Toxic fandom

In this week’s Geekerati newsletter, Christian Lindke looks at The Eye of Argon and toxic fans in fandom.

This is a slightly depressing read, and it argues that toxic fandom is just fandom - and mainstream fandom has always been toxic.

The article made me think about my reviews of ttrpgs, which are often critical (in the negative sense). But toxic?

While I often find problems in games, I’d really rather not find them. Yes, picking them apart can be fun, but it stems from frustration: I want those gamebooks to be better.

I’m also aware that gamebooks are very personal things – what works for me may not work for everyone. (But I rarely find anyone disagreeing with me.)

I don’t think my negative reviews are toxic, but I can imagine slightly awkward conversations should I ever encounter those authors in person.

A positive review

In case you thought I only wrote negative reviews, here’s my review of a game that I couldn’t find anything to complain about: Lady Blackbird.