Well, there's a lot I have left here to comment about.
Firstly, I want to apologise. Not for posting this fic or writing it, but perhaps not putting a more clear disclaimer. That is the only real fault I feel I have here. I'd like to make my disclaimer more clear, if I could.
This is the most important point I will make, and to this there ARE no arguments:
We are not the same. What one person feels in PLEBA does not represent what everyone feels. This thread more than proves this; some like slash, some don't.
You do not represent me. FJ doesn't represent me, foray doesn't represent me, burnerhyme doesn't represent me. The only thing I will straight forwardly admit to us having in common is that we are U2 fans. That is ALL. After that point, it varies from person to person.
This is common sense people. I like Larry. Does that mean EVERYONE in this community likes him? Hell no. My favorite song is WTSHNN. Does that mean it's everyone's? No. I like slash. Does that mean everyone does?
NO.
I respect U2. There are boundaries I won't cross. I avoid writing about U2's family. I put disclaimers on my stories. My stories are placed under the fanFICTION area. I never try to portray any member of U2 in an exaggerated light, one way or the other. I don't make them pedophiles, rapists or murderers. I take what I see and try to portray it accurately.
We ARE put into a category as "U2 fans." Beyond that, I think the members of the band are smart enough to know that we're not all the same. Honestly. I think the area we have in which we all discuss non-U2 related subjects shows as much. Some are pro-war, some anti. Some think gay marriage is okay, some don't. Some like jazz music, some don't. Some think Tom Cruise is hot, some don't.
MY PREFERENCES ARE NOT YOURS.
Finally, let me note that someone mentioned that Bono thinks PLEBA is "scary girls." I have heard that before, which is why I avoided joining until a few MONTHS ago. I'm a newcomer, folks. And that quote from Bono is rather old. Notably, old enough that there hadn't BEEN any slash posted up here yet. So, his comment is in no way, shape or form connected to slash. He was referring to other traits of pleba, likely their tendency to worship the band members a bit more than they should. One of the good things about writing fiction about U2 is that it has forced me to recognise both their good sides and down sides, and realise they human like the rest of us.
U2 are four intelligent men who are well aware that women (and some men) find them attractive. They knew what they were getting into when they started twenty-five years ago. Part of the deal to being overpaid for doing what you love for a living is, in their occupation, a small loss to your private life. I would be VERY surprised if at least Bono and Edge don't already know about slash. Considering their tendency for affection toward each other when in public, they have a sense of humor about it. Adam's made it clear on more than one occassion that he has no qualms about homosexuality, and Larry has said the same (I have quotes, if I'm forced to pull them out).
Fanfiction has the word fiction in it for a reason. U2 know about it, allow it on THEIR OWN WEBSITE.
And for the last, final time. If you don't like it, don't bloody read it.
That said, I'd like to say thank you to those who defended me, as well as those who expressed an opinion, even if it didn't meet mine, in a polite and level manner.
I'd also like to thank those who complimented my writing. You don't have to like the subject material you're reading to recognise whether someone is a talented author or not. Both praise and constructive criticism are always welcome.
Also, there is freedom of speech. You can call me a sick, twisted fuck until your face turns blue. I don't have to read it, or agree with it. I will say that I think you're beating a dead horse, but that doesn't mean I will tell you STOP beating it. And even if I did, you sure as hell don't have to listen. It is up to the moderators to determine what is abuse here and what is not. I will say that I know Bonochick has asked several of you to stop, and to that I DO think it's disrespectful to ignore her.
Just know that at some point, your point becomes moot when you've killed it by being repetitive.
[Edit] I would also like to let an interesting- and personal- note about myself become common knowledge, perhaps to show the irony of this situation, maybe to make a point- I'll let you decide.
When I first came across slash about two years ago, I HATED it. I thought it was wrong, for mainly all the reasons that have been listed, but most importantly:
I was ignorant, close-minded and homophobic (note: this does NOT mean you HATE homosexuals, it means you are afraid of them, usually because you don't know anything about it, i.e., fear of the unknown).
For many, it's a case of not liking slash because the thought of two guys together doesn't do anything for you. That's understandable, completely.
For others it may be because you're scared to admit as much, or because you're not willing to accept others for their interests or sexual orientations.
Trust me when I say that is completely unfair to yourself. I have dozens of incredible, wonderful people that I otherwise would have "hated" if I had not given these people a chance despite how I may have disagreed with them at the time.
I'll just ask this question then:
Do you get upset when the members do this is real life? They hug, kiss, etc. all the time in public. Do you "ignore" or "forgive" it? Why it so wrong when I put it in written words?
Slash or U2 fiction involving sexuality - please explain the difference. Suffice it to say that I find the fiction I've read here offensive.
