All fandoms have their own e-celebrities: folks who are well-known within specific online circles and communities, who’ve gained positive social standing due to clever gif-sets, well-written Tumblr posts, and the like. Like all other fandoms, the Once Upon A Time fandom has its share of e-celebrities — as well as bitter rivalries among various factions. This past week, a fan who’s a bit too invested in Emma Swan and Captain Hook’s relationship decided that posting gifs just wasn’t enough anymore. What’s the next level after that? Hacking and impersonating an Emma/Regina shipper, apparently.
This lengthy post documents the twists and turns in the alleged hacking of “ethan-8,” a well-known Swan Queen shipper (a moniker for Emma/Regina fans, given Emma’s last name and Regina’s royal status). The post’s exhaustive evidence does not paint a pretty picture. Having read the whole darn thing, I’m convinced the poor guy got hacked, but you’re welcome to form your own opinion.
Full disclosure? I’m a Swan Queen fan myself. I’m not active in the community, but I admit it: I ship ’em. The idea of Emma and Regina raising Henry together warms the cockles of my bitter heart. That said, I’ve never felt so emotionally invested in any one ship that I felt the need to lash out and cyber-bully folks who disagree with me. No matter where your heart may lie when it comes to dream pairings, I think we can all agree this behavior is Not Cool.
If you ever find yourself getting that angry about fandom, remember: you can always block and mute the people that you don’t like. We all like what we like. Leave well enough alone.
(via email tipster)
(Image via fanpop)
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