Let your geek flag fly, baby.

[rogueslayer452]

++ Crunchy Questions Meme from author_by_night is officially up! You can still submit questions from the other post to be added to the list, but the meme is now open for anyone to answer. :D

++ In a recent interview, Amy Lee from Evanescence was asked whether she was aware of how the song "My Immortal" inspired the most infamous badfic of all time, and not only did Amy reveal that she's read most of it but that she finds it absolutely hilarious! Such a perfect response, imho. And I've often wondered over the years whether she knew about it, since the song "My Immortal" is quite beautiful and is one of my favorites, but most people, especially among online, know "My Immortal" from the fic. And now we know.

It's honestly kind of amusing that this badfic has since become such an iconic piece of fandom history all these years later. Even people who weren't there during its creation or weren't part of the fandom, or even in fandom, know about it.

++ The Great Debate is a show on Syfy, something I didn't know existed until very recently, where it's just a bunch of guests who discuss geeky/nerdy things, playfully debating but is essentially just a huge love of all things geek. They've had a lot of notable guests, but what drew my attention to this show was that the entire cast of Critical Role is going to be on it next week! So it's just going to be a normal kind of hangout with them just debating things on a show. And apparently it's going to be an extended episode, which, well, of course it would need to be. I kinda really want the entire cast to appear on CollegeHumor's Um, Actually, which both Matt and Marisha have been on a couple of times, but it would be hilarious seeing the rest of them appear.

++ It's Comic-Con weekend, but done at home, which is the wisest decision. I still can't believe that earlier this year they thought SDCC would still happen, because let's be honest conventions are a breeding ground of germs and poor hygiene, people get sick from conventions all the time. Even if the pandemic wasn't as bad as it currently is, it still would've been a bad idea to hold the event. Nevertheless, they've adjusted to doing livestreaming panels from home, and I've seen some people simply cosplay at home as well. It may not be the same as actually attending a convention, but it's safer and probably less stress-inducing.

++ There's been a lot of announcements of movies being "delayed indefinitely", which honestly? We kind of expected this. With the pandemic still occurring, scheduled movies that were to be released in theaters was just not going to be possible. Everything is going to be delayed until further notice. I think the industry needs to understand that even when the pandemic slows down or ceases to exist, that doesn't mean people are going to be immediately flocking to the movie theaters once they reopen. It'll be a good long while before that becomes a thing again, so they need to find other alternatives to releasing new movies (i.e. releasing it via streaming services, drive-in movies, etc). It's not ideal, but that's the reality. You can't keep pretending that all of this is going to go away in a few months and just continue to reschedule movies every single time. It's unrealistic and a waste of time. Furthermore, while I don't want to lose the movie theater experience I also want the prices to stop being so damn expensive. It's why I haven't really been going to the movie theater that much within the last decade or so, well, that and how there hasn't been anything I consider worthwhile seeing in the theater.

Comments

[author-by-night.livejournal.com]

Thank you for sharing!

. Furthermore, while I don't want to lose the movie theater experience I also want the prices to stop being so damn expensive. It's why I haven't really been going to the movie theater that much within the last decade or so, well, that and how there hasn't been anything I consider worthwhile seeing in the theater.

YES. To both of these. Honestly, I can't remember the last time I went to the movies. Though I also don't watch many on Netflix, either. Mostly if I can't sleep.


++ It's Comic-Con weekend, but done at home, which is the wisest decision. I still can't believe that earlier this year they thought SDCC would still happen, because let's be honest conventions are a breeding ground of germs and poor hygiene, people get sick from conventions all the time. Even if the pandemic wasn't as bad as it currently is, it still would've been a bad idea to hold the event. Nevertheless, they've adjusted to doing livestreaming panels from home, and I've seen some people simply cosplay at home as well. It may not be the same as actually attending a convention, but it's safer and probably less stress-inducing.

Honestly, I would actually love that. As someone who hates crowds, the idea of going to a con stresses me out. Also, I'm the kind of introvert who is just done after a while, and I get the impression you're kinda stuck at cons. So not for me. But I would love the collective nerd factor of them.

) Are the panels free to stream?

[tabaqui]

So agree about the movies. I can't afford to go see a movie more than a couple times a year, to begin with, so i pick and choose very carefully. And I'm not going *back* to the movies for a good long time.

I've thought they should change how movies are released for ages; people can't afford it, especially with kids. Make it a one-time charge on cable or streaming for people who want to see something but can't do theater prices and you'd probably get double or triple the number of viewers. Do that simultaneously with theater releases and they would be rolling in (more) cash.

I just can't figure out why movie/tv/theatre/music can't seem to get that stuff needs to be *different*.....

[sictransits.livejournal.com]

As sad as it is to realize, you are right about seeing movies in theaters. It's going to be quite some time. I've heard a lot of people say "normal" life like concerts and big events aren't likely to happen until Fall 2021. =( But I agree- I hope at least some of the films are released on demand or at drive-ins or something so we don't have to wait so long.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

You're welcome! :D

I honestly cannot remember the last movie I saw in theaters, it's been that long of a time. I know it was within the last few years because it was with the new recliner chairs they've replaced instead of the standard seating, but fuck if I can recall what the movie actually was. Most times I just wait until the movie is out to rent/purchase.

I've been to a number of conventions, big and small, and while the experience can be great most of the time it's just walking around and waiting in line. And I'm the same, an introverted and although I love and want to go to these events, I am practically done by, like, the third hour of attending. I had a mild anxiety attack during Dragon*Con one year because I was so overstimulated by everything going on around me. So I think at home conventions like this can be a great alternative.

Are the panels free to stream?

I believe so.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

I know there's a lot of stupid people out there who think that they can go anywhere that is reopened and act like they don't have to take precautions, but I think the majority of the public would be too nervous to enter a crowded enclosed space such as a movie theater and potentially put themselves, and others, at risk. Most would probably prefer watching from the safety of their own homes than sit in a movie theater.

Yeah, times are changing, times have changed, and they need to get with the program. It would make things so much easier if they would accommodate and adjust to the way things are evolving instead of making it more difficult.

[tabaqui]

Yup. Other than a few movies that really look extra-special on the big screen, and the popcorn - there's nothing that special about paying 25/30 bucks to sit on a germy chair with other people coughing and sneezing and being gross around you. I don't care for it much in 'regular' times - it's totally yuck to me now.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

I feel like we have to be honest with ourselves and realize that there is no going back to what things were like before, we'll have to adjust to a "new normal" and sadly yeah, this means that there will be a lot of changes with the way big events are handled. When it comes to things like movies, I know the industry likes to hold onto old habits and structures but it's crumbling, and it's been crumbling for a while. We're in a tight and impossible situation when it comes to new media, and they're only hurting themselves the longer they postpone these films. Some of them may never get a true theatrical release, so alternatives such as releasing on digital may be their only choice.

I know some are wanting to hold out hoping that they can have a theatrical release, but again, we have to be honest here. Even if people do go into the theaters for those releases, it's not going to be remotely the same as it was pre-pandemic since the numbers will be skewed by those able to versus those who cannot due to whatever state and stage they're in.

[awakenyourfaith.livejournal.com]

Amy Lee's response to My Immortal is all that I could have hoped for and then some XD

Yep. They don't call it "con flu" for nothing. I've been trying to keep up with all the news on social media about SDCC.

[author-by-night.livejournal.com]

I think the last movie I saw was the second Fantastic Beasts movie. (Probably won't be seeing the third, if there even is a third at this point. I somehow have a feeling the other movies aren't going to happen.)


I've been to a number of conventions, big and small, and while the experience can be great most of the time it's just walking around and waiting in line. And I'm the same, an introverted and although I love and want to go to these events, I am practically done by, like, the third hour of attending. I had a mild anxiety attack during Dragon*Con one year because I was so overstimulated by everything going on around me. So I think at home conventions like this can be a great alternative.

Exactly. That would be me. I've been in similar situations and it so miserable. At home conventions are definitely great alternatives.

Although I would love to be able to connect with other fans IRL. Not like that, though.

The other thing with cons is that I'm nerdy, but not geeky, so I wouldn't really get the cosplay aspect and stuff like that. Which isn't shade at all, I think it's great that people love that stuff - and honestly, I'd even argue that everyone has their thing. If you wear a sports jersey to a sports game, that's a very subtle form of cosplay. But I'm more into spending twelve hours analyzing a piece of media than dressing up as Buffy or getting a signature from Nathan Filion, you know? Spending twelve hours talking about Buffy with someone at a cafe far away from everyone sounds delightful. Standing in line for three hours so I can barely hear Nathan Filion talking does not.

[violateraindrop]

My Immortal is a great song, kinda overplayed at the time, but still good. Amy Lee's reaction is awesome :D

Movie theaters are opening in here in Europe again. With the appropriate measures that is okay I think, but there are obviously no big releases and I'm not going to risk anything just to watch The Gentlemen. There is a perfect spot for a drive-in theater not too far away, but they haven't set up anything. The one that was supposed to open nearby didn't happen either. That seemed like such a cool thing, but no...

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

A lot of songs were overplayed during that time. "My Immortal" and "Bring Me To Life" were the most popular Evanescence songs back then, and they were everywhere from being on radio stations to people using them in fanvids or fanfic titles (hence why My Immortal exists).

I really, truly think that drive-in theaters should make a comeback, especially during this time, it would be smarter than reopening regular theaters if they desperately want to show movies again. It's sad that they're not considering this, probably thinking it either won't be successful or that it'll be a waste of resources.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

I initially thought that even if nobody was interested in the franchise, it would unfortunately still continue on because the WB is counting on the hardcore fans and parents just taking their kids to see it because it's connected to that magical world. Even if the second movie was the lowest in box office numbers in comparison to the rest of the HP franchise, it still made money, and regardless of all the complaints and controversies surrounding the franchise itself they were still going to milk it for all its worth. But now with the downfall of JKR, I'm not so sure anymore.

There are a lot of fan meet-ups and things at conventions that do just that, whether you're in cosplay or not, but it's definitely not worth all the big crowds and spending obscene amounts of money just for that experience along. Granted, smaller local conventions are probably better, and it's why I've been going to those more than traveling across several states to a singular big one because even if there's still loads of people it's not as chaotic. And you can still talk with other fans when waiting in lines, but I would rather have that be in a less noisy environment, imho.

However, one of the best things about conventions are the vending areas. I've found some great deals on things that I wouldn't have otherwise gotten elsewhere. And that's not really an option when there's at-home-only kind of conventions via streaming, unless the venders have sites where you can purchase stuff, but the nicest thing is that sometimes they have things at their booths that aren't available on their sites, and vice versa. So yeah.

[author-by-night.livejournal.com]

nd you can still talk with other fans when waiting in lines, but I would rather have that be in a less noisy environment, imho.


Same. The more I think about it, given how many fannish people ARE introverts, I'm actually surprised huge cons are such a thing. But I guess if you're that willing to do certain things, you can turn the extroversion on?

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

Well, not all introverts are the same, so I'm only speaking for myself, but I find that it's different when it's a place with people who are interested in the same things as you are. With me, conventions are with like-minded people who are into the same geeky/nerdy/fandomy things as I am, and even if it's crowded just being around that is much different than going to, say, a regular bar or club where I wouldn't feel comfortable in, y'know? I would be more comfortable striking up a conversation with someone in cosplay from a fandom I recognize than someone approaching me in the middle of a bar setting.

That's just me and my experience, though. I've come to know my limits of what kind of social interactions and environments I can take before I start getting completely drained, which is why when planning ahead of these conventions I look at the schedule, know which days I would want to go, what is the most important events I want to attend, and only go for some hours.

[blakmagjick]

I've never heard of that fanfic...I read chapter 1 just for the hell of it...and never want to think about it again...lolol

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

Believe me, I don't think anyone has actually read the entire fic in its entirety, but it's fun to just look at certain excerpts from it and laugh at the ridiculousness. It's like those bad movies where they're obviously so terrible but somehow it's still entertaining.

And honestly, the fact that it's now considered the best worst fanfiction of all time, with no real answer whether it was genuine or a parody, shows how powerful its legacy really is.