I am taking this opportunity to answer the question that has been on a few people’s minds since we updated the Wiki a couple of years ago.
The Due South fandom, even after all these years, still has fandom wars over Ray V. vs Ray K. Personally I think any fandom type war is stupid, but there it is.
When Sylum started, I had originally chosen Ray Vecchio. I knew the character, and had begun the workings of a storyline for him. I had stopped watching Due South after he left, having not liked how the transition played out between the two Ray characters.
I admit in the beginning, I was probably a bit too lax about giving in to other writer’s suggestions for the Sylum series. One of them was switching to Ray Kowalski, because he was the ‘best Ray’, as it was put to me. Considering they offered to write the back story for him and Benton – I was willing to change it.
Cue ten years later.
Benton’s history developed, making him much older than his original 200 years. And with those changes, what he needed in a Mate changed too. By this time the person who had originally convinced me to change the character, left the list, and any stories they had been working on were left behind. No chances of editing or updating.
As I worked on the New Wiki, I took the time to think about a lot of the characters: why they were there, who they were connected to, and chances of stories ever being written. I also took control over a lot of earlier storylines that gotten added/changed that I really didn’t want.
Hence Greg and Gil being de-Mated.
Changing the Riddick Twins.
Reorganizing House and Wilson to make more sense.
And we saved Diego!!
Putting Ray Vecchio back as Benoit’s Mate was another big change.
I know there is still a lot of grumbling over that change, and I get it – we all have our favorite pairings.
But I don’t appreciate the passive aggressive comments that have been sent to me over it.
If this change upsets you that much, I can assure you that there is no one forcing you to stay. I’m dealing with enough problems in my life, and the last thing I need is someone bitching at me over a character.
So now you know the background for the switch in Ray’s.
In reality it was me actually putting it back to the way it was originally intended.
And as I do actually like Ray Kolwaski, and never had anything against him, he was rescued and found a home in Tallikut with Jeremiah.
I’ve always been a RayK fan. That being said I like to sit back and see how other people’s vision of a thing develops. The more I pondered on the two Rays and their personalities, the more I came to believe RayV works better with Benoit. You scratch RayV’s facade and you find a person who’s as deeply steeped in a “traditional” mindset as Benoit.
RayK, no matter if he wore a trench coat and a badge or leather pants and jacket was always more of a free spirit and always ready to follow his heart. He just wanted a kindred soul to keep him grounded, not stifled. I think we found him a good match with Jeremiah, and I look forward to their further adventures … Though I may be a bit biased. LOL
I love the recent changes and additions.
Thanks Nico for a well written explanation of the Rays and the other changes you made as well as why.
Paula, thanks for your insights as well.
Having never watched Due South, I have no idea about the RayK or RayV conflict.
Hi,
I agree with both Nico and Paula, RayK is best mated with Jeremiah! As well as RayV with Fraser! Love their stories! Actually love allllll the stories. LOLOL. Looking forward to any and all fic!
I haven’t watched Due South, but whether I did or not, this is your site Nico, and as such we who have been allowed to join and enjoy the clans, should give those who share their stories with us, respect. This is a privilege to share in the magic that the authors, artists in all types of media, are sharing with you for free!!
I have been so busy that I have time to glance and drool… and ummm, smile! Thank you all for the wonderful art in all fields.