To start. I want to return to the original conceptionalization of fanaticism defining fandom. So, let’s do a dive back into what this word means. Merriam-Webster defines “fanaticism” as having a “fanatic outlook or behavior.” Well, that’s not helpful, because it defines the term with a different version of it; so, what is fanatic? The…
Tag: Star Trek
This Jedi’s Reaction to The Force Awakens: An Autoethnography in Fractured Fandom
I didn’t go see Star Wars: The Force Awakens when it was released in theaters. I couldn’t bring myself to. And this is coming from someone who saw — willingly and enthusiastically — each of the prequels in midnight openings. I saw Phantom Menace numerous times in the theater — even while doing an internship…
Star Trek: Episode 12 of The Pop Culture Lens
In the latest episode of our podcast, The Pop Culture Lens, Christopher and I are joined by good friend and Associate Professor at DePaul University, Paul Booth, to discuss the longevity of Star Trek. All three of us are huge Star Trek fans, and we had a rousing good conversation about why the series has…
Categorizing Fractured Fandom
Defining Fractured Fandom According to the discipline of fan studies, at this point in history, being a fan is considered a positive for any individual. Being a fan helps people discover their identities, and to determine what they like and do not like. Being a fan helps people find friends, establish communities, and develop a…
An Autoethnography of Collegium – Day Two
Day 2: Sunday, June 22nd On the topic of mass… I am still uncomfortable joining in on the spiritual sessions and Catholic Eucharist ceremonies that are scheduled for this colloquium. I feel like an intruder, an interloper, a negative presence. There is nothing that anyone here has said or done that has made me feel…
Comics Adaptations Causing Fractured Fandom
We are now full swing into the summer blockbuster season for Hollywood, and let’s take a tally of movies that are currently out or soon to arrive that originate from the pages of comic books. Captain America: The Winter Soldier. The Amazing Spider-Man 2. X-Men: Days of Future Past. Hercules. Guardians of the Galaxy. Teenage…
3-D Printing: Desktop Manufacturing Overview
Earlier today I presented our 3D printer to the Dominican University faculty. I demonstrated how our Cubify printer (the type seen in the featured image) works, and I discussed what 3D printing is. I also focused the discussion on the possibilities of 3D printing, both how the process is currently being put to use in…
The Study of Gendered Media Engagings (Part 3): Why It Matters
This is the third part of my dissertation’s first chapter. The first part was on defining gendered media engagings. The second part was on defining gender. Why studying gendered media engagings matters Thanks to the work of scholars such as Dallas Smythe, we are aware of the central role of advertisement in most media industries (Smythe,…
Fractured Fandom
The full version of this article first appeared at the Clearance Bin Review. Given the importance of the concept, fractured fandom, to my work on Doctor Who and My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, I am bringing the specific elements from the article here. Now, first and foremost, let it be said that I think these thoughts we…
VWTV Beyond Second Life: InfinityXShark and Star Trek
Although the focus of our virtual world television project is on the social world Second Life, that doesn’t mean it is the only virtual world being used by regular people to create interesting television. As the first of a two-parter, I discuss the work of InfinityXShark and his production of a Star Trek series using the Star Trek…
