The Over-Committed Syndrome
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| Title: | The Over-Committed Syndrome |
| Creator: | Kathy Carlson |
| Date(s): | 1980 |
| Medium: | |
| Fandom: | |
| Topic: | |
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| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
The Over-Committed Syndrome is a 1980 essay by Kathy Carlson.
It was printed in Stylus #1.
While the fandom discussed is Star Trek: TOS, this is mainly because that was the focus of the vast majority of media zines at the time, and therefore, this zine's audience.
The Introduction
"To paraphrase Bones, "I'm an artist, not a writer," but I promised, so... The subject of this article is The Over-Committed Syndrome, or more specifically how not to fall into that problem."
Some Topics Discussed
- the essay is from a fanartist's point of view
- keep track of your commitments
- don't promise what you can't deliver
- children, employment, and domestic duties can get in the way of fanac
- conventions can be tricky, as you'll be approached by lots of fans who want something from you, and it's hard to say no
From the Essay
It is extremely flattering to have fan editors - friends and strangers alike - request your help. It is so easy to say yes to everyone. I can only give you (fan writers/artists) some guidelines that have helped me keep above water - barely, that is.
Since I draw, this article will be basically from an artist's point of view, but at least some of these ideas can apply to writers.
First, take a realistic look at your life and how much free time you actually have. Are you married or single? Do you have children? Does your work demand extra time other than that spent on the job - i.e. a teacher who has lesson plans to make out and meetings to attend? Children are like wild cards. You never know when they will get sick or hurt or when you'll have to stay up all night with them. Sure, this kind of thing doesn't happen that often, but it's better to underestimate and take on fewer assignments. The extra time can be used to enjoy the zines you worked so hard to get.
Keep a record of what zines you are committed to and when they are due. This is especially important before going to a convention. Why? Well, at a con you get to meet and become friendly with many people, and most of them seem to be editors. If you don't know where you are in reference to your commitments, then it is very easy to promise work you can't actually accomplish. I usually carry my list in my head and as commitments are made, I make a mental note. When I get a chance I make a written notation.
I do not advocate walking around with a book writing everything down - that might not be well received - but I do advocate keeping yourself straight about what work you promised, to whom, and when. It makes for fewer hard feelings.
The last thing is by far the hardest, at least it is for me. Some time, somewhere, you have to say, "No." I always feel that in the long run it s better to disappoint someone right up front so they have a chance to get another artist, rather than back out at a later date. If someone insists, then it has to be on your terms and they must be willing to wait for you. The latter usually happens to only a few artists in fandom. It also carries the responsibility that you really try to get to that work as soon as possible.
Personally, I enjoy fandom and drawing much more when there is a minimum of pressure. For me, fandom is a hobby; it is not supposed to be another job. I'm sure there are those who would disagree, those who like the extra work and challenge. I have to be in the mood to draw; and when I have to produce illos, whether I feel like it or not, it becomes a drudge.