Fandom

[amberdreams]

I just watched a documentary about fandom called Fanomenon which looked at women in sci fi fandoms and the history behind it, then followed a woman from (I think) Virginia, who was a huge Stargate Altantis fan. Somewhat predictably, she wrote erotic fanfiction about a Mary Sue character of her own creation having hot sexy times with John Sheppard, but apart from that, they presented her very sympathetically. And fans in general were given a pretty fair presentation - but the best part was right near the end, when Joe Flannigan (and the documentary crew) arranged for a friend she'd made via the internet to come over to join her at DragonCon. Both of the women have been skyping and chatting online for about four years but never thought they'd get to meet in person, and seeing them hug and laugh together (totally ignoring Joe flannigan in their excitement at meeting each other for the first time) - that was awesome.

Reminded me of all the wonderful friends I've made - some of whom I've met, others I've yet to meet...well, you never know, right?

Comments

[sw0rdy.livejournal.com]

Aww, I saw that being advertised and wondered whether it would be really cringey or not. Glad they didn't make us look like complete weirdos - fandom (and fanfiction in particular) seems to be creeping more and more into the mainstream as something to make fun of (bloody 50 Shades of Grey...). I've found that I used to be a little more open about writing being one of my hobbies. Now people have a greater awareness of fanfic, I don't tend to mention it, which is a shame because it's a hobby I LOVE and get a lot of enjoyment from.

As for meeting fans, I have a wonderful friend whom I only know via fandom. She's stayed here in the UK, and me and the hubby have stayed with her in the States in our fancy-free days pre-children. We've also travelled together, discovering Ireland and Barcelona, so I have lots of treasured memories. I remember when she first came over here, it raised eyebrows that I was meeting someone I only knew online - I think now it's probably more acceptable. I also remember that I cried buckets when she went home as it was the first time I'd ever had someone in 'real life' that I could be my true geeky self with.

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

There is something very special about fan-friends, it's true.