On May 29, 2007, a significant event occurred on LiveJournal where journals and communities disappeared, leaving them unclickable and muted. This affected a range of content, including depictions of sensitive subjects like rape, incest, abuse, and violence. The disappearance of these posts led to the establishment of platforms like DreamWidth, Archive of Our Own, and the Organization for Transformative Works, all of which continue to operate to this day.
The incident raised concerns about letting major corporations store personal writing, especially for authors who write about controversial topics like sex or queer identities. Bestselling author Chuck Tingle, known for his erotica pieces, expressed worries about the power major companies like Google have over content creators. He emphasized the importance of retaining ownership and control over one’s work.
The word “appropriate” holds significance in discussions about ownership and belonging, stemming from its Latin origins. This story delves into themes of ownership and belonging, reflecting on the impact of corporations on content creators like Renee.
Renee, a writer with chronic illnesses, places importance on accessibility, organization, and infrastructure in her daily life. She meticulously tracks various aspects of her health and wellbeing, highlighting the challenges faced by disabled individuals in navigating healthcare systems and societal perceptions.
Despite facing skepticism and disbelief due to her invisible illnesses, Renee uses her writing to spark conversations about disability and challenge stereotypes. Her goal is to prompt readers to reconsider their perspectives on disability, fostering a deeper understanding and empathy towards those with chronic health conditions.