In which I type about fandom.

[impulsereader]

This week I bumped directly into two radically different aspects of fandom, and that made me want to type about it.[Poll #1878866]

Comments

[djarum99.livejournal.com]

I must confess to the following pattern re: fandom - I fall head over heals for a character and by default the actor who plays them, and this then motivates me to devote my complete attention to the work as a whole, be it a film or a series. Thinky thoughts feed on the energy created by character love, but the end result is the same, I think, as it is for the "fans of the show" you describe above.

I also believe that age may have something to with it, although definitely not always. Very definitely not.

Fandom at its best can indeed be a wonderful place that meets our needs for community, connection, intellectual stimulation, and many other things. I've seen plenty of the worst of fandom as well, but just can't quit it.

Bathrooms are the one place in the house where you can let your kitsch flag fly, no question :-)

[impulsereader.livejournal.com]

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. :-)

[djarum99.livejournal.com]

people really, really liked avocado for a while

They DID, and I've finally had enough time to get over the onslaught of avocado from living in 70's styled apartments in days past - I can totally enjoy the era's kitsch again.

I completely agree, Benedict (and Robert, and Johnny) being sexy as all get out can add a certain joie de vivre to a well plotted and character informed story, but without the latter the sexing is just mechanics. I don't begrudge working out their fantasies on the computer monitor to anyone (and whoa, that thought doesn't bear close scrutiny), but sometimes the woobie love becomes intrusive in the fannish realm. My icon is a result of one of my "worst of" experiences, in which I was called, among other things, "a blonde cheerleader type that had everything handed to her on a silver platter." Which made me snorkle, and befuddled my nerdish heart:-)

[quarryquest.livejournal.com]

That is a lovely quote. Can I use it as the closing sentence in my article?

[djarum99.livejournal.com]

Hello, and yes, of course - not certain which sentence, but choose any one you like :-)

[quarryquest.livejournal.com]

It's this one (I want to quote it as my closing sentence)

"Fandom at its best can indeed be a wonderful place that meets our needs for community, connection, intellectual stimulation, and many other things. I've seen plenty of the worst of fandom as well, but just can't quit it."

The question is whether you want to be quoted under your actual name or fan pseud.

[djarum99.livejournal.com]

I think it will have to be my username, for Reasons :-)

Where will your article be posted? I'd love to read it.

[quarryquest.livejournal.com]

In a MediaMag (a journal for sixth form students) which I will scan and email for everyone who has participated.

[djarum99.livejournal.com]

Lovely, I'll look forward to seeing it :-) You can pm me for the email anytime.

[impulsereader.livejournal.com]

I've just read the finished product - first name only cited if that changes your response. It turned out excellently, though the funny was cut out of my quote so I'll have to submit it here to allow it to be properly appreciated. :-)

You always have the best links. My work internet doesn't like that site for some reason and doesn't want to display the pictures (all 3 browsers, bizarrely), but I'll hop on as soon as I'm home. The anticipation is killing me!

[djarum99.livejournal.com]

A lot of the beds are pricey, but some have a "headboard only" option and are pretty reasonable. You might try just www.humbleabode.com and then click the sorting tabs for "iron bed" and so on, and see if your browser likes that better :-)

[chloris.livejournal.com]

That is exactly my pattern as well. I can't get into a fandom unless I fall completely and hard for one of the characters. And then it expands to encompass the actor who plays the character and the whole rest of the show. Once I fall in love then I want ALL the meta and ALL the discussion. With a nice side order of ALL the shallow fangirling as well... :D

[djarum99.livejournal.com]

Once I fall in love then I want ALL the meta and ALL the discussion. With a nice side order of ALL the shallow fangirling as well.

Yes! Total immersion in the fannish experience, no shame required ♥

[impulsereader.livejournal.com]

Hear hear! :-)

[impulsereader.livejournal.com]

Awesome. I wonder which actors are the most Siren-like in this respect, pulling their fans along in their wake. I bet you could even rate them. They'd have to be at least a 5 to get a certain percentage of fans to follow a show they otherwise wouldn't watch, and at least an 8 to then get them to want All the meta and ALL the discussion. :-)