The Fanbase Of One My Favorite Bands Read My Articles
They had many things to say
Every day, after I finish my writing routine, I put on my earbuds and get lost in the music. As I listen, I open up Reddit and head to the Dance Gavin Dance Subreddit, checking if the band has announced the name and release date of their new album.
I saw no announcement, but I kept scrolling. As I scroll, I stumble upon a post that reads: This was one of the most awkwardly written articles on dgd I’ve ever read. I click the post to learn who the fans put on the chopping block. After reading the caption, my heart sunk when I recognized a familiar image used in the post. They’re commenting on my article.
What have I done?
The comments broke me when they said my article was cringe, nonsensical and awkward. I understand why it made them wince. In the first paragraph, I said the fan base comprises 14-year-olds and the Hot Topic crowd. Yes, at one point, Dance Gavin Dance fans were 14 and wore clothes from Hot Topic, but that was a decade ago. They’re adults now with jobs and families.
They said it was nonsense because I had no clue what I was talking about. One commenter claimed, I contradict and invalidate my opinions. That’s true; I have a habit of contradicting myself. It’s a problem that reflects who I am as a person and writer. It’s an issue I’m working on, and I hope to overcome.
I understand my current writing style makes my opinions impossible to understand, but I know what I’m discussing. To prove it, here are facts about Dance Gavin Dance:
- Former vocalist Jonny Craig named Dance Gavin Dance after a pet turtle.
- Kris Crummett has produced every DGD album except Acceptance Speech, which the band and Matt Malpass mastered and mixed.
- Dance Gavin Dance commissions Mattias Adolfson for their album art. Adolfson has produced art for every album except their EP, Whatever I Say Is Royal Ocean, which vocalist Jon Mess painted.
They said my article seemed awkward because of my writing structure. Medium has a 3–5 paragraph format to help the readers digest a long and winded piece. I find the guideline tedious, but it’s a rule I have to follow. I hope Medium resolves this issue, as our readers aren’t idiots. Let’s stop treating them as so.
One person understood what I was trying to do: be funny. They said my article is a rejected draft from The Hard Times music publication. Yes, thank you for understanding my writing approach.
After I read every comment, I had to respond. I had to share my peace. Within minutes, the original poster responded, and this was what they said:
Me: Hi, I’m the writer of the article. I’ve been a longtime follower of the Dance Gavin Dance subreddit. I enjoy Tree City Sessions 2; DGD outperformed themselves. I’ll take all your criticisms to heart and be a better writer.
Edit: angsty 14-year-olds for life will make a great t-shirt. I’ll wear it in shame if Dance Gavin Dance produces it.
Original Poster: If you really are the writer, it’d be nice if it came off a little less “hello fellow kids”. It came off like we were still back in 2010 and some boomer was writing about a band that was “hip with the kids”. Just write about something in a way that’s meaningful to you and it will resonate with others. Don’t try to appease others with your writing. With that said, good luck and godspeed.
Me: That’s understandable. I love this band, and I’ll make sure to write something meaningful about them in the future. Thank you and keep listening to great music.
They’re right; I sounded out of touch. I wasn’t feeling well when I wrote the article, and I should’ve edited it for a few days before publishing. In addition, they mentioned how I need to write articles and stories that resonate with me and others. In the past, I’ve written meaningful pieces. A few relate to Dance Gavin Dance.
I don’t think they’re going to read this, but if they do, here are my other Dance Gavin Dance articles (stories) where I don’t sound out of touch. I hope the DGD community likes them and doesn’t tear to shreds.
Above all, I’m thankful this happened. It showed me I need not force my jokes if I have none to say. Before I publish, I have to proofread a few more times and make sure the writing doesn’t sound like nonsense.
On a positive note, most of these issues can get corrected if I keep learning and growing as a writer. I won’t repeat my mistakes by making the same mistakes year after year.
I may be a terrible writer, but it doesn’t mean I stop improving.
I edited the original Dance Gavin Dance article, as I submitted to the commenter’s criticisms. They have won.
