceslas | August 22, 00:21 CET
Anyway, thanks to everyone who made Whedonesque what it was; for a time, it was amazing.
Tama | August 22, 00:26 CET
Thank you Caroline, and the mods for the tremendous amount of time energy and attention to detail you all put into this site. Thank you as well to the posters and contributors. For a long time I was obsessed with following this site. I loved its information, but also its conversation. I would read every post on every thread, just like I did tonight with this one. I apparently commented more than 2600 times, but only shared 3 posts. I am never the first one to see anything. That was why I was so thrilled to find this site when I first found and became obsessed with Buffy. You all introduced me to Angel and then Firefly. Once you got me caught up, you kept me abreast of the latest doings, which I took advantage of whenever I could. When I became disenchanted about the fandom and distanced myself, I still respected and had a special place in my heart for Whedonesque and for the members I had always so enjoyed playing with. Reading your names, combined with the closing of the site, has me a bit teary.
I did not know about nixygirl or embers. My condolances to all. I still smile when I think of ChrisinVA, and hope his family is doing well.
I too have no interest in delving into anyone's personal life, though I am sorry to hear about the intense pain that has come to what seemed from the outside to be a strong relationship. I also wish the timing on ending Whedonesque had been better, and that the donation suggestion did not make it seem that this was being done as a reaction, dismissal and punishment of Joss Whedon because of Kai Cole's article, but as has been said, it is the perogative of the mods, as it was in the beginning so it will be in the end.
Goodbye all, and thank you. I still get mail at newcjspirit@yahoo.com. ...and I'm around...
newcj | August 22, 00:34 CET
Harmalicious | August 22, 00:38 CET
GVH | August 22, 00:45 CET
I see I've posted over 500 comments, but I've become more a lurker these days as I've just been so incredibly busy. Despite not posting, I would still visit the site quite regularly and I'm sorry to see it go, but understand the reasons.
Thanks to Caroline for keeping this site running so long, despite such aging software. Even if it wasn't an adaptive site or mobile friendly, I could still manage to read it on a mobile device. The design of the site is quite dated compared to modern sites, but I feel it's aged quite well and still looks good.
Thanks to all the mods: Simon, Sunfire, zeitgeist, Milo Herb, SoddingNancyTribe and probably some others I'm missing. I've helped run sites many times smaller than this one and I realize how much hard work goes into keeping it running so smoothly.
Thanks for all the great commentary from the everyone in the community. As Whedoneque wasn't just a collection of links that got me coming back over so many years, it was all the comments and insight from everyone that made it interesting.
I see some have pointed out some of the boards that some of the community visits such as slayalive.com, buffyforums.net, buffy-boards.com. Please list any other sites or boards that people visit. Nothing will replace Whedoneque.com, but I would love to continue to read more from the community.
My Twitter handle is @matthewfabb. However, I mainly just post or retweet about things programming related.
So long and thanks for all the fish!
[ edited by Matt_Fabb on 2017-08-24 04:55 ]
Matt_Fabb | August 22, 01:13 CET
Jammer, dat de site verdwijnt, ik kwam er dagelijks en bleef zo altijd op de hoogte als er weer een nieuwe serie of comic uitkwam. Bedankt voor het harde en goede werk. Groeten, Thijs
Because Caroline is Dutch, a post in Dutch ;-)
It's a shame the site is going, I checked it everyday and it always kept me up to date when a new series or comic came out. Thank you for the hard and good work. Greetings, Thijs
tmvde | August 22, 01:13 CET
Thank you mods for creating and fostering such beautiful community of people. I wish all of you the best!
teachndoc | August 22, 01:16 CET
Gemini Webster | August 22, 01:17 CET
If anyone wishes to stay in touch with me, my email address is nebula1400@yahoo.com. My real name is Robin Brownfield. I can be found on Facebook and Twitter.
I didn't know nixygirl, embers, and ChrisInVirginia passed away. (I knew Aaron Swartz had died, but didn't realize he was a member of this site.) I'm now ever sadder, as I truly enjoyed their posts.
Thank you to Caroline, Simon, Sunfire, Sodding_Nancy_Tribe, zeitgeist (and the wonderful barest_smidgen) for all you've done to make this site what it was. Live long and prosper.
❤️🖖🏻☮️🌼
[ edited by Nebula1400 on 2017-08-22 08:50 ]
Nebula1400 | August 22, 01:39 CET
[ edited by Gemini Webster on 2017-08-22 08:02 ]
Gemini Webster | August 22, 02:02 CET
drakmaniso | August 22, 02:06 CET
I’m disappointed with the decision even though I respect it’s not mine to make. I just feel that it’s sad to see a knee jerk reaction to shut down a site that has spent years cultivating a group that has been prohibited from offering any criticism of the material or the people involved. The final comment of the statement is a clear indication of choosing a side.
I think this is a decision the parties involved will regret one day. Wish Joss and all involved many happy years. Hope Joss makes the DCEU as awesome as he did the MCU. Maybe he’ll finally get to make a connected TV show that’s actually a part of the universe it’s in.
kantgitrite101 | August 22, 02:58 CET
Grack21 | August 22, 03:05 CET
Big thanks to all the mods who have kept this site running, and to all contributors who have kept this one of the classiest place to be on the internet.
Take care all of you.
Garim | August 22, 03:07 CET
Thank you drakmaniso, that so perfectly sums up Whedonesque. Not a bad legacy!
Still so conflicted about this shutdown.
"Where do we go from here?"
StephenP | August 22, 03:10 CET
allthingsaverage | August 22, 03:15 CET
Thinking lots of deep thoughts today abd I completely understand why you guys chose to do this. I can't imagine what the last year or so have been like with the political situation being what it is. Yeah, the timing is bad, but it probably my always woukd have been bad.
Grack21 | August 22, 03:21 CET
almostmore than one hundred replys, I'd like to add that this indeed has been the most respectable internet community, I can remember. No trolls, no insults, no spam, no nothing. Even when things got political and I disagreed with opinions and viewpoints, Whedonesque was a place of adult discussion instead of immature profanities or inconsiderate censorship.Someone posted a link to Metafilter, a site I had never heard of before, and the comments over there are full of such negativity, with many people focusing only on the bad and perhaps even being happy they are now allowed – or atleast feel allowed – to tear down the statue, others have erected. There's none of that here. Some people are disappointed, others need time to sort out their feelings, but no comment – not a single one* – made me believe, that on its final days this would be a place, where the bad had greater value than the good.
This also one of the major reasons, why I won't join Twitter (the others being that I consider it to be a huge waste of valuable lifetime, and that I prefer on-topic conversations without a character limit): I don't want to hate the people, I disagree with. Nor do I want to hate their opinions. It leads to no good. But that's quite hard, when those opinions are communicated and experienced mostly through retweeted headlines and one-liners that leave so much open for interpretation and misunderstanding.
...
And there's Tim Minear. Wow. Never even knew he had an account here. You're going to read through the entire thing? Alright, since this is most likely the only "interaction" I'll ever have with you, read this: I LOVE your work.
So. There you go.
...
I also appreciate all the appropriate quotes, people have been posting, and think it's quite cool, that – from what I can tell – this important part of the internet did not origin in one of the places, you'd assume, like the United States, or the United Kingdom, but rather a small country quite close to me, that I always – well, since the 1998 World Cup, to be more precise – had quite a bit of sympathy for.
Again, if somebody with more drive and leadership qualities than me would like to continue this in some form, I'd be all for it. I think it deserves a try.
*Apparently there've been some but they got deleted. Didn't read them, won't count them, don't care about them.
Sahjhan | August 22, 03:28 CET
Thank you Whedonesque mods and posters, for all the years of community.
quacky | August 22, 04:02 CET
nyrk | August 22, 04:17 CET
Thank you all for providing not only interesting links and a delightfully calm looking page without hundreds of blinking ads in every margin, but also comment threads that always supplied me such a kind and intelligent place online. The world could always need more of those. And my very best wishes to those who kept the site running, fifteen years is a truly remarkable achievement and your mini-retirement is well deserved.
[ edited by Loki on 2017-08-22 10:48 ]
Loki | August 22, 04:48 CET
[ edited by Bad Karma on 2017-08-22 12:07 ]
Bad Karma | August 22, 06:07 CET
Satai (with Punsch) | August 22, 06:33 CET
illyrianvertigo | August 22, 06:38 CET
Thanks to the mods and the community for all of your dedication over these years and for being such a rocking fanbase. Best wishes to you all!
Muffyn | August 22, 07:52 CET
PaulaC | August 22, 08:13 CET
filops | August 22, 08:32 CET
I want to thank Simon for trying to help me with getting the Londinium poster signed for me.
If it hadn't been for this page I would never have been introduced to ArtCat's & 11th Hour's beautiful art. I will be forever grateful for that.
Oh, and I will never forget the marathon of posts during the Back Up Bash. Through all of you here I felt like I was actually there and a part of history.
It is truly the end of an era. So long friends.
madmolly | August 22, 08:39 CET
Gr. Argh.
I will really miss checking in here, but now I have a reason to pay attention to twitter.
So long, and thanks for all the fish.
Jocelyn | August 22, 08:43 CET
Jocelyn | August 22, 08:44 CET
Goodbye from a lurker who loved and read and was to shy to speak.
The last few days have been hard on us all, how dare someone we hold in such high esteem have such a moral failing...how dare he not live up to our godlike expectations.
I can only echo a point made by many others: he is just a man, and this failing was a personal one, not one that speaks to his feminist ideals or his work. So I do hope this site isn't being taken down purely based on his most recent actions but I do understand and share the mass levels of disappointment felt throughout the Whedonverse at this moment.
I hope this isn't the last of us as a collective.
Or, as Giles said, 'the earth is doomed, again.'
WakingUpASlayer | August 22, 09:07 CET
That said, this consistently was a very nice lil' corner of the internet to visit and I'll miss that sense of checkin' in and seeing what the kind n' clever people of this site were discussing.
Very best wishes to you all -
TallMichaelJ | August 22, 09:26 CET
Gosh, I spent so many hours reading this site. I will miss this space to celebrate all that spidered from connecting to Joss' work. That can't ever be taken from me personally.
I'm devastated that this can't continue in another form from those gracious enough to want to take it on. I understand it is the decision of the team to not do that.
I can't really comment on conjecture based on a blog post made during a difficult time. I know having lived through a similar relationship issue that these things are so complicated and there are a myriad of reasons why relationships implode. And although I feel internal conflict, I will be a fan for life. If anything, we already knew that humans are flawed. Much of Joss' work has addressed that. Heroes and Villains are inside us all. As we go through life we all see our parents, mentors, teachers, heroes taken off their pedestals. That is a big part of growing.
Anyway, this long and rambling post that is helping me process all of this...I'll end with deep and heartfelt gratitude to all who made this a community, to those that kept it going and to Joss' art, for bringing us together. For anyone that wants to connect, you can find me on Twitter @ashleylaura
[ edited by MsKittyFantastico on 2017-08-22 22:14 ]
[ edited by MsKittyFantastico on 2017-08-22 22:15 ]
MsKittyFantastico | August 22, 09:49 CET
Yes, there will always be some who think we did it because of the eclipse and nothing we say will convince them otherwise.
zeitgeist | August 22, 09:50 CET
Caroline | August 22, 09:54 CET
zeitgeist | August 22, 09:55 CET
gossi | August 22, 09:58 CET
zeitgeist | August 22, 10:00 CET
https://twitter.com/whedonesque/lists/class-of-whedonesque
Caroline | August 22, 10:15 CET
sleeper | August 22, 10:22 CET
Pantaryl | August 22, 10:23 CET
I guess I'll drop my twitter handle as well: @TweeterDel
I'm saddened by the closing of the site, but I can understand why it's happening now. It's amazing to even see it running in 2017. You all were lovely back when I was here and I'm sure that never changed. This is a great community of people and I hope to see you guys on twitter! Not the end. Just a new beginning.
Brink Of Insanity | August 22, 10:30 CET
Serenitymovie.org is still going.
Whatever is mine. (It's a very small general topic sorta place. Mostly me talking to myself and 3 other people...)
Goners.org (One stubborn fandom.)
If I didn't thank the mods here before, I am now.
[ edited by NYPinTA on 2017-08-23 20:51 ]
NYPinTA | August 22, 10:31 CET
Tonya Jarrett at Facebook.
Tonya J | August 22, 10:31 CET
Shall I go now?
Axed84 | August 22, 10:33 CET
If I get a chance I will make a longer post but I'm currently on a coach on the way to a football game and I need to find the right words. If I can. I see a lot of people commenting thay they were mostly lurkers - and yet I recognise most of the names! I think (along with the mods) the posters have really made this place. When we had a Whedon show on the air I would rush on here to see what X thought of it. And here is my only chance to say thank you to everyone who made those comments that made me think and laugh and just generally feel less alone. Thank you.
Also if Tim reads this far I love You!
Buffy and Angel are my favourite shows ever and that will never change. Even if this does.
My Twitter is @lyvanna
Leaf | August 22, 10:35 CET
Still just gutted. Feels like the whole 'verse is out of kilter.
ETA: I can't spell Twittr.
ETA 2: Damn it, still can't spell Twitter!
[ edited by catalyst2 on 2017-08-22 16:40 ]
[ edited by catalyst2 on 2017-08-22 16:41 ]
catalyst2 | August 22, 10:39 CET
While there were long stretches when I wasn't keeping up with the site, due to work and real life, it's always been there for me. I'm sad to see it go, but we must all move on.
As for the awful Joss news, I feel tremendously sad for Kai, the Whedon kids, and yes, even Joss. It's none of our business and shouldn't be, but it's clear this is a world of pain they are all going through.
People will join the pile on all over the internet, with the hot takes that are the norm for the internet. While I rejoiced with all of you when the first Avengers movie succeeded beyond all expectations, this is what comes with the territory when ones underdog idol is elevated to mainstream popularity. He's not the first and won't be the last to endure such a public shaming or bashing. By next week, there will be another celeb for the hordes to go after.
And lastly, although we tend to fixate on the artists, creatives and creations of our fandoms, I've always found that they are ultimately a reflection of ourselves. Our idols may fall from grace but hold on to how they made you feel and what you learned about yourself. And the wonderful, flawed, decent, kind, smart, funny people of this community are a testament to the works that brought us here. I'm deeply grateful to have been a part of this community. Thank you!
Oh, and I'm @NotoriousPKP at Twitter.
punkinpuss | August 22, 11:02 CET
(I'm @barest_smidgen on twitter, also, and dig the Class List that's happening/would love to be added.)
barest_smidgen | August 22, 11:30 CET
theblaberus | August 22, 11:35 CET
On Twitter as @thedothatgirl.
You'll be missed.
The Do That Girl | August 22, 11:35 CET
chasa | August 22, 11:35 CET
Knuckleball | August 22, 11:48 CET
Xantastic1316 | August 22, 11:54 CET
I have loved the way this site expanded my understanding of the stories I've enjoyed and the creators behind them for so long. I have treasured following leads to peripheral projects (whedonesque led me to back season one of Con Man!) And I have thrilled at the warm and wonderful conversations you have all had.
Thank you to Caroline and all the admins/mods. But mostly, thank you to all of you marvelously expressive people who came here and contributed. It has been a real treat to read all your comments.
@blanemather on twitter and Instagram
Blane Mather on Facebook
blanemather@yahoo.com
Thanks again everyone. I will miss you. Fare well, be well and look for joy in the little things in life.
blanetalk | August 22, 12:19 CET
FollowMal | August 22, 12:21 CET
jcs | August 22, 12:30 CET
I (re)tweet very rarely, and then almost exclusively about women's soccer and politics, a heady brew that may not be to anyone's taste, but:
@lalalalbc
SoddingNancyTribe | August 22, 12:34 CET
Nebula1400 | August 22, 12:35 CET
I want to thank all the admins and mods for the amazing job they have done (15 years, I think about the time and effort put into this, and really, thank you so much!).
I want to thank everyone here for being able to create a community that made people feel safe.
There are amazing people on here that I was lucky enough to meet years ago, online and some of them offline as well, during a dark time of deep depression in my life.
I can see that I'm not the only one who was really hepled deal with a tough time by the people in this fandom.
Being active in the fandom, back then, reminded me what being a feminist meant, but also helped me trust men by hosting some great ones. And I had some great fun, too! Nothing can take this away from me, and, hopefully, from anyone who had a similar experience.
So, yeah, just a big, huge thank you to everyone involved, for everything that Whedonesque has meant and will always mean. I am sad to see it closing, but I understand.
My twitter name is @gratta_capo, I used to be JoTheCat on twitter for all my fandom friends, but that account got hacked.
Be happy, and shiny as always, everyone!
JotheCat | August 22, 12:36 CET
Jelly | August 22, 12:42 CET
I'm @Peckinpal
sumogrip | August 22, 13:02 CET
It's been important for me for awhile to separate the huge influence that Joss Whedon and his works have had on my life from any one person or show. I thought I'd worked through the issues that "my fave is problematic" brought up and come out the other side with a nuanced understanding that the art is not the artist and you can love a thing and see its flaws at the same time.
I've got more thoughts about all of that but what I wanted to say here is thank you. Thank you, Whedonesque, thank you BtVS and whedon fandom and family for shaping my world in such positive ways. Television Without Pity buffy fandom (ok it was Mighty Big TV back then I think) was my first introduction to an engaging and kind fandom on the internet and helped me become fully computer literate. I searched for "firefly" on okcupid and found my now-fiance. I converted people to the love of these universes and watched them turn other people onto it until I felt responsible for hundreds of new fans and passions. I wrote college papers on Serenity, drunkenly lectured people in bars about the importance of flawed female heroines, and paid money at a Con just this weekend to take a picture with Nicholas Brendon because my 13-year-old self would have been excited. These worlds have given me so much and it's thanks to the other fans. You all saved the world. A lot.
Thanks for being such funny, decent people. I hope you're doing okay with all this and I'll see you down the road.
Robin Claire | August 22, 13:08 CET
Thanks whedonesque for being the only fan site for me since 2005.
Now I'm off to twitter (@BernardGastel) to drown my sorrow in outrage and cat pics.
bigsofty | August 22, 13:09 CET
"What are we going to do now?" ~ Dawn Summers
Out of Objects | August 22, 13:11 CET
My thanks go out to admins, mods, posters and lurkers.
@sista_ray
sister_ray | August 22, 13:37 CET
Goodbye all! See you in the verse!
SuperScuba
Twitter: @StevenTWhaley
SuperScuba | August 22, 13:43 CET
Nico-Angel | August 22, 13:54 CET
Snugels | August 22, 13:55 CET
Particularly to those who kept this site going and going and going...
The fruits of your labor have been, and are, a treasure.
Thank You.
RobynH | August 22, 13:58 CET
Thanks to Caroline and all of the mods and behind-the-scenes folk for keeping this site running for so many years. And thanks to the numerous posters, most of whom contributed a lot more than I, for making the fora so easy to read*. I didn't always agree with people's comments but I loved and appreciated the effort (most) posters put into expressing their viewpoints.
Best of luck to everybody! I might just have to get a Twitter account...
*yeah, yeah, the mods - particularly Simon of late - did need to help out now and then!
shelled | August 22, 14:07 CET
But as for the site-specific news... gosh. What a place this has been, and what a memory trip this thread has been. All these old familiar names. Thank you and love to everyone who made this place possible, now and forever. Thank you and love to all those who made the place still. Thank you and love to all the people of this site, one of the few places on the internet that I ever dared to read the comments...
A final thought: no love is ever wasted. And you know my tangled relationship with love, because I am...
ManEnoughToAdmitIt | August 22, 14:20 CET
kleemotion | August 22, 14:32 CET
Like many here, I didn't post often and I am sad to say farewell to the site. Though I've been less interested in Joss's work with Marvel, I still visit the site everyday, mostly out of habit, and I guess for a feeling of comfort. Many thanks to everyone who has worked hard to keep this going - Simon, Caroline, Gossi, SNT, Zeitgeist, Sunfire. I'm sure I'm missing people, so thanks to anyone I did not mention. I would like to say that what you all have done is brilliant, and please don't let anyone make you feel ashamed of no longer wanting or no longer being able to put work into the site.
I think I joined in 2008, around the time Dr. Horrible aired, though I'd been reading long before. I'd been watching Buffy since it first started airing on the BBC in the UK, I must have been 11 or 12. I grew up with the show, and it was immensely important to me. It was the first show that really told me that it was okay to be gay, and in many ways I owe everyone involved a huge debt, and I include this community in that group of people.
With regards to recent events, I will say it's important not to deify people. No one is infallible, nor should they be considered or held up as such. Whatever we think about Joss's personal relationships, it's also important to critique his art, to identify the flaws in his work, to examine the multiple forms of sexism and discrimination within it (no work is without them), and to realize that feminism as a project is not an end point at which we will ever arrive. In my view, feminism is a continual process of attempting to unlearn patriarchy, and of trying to understand how this systems of oppression, and others like capitalism, racism, and homophobia, are structural and inter-related rather than individual and distinct. Critique and sedition, like those oppressive systems they oppose, are never satisfied.
Buffy (and Angel, and Firefly) helped me through adolescence, through my undergraduate degree, through graduate school, and through multiple processes of emigration that I invariably undertook alone, from the UK, to Australia, to the US, to Canada. I've never met anyone from this site, but if anyone would like to be in touch, I'm now a professor working in Waterloo in Southern Ontario. My name is Daniel Cockayne, my email address is daniel.cockayne@gmail.com, and my twitter handle is @insistondoubt.
So thanks for a great run everyone - I don't think I would be who I am today without these shows and this community.
Much love,
Dan
[ edited by insistondoubt on 2017-08-22 20:35 ]
insistondoubt | August 22, 14:34 CET
And then I read Kai's letter. And I get it.
This day has been pretty devastating all around. I'm still processing. Buffy was my first love, my inspiration as a person, as a feminist, as someone who tries to fight to make the world better. I will always and forever be grateful to Joss for that. And for many more of his works, all of which I have followed, and many of those of his disciples. But I also cannot ignore the damage he knowingly did over the course of years to his wife, and the violation that that is of everything I admired him for. So. I think a step away is a good choice.
I will really really miss this site and this community. As many have said, I loved that this was a supportive, thoughtful place, of common minded people. I liked that there is one place where I can find out about all the things I'm interested in, and discover some new ones. Thank you so much to the moderators for keeping this going for so long, and to all of you for creating a community I could be part of (albeit in a mostly inactive way). I read a bunch of comments, I'm sure I'll come back to read more. Thanks in advance for archiving it all because I know I'll want to come back.
This feels like an end of an era in so many ways. I guess it really is.
Ilana99 | August 22, 14:38 CET
"What's a Rogue Demon?"
[ edited by Rogue Demon Hunter on 2017-08-22 20:48 ]
Rogue Demon Hunter | August 22, 14:39 CET
Ach! I see people mentioning the Twitter part is still ongoing, alas I don't have Twitter. So best of luck to everyone! See ye on the flip side!
Jas | August 22, 14:54 CET
Tin Ear Tom | August 22, 14:57 CET
Thanks for all the work everyone put into it.
Caleb | August 22, 15:03 CET
chellsbells | August 22, 15:17 CET
brinderwalt | August 22, 15:24 CET
@TweednDust
Satai (with Punsch) | August 22, 15:53 CET
This makes me very, very sad. :( Thank you for all the work that everyone put into this site over the years. It was truly a great resource and gathering place.
sfrechette | August 22, 16:09 CET
Haha, thanks QG -- promise, the fear was my own shyness, nothing to do with you! But I WILL overcome it and stop by Javista one of these days...
sumogrip | August 22, 16:33 CET
Emmie | August 22, 16:34 CET
Many thanks to the mods and to everyone else for giving us 15 wonderful years.
1starbuckstown | August 22, 16:35 CET
Thanks to everyone involved in having kept it alive for as long as you have. Thanks to the members who made it a great place to visit and share so much.
Simon- thanks so much for helping an insufferable Firefly fan early on!
Cheers everyone and take care!
@tzaogao1
Philo | August 22, 16:47 CET
I don't go on Twitter much but please add me to the list, I'm @Ston3y1 - (found more regularly on one of the boards... BuffyForums, BB or SlayAlive). With BtVS, show and comics, to still watch, read and discuss, I'll be around. :)
Great to see your name crop up again Emmie. :D
[ edited by Stoney on 2017-08-22 23:19 ]
Stoney | August 22, 16:52 CET
Simon | August 22, 16:54 CET
I'm on the twitter list, I retweet more than tweet but I'm there. Take good care of yourselves, everyone. Remember not to attack the writer.
Lioness | August 22, 16:56 CET
Jocelyn | August 22, 16:59 CET
blueberry scone | August 22, 17:11 CET
Buffy, Angel, Firefly, and most of Dollhouse will always hold a special place in my heart that not only brings me joy but also sometimes lets me know that eras have passed and I'm getting really old.
I guess the end of this site is sort of like that. But Joss will keep making new stuff and people will keep enjoying it, and there will be other comment boards out there somewhere. Probably. Or Twitter will replace all comment boards, in which case, I will be right there to comment after I dig myself a 60 foot sadness hole and bury myself in it.
[ edited by Celluloid Novelist on 2017-08-22 23:57 ]
Celluloid Novelist | August 22, 17:41 CET
Please add me to the twitter list (@razzies)
Grr Argh to all
Gypsy | August 22, 17:42 CET
I still viewed the site via feed and popped over here every few weeks to see what comments there might be on one story or another, but more often than not there weren't any. It's been quite nostalgic to see a number of familiar names and sad to see that some of them have been gone in a more permanent way.
The Class of Whedonesque is a nice idea. I'll add my account @yourlibrariandw Thanks to all the mods over the year and others who kept the site running. It's a lot of dedication and the site's been an important contributor to the history of its various fandoms.
yourlibrarian | August 22, 17:47 CET
wasabiseventeen | August 22, 17:49 CET
Goodbye
Valantha | August 22, 17:50 CET
I'm not on twitter but want to reiterate that if anyone starts up an alternative website to keep the Whedonesque discussions going, I'll be there. <3
Bluelark | August 22, 18:00 CET
Grack21 | August 22, 18:26 CET
I'd like to hear his side of the story and I'll never stop being a passionate fan of the shows and characters I came to love, but this admittedly sad news.
Thanks to the mods for their work in creating this site and keeping it one of the few places on the internet where flaming and trolling were not tolerated.
I wish I had started on the ground floor with Whedonesque, but I didn't discover Buffy until a few years worth of positive buzz made me want to check it out.
I feel like I'm saying goodbye to friends I've never met. That is a new and strange feeling. Who knows, maybe our paths will cross sometime.
batmarlowe | August 22, 18:31 CET
Thanks, then, for the years, thoughtfulness, and incredible heart you all have shown (especially the fearless Mods). Thanks for letting me be a part of it. Thanks to Jossir and his work for inspiring it - and the work continues, I hope. I feared the court of public opinion broke Joss after some of his projects (AOU in particular), but his stories are of that singular kind that need to be told, and heard, and lived. I hope that will continue in the future. (@ludwig88) Less than three, and see you soon, friends.
"No longer do the dance of joy, Numfar."
[ edited by MirandaGhost on 2017-08-23 00:40 ]
[ edited by MirandaGhost on 2017-08-23 01:51 ]
MirandaGhost | August 22, 18:38 CET
kpbkwrm | August 22, 18:57 CET
"Why do we have to get rid of so many things I like?"
roddikinathome | August 22, 18:57 CET
Jeremy [UK] | August 22, 19:03 CET
@drneevil
Much love to the mods. What a journey.
drneevil | August 22, 19:10 CET
Thanks for the years. Appreciated the space.
Oddly thinking about "Once More, with feeling" at this moment and the contributions in happier times.
I would hope that things would be different, but we are all human and it does make life interesting and oh so not boring.
And I was looking forward to following along with Agents of Shield in the new year.
"Where do we go from here?"
Thanks for being here. Bye
[ edited by alittledarkcorner on 2017-08-23 02:42 ]
alittledarkcorner | August 22, 19:31 CET
I'm going to miss having a convenient, clear place to find out what the cast and crew are doing. I'm going to miss the wit and eloquence of the posters here. I appreciate the work that's been put into this place for so long - thank you. Seems I can get my fix of Tumblr GIFs on Twitter, at least. ;)
I still have a Whedoncon writeup to work on...
MicheleVR5 | August 22, 20:25 CET
This site was very much like a home base for me for years. I referred to it as the "hive mind", the place where I was empathically connected to what was going on in the Whedon world, and always knew what was going on before it was known "outside" this circle. But most importantly, it was a great place to share discussion with great like-minded people.
Thanks to Caroline, Simon, and the many others who made this place possible and the many many posters who made it special.
In an effort to deal with all this through humor, I leave you with this from Dave Chapelle.
jam2 | August 22, 21:02 CET
Regarding the situation with Kai and Joss, we have another example of the oft seen and disconcerting disconnect between a person's art and their personal life. To me, Buffy the Vampire Slayer/Angel will always be a very important work of art that speaks to me profoundly on both a personal and political level. Does Whedon's failings as a person negate that? No. But it does cast a dark shadow, looming in the background, haunting and reminding us that you can't just profess and promote a politics, you MUST live it. His vision certainly changed hearts and minds, and will continue to do so, but we can't just live in the realm of ideas, promoting ideological struggle in the cultural sphere. It's what you do in your home, in your community, in the streets, which perversely, is that his work is about, concrete struggle and solidarity. It has to be about more than just cultural/ideological struggle because even if you manage to change a person's ideas or even a people's ideas, if that idea isn't established in everyday, concrete life, then that idea can just swing back because it isn't rooted in material reality. I would trade ten new feminist shows/movies for one new activist/organizer. We need real feminists now more than ever.
Keep struggling. Keep fighting. We will win.
DocBenway | August 22, 21:18 CET
Nebula1400 | August 22, 23:03 CET
Buffy and most Whedon-works were everything I ever wanted in scifi/fantasy. I've never loved other properties like I love them. Whedon's writing led me into my dream profession, film. I learned more from him than any other filmmaker or writer. Nothing can't undo that. But as a writer and artist I firmly believe you can't separate an artist from their work.
I'm disappointed that one of my heroes is so much more flawed than I ever imagined. While I'm still in shock it hasn't made me love his work less (so far). It makes me understand when I haven't loved it. When he clearly displayed a blind spot. And it does shine a different, unflattering light on a lot of things, like now to me he's more Willow with the cheating and manipulating than Buffy or Xander. But his work helped me understand that people are complicated. That each person is capable of great good and great evil. He's a talented, empathetic writer who wants to inspire others. He's also a man who horribly betrayed someone who deserved his love and respect. One doesn't cancel out the other. He's both a (inconsistent) feminist and a hypocrite. He clearly didn't live all his values but I feel he lived some of them.
Honestly, I'm still processing all of this since I was in the dark just two hours ago. At the end of the day, he and his works have done a lot of good for the world. And no matter what I am at least thankful for that.
luciddreams | August 23, 00:01 CET
Closure of site slightly redeemed by all the old/familiar faces stopping by to say goodbye.
[ edited by Kris on 2017-08-23 08:15 ]
Kris | August 23, 00:23 CET
I'm going to greatly miss reading everyone's comments after new episodes of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D (and the Inhumans discussions that'll never be now, assuming there was any Mutant Enemy involvement in that) and participating in the episode threads most weeks.
Kris | August 23, 00:51 CET
Garim | August 23, 01:10 CET
One of the most basic principles of my being is that I do not want to judge typical*** human behaviour. I might – sometimes strongly – disagree with it, and occassionally think that we, as a society, need to protect ourselves from it (murder is a perfect example for this****), but I try not to attach some (lack of) moral value to it.
All the people, I know – every single one, including myself – are flawed. Because of this, I don't consider being flawed a flaw. I don't view it as a stain. I view it as a necessity in order to be called "human". It comes with the package. In my mind, neither accomplishments, nor mistakes, should be over-valued and things shouldn't be read into them.
People exhibiting behaviour patterns, that I do not agree with, does not make me think less of them. It may, due to personal preferences, influence my interest in spending time with them, or supporting them, but not because I think their way of life is inferior to my own. Even if I sometimes fail to understand it.
I also firmly believe, that behaviour is strongly connected to circumstances and that given the right – or wrong – circumstances, every single person is capable of every single deed. But if I see myself theoretically commiting acts like adultery, or even murder – no matter how far away from them I may currently consider myself to be (Very far. Don't get any ideas. Cheating sucks.) – then how can I decry them in others? How can I express disappointment when I know – or atleast think –, that what keeps me from doing similar things is for the most part coincidental?
I can't, and so I won't. Even if all the accusations turn out to be true, I can see how your mind would enable you to lie to yourself just enough in order to be able to continue to live with yourself. It's basic self-protection and survival instinct. Because I don't think a halfway decent person could fully experience the guilt of their betrayal for one and a half decades without going completely mental.
Finally I want to say a quick word about the discussing of this topic in general: While I firmly believe in privacy and staying out of other people's business, I also believe that you cannot pick and choose as you see fit. When you enter the entertainment business, there are certain lines, you can draw, regarding your public persona, but you have to respect them, as well. You cannot draw them wherever and whenever you feel like it, and ignore them the rest of the time. Joss Whedon decided to become a public figure. Far beyond his work he has shared his personal thoughts and opinions and allowed people to appreciate not only his work, but him. Nobody forced him to do this, it was his own decision.
Kay Cole, on the other hand, wasn't a public figure. But she, too, decided to become one - or atleast make this a public issue. The story wasn't broken by the yellow press – it was broken by her. I think a respectful, considerate discussion is reasonable.
Furthermore, I personally like to take specific issues and hot-topics, and not necessarily talk about the specific cases, I often don't know enough about, but rather use them to talk about general ideas, that may be attached to them. Which – for the most part – is what I tried to do here.
*Especially considering that it's hardly more than an one-sided accusation at this point.
**For the record: I don't think this contradicts his views on women and equality, but that's just me. I consider that Kidman-thing to be far more questionable in that regard.
***A prominent and successful Hollywood producer, who – as far as I'm aware – wasn't exactly the most sought-after date in high school, and who's suddenly surrounded and appreciated and tempted by attractive young women? Come on, people. This isn't rocket science!
****Man buns also come to mind.
Sahjhan | August 23, 01:54 CET
Joss has never been a personal hero of mine, though I've loved his work since I discovered Firefly - I disagree with too much of his politics. I've changed my mind on a few things, though, more because of the discussions here than the shows themselves, although those didn't hurt. Art can be powerful. So I'm disappointed by the revelations (whatever details may or may not be true, I think it's clear something bad happened, and in fact I'd be disappointed even if the only news was that he'd gotten divorced) but after a day and a half to think about it, I've realized it's not going to stop me enjoying the shows. Yes, I do think less of him, but it's a good thing to have a reminder that we're all flawed humans.
I'm @rachelkachel on Twitter, but I'm pretty quiet.
Rachelkachel | August 23, 02:16 CET
All the old names popping up. Damn. I spent so much time here lurking and reading you guys. Saje!, so glad to see you. Also others, like Emmie, from the season 8 comics heydays. Those were the days! I still don't really believe this is the end.
Thank you Caroline and the other mods.
Thank you Sunfire.
And thank you Simon, for never taking away my bucket.
Kaan | August 23, 02:25 CET
Many thanks for all these years.
You will be greatly missed.
And like the previous comment, Joss if you read this : all of this are private issues. It's not our business and we only have one side of the coin.
Everybody makes mistakes. Please continue to believe in a better world even if you're not perfect.
[ edited by Grifter on 2017-08-23 10:01 ]
Grifter | August 23, 03:35 CET
But my handle is @anne_aa and I'd love to be added to the class!
darling | August 23, 06:00 CET
skippcomet | August 23, 06:22 CET
I'm going to miss this forum...
alittledarkcorner | August 23, 06:38 CET
Thank you to everyone whose thoughts and input I have cherished over the last decade or so -- first as an outsider, then as a superproud member. I seem to remember that I was member 8989, and that I patiently waited for a Halloween to come around to be a full-fledged member.
I will sorely miss Whedonesque, and hope to find a rebirth of sorts somewhere -- anywhere. Just push the button, and I'll come back.
I would love to be added to the class of Whedonesque -- I am @Carnelionne on Twitter.
Much respect and love to this community from Carnelionne
Carnelionne | August 23, 07:13 CET
I joined 9 years ago, after missing out on a couple of the registration days.
Back then, Slayerverse and Whedonesque were the places I went for the Whedon-community feeling.
These days Whedonesque is my place for the relevant news and discussions of Whedon's work and related stuff. I say "is", because I routinely type the URL when I'm online and it will take some time to change that.
I wished instead of the twitter, you would keep the Facebook page alive. Facebook with the posted links and comments can be a similar home... but I guess moderating the users there is even harder.
As for the issue: let's say all of it is true, it does not tarnish his works for me. Him being a cheating and lying husband is certainly a bad quality, but does not make him not a feminist. If he had relations with colleagues, fans and actresses, we cannot say if it was because of temptation or because he was in a position of power. Like most of the times, a public mob is not the way to go, when it is a personal issue. We do not have the insight here. We do not know what happened.
The works have great messages and they are what matters to me. Even if Joss seems to be less awesome as person, than I hoped he was.
When I visited this page this morning, I was wondering how the site would react to all of it. I did not expect that the site would close down.
Knowing myself how hard it is to run a Fanpage, I understand completely. I guess there are always many reasons to end a site and this new development is just another one on top.
Thanks for a safe place for discussions and for all your time and efforts. It is highly appreciated.
Now I need to continue reading all the comments....
Add on:
As some people feel like this is a slap in the face: Maybe add another charity to the top, to even it out a little. Equality charities are still in need of funding. ;)
Twitter:
@Lebannen
[ edited by roadi on 2017-08-23 13:39 ]
roadi | August 23, 07:27 CET
I really wanna thank Caroline and all the mods for keeping this place going for so long but I completely understand the decision. Angel will always be a very important show to me, I will continue loving AoS and his other work has given me a lot of joy in the past. Hopefully it will again in the future, but we'll see.
Ftr, my twitter is @nocticola (as is my tumblr and most fandom space handles, with or without a 88)
[ edited by Nocticola on 2017-08-24 00:13 ]
Nocticola | August 23, 07:46 CET
Passion | August 23, 07:46 CET
zeitgeist | August 23, 08:15 CET
While there are other places to discuss Whedon related projects, this has always been the best place for getting news, all here in one place. There won't be any Whedon-specific alternative for that, I'm afraid. That and the AoS episode discussions are what I will miss the most.
[ edited by AndrewCrossett on 2017-08-23 14:25 ]
AndrewCrossett | August 23, 08:24 CET
Dusk | August 23, 08:44 CET
Slayerverse! Yes! I remember that page (even went looking for it not too long ago, but it was gone) – and you. I think we even used to chat for a minute or two back in the day.
Sahjhan | August 23, 09:11 CET
Yes we did.
Good old times...
I went looking for it too. I think they kept the board for some time after closing the news site.
roadi | August 23, 09:18 CET
Sahjhan | August 23, 09:37 CET
After sharing a meal and chatting with our Moms, D told me about this post. We talked out our dismay over the recent developments. In the end we found it comforting that we had so randomly been together on this day of all days. This was a fandom we had grown to love.
Placing Mr. Whedon's personal defects aside, I found rooting for an underdog to be one of the most rewarding aspects of the fandom. With celebrity status and heightened media exposure (and the extreme ugliness that comes with it), the joy and engagement for me had become much less. I can only hazard a guess that others felt the same, as a large percentage of posts these past several months received 0 comments.
Truth be told, reading the comments was what I enjoyed most. That is testament to the skill of the creator and the mods: attracting quality people and shepherding spotless net-iquette.
So many thank yous to Caroline and Simon and Zeitgeist and sunfire and Gossi and all the mods for the years of dedication and hard work. This site was a calm spot in the storm of the world.
Best wishes and godspeed.
EDIT: Please add me to the Class of Whedonesque: @hera2511
[ edited by Hera on 2017-08-23 17:57 ]
[ edited by Hera on 2017-08-23 18:17 ]
Hera | August 23, 10:41 CET
Please do add me to the Twitter list: @MizBehavin1
MizBehavin1 | August 23, 11:20 CET
I didn't even know that Joss & Kai had separated, much less divorced, so I guess that made the news of his infidelity even more shocking.
And I'm grateful that you have given me the opportunity to say thank you to Caroline and the others for providing this space. As Hera just said, I often just read people's comments here without reading the actual news they were responding to. So many nice, intelligent, thoughtful people. I will miss this site. A lot.
I'm on facebook as Jocelyn Reynolds (currently my cover photo is of 2 stuffed bunnies, one of whom is "holding" my personal Mr. Pointy), and on Twitter as JossCat96 (that's not me being pretentious - my nickname has been Joss all my life).
stay shiny, keep flying
Jocelyn
[ edited by Jocelyn on 2017-08-23 17:26 ]
Jocelyn | August 23, 11:21 CET
I use this same alias at the Bronze Beta (all 6 or 7 of us left there are very friendly*grin) and at Reddit where I frequent the buffy angel whedon and himym subs among others.
Twitter is @katiesdaddykat ; there are several Robert or Bob Kendalls on Facebook and I don't want to give out my back info here
[ edited by DaddyCatALSO on 2017-08-23 17:54 ]
DaddyCatALSO | August 23, 11:53 CET
I came late, in 2005 I think, after lung surgery for metastatic leiomyosarcoma. A friend said he'd come over and help me, but only if I agreed to watch Buffy. I became a huge fan of Joss, watched DVDs a million times, bought the comics, got the lunchbox.
Because I never expected to live this long, I participated in an auction for a dinner with Joss but quit when it went over $10,000. I did pay $250 for a Firefly book that he autographed. I suggested some silly wording, and now, when I put it on eBay, I'll have to note that I never actually met him and what he said was a joke.
I supported Equality Now before I had heard of Joss. I have a master's degree in women's studies, and I defended Joss when I was an anonymous feminist blogger. I went to Slayage and invited David Lavery to speak at my Unitarian church on Joss's belief system.
Like so many others, I remain devastated by Kai's essay. If her accusations are true, the problem is not just adultery. He had power over women who worked for him or wanted work.
Suzie | August 23, 12:20 CET
Dana5140 | August 23, 12:38 CET
https://www.flickr.com/groups/35468153735@N01/discuss/72157685448077273/72157687898795625/
Willowy | August 23, 12:40 CET
electricspacegirl | August 23, 13:00 CET
I want to add to what I wrote above: my most precious friendship ( with Hera who shares the name Diane with me and whose Mama pronounced at dinner that it was a pretty name! ) is the gift Joss and this fandom gave me. My participation with and pride in Kids Need To Read is another gift Joss and this fandom gave to me. I will have them all of my life and I owe that to this place and Joss.
A note from Kids Need to Read:
( I hope that the mods will allow me some leeway bending the rules to post this as I'm a member of the board and writing about something I'm involved with and I know that's a no no, but please this one time? )
Kids Need to Read came from this fandom and it's grown and does good works nationally to inspire imagination thru giving books.
Thank you fandom, thank you this place, for all the support for the little charity and for again inspiring good here.
All of the board, the staff and the volunteers thank you, each and all.
FollowMal | August 23, 13:00 CET
And another plug for our tiny flickr group discussion :)
And ditto, electricspacegirl <3
Harmalicious | August 23, 13:04 CET
Mayhem | August 23, 13:20 CET
SuperScott | August 23, 13:46 CET
Thanks so much to the owners and mods for being brilliant hosts. And cheers to the many talented artists and storytellers in this "verse" who compelled all of us to post and post and post here…to gossip, criticize, squee, argue, fawn, admire with awe, etcetera.
I will never forget the first random Whedon-penned TV episode I was shown oh-so-many years ago…some mid-series hour of Angel with a lot of plot arcs that went way over my head. What I recall clearly now was my ears pricking up at the sharp, smart, heartfelt, funny, sassy, humanist dialogue. I'd never heard anything like it before. And really haven't since, either.
Life is messy. Fandom is forever.
[ edited by ProgGrrl on 2017-08-25 21:49 ]
ProgGrrl | August 24, 08:42 CET