Using "I" when writing content

[Larissa]

This is an interesting topic! dubiousdisc, your response is really fascinating to me - I never knew that about Italian.

In high school and college I was always taught to avoid using "I" and "me" and as a result I used to find it really hard to them them in writing for fansites, which left them somewhat dry. These days I take a much more relaxed, casual tone and I tend to make it very clear to the reader when "I'm" the one stating my opinion versus setting out facts.

[Mikari]

Funny, I never really thought about the "I" thing in college but rarely used it unless my personal opinion or interpretation was directly required. Other than that, sources were required so the "I" just didn't fit. XD In a shrine though, it definitely fits and, in my opinion, even adds to it, making it feel more personal. Of course there should still be a balance between opinions and facts that put them into context.

[Emrys]

Personally, when it comes to shrines and such, I think the use of "I" is okay because it's a relaxed atmosphere, you know? I read shrines because I want to KNOW how said web designer FEELS about said subject. I look for the "I"s and the "me"s! They give it the personal feel that I'm looking for. Of course, it's a matter of good writing to know when to include them and when to omit them but I think having them in your shrine period is perfectly okay!

When it comes to essays, professional things and assignments, however, I never use "I" simply because the personal aspect isn't what is needed for those particular pieces of writing. Your personal opinion isn't as important as solid proof.

This was a really interesting question to consider! :D thanks for asking it~

[Laura]

I see shrines and fan sites being far more casual and personal than something like a written essay for university or work. I personally will refer to myself whenever I'm writing opinion based information... cuz... you know, it's about what I think. xD But I still try to avoid using it as much as I can when I'm presenting factual information.

That being said, I think it's far more engaging to read a shrine that makes use of the author's personal reference. It's not just a site that provides accurate info about a topic, but it's also a passion for YOU. When I see a shrine that I don't know the character or series, I'm not that bothered to read it... but if I see someone making it more personal, I'm more willing to read through the content. :)

Certain practices are useful... I've been including glossaries and a list of key cast members in my new sites and I make sure to explain everything as if the person reading it will have no idea wtf I'm rambling on about. xD But I think if I throw in a few funny comments and personal references, it makes it a bit more light hearted. Maybe for a more serious character, you'd like to avoid that to make it fit more with that character's overall theme. :D

Finally, just a suggestion... you don't have to include personal opinions to one section of a site either. For the site I'm currently working on, I present all the facts and at the end, I include an opinion piece that's more about my opinion and involves more free talk. <3 Lots of ways to approach content!

[Elysa]

Before, I was taught not to use "I" too much in academic writing as well, but recently I have started using it anyway because it just makes it much easier to distinguish my opinion from other authors. (Also, a lot of the papers I've read over time do use "I" as well, so I guess it also depends on your field of research.) For shrines, I think the same goes -- use personal pronouns when you want to make it clear when you're talking about your opinion. For myself, this is especially important as I always feel like I can't analyze things as well as other people, so by using "I" it's already a sort of disclaimer, like this is how I see things, because I interpreted x as y, but it could possibly mean something else instead.

Not to say that if you don't use personal pronouns it's a bad shrine, of course, since it really depends on what people are used to and what kind of text you're writing!

[FandomSavant]

What I'm going with so far on my first shrine is: leave "I" out of film/character analysis as much as possible, but then go crazy with "I" for things like "why I'm a fan" or "Wishlist roles."

[FandomSavant]

What I'm going with so far on my first shrine is: leave "I" out of film/character analysis as much as possible, but then go crazy with "I" for things like "why I'm a fan" or "Wishlist roles."

Yup, I... didn't do that. I have "I" everywhere. Ha ha. So much for that plan. :-)

[Robin]

What I'm going with so far on my first shrine is: leave "I" out of film/character analysis as much as possible, but then go crazy with "I" for things like "why I'm a fan" or "Wishlist roles."

Yup, I... didn't do that. I have "I" everywhere. Ha ha. So much for that plan. :-)

No shame in the "I" game! :D

[FandomSavant]

What I'm going with so far on my first shrine is: leave "I" out of film/character analysis as much as possible, but then go crazy with "I" for things like "why I'm a fan" or "Wishlist roles."

Yup, I... didn't do that. I have "I" everywhere. Ha ha. So much for that plan. :-)

No shame in the "I" game! :D

Thanks. ;) I tried to be all academic with the movie blog I had for his work before. I think that was part of why I got bored with it. When I'm talking about how I feel about him or his characters, it's much easier than giving all the pros and cons of a movie in a journalistic voice.