Supergirl.tv Culture

Sadly, I share the sentiments expressed in this email. I have thought about expressing similar views in the Forum, but decided it wasn't really my place to do so. It's unfortunate because, judging from the results in your polls, most users really enjoy the program and the site; the "silent majority" if you will.

Unlike the emailer, I have continued to comment and to read the comments of others. I have tried to be positive in my comments; I don't really see a point in complaining, especially if it is about the same issue over and over again. What may be a valid point when mentioned once or twice becomes little more than a gripe session after multiple mentions. I have often been able to predict negative comments based on the author before even reading them, and have seldom been wrong.

Thanks for raising this issue. I hope it will inspire us to do better. The essence of this show is positivity and hope, and it's a shame if people are turning away from this site due to negativity. We have far too much shouting and negativity in the world already without bringing it here. Don't despair! You have created a great site and do a fabulous job with it.

Its almost like that emailer was describing my feelings. I know admin wont post info unless it comes from an official source but I also never see anyone here ever post any sort of info that hasnt hit official pages yet. for example I can confirm Nia, J'onn, Brainy, Chyler are all returning next season having said so on their IG posts. I can confirm SG is getting 22 episodes next season, its beginning filming a week earlier than usual (Late June) but is also getting an additional week off for the holidays. All I see posted here is what people dont like about this or that.


I know a lot of mutuals that use this site as a resource from the spoilers page to the gallery. They just dont want to comment or read comments because they are loving the season and feel the comments are mostly hate filled. My experience outside this site on social media is this season is being very well received.

I know this site promotes Supergirl radio as a podcast but might I also suggest both Supergirl's Attic and Supergirl TV Talk. my suggestions will take you a little deeper into discussions and I find them a little more positive towards the show.

TLDR; if the site design is to be a resource then thats been achieved and used by many in the silent majority, keep it up

Dont take this as criticism of the emailer or the site or the people who have commented on this particular issue in this thread. It is not my intention to disrespect anyone. But, how this comes off is....if you are not happy with the direction of the show, and express that then you are not a fan and therefore should not post your opinion on this site because it is for fans. Im a fan, I have been with this show since day 1...I didnt post here for a long time because I didnt want to be a downer. I started posting here again because I felt fans like me needed to be heard. I have not argued about anything, I have given backing to my thoughts, I havent disrespected an actor, a character or a member on this site...which back in Season 2 we had some on here that did that on a daily basis...so to be even remotely considered similar to that...well, maybe that wasnt the intent. If we as fans of this series cannot come to a place where we feel comfortable giving our opinion positive or negative, to me, that is the real problem. I love this show, these characters, these actors as much as anyone on this site. Why is my opinion, and others opinions less important simply because we are not happy with what we have seen this season? MAYBE, just maybe....there is substance to what we are saying. I have yet to say ANYONE was wrong for having no problems with this season, actually the opposite, Im happy you guys have enjoyed so much of this season. I would like some changes to be made for next season, and it may come off as negative, but I'm not sure how it is negative to desire more Supergirl on a show called Supergirl....and honestly I think most on here that have not enjoyed this season like others, simply want that as well. Maybe the changes that need to be made to fix the negative vibe from some here is not censoring any opinion good or bad, it is changes to bring the Super back to Supergirl. So maybe that change is not in the hands of anyone here....it is in the hands of the creative people on Supergirl.

If my posting my heart for this series is something that turns people off the site, then I can certainly go back to what I did throughout the majority of this season...that is certainly doable. And no sweat on my part...?

@Kelly, I agree. I haven’t enjoyed this season as much as others. I think some of the best times on the site are when the show is doing well, like the Lex episodes. I bring this up because I want to know if I need to do anything to be better or to make the site better. It could be simply, the site is a mirror of the show and when there is unrest there it’s here too.

I do thank you, and all of you, for keeping it respectful and being civil to other users. We still have that going for us and it’s rare this day and age on the internet.

The producers wanted a provocative season arc, and they accomplished that. They made choices in story, casting, and topics that they had to know would be divisive.

When the producers choose to kick the hornets' nest, expect some angry hornets. So I'm not sure there is anything to be done.

I will say this--until today, I was dead sure that the best days of Supergirl were behind it, which to me is tragic, because it has never entirely lived up to its vast potential. The news that Jay Faerber has joined the writing staff is most welcome. I think he can bring a little comic book magic back. Maybe his presence and vibe will help get things grooving a bit more.

I have tried to hold back my negative reactions on synopses and galleries, succeeding for the most part I think.

This last episode really disgusted me for reasons I went into elsewhere. Inspired by a couple of fellow members, I took a day and watched the rest of it tonight. I still hate it. But I gave it that chance. And the last few minutes were very strong, story and performance wise.

But when I think they have done well, I make sure to say so. It's been a bit of a roller coaster lately!

That said, I certainly don't wish to drive people away from the site. So I'll take a step back for awhile. I'm not going anywhere, just shifting more toward lurk mode.

Enjoy the rest of the season, all!

Once this show made me so excited I couldn't wait from one Monday to the next. I was more agitated when waiting for a new season of Supergirl than Game of Thrones. It brought untold joy and inspiration into my life.

Now this show resembles the first draft of a C-grade Year 8 English assignment. All the great potential from the setting, the brilliant actors and even the directors, all undone by writing subpar beyond reason.

This is the place to discuss the show is it not? If here is not the place to critique it, where? At least our reasons for why the show is doing sub-optimally are actually reasons. It's not like we're far-right trolls screaming about "sjws" etc. We're pointing out very real defects in terms of narrative convention.

For every fictional work there are those die-hard fans, for whom any and every aspect of the work is brilliant, even when run to the gutter. If next episode everyone turned into anthropomorphic chickens, there would still be those that think it was good. Which I don't mind. But for those who don't automatically enjoy anything and everything religiously and see faults as they are, I don't believe they must behave like the former.

I never called out people for thinking elements of the show are good when they are not. Why must I pay for the reverse?

But here is the good news I suppose for those who cannot stand any thread of "negativity" (aka honesty and impartial critique). Should the show continue this way for much longer, I think my fandom with Supergirl will at last be at an end. I will thank Eric and Kelsey and all the members for the site and times we had and leave you guys in peace. That would probably work to the advantage of everyone.

I have to agree that I don't think it's anything with the site. It's absolutely wonderful, here, especially compared to other forums. I'll freely admit that I've been really negative, this year. While commenting on my issues with the show, I've never degraded anyone on the show, or here on the forum. I'm simply stated what I think the problem areas are, and how I think they can improve.

I'm sorry to say that, if comments and discussions about the show have become more negative, I think it's just because more users on this site are having the same problems with the show. Frankly, it's nice to come here and see I'm not alone in the way I feel. But it has gotten to a point where I'm uncomfortable sharing how I feel about the show, because people just say I'm not giving the show a chance, or judging things prematurely. But whenever I comment on promo photos, it's JUST on those photos, not the episode. Same with trailers. Then I comment on and judge the actual episode, separately. And I give every episode a chance. I've literally watched every episode, the night it aired, since the show started. It's the only show I can say that about.

I understand wanting to keep things positive. Really, I do. But I honestly think that if the "negativity" is just feedback on how we feel about the direction of the show, then it should be welcome (as long as it's presented respectfully). It's not a statement about this site, it's a commentary about the state of the show. And I know that if I can't speak openly about this show, even when I'm not particularly happy with it...that's what would turn me away from this site.

As for the "fix"...I unfortunately know that it's not in yours or our hands. There are other gripes, here and there, but the big, predominant issue is that we want "Supergirl" to be about Supergirl, again. I mean...Kara's present, but she shouldn't feel like a supporting character in her own show. And by-and-large, that's how this year has felt.

We're speaking about people being turned away from the site due to negativity. But I know several friends who've just given up on the show, in the past year, because they have similar problems with Supergirl not being the focus of her own series.

I like being able to speak truthfully about my feelings on the show. And knowing a few of the actors and creators frequent the site, from time to time, makes me feel like maybe...just MAYBE...our concerns might be heard and addressed in the future. I know it's probably not true.

Bottom line, you guys run a great site. And I'm sorry the trend has been negative, this year. But as I said, earlier, it's a commentary on the current state of the show, and not on your wonderful site. I really hope you know that.

There have been some incredible comments here both in reflecting the “negativity” and in supporting free criticism and analysis.

First I want to reinterate a few points. First, no one has done anything wrong. You are all very good users who have adopted a community that demands courtesy.

Second, I think there is a prevailing opinion that is becoming clear. Like it or not, this site (which gives me great joy) reflects an opinion of a view of the show. We aren’t here to be a cheerleader, but provide ground where discussion can happen.

I fear that the message from my first post is that “there is something wrong with you”. But that isn’t the case, I want to know what I should do for the site. Can I make it more “fun” for everyone, or is that not my place?

Many of you have been incredibly generous! Comments about the look and “professionalism” of the site do not fall on deaf ears. This elated us!

I guess all I want to say is thank you for talking about this tough issue, it may have nothing to do with the site, but if I can do more, let me know!

I think you're doing the best possible really. Site's as good as it can be. Cheers

A small word of advice, for whatever it is worth:

A negative comment or two here and there does not a site make. The site itself is fine. There are no issues with how it is run or its presentation / layout, or its user contributed content for that matter.

The criticism is of the show's shortcomings and people's reactions to how the show is progressing. The PTB (Executives, writers et al) have taken it in a direction that has chafed a few people this season and have irked other with their one-track messaging. They've gone all-in for the SJW angle and it has not been as well-received as they may have anticipated or hoped for. There is much room for improvement. We had the LGBTQ issue raised in S2 and other issues brought forth in various seasons since then. There were criticisms then and there will continue to be (fair) criticisms now.

Technically speaking, the issues are with the under-developed storylines and poor writing. It has nothing to do with the actors or crews working on the show. The show has suffered from serious inconsistences since Day 1 (some are to be expected since it is a weekly TV show) but as the seasons have progressed, it has become more evident. Expect some push back for that. It is natural.

As for the e-mailer's assertions that the comments are more a "howl of negativity" now, I would beg to disagree very politely, but strongly. People can and must express their opinions freely and not be lock-step or mindless cheerleaders. If the e-mailer is hoping for a return to form for that (from the show's early, giddy days), this person must take a look out their window and realise that the world has changed very dramatically in the last five years. Many of us have stuck with this show since its inception and have a great deal of investment in this show and its potential (in the emotional, fan appreciation sense) and have been let down with repeated promised delivery but unrealised / under-realised follow-through.

If the person is looking for consistent cheerleader-type comments, this isn't the place for that. If the person is looking for honest assessments, polite discourse and civil conversation, we can provide that.

I will agree with the e-mailer on one point though, many of the user postings / commentary on the news page regarding photos, synopses, trailers, etc. should really be reserved for the Forum section as they tend to spark lengthy debates or off-topic replies, but to each their own.

I get where people are coming from as far as not liking the negativity, but as someone who has worked on a forum now since 2006 and many a bad movie blow out have I seen....lol What is happening here pales in comparison. Heck, what I see here at this moment is far greater disciplined debate than what we had just a year and a half ago.

And I do understand the complaints about what is happening on the news feeds. However, that is simply the nature of the beast of a site like this. More people are going to peruse the news feed than the forum. The forum is what is being underused and it will continue to be until people see it as a place where their opinions will actually be read. It's no fun to give an opinion and no one gives a retort or agreement until days later. Again, that is the nature of the beast. We come here to read AND BE HEARD....if know one is doing either to your comments, well then you post where they will read and that is what we have happening here. Will that change? probably not, no matter how much we wish it would, the direct communication with the vast majority of a site is what people gravitate to and that is the news feed. Also, there are those that hope that MAYBE the PTB take quick glances at what is happening in the news feeds, I'm sure they do not have the time to peruse the forum.

On the news feed you have the following:

1). Synopsis of each episode. If people are giving their hopes, desires and opinion of what is to come after reading the synopsis, what is the harm in that.
2). We have photos for each episode. Isn't it kind of obvious that people will give their take on what they see in the pictures?
3). We have different news articles added weekly on this or that....if you go to the news articles themselves in the feed you will find all sorts of comments good, bad, indifferent etc.....that will probably happen here as well.

When people read these things on the news feed, it is natural to want to comment on them immediately, that is how it works.

IMO, the only way to stop that is to no longer have comments on in the news feed and have people start the conversations in the forum for each article, set of pics and synopsis. If people want to discuss then they HAVE TO GO THERE to discuss. But, IMO that is going to be a problem that would end in less discussion of these things positive or negative. To me as long as the conversation sticks to the topic of whatever is in the news feed, in all fairness, it should be fair game for all sides of the discussion.

I also understand people seeing repeat of opinions. I get that, but when their problems with the series are in every episode you may get that repeat.

Again, it is the nature of the beast of a fan site. There are all kinds of fans, coming from all walks of life, with all kinds of opinions. Unless they are being disrespectful of those that give us this series weekly, or people on this site, they should be heard.....or in this case.....read. And IMO, in all areas of the site as long as their topic of discussion meets with the article, pics, synopsis that has been posted.

I get where people are coming from as far as not liking the negativity, but as someone who has worked on a forum now since 2006 and many a bad movie blow out have I seen....lol What is happening here pales in comparison. Heck, what I see here at this moment is far greater disciplined debate than what we had just a year and a half ago.

And I do understand the complaints about what is happening on the news feeds. However, that is simply the nature of the beast of a site like this. More people are going to peruse the news feed than the forum. The forum is what is being underused and it will continue to be until people see it as a place where their opinions will actually be read. It's no fun to give an opinion and no one gives a retort or agreement until days later. Again, that is the nature of the beast. We come here to read AND BE read....if no one is doing either to your comments, well then you post where they will read and that is what we have here. Will that change? probably not, no matter how much we wish it would, the direct communication with the vast majority of a site is what people gravitate to and that is the news feed. Also, there are those that hope that MAYBE the PTB take quick glances at what is happening in the news feeds, I'm sure they do not have the time to peruse the forum.

On the news feed you have the following:

1). Synopsis of each episode. If people are giving their hopes, desires and opinion of what is to come after reading the synopsis, what is the harm in that.
2). We have photos for each episode. Isn't it kind of obvious that people will give their take on what they see in the pictures?
3). We have different news articles added weekly on this or that....if you go to the news articles themselves in the feed you will find all sorts of comments good, bad, indifferent etc.....that will probably happen here as well.

When people read these things on the news feed, it is natural to want to comment on them immediately, that is how it works.

IMO, the only way to stop that is to no longer have comments on in the news feed and have people start the conversations in the forum for each article, set of pics and synopsis. If people want to discuss then they HAVE TO GO THERE to discuss. But, IMO that is going to be a problem that would end in less discussion of these things positive or negative. To me as long as the conversation sticks to the topic of whatever is in the news feed, in all fairness, it should be fair game for all sides of the discussion.

I also understand people seeing repeat of opinions. I get that, but when their problems with the series are in every episode you may get that repeat.

Again, it is the nature of the beast of a fan site. There are all kinds of fans, coming from all walks of life, with all kinds of opinions. Unless they are being disrespectful of those that give us this series weekly, or people on this site, they should be heard.....or in this case.....read. And IMO, in all areas of the site as long as their topic of discussion meets with the article, pics, synopsis that has been posted.

People have different tastes in life; when it comes to which colour you like (blue or red), nobody minds if someone else's taste doesn't match with yours. However, when it comes to areas where we have emotional involvement (for some reason, that doesn't include colours, go figure), it seems that that objectiveness goes for a toss.

We are primarily social beings. And we want to belong. So, we either want our views represented in the forums we visit or we adjust to reflect those views. If neither can happen, there is discontent.

If our own happiness about an episode seems to come down after seeing critical comments, then, unjustly, we blame the people who don't see the things that we loved and love it the same way. And, I suppose reduced happiness is not very easy to bear with.

I am sure likewise, if you dislike how the show treats something and if you see everyone else is elated about it, you can't like it much. It makes a dissonance. So, when you see a bunch of people feeling similarly about the episode as you do, you go ahead and join in and say, oh yes, I feel this way too.

That, I suppose can get cumulative. But, I don't see how it can be avoided. It is just how the world in general and the fandom works.

It may also be because people are to some extent disheartened all over the world for some reasons--there is an anxiety, a change in human emotions going on in a collective manner--and people look to the show to give them relief from it. When they are disappointed, it is only natural that would appear in the forums. And, if someone actually finds joy in the episode, again, it is natural that they look at the forums and say... oh they are a bunch of negative posts.

I think it is best to avoid echo chambers; but at least when it comes to shows watched for entertainment, you may also need to protect your emotional well being. So, if people feel like they can't read the comments any more, they shouldn't. I don't see how you, admin, could do anything about it.

I myself have stopped going to certain forums after I found that I don't particularly like their take on things. I have seen that in (entertainment) forums in many cases, opinions tend to coalesce around a certain view point.. which may point to certain viewers visiting certain forums while certain others being attracted to another type.

The best choice is to go to the site or forum that best gives you the kind of discussion or news you are looking for. Or, to take from each, what you would like and leave the rest.

I am not well versed enough in web development to say if it is possible or not in the news site; but in forums, we could have a criticism and a positive comments thread for each episode (or each set as Kiwi has been doing). So, if people come to forum, they can just look at the positives thread (or the critique thread) if they only want that.

Anyways, I would like to say that much of my knowledge of how diverse human opinion and human perceptions are and how each person sees the same thing differently comes from being in the fandom the past few years. Your site has been a big part of that. That insight into how we all see things different has helped me in my interpersonal relationships and my worldview as well and is not limited to the fandom.

So, I think you from the bottom of my ventricles and atria for your enthusiasm for Supergirl and for this site. Thanks for being there and taking joy.

I also echo RS Chick's comment about Supergirl's attic. It is a super podcast.

Adding my two cents.

Something Rschick mentioned. On this site, there's negativity towards this season; whereas, as a whole, on other sites this season is being well received. However, I have noticed something about those other sites, that I will touch on in just a moment.

But first, what I like MOST about this site, we will have disagreements, and point out places we feel need changes; but always do so respectfully. And when we don't, others bring us back to Earth, so to speak--reminding us in a respectful way to check ourselves. We also tend to be more open for changing our minds upon reflection on our initial comments.

From MY experience, it's not always like that on other sites when things AREN'T going "their way"--i.e. a ship break up, or a very hot topic not being handled the way they think it should be. Right now, things are going their way. But, the moment they feel slighted, all hades breaks loose--actors/actresses'writers/producers get attacked on a personal level. They attack one another on very personal levels, as well. Been the unfortunate recipient of that group attack for something said rather innocently--("I love Alex and Wynn together" People tried to eviscerate me. That's never happened here where it went un-checked and unchallenged either by our Admin and/or other members. I appreciate that.

Looking inwardly at myself, in the four years here I've expressed disagreements with story lines from time-to-time--a few times rather passionately. I appreciate those who've been patient, and either read what I had to say, or politely skipped on by. I'm finding that I'm getting better at just overlooking things I don't like, and happier for it.

I have been thinking about the replies here, the email that kicked things off, and my own feelings regarding honest opinions.

I want to preface this by saying I don't at all feel that the administration is trying to squelch any opinion. However, I do want to help make the site appear as welcoming as possible.

I think my personal solution going forward will be to limit my more negative remarks to the forums, leaving the more forward-facing comments sections on news stories and recaps alone for the most part. Unless I have something especially nice to say.

Additionally, I will endeavor not to belabor old gripes and sound like a broken record--to a point. I will still call out long standing issues, just not as frequently.

I feel this will allow free expression of my thoughts while helping maintain a more positive, welcoming space.

Like I said earlier, I am not going away, just pulling back somewhat. I love the site and the people here.

I think my personal solution going forward will be to limit my more negative remarks to the forums, leaving the more forward-facing comments sections on news stories and recaps alone for the most part. Unless I have something especially nice to say.

That’s a really good and actionable idea. It’s a win/win you get to express your opinions while the most forward facing part of the site can be more welcoming to someone like the person who sent that e-mail. TBH the forum had kinda been the place where frequent posters let loose but somewhere along the line that changed.

I’ve been thinking about my own remarks in the context of making the site welcoming and find there’s room for improvement. I’ve decided I’m going to reinstate two personal rules that I’ve had at times then dropped. One, if I find myself really emotionally effected by a comment I’ll type out my response in a Word Document or e-mail then wait a few hours to see if I still think it’s appropriate after I’ve cooled down. The second rule is no going on the internet right after watching an episode. I need to sleep on it to solidify my own opinion before I read others opinions.

I hate beating around the bush....so lets try and get to the point please, because Im trying to figure out exactly what people are wanting.

Those that are not happy with the negative vibe. What exactly would you like to see happen?

No negativity anywhere?

Only positive on the news feed, keep the negative in the forums?



Its hard to gauge where people are coming from...

for me, all opinions should be able to be given freely anywhere as long as they are respectful of the people that are a part of this series, and people on the site giving their own opinion. So if it is to keep negative only to the forums...it would be good to know if that is the direction this is headed in because I just havent seen anything even remotely disrespectful in a very long time....just people putting their opinion out there...Im kind of confused at the whole thing I guess.

I definitely don’t want no negativity anywhere nor do I think the news feed should be entirely criticism free. If my post conveyed that then I didn’t express myself clearly. I took LibertyPrime’s post to mean he would put his most negative which I don’t take to mean not all negative comments in the forum.

I can’t think of a hard and fast rule. I feel pretty confident in saying everyone here would like to encourage someone like the person who sent the e-mail to join in. Unfortunately this isn’t a one size fits all thing. How about we brainstorm a bit and see what the group comes up with.

@Kelly, I don’t think there is an actionable item here. No changes are needed.

I made folks aware of a perspective that was out there. I was scared that that perspective was something I shouldn’t allow as an admin. But many of you have reached out here and privately to tell me it isn’t my job. The site still has an amazing standing in the community of fans. We are still the go to for anything Supergirl related. I believe that I have come to think of the site as a mirror of the show. Happy comments when the show is in its peak, critiques when it isn’t.

Some here have taken this as a point of action and want to amend the way they comment on the news and forum and that’s awesome but like I said, no changes from me. It’s been more about what I need to do and right now it sounds like nothing but keep the lights on.

Going forward I might ask a stray comment that leads to an off topic discussion on the news feed to be moved to the forum but other than that, business as usual.

I again want to thank everyone for their respect, their demeanor and their opinions. As far as being the Admin I have it pretty darn easy with such a great group of users.

I definitely don’t want no negativity anywhere nor do I think the news feed should be entirely criticism free. If my post conveyed that then I didn’t express myself clearly. I took LibertyPrime’s post to mean he would put his most negative which I don’t take to mean not all negative comments in the forum.

Pretty much correct, Brierrose.

And again, it is entirely a personal and voluntary decision. I don't feel obligated to do so, and Kelly, I absolutely do not want others to feel obligated either. I just put it out there as something I intend to do out of consideration for the space.

It's tough running a site like this. I'm looking for ways to oil the gears and not throw sand in them.

The way I see it, we are all meeting here in the admins' place. In the interest of being a good guest, I want to help the site put its best foot forward while holding to my principles.

If I keep mostly positive comments out in front, it costs me nothing, and maybe people won't be as scared off. Behind the doors of the forum, I'll speak more freely and in depth.