Red Dwarf fans questionaire

[kolaqube.livejournal.com]

EDIT 15/03/05 : I'm collecting in the results now, big thanks to everyone who responded!

(This is probably going to be *everywhere* so ignore if you've already answered elsewhere)

Hello there. I'm a undergraduate Media student writing a research paper on the internet and fanculture. I'm specifically looking at Red Dwarf fans * and how they interpret the programme.

Firstly, to have an idea of the fans in general, please give your....
age group (from list below):
- 13, 14-19, 20-25, 26-35, 36-45, 46-55, 56+
gender:
country:

Secondly, if you have the time, I'd also love to hear your general views on the following issues.The questions are to give some idea of what I'm interested to know, you don't have to answer each one. Your answers may be as brief or detailed as you like, just answer as honestly as possible!

APPEAL: How and when did you first discover Red Dwarf and what, in your opinion, do you think is the one main aspect that led to you becoming a fan? Characters, storylines, special effects?

'REAL LIFE': What bearing does RD have on your everyday life? Do you ever quote the show out of context? Can you relate to the characters?

COMMUNITY: Have you made friends purely through an interest in RD? Have you met online fans in real life? What is your favourite place to chat about the show, and which do you consider to be more superior, fansites or the official site?

CREATIVITY: What are your views on fanfiction? Are you an author/reader ? Which do you prefer, slash or het and why?
Do you run a RD fansite? Have you ever produced fan art, music videos, or anything else inspired by RD?

FAN CULTURE: To what extent do you think you are a fan? How far does your 'collection' go? Do you hunt down rare merchandise?
How do you think you are percieved as an RD fan, and how do you feel about this 'image'? What do you think of other sci-fi fandoms, such as Star Trek's 'Trekkies'?

Thanks for your time!
*Rimmer salute*

* because I'm a fan myself. In case anyone hadn't already noticed ;)

Comments

[ellieet.livejournal.com]

Hm...interesting. I'll give it a go.

Name: EllieET


Age group: 14-19
Gender: Female
Country: England

APPEAL: I discovered Red Dwarf very recently in Media class when we were looked at the Top 60 British sit-coms documentary. Our Media teacher explained the stories and characters of each one, Red Dwarf included. Then some time later we saw part of one of the episodes and then a couple of weeks ago I stumbled across a RD Smeg-ups tape in our house. I watched it, and I was drawn to the characters, Cat in particular. I think the thing that appeals to me most of all is the fact that it's a small 'gang' of boys with different interests and personalities, but who manage to stick together anyway.

'REAL LIFE': I try to relate to the characters' feelings at any given opportunity, and on occasion, I act as wacky as Cat, imitating his accent. I've been using the word 'smeg' for a few days now.

COMMUNITY: As I've only just got into the fandom, the only place I discuss the series right now is right here at reddwarfslash. I have looked up the episode guide online to give myself an idea of the series. Everyone on here seems friendly, and I've gotten into discussing various episodes with them. I've never met anyone in real life, though. I like fansites more, as there's unlimited discussion.

CREATIVITY: Fanfiction is great! I much prefer slash to het, as I don't like seeing certain slash hints being trod on by annoying Mary-Suish female characters who are all the same: whiny, 'up-there' and forever making not-so-subtle moves on the male characters without regards to how other characters might feel *CoughcoughTin-TinfromThunderbirdscoughcough* And besides, the fact that it's a group of guys in one big ship just sounds so right. I'm a reader for the RD fandom for now, but I'll become an author when I get a clearer view of the series.
Nope, I don't run a RD website or anything remotely Red Dwarfish. *Shrugs*

FAN CULTURE: At this point in time, I'm willing to stay up late on Monday nights and tape the 9.20 showings. I also keep rewinding back to my favourite parts in the Smeg-Ups tape just to see them mess up all over again (my personal favourites being 'Mr. Guitar,' 'The Eyes on the Chins' and 'You Thought It Was All One Film?' I'm hoping for the DVDs for my birthday, and I'll get to the other merchandise like shirts and posters later. :) Oh, and I adore the Cat. A lot.
I think I'm seen as being slightly obsessed with the series, but I think RD is the one good sci-fi fandom. All the others *snore*. I think being a sit-com really does help.

Hope this is OK.