multifandom questionnaire pt 1

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I found this via vriddy: maevedarcy adapted a fandom questionnaire and made it more multifandom friendly - Questionnaire: 72 Multifandom questions to ask a fangirl.

I'm going to do it by parts, 12 at a time. :D

Current fandoms and personal connection:

1. How did you first discover your main fandoms?
My original main fandom was Smallville and I had always seen the ads on TV and I started watching a few seasons in because I love Superman and well, my sister was into it at the time, so I figured why not. I found Smallville fandom by chance when I was reading fic for other fandoms and then stumbled across Livejournal when I was googling Clark Kent/Oliver Queen, realized that there was very little fic, and decided I was going to write my own.

With the MCU, I watched The Avengers, started shipping Steve/Tony, and checked out what was out there. While I've read a lot of fic, I didn't start writing it until I began to participate in exchanges. It really helped me get out of my comfort zone.

I don't know if I have a "current" fandom but my main interest these days is 9-1-1, the procedural about first responders that is on ABC. It was one of those shows that had been on my "to watch" list and I'd seen some gifs on Tumblr and I finally watched it when it was seven seasons in.

#2-12

2. What was it about the fandom(s) that initially captured your interest?

With Smallville, it was definitely mostly about Superman and on a shallow note, I had a crush on Tom Welling. And as I said above, I got involved in fandom because barely anyone else was writing the ship I was newly into. It's funny - I got a comment on one of my Clark/Oliver fics a few days ago and that person was all "you're carrying this ship" and to be told that in 2025 is not what I would've had on my bingo card but it kinda delighted me anyway.

The MCU I got into because "The Avengers" was the big thing and once I found a ship I liked, I had to look for content. The timing was perfect too because Smallville had ended and while I was still into it, it was nice to have something fresh to grab my attention.

As far as 9-1-1, I'm hit or miss on procedurals but it always did look fun. When I found out that one of the main characters recently realized they were bisexual, it finally pushed me over to check it out.

3. Can you recall a moment when you realized you were more than just a casual fan?

Probably when I started writing all the fic? It wasn't surprising for me - I tend to get obsessive and am either all or nothing when it comes to ... anything really.

4. How has your interest in fandom evolved over time?

I still love it but I am more careful these days about how I participate. I got into all sorts of fandom drama during my first run and it's something that I try to avoid. I was young, but also old enough to know better and I definitely was more than a little naive. Nowadays, I prefer to stay on the edge and keep my circle close and tight.

5. Is there anyone in your life that shares your passion for fandom?

In my real life, no. That's what DW and Tumblr are for! I was really lucky that one of my mutuals on Tumblr, who I was friendly but not close to, does really love 9-1-1 too so I have had someone to talk with about my newest obsession. Otherwise, getting into a new fandom/ship, especially one as big, would've been more awkward.

6. How does your fandom inspire you in your everyday life?

Weirdly, I can't think of anything off the top of my head. I'm sure it has, especially since there are some things I have learned about via people I've met online but nothing stands out right now.

7.Does the fandom influence your personal style, hobbies, or interests?

No, it's probably the other way around. I've definitely been introduced books and media through fandom that I wouldn't have thought of otherwise, if that counts.

8. Can you share a personal story related to your fandom that you cherish?

I don't know how personal it is, but I used to have this one song that I specifically associated with Clark/Oliver - "Everything" by Michael Buble" - and then for my birthday, one of my Livejournal friends made me a fanvid to that song, when she didn't even ship them, and it literally meant everything to me.

9. What valuable lessons have you learned from being part of fandom?

Oh, plenty. I think it taught me the importance of not trying to force yourself to be something or someone you're not, because it will backfire. Being edgy for the sake of it is also not cool. Seems obvious, but it really isn't. Also, there are also tools to curate your experience and it is up to you to use them, more so now than ever.

10. Have you met any of your closest friends through a fandom?

No. My real life and fandom life are very separated (I'm private and paranoid), but I do have some people here and Tumblr that I've known for a long time and I have extra fondness for them in the same way I do about the people I see in real life.

11. Are there any rituals or traditions you enjoy before new releases related to fandom?

I don't think so. Sometimes, I like to refresh my memory of what happened before, with my favorite clips or reading some summaries, but I wouldn't say that's a tradition or ritual because I'm not very consistent.

12. If you could introduce someone new to fandom, how would you describe it to them

I'd probably say it's passionate fans who have come together over a shared love of a particular type of media and they enjoy spending time discussing, creating, and engaging in works about it. Depending on how that goes, I would try to explain fanworks and shipping and the like.

Comments

[kitarella_imagines]

Wow 72 questions! I might pick and choose some of those out of there to answer, not the whole 72. I admire people's dedication for answering 72 questions! 😘

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True, I was surprised that there were so many but there's nothing wrong with just picking the ones you want to answer. :)

[kitarella_imagines]

I might do that, it's a while since I answered any questions or thought of a game for people to play.

[svgurl]

That's good! I'll be looking forward to reading your answers. :)

[kitarella_imagines]

Thanks, I'm working on them now. I expect it'll just be me and you reading them, it's pretty quiet around here these days isn't it...

[svgurl]

I haven't noticed a change but I wouldn't be surprised if people who live in the US get busier since it is summertime.

[kitarella_imagines]

I suppose that must be it. Europeans have our summer holiday in August, school terms generally go up to July and we have August off. Although I think non British Europeans have two months off- July and August.

Interesting differences!

[svgurl]

Got it. In the US, schools tend to end between end of May and early June/mid June (it was closer to mid June when I was a kid but things have changed) and then it starts back anytime between middle/third week of August to first week of September. So it's a a little different. If people have kids, I imagine having them at home makes life a lot busier.

[kitarella_imagines]

It's funny, I just can't imagine being at school in August, my brain doesn't compute it. Schools never do anything in August. It was a shock when I left school and had to work in the hot days of August.

Yes, having kids at home is like a madhouse, people think it's easy but we have to provide the same level of entertainment that they get at school, and holiday clubs don't really exist anymore due to cuts.🙄

I'm glad my daughter is an adult now, she entertains herself.

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When I was a kid, it was at the end of August and we'd barely be a week in before we got Labor Day off so it went by fast.

I'm not a parent, but yeah, I would never think that. Kids can't help but be restless and I can imagine it takes a toll on the parents. It sucks there are less options for activities.

I can imagine! Once they hit the teen years, at least they'll start making plans with friends but of course adulthood is even easier.

[kitarella_imagines]

You are a kind and thoughtful person, that is why you have the right idea about how kids are. Soooo many people think it's a walk in the park being at home with kids all day but it's exhausting. The problem is there are no social networks or supportive friends anymore. It's all competitive about who has 'the best child who achieves the most.' Pathetic. They are children not projects. Social support for mums (and everyone really) has declined too much in the last decade.

It's funny, my great granddad, my grandma and my mum only liked their kids when they were little and lost interest when they became adults. I'm almost the opposite! Of course I loved my daughter when she was little and took great care of her, but she's so interesting now she's an adult with her own opinions 💖

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I don't remember everything about being a kid, but enough that I know how restless I got and now I'm old enough to feel empathy for the adults too. I imagine it's the same with the way people think parents who work from home should have it easier when the truth is they're still working. The lack of support and the competition is sad. The world is getting more competitive so I get why parents would be stressed about pushing their kid earlier and earlier but it is sad for the child in question and can definitely lead to burnout. The ones that just do it to brag are not great. IDK how people think others should have kids in an environment that doesn't help or support parents. :\

That is too bad! I know it's a different type relationship, but I appreciate the one I have with my parents now that I'm grown and it's good that you have that with your kids. :)

[kitarella_imagines]

I agree, the world is definitely getting more competitive. Probably because there are more and more humans taking up space, fighting like rats in a sack over territory. Lack of community, lack of support and empathy are making life too hard.

I read a comment that said something along the lines of: 'the greatest compliment a parent can have is for their adult children to like them'. I hope my daughter does, she bought me a red lap tray with a pattern of poppies on the other day. Just because she thought I'd like it. How sweet 💝

[kitarella_imagines]

I did them! They are in my post today on my journal.

[svgurl]

Great! I'll check them out soon. :)

[kitarella_imagines]

thank you! I'll have a more detailed look at your answers 😊

[corvidology]

These are interesting to read.

What drew me into fandom was definitely stumbling across it like you did.

What keeps me in fandom land is definitely the people. I'm by no means claiming there aren't arseholes in fandom like everywhere else but fandomland does seem to yield a much higher percentage of people with similar world views and interests to me, even if we don't actually share a fandom (anymore).

[svgurl]

I'm glad! It was nice to reflect and think about it.

I feel like it is such a common/relatable experience - so many of us just found our way here by accident and stayed. I found fanfic by googling Sailor Moon and finding a fansite lol :D

Oh, that is a great point. The people really make it fun - someone to talk to in different way and you can connect with those that you would likely come across on your own in real life. And then those relationships, as you said, do end up transcending what it started on (shared fandoms).

[scintilla10]

This is a fun meme!

then for my birthday, one of my Livejournal friends made me a fanvid to that song, when she didn't even ship them Awww! Truly that's Real Friendship! ♥

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I thought so too! I am having fun answering the questions.

Right? It was very kind! I'm always sorry I never thought to download it. :)

[kitarella_imagines]

I really relate to no. 3 and no. 9!

I absolutely fall in love with a show and want to know *everything* about it, I get obsessed finding out about the actors, the characters, the fanfic. Then after a few months/years my interest wanes and I find another show to fall in love with. I sometimes go back to them but it's rare.

And about being edgy for the sake of it, I definitely used to argue and say weird things just to annoy people (who had annoyed me first or hurt me in some way) but now days I just avoid them. I am calmer since the menopause, thank goodness for this stage in life.

[svgurl]

Yeah, that's definitely me too. It takes me longer to get into something, so unless something drastic happens, I don't fall out of it that easily but once I get out, I'm definitely out for a while and tend to forget about it. If I do run across something, I have periods of nostalgia and go back at least briefly.

The urge to lash out at people who hurt you is definitely common. Avoidance is definitely the healthier approach, mostly for yourself, because usually, they are not worth it.

[kitarella_imagines]

Yes, I'm all in or all out, no half measures! lol.

It's probably normal to lash out at people who hurt you but that doesn't achieve anything on social media, does it? It just makes more people attack you. I am happy that the way my brain functions- interested or not interested- has helped me on social media. I've lost interest in arguments and rude people now, I just block them. Arguing with people bores me now, I like polite and friendly conversations.

[svgurl]

Nope, it doesn't. They're rarely going to either change their mind in an argument or suddenly feel bad for what they said or did. You're (the general you, not you specifically) are just likely going to look like the bad guy and as you said, just invite more drama. Blocking is the best idea for sure. The rest is not worth your time.

[kitarella_imagines]

Yes, some people just like arguing don't they. I used to think I had to argue my case and defend my views, and blocking someone was 'the coward's way out.' But there is no reason to argue with complete strangers online and every reason to curate your experience so you have nice conversations.

Like the nice conversations we have on Dreamwidth 😎

[svgurl]

Oh absolutely. Some people just like causing drama and provoking others for the sake of it. And yeah, those type of people aren't owed a response or attention.

Exactly!

[kitarella_imagines]

We will stick with the nice Dreamwidth people 🥰