Over the years there have been a few times when users critiqued me for posting something which wasn’t ‘purely BD / Euro comics / Euro art’ in nature. Generally, I’ve pointed them to the sidebar, recommending that they read it and understand that there’s an intentional looseness here in terms of material we focus on.

Sometimes that’s not enough, they insist, I push back, and sometimes we wind up arguing, likely each feeling misunderstood and annoyed, in the end.

The other day that happened yet again, with (IMO) nobody seeming to understand my intended point about the sidebar definition. But… then I made it worse. Unfortunately, I grew exasperated as things developed, leading up to me essentially scolding someone, and recommending too strongly that they ‘stay in their lane, bub.’ Yeap, yeap… so rude and unnecessary. *sigh*

And, altho I felt PERFECTLY self-righteous and indignant in those very moments, I’ve since come to heavily regret how I responded. Specifically, I admonished a single person far too much over what was something of a general, running issue. Nothing good can come from that, other than alienating such folks.

Unless, FINALLY… maybe I’m willing to take more responsibility and learn some lessons, here. So then:

• The current sidebar states: ““BD” refers to Franco-Belgian comics, but let’s open things up to include ALL Euro comics and GN’s. Euro-style artistry from around the world is also welcome. ^^”
• Welp, clearly that’s not indicative of what I was EXACTLY aiming for, which was to be a bit more inclusive and playful about this stuff. Altho, yes-- sometimes it’s right on the razor’s edge of intention, y’know?
• I’ve come to understand that arguing over this stuff in comments was in fact always more of a ‘me’ problem than anyone else’s. I mean, while there are occasionally trolls (also seen this week, funnily enough), I’d like to believe that most folks are productively objecting in terms of fact-checking motive and/or helpfulness.
• So in future, after the sidebar is re-written, and when encountering the “non-Euro” critiques, I intend to simply quote the relevant section and let it speak for itself, rather than argue.
• Maybe most important of all-- if there’s a “soul” to this community, I’d like to think that it involves examining and talking about fine comics and fine art (either Euro, Euro-inspired, or with some kind of Euro link). And I can assure you, from the bottom of my cloudy heart-- when the comments go in that direction, really nothing could please me more. I find them refreshing, motivating, and inspiring, all things which make me feel like running this community has been worth the effort, over the years. So thank you for that. <3

So again, mateys, MEA CULPA. The mistakes and passionate-idiocy were mine alone, and I’m terribly sorry to the community, and specifically to @calliope@retrolemmy.com, @allnewtypeface@leminal.space, @schmorpel@slrpnk.net for not treating your comments well.

In plain terms-- you were right, and I was wrong. I apologise to you, and to y’all. Not to mention, PLEASE keep that same energy when you encounter equivalent situations, and problems. Value it well, and keep it safe, please.

*phew*
That said, Happy Holidays to all, and if you like-- let’s listen to this next tune while I eat my humble pie. (and then, there’s a bonus feature)

MOBY - “We Are All Made of Stars”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1rFAaAKpVc

Inspiration from the title: “A Christmassy Ted.”
It’s an episode from one of my very favorite series, Father Ted:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQikWGsGMGk

NOTE: I’m going to take some time off upon this project. Not just because I need to think more upon what I’ve done, but also because I have a ~dozen posting projects, all of which need better attention. ❤️ to y’all, in the meantime.