I also think age has a lot to do with it, but I didn't want to make it seem like the main point because you're right, it's very definitely not always the case.
I think the key is that fans who are lured in by an actor can choose to keep a narrow focus or they can allow themselves to engage with the show and its themes as a whole, falling in love with even more depth. That's what leads to the really good fanworks, because you wouldn't write a story (well, I'm sure someone somewhere would) with a central theme of, 'Benedict is sexy'. You need a storyline, a journey, and sighing over his eyes (as wonderful as they are and as fun as that is) just doesn't provide one.
I'm strongly leaning toward the kitsch. There's also quite a lot more choice if I go in that direction - people really, really liked avocado for a while. :-)
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branchandroot
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Date: 2012-11-15 12:04 am (UTC)I think the key is that fans who are lured in by an actor can choose to keep a narrow focus or they can allow themselves to engage with the show and its themes as a whole, falling in love with even more depth. That's what leads to the really good fanworks, because you wouldn't write a story (well, I'm sure someone somewhere would) with a central theme of, 'Benedict is sexy'. You need a storyline, a journey, and sighing over his eyes (as wonderful as they are and as fun as that is) just doesn't provide one.
I'm strongly leaning toward the kitsch. There's also quite a lot more choice if I go in that direction - people really, really liked avocado for a while. :-)