So, I made a random observation recently.
On ff.n the general "DC Superheroes" archive is very small and relatively unpopular. Especially when compared to the archives of specific DC cartoons such as Justice League, Teen Titans, and Young Justice. But on AO3 its the exact opposite. The cartoon fandoms are smaller and the general comic fandom is lager and more active. I find that interesting.
Personally, I think it has to do with easy access.
Both the cartoons and fan fiction.net are easier to access and navigate than the comics and AO3. The shows are broadcast on TV, so if your family already had a subscription, it takes no effort to just turn on the TV and watch. As opposed to a comic book which not only has to be bought individually but also has to be read and for some people reading is work. Then there's ff.n which is one of the first three hits when you type "fan fiction" into google, so its easiest to find, free to join and easy to navigate. AO3 on the other hand is still new, in Beta, has a waiting list to join and is still trying to work out the kinks in their navigation.
I think it makes a little sense that the easier DC medium would be more popular on the easier site, while the DC medium that required slightly more effort would be more popular on the site that required slightly more effort. (I have no proof of this, of course. Just a hypothesis.) But it does speak a bit about the types of people who frequent each site. Not sure if it says anything about the quality, though.
What's your take on this?
Have you noticed anything similar in your own fandoms?
On ff.n the general "DC Superheroes" archive is very small and relatively unpopular. Especially when compared to the archives of specific DC cartoons such as Justice League, Teen Titans, and Young Justice. But on AO3 its the exact opposite. The cartoon fandoms are smaller and the general comic fandom is lager and more active. I find that interesting.
Personally, I think it has to do with easy access.
Both the cartoons and fan fiction.net are easier to access and navigate than the comics and AO3. The shows are broadcast on TV, so if your family already had a subscription, it takes no effort to just turn on the TV and watch. As opposed to a comic book which not only has to be bought individually but also has to be read and for some people reading is work. Then there's ff.n which is one of the first three hits when you type "fan fiction" into google, so its easiest to find, free to join and easy to navigate. AO3 on the other hand is still new, in Beta, has a waiting list to join and is still trying to work out the kinks in their navigation.
I think it makes a little sense that the easier DC medium would be more popular on the easier site, while the DC medium that required slightly more effort would be more popular on the site that required slightly more effort. (I have no proof of this, of course. Just a hypothesis.) But it does speak a bit about the types of people who frequent each site. Not sure if it says anything about the quality, though.
What's your take on this?
Have you noticed anything similar in your own fandoms?
