I think part of the problem may be that a lot of longer-term fans may not view AO3 as a good platform for discussion. Comments and answers, yes. But a free-wheeling exchange where anyone can jump in seems to be easier in LJ or DW -- partly because, if we're interested, we can track all comments on a post. I don't think AO3 has that feature; I know when someone responds directly to my comment, but won't see other comments/responses unless I go back to the original story.
Many long-term fans had LJ and/or DW before AO3 was available, so there was an automatic division when AO3 showed up -- LJ/DW for conversations, AO3 for stories and thank-you comments. No, probably not everyone, but that's certainly how I see the split. .
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...building a rapport with like-minded fans
I think part of the problem may be that a lot of longer-term fans may not view AO3 as a good platform for discussion. Comments and answers, yes. But a free-wheeling exchange where anyone can jump in seems to be easier in LJ or DW -- partly because, if we're interested, we can track all comments on a post. I don't think AO3 has that feature; I know when someone responds directly to my comment, but won't see other comments/responses unless I go back to the original story.
Many long-term fans had LJ and/or DW before AO3 was available, so there was an automatic division when AO3 showed up -- LJ/DW for conversations, AO3 for stories and thank-you comments. No, probably not everyone, but that's certainly how I see the split.
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