Oh fandom, please.

[beelikej]

So. I'm a moderator of a fandom community and obviously I am a fan in said fandom. I got into it because I noticed some subtext on my favorite show and thought the guys looked good together. I love having conversations with like minded fans and I adore how together we can fantasize about the characters's lives beyond what's shown on screen. It's fun to think about slashy scenarios and add to canon or even fix it if things aren't going our way. I especially appreciate our little discusssions when we explain away inconvenient issues so we can keep enjoying our little fantasies.
I am however not pretending we have any say in where the writers will take the characters. So when you tell me they can't ignore 'the biggest ship in fandom', it makes me roll my eyes. Truth is: we DO NOT have any influence on the plot. If anything, crazy fans will push writers and actors in the opposite direction, just to prove us wrong. I know nothing about the actors or writers, but I'm guessing they are aware of our existence. And they know we know they know. But I'm also guessing they are like most of us and really prefer to keep both sides seperate.
Sure, I would be thrilled if the guys would really act out my favorite fanfiction, but it's not why I keep watching the show as that IS NOT WHAT THE SHOW IS ABOUT.

Dammit.

There was a point I was trying to make, but I'm too pissy to keep editing this. Hrmpf. I almost went into a rant about a certain actor probably having wished a certain direction for his character because of real life issues. I stopped myself because I realized I was not unlike the fans mentioned above. After all: I know nothing about him and I choose not to get involved because I want to focus on the characters. So I will follow where ever they lead me, and if I don't like the direction they are going, I will simply make up alternative routes as I go along.

I just wish there were some of the good old fanpeople left who were always able to make things better with follow up fic. *sighs*. I miss you all so much, you have no idea.

Comments

[tanisafan.livejournal.com]

Sure, I would be thrilled if the guys would really act out my favorite fanfiction, but it's not why I keep watching the show as that IS NOT WHAT THE SHOW IS ABOUT.
Ugh, this, yes. That right there is the exact reason why I generally stay away from all SPN, Doctor Who and Torchwood comms.

(Although it's a very general occurence, I'm sure. I mean, do I like reading about Brendon and Spencer being boyfriends? Yes. Do I share the creepy fangirls' opinions that they actually ARE? Uh, no.)

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

I don't really have other fandom hangouts. I never needed an addition to Doctor Who or Torchwood, and I don't watch SPN (I tried and I tried, but no.). I do consider myself a J2 fangirl, but never once thought those guys were really more than the best of friends. I will always be a Nick/Greg girl, even if I hardly read any new fanfiction and no matter what happens in canon. The memories alone are enough.

You know about my experience with bandom. I see what the fangirls mean, but I don't think it's there (in any combination;). Now, if we're talking a certain roadie and Brendon... that's a different story *grins*

[hiddenmuse.livejournal.com]

Brendon and a roadie? Where would I find those stories / conspiracy theories? ;-)

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

Ahahahahahahaha. Well, to inform you about that kind of makes my whole rant redundant, because this is where I show my crazy *grins*.
My Brendon/roadie suspicion is based on a mere five seconds of behind the scenes footage on the Honda Civic Tour, filmed by Shane. The clip has dork!Brendon, hackysack!Brendon and guitarboy!Brendon. The last one has a telling scene with said roadie. [3:17 - 3:22] Notice the bodylanguage, the spoken word (what does he call him?) and the zoning out right after, as if he is remembering an awesome blowjob having a good time;) Bonus appearances of bodyguard Dan, Zack and all the Panic!boys being adorable...

[hiddenmuse.livejournal.com]

Heh - I won't tell anyone! ;-)

And thanks for the link to the video, I'll be watching that and coming up with my own theories involving Brendon (the fact that he, like me, grew up Mormon just makes it even more fun)!

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this one (or anything concerning Brendon, really;)

[hiddenmuse.livejournal.com]

I understand what you're talking about - that kind of thing really bugs me, too! (And this is coming from someone that wrote Fall Out Boy slash for a while...)

Seeing how some of the fans react towards George and/or Eric's real life goings-on, that just borders on creepy. I don't care what (or who) they're doing in their real lives, I doubt that they're boyfriends or having some kind of romantic/sexual relationship.

And I agree with you on preferring the older fics - I guess it's just that I like reading the stuff that got me into the fandom in the first place!

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

I must admit there was a time when I thought I noticed some George/Eric chemistry, but fandom is really all about the characters. What I don't get is how slashers think they have any influence on crime show canon. They seem to completely misunderstand the meaning of SUBtext.

[hiddenmuse.livejournal.com]

True - I prefer the fandom to be about the characters (strictly). The slashers thinking they have influence over what Jerry Bruckheimer & Co. put into their shows ... that's taking things way, way too far!

(And I think that there may be some George/Eric chemistry - as in, they seem to be great friends IRL but that's the extent of it.!)

[rabidfan.livejournal.com]

I actually stopped reading in that fandom. I haven't stopped loving them...but I really don't like the focus of the newer writers.

The fact that the people playing our favorite characters on TV aren't anything like the characters shouldn't diminish any ones joy. It's sad that normally sane people would expect a TV role to be lived out in the real world. Very Twilight Zone, no?

[hiddenmuse.livejournal.com]

I agree - nothing wrong with (TV or movie) characters and real-life people not being the same. It would feel really weird - very Twilight Zone indeed!

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

I occasionally go on a trip down memory lane and read some good old stuff. The new authors seem to focus on AUs and CrossOvers that I just don't get; give me curtainfic anytime;)

Some new fans freak me out. I miss the old gang. We were so much saner back in the day, right? RIGHT? *clings*

[hiddenmuse.livejournal.com]

From what I'd read, you all were far saner than the new wave of fan girls! (Okay, so I got into it around 2005-2006 so I might be a bit late to the whole thing!)

[kennedy-unknown.livejournal.com]

I'm almost too scared to ask.

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

Let's just say we had a good season so far;) There are signs that canon is actively trying to crush subtext. Meanwhile there are some people in fandom who are convinced it can only get better if Nick actually comes out of the closet. Which we all know WILL NEVER HAPPEN. (And yes, I was maybesortakinda blaming GE for the cracks in canon. I'll stop now)

[rispacooper.livejournal.com]

????

I'm guessing this was all over Nick's phone call... ????

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

That phone call sure inspired the crazy again, yes. But I've been rolling my eyes about random comments as well: someone who wanted the season to end with a double wedding? One of the couples being Nick/Greg. Huh, whatnow? There is this new type of fangirl, the kind that sets up wikis and writes to producers to demand N/G out of the closet. They make me feel uncomfortable in my own fandom. Grrrr.

[rispacooper.livejournal.com]

Maybe they are acting in response to GSR, since those fangirls seem to have done something similar?

Of course, GSR fangirls are also annoying as well. So there's that.

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

Ah yes, and that relationship was so in character. *shivers* I still can't believe TPTB caved under that pressure. In my mind Grissom is still single and stayed oblivious to anyone's advances but Lady Heather's. :)

[rispacooper.livejournal.com]

I could watch Lady Heather do anything. I could watch LH/Brass/Greg threesome even. Or just them sitting around playing chess, no joke. They're all just *cool*. haha

[hiddenmuse.livejournal.com]

Wouldn't shock me ... lol

[sillie]

Ah yes... I started watching the show for the show, and I'll always keep watching it for the show. I love the added subtext, of course. :3

...I'm not really sure what I'm trying to say. XD Definitely missing some of the people that left fandom. *sadface*

(Hey, talking about fandom... You wanna meet up again soon?)

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

Same here:)

Yes, even with a new and shiny alternative fandom, it still makes me a little sad sometimes.

(Sure! I'll mail you after my long weekend, okay? Need to focus on one thing at the time;) FYI: I don't have plans in February yet, in March I'm going to Iceland! - from that travelcheque the boss gave me;)

[sillie]

I totally know what you mean.

(Cool. You have fun this weekend, and then we'll plan. :D)