The PIProject: Plan of PIP

Probably should have put this up earlier

Log: talk about the role of television and film in my life, myself as a fan, friends as fans, the day we went to JB-HI-FI and went through the whole television section and we didn't find one shelf that we couldn't talk about
Introduction: Investigating fandoms socialisation impact, particularly cyberfandom and how it blurs the lines of hyperreality and the "real" reality for a fan. Explain my research (primary and secondary). Cross cultural study is gender. Continuity of devotion and community but change in the process and outcome of fandom/ fan behaviour.

Definition of fan and fandom
Tracing history of television and film fandom through studies of others
3 generations of study as suggested by Betsy Gooch
Early fandom was unstructured small amount. Mainly male dominated. Lots of fanzines, physical fan clubs and some conventions. Memorabilia and fan letters. Restricted to maybe local interaction
Next generation gave way to even more fans, rise of female population in fan activity, more authority and power given to fans. Local - national interaction
Cyber fandom generation = explosion in numbers. Interactive globally. Cheaper, more accessible. More ways of participating in fandom. More ways to attract attention or to communicate with producers of television and film. Female dominated culture

2. Chapter 2: "Louise, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."

Explaining the separation of real life and fandom life. Low on cultural hierarchy, "shame" factor. Secret life/hobby
The appeal of fandom life. The community, sense of belonging, understanding and interaction between fans.
Fandom addiction. The lengths of devotion displayed by the average fan. Hours on the internet, ridiculous amounts of money for merchandise or tickets, tremendous expenses and time and effort watching, analysing and researching shows and films.
Fan activity. Fan fiction, fan art, fan videos, filk songs, costuming, conventions, interacting with other fans and producers. Creating and admiring and participation

3. Chapter 3: "Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas any more."
Jean Baudrillard meets Joss Whedon

Baudrillard's theory of hyperreality
How it applies to fandom today
Burring the lines between real life and hyperreality for fans
FIAWOL vs RL (Fandom Is A Way Of Life vs. Real Life) It's a lifestyle
C: Would you prefer real life or fandom online life?

All [Unison]: Fandom life

L: Real life sucks
It's a desired lifestyle. It becomes integrated into their lives in a major way.
Impacts

The PIProject