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multifandom questionnaire pt 1
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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.