APEX stands sentry on Chajnantor
The Atacama Pathfinder Experiment (APEX) telescope looks skyward during a bright, moonlit night on Chajnantor, one of the highest and driest observatory sites in the world. Astronomical treasures fill the sky above the telescope, a testament to the excellent conditions offered by this site in Chile’s Atacama region.
On the left shine the stars that make up the tail of the constellation of Scorpius (The Scorpion). The scorpion’s “stinger” is represented by the two bright stars that are particularly close to each other. Reaching across the sky and looking like a band of faint, glowing clouds is the plane of the Milky Way.
Between Scorpius and the next constellation to the right, Sagittarius (The Archer), which looms over APEX’s dish, a sparkling cluster of stars can be clearly seen. This is the open cluster Messier 7, also known as Ptolemy’s Cluster. Below Messier 7 and slightly to the right is the Butterfly Cluster, Messier 6. Further to the right, just above the edge of APEX’s dish, is a faint cloud which looks like a bright smudge. This is the famous Lagoon Nebula (see eso0936 for a closer view).
With a primary dish diameter of 12 metres, APEX is the largest single-dish submillimetre-wavelength telescope operating in the southern hemisphere. As the telescope’s name suggests, it is blazing a trail for the biggest submillimetre observatory in the world, the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), which will be completed in 2013 (eso1137). APEX will share space with the 66 antennas of ALMA on the 5000-metre-high Chajnantor plateau in Chile. The APEX telescope is based on a prototype antenna constructed for the ALMA project, and it will find many targets that ALMA will be able to study in great detail.
ESO Photo Ambassador Babak Tafreshi made this panorama using a telephoto lens. Babak is also the founder of The World At Night, a programme to create and exhibit a collection of stunning photographs and time-lapse videos of the world’s most beautiful and historic sites against a nighttime backdrop of stars, planets and celestial events.
APEX is a collaboration between the Max-Planck-Institut für Radioastronomie (MPIfR), the Onsala Space Observatory (OSO), and ESO, with operations of the telescope entrusted to ESO.
ALMA, an international astronomy facility, is a partnership of Europe, North America and East Asia in cooperation with the Republic of Chile. ALMA construction and operations are led on behalf of Europe by ESO, on behalf of North America by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), and on behalf of East Asia by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ). The Joint ALMA Observatory (JAO) provides the unified leadership and management of the construction, commissioning and operation of ALMA.
ESO/B. Tafreshi (twanight.org)
About the Image
|Közzététel napja:||2012. április 16. 10.00|
|Size:||8500 x 4198 px|
|Field of View:||60° x 40°|
About the Object
|Név:||Atacama Pathfinder Experiment, Panorama|
|Típus:||Unspecified : Technology : Observatory : Facility|


I love science. I really do, but sometimes, I wish all those researchers would just shut up. We humans are entitled to a little mystery. Like the making of sausage, we don’t need to know about everything that goes on inside us. When I savor a hot fudge sundae, for example, do I care if the experience is hedonic or eduaimonic?
Unfortunately, science ignores what I think. They’ve already decided that eating a hot fudge sundae is an hedonic pleasure, as is taking a bubble baths or lazing in a hammock on a sunny day. The experience makes me feel good but does little to improve my health. In matters of a longer life, eduaimonic pleasure is the one that counts. That’s the kind we humans experience when we hold a baby or do a kindness for someone else. Call it the “aw-w-w” feeling that makes us feel warm inside. Science says that feeling is the release of oxytocin, a potent hormone that fights stress by giving our hearts and immune systems a boost. (“How Your Mind Can Heal Your Body,” Good Housekeeping, December, 2013, pg. 78) When we are altruistic — say running an errand for a friend or volunteering at a homeless shelter — oxytocin is our reward.
Centuries ago, the Greek philosopher, Aristotle, observed that “Man is by nature a social animal.” After all those years, science has proved him right. Nature has imbued us with a health dividend, bankable whenever we put someone else’s welfare ahead of our own.
Maybe knowing the difference between hedonic and eduaimonic pleasure has its uses, after all. A New Year’s resolution to work harder to help others wouldn’t go amiss. In a funny way, we’d be putting ourselves and our health first.
(Courtesy of tw.tzuchi.org)


A slice of history from the Buddha to Nehru
by Mandira Nayar, The Hindu, Dec 14, 2006
Exhibition is being held at Nehru Memorial Museum and Library till February 15.
NEW DELHI, India -- It is a wheel that most "desis" really take for granted. But the chakra that appears on the National Flag in navy blue was chosen carefully for a purpose.
As India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru put it, "... Our minds went back to many wheels but notably one famous wheel, which had appeared in many places and which all of us have seen, the one at the top of the capital of the Asoka column and many other places. ... For my part, I am exceedingly happy that in this sense indirectly we have associated with this Flag of ours not only this emblem but in a sense the name of Asoka, one of the most magnificent names not only in India's history but in world history... ."
Bringing alive the links between Nehru and the Buddha now is an exhibition that celebrates this connection on the occasion of the 2550th anniversary of his Mahaparinirvana. Aptly titled "Lord Buddha through the eyes of Jawaharlal Nehru", the exhibition will take viewers on a rediscovery of this relationship.
From the story of Gautam Buddha through pictures to the visits that Nehru paid to all the Buddhist shrines, the exhibition aims to live up to the title. There are also big panels of full of pictures of all the important places associated with the Buddha.
Apart from going on a Buddhist pilgrimage through these pictures, the exhibition also showcases statues of the Buddha that were presented to Nehru. Attracted to his philosophy because of its "scientific" approach, Nehru is believed to have recounted the reason: "... the story of Gautama Buddha has influenced me from my childhood.
That influence was twofold. First, it interested me as a story, and secondly, I liked the scientific attitude reflected therein, the scientific and ethical attitude... ." The exhibition has images and the speech made by Nehru on the occasion of the 2500th anniversary of Mahaparinirvana of Lord Buddha.
The exhibition is being held at the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library. It will be on view up to February 15.


The Glossary of Industry terms has been compiled by SAAMI’s Technical Committee to facilitate technical interchanges between members of that committee. It is not intended to provide legal definitions of the terms included, and, in light of further experience, the definitions of these terms may change. It is not intended to be comprehensive since it does not cover the full range of the diversity of the sporting arms and ammunition industry’s products. It is, in other words, a working draft that, it is hoped, may be useful in addressing certain technical matters frequently considered by the Technical Committee and is subject to further change and refinement.
It was the committee’s decision that ONLY industry terms would be included which are unique to the firearms and ammunition industry directly. Optical terms have been omitted for the most part. Common metallurgical terms were not included because they are not unique to the industry. Where there is a common term with a usage unique to our industry, it has, however, been included.
The elapsed time from moment of firing-pin contact on the primer to the point on the X (time) axis equal to the point where the pressure time curve indicates propellant burning has initiated.
A heated die process which produces a carved effect in the gun stock or forearm.
The abbreviation for Improved Military Rifle Powder. A single base, tubular, smokeless propellant.
A firearm is said to be “In Battery” when the breeching mechanism is in the proper position for firing.
A firearm design incorporating it’s firing mechanism substantially in line with the longitudinal axis of the barrel. Ignition gases are typically induced concentric to the bore with this design.
1. Usually a blank cartridge used in industrial applications such as stud drivers. Usually color coded to indicate power level. Also referred to as power tool cartridges and power actuated tool cartridges. 2. 8 Gauge industrial loads with single projectiles or buckshot used for cleaning continuous cement kilns and other industrial applications.
1. A device intended to function during recoil to set the fire control mechanism to fire a second barrel. 2. A device intended to function during recoil to prevent doubling on some double barrel shotguns.
INERTIA BULLET PULLER
A tool using impact to remove a bullet from a cartridge case.
A design in which the striker or hammer stops after hitting the firing-pin, requiring the firing-pin reach the primer under its own inertia.
INERTIA OPERATED ACTION
A self-loading type firearm in which components of the locking system remains relatively stationary while the rest of the firearm recoils and thereafter unlocks the breech bolt to complete the cycle of extracting, ejecting and reloading.
Also Known As: Inertia Operated
The term used for firearms having two barrels and a single trigger wherein the inertia resulting from the recoil forces of firing one barrel causes the trigger sear to switch to the unfired barrel. A second pull of the trigger can then fire the second barrel.
INSIDE LUBRICATED BULLET
A bullet having lubrication in grooves on the bearing surface of the projectile. When seated, these grooves are covered by the cartridge case.
The velocity of a projectile, or a shot charge, that is recorded by suitable instrumentation located a predetermined distance from the muzzle of a test barrel or a firearm.
Barrels which may be installed on a particular action without factory fitting.
The science of ballistics focusing on all thermochemical and physical events from primer ignition through projectile exit from the muzzle.
On firearms with a one-piece stock, an intermediate part that holds the wood against the barrel and frame and retains the latch mechanism.
Any sight, front or rear, not containing optical magnifying elements. It may be fixed or adjustable. Also called Metallic Sight.
Also Known As: Metallic Sight


- Introduction to Geeky Pop Culture: Defining Fandom and Trends
- Understanding the Different Types of Geeky Pop Culture
- Examining the Benefits and Challenges of Geeky Pop Culture
- Exploring the History of Geeky Pop Culture
- Analyzing the Impact of Geeky Pop Culture on Society
- Investigating the Popularity of Geeky Pop Culture
- Examining the Different Types of Geeky Pop Culture Fandom
- Understanding the Impact of Geeky Pop Culture on Trends and Media
Introduction to Geeky Pop Culture: Defining Fandom and Trends
Geeky pop culture is one of the modern popular culture’s most fascinating and dynamic aspects. It’s a term used to describe various activities and interests, from comic books and video games to science fiction and fantasy. Geeky pop culture is about enjoying the things you love and celebrating them with others.
The term ‘fandom’ is often used to refer to the passionate fan communities that have grown up around geeky interests. Fandom is a culture of shared enthusiasm where people come together to talk about their favorite characters, stories, and universes. Fans often go to great lengths to show their spirit, whether by dressing up as their favorite character or attending conventions.
Trends in geeky pop culture often reflect the interests of fans. This could be anything from a new comic book series to a new movie adaptation of a classic novel. As a result, geeky pop culture is constantly evolving and changing, allowing fans to keep up with the latest developments in the genre.
The internet has also had a significant impact on geeky pop culture. Social media networks like Twitter and Facebook have allowed fans to share their enthusiasm in real-time, leading to greater engagement and collaboration. Through these platforms, fans can easily connect, discuss their favorite topics, and share their thoughts on upcoming events and releases.
Overall, geeky pop culture is an incredibly vibrant and exciting part of modern popular culture. It’s a shared enthusiasm and passion culture where fans can come together to celebrate their favorite interests. It’s also a constantly evolving culture, as fans react to new trends and developments in the genre. Geeky pop culture is something that everyone can enjoy, so why not dive right in?
Understanding the Different Types of Geeky Pop Culture
With the rise of the geeky lifestyle and the popularity of geeky pop culture, it’s essential to understand the different types of geeky pop culture. There are many kinds of geeky pop culture, and they are often classified into two main categories: traditional and modern.
Traditional geeky pop culture includes classic sci-fi movies, comic books, and television shows. This geeky pop culture has been around for decades and continues to be popular. Fans of traditional geeky pop culture are often very passionate about the stories and characters they love and knowledgeable about the various aspects of the pop culture they choose to follow.
Modern geeky pop culture includes modern movies, video games, and television shows. These forms of pop culture have risen in popularity over the past few decades and often feature more contemporary themes, characters, and storylines. Modern geeky pop culture often touches on technology, science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Fans of modern geeky pop culture tend to be more open-minded and progressive in their opinions and are more likely to embrace new ideas and concepts.
No matter what type of geeky pop culture you prefer, there is something for everyone. Whether you are a fan of traditional or modern geeky pop culture, you can explore various stories and characters that will keep you entertained and engaged. Whether you’re a fan of classic sci-fi movies, modern video games, or anything in between, there is something for every geek out there.
Examining the Benefits and Challenges of Geeky Pop Culture
Geeky pop culture has been around for decades, and its influence is only growing. From comic book-inspired movies to video game-inspired merchandise, geeky pop culture has become integral to our lives. But what are the benefits and challenges of geeky pop culture?
First and foremost, geeky pop culture has a lot of positive benefits. It provides fans with a way to express their passions and interests, and it can bring people together who share similar interests. It can also help foster creativity and inspire innovation, leading to advancements in technology, art, and other areas.
On the flip side, some potential challenges are associated with geeky pop culture. For one, the level of immersion that some fans experience can lead to unhealthy behaviors. Additionally, the amount of money poured into geeky merchandise and media can be excessive. Lastly, geeky pop culture in mainstream media can lead to a certain level of oversaturation, leading to fatigue and a lack of interest.
Overall, geeky pop culture can be a great way to express your passion and connect with others, but it’s essential to be aware of the potential challenges that come with it. It’s also important to remember that everyone’s experience with geeky pop culture will be different, so it’s best to find what works for you and stick with it.
Exploring the History of Geeky Pop Culture
The term “geeky” has been around for ages, but what does it mean today? In its most basic form, geeky pop culture is defined as the interests and activities of those particularly enthusiastic about science fiction, video games, comic books, cartoons, and other “nerd-related” topics.
Geeky pop culture has been around for decades and has grown and evolved. It was primarily limited to comic books and science fiction in the early days. Comic books were the first form of mass-produced geeky entertainment and the gateway to a new world of fantastical stories and characters. Science fiction was also a big part of geeky pop culture in the early days and was often the source of inspiration for many of the characters and stories in comic books.
As technology advanced, so too did geeky pop culture. Video games became a primary source of entertainment for geeks, as did tabletop role-playing games. These games allowed people to immerse themselves in fictional worlds and explore, create, and adventure in ways they never thought possible.
Geeky pop culture has grown to encompass various interests and activities in the modern era. From cosplay to fan conventions, geeks have found ways to express their love of their favorite characters and stories in more socially acceptable practices. Geeky fashion has become increasingly popular, with apparel, accessories, and home decor featuring characters from popular franchises.
The internet has also profoundly impacted geeky pop culture, providing a platform for geeks to share their thoughts and ideas and connect with like-minded individuals worldwide. Websites like Reddit, Tumblr, and Twitter have become hubs for geeky conversations. Streaming services like Twitch and YouTube have allowed geeks to share their gaming experiences with a broader audience.
Geeky pop culture is here to stay, and its influence can be seen in virtually every corner of the entertainment industry. From blockbuster movies to indie games, the impact of geek culture can be felt in all aspects of modern media. As technology advances, geeky pop culture will continue to grow and evolve, giving geeks more ways to express their love of the geeky things they love.
Analyzing the Impact of Geeky Pop Culture on Society
Geeky pop culture has had a profound impact on society. From the rise of comic book-inspired movies to the emergence of technology-focused television series, the influence of geeky pop culture is everywhere.
Exploring, imagination, and innovation themes are at the heart of geeky pop culture. Comic books, for example, have always pushed the boundaries of what is possible, inspiring readers to think differently about the world and to come up with creative solutions to problems. They have also introduced us to some of the most memorable characters in fiction, such as Batman, Spider-Man, and Captain America.
The same is true for tech-based television series and movies. The rise of shows like Silicon Valley and movies like The Social Network have highlighted the power of the tech industry and its potential to revolutionize the world. These stories have inspired generations of tech entrepreneurs, who have gone on to create products and services that have changed how we live our lives.
The influence of geeky pop culture has also been felt in the music industry. Bands like Daft Punk and Gorillaz have brought a unique, geeky flavor to their music. In contrast, artists like Childish Gambino and Drake have used their music to explore the implications of modern technology.
Finally, geeky pop culture has had a significant effect on fashion. From superhero-inspired clothing to the emergence of ‘geek chic,’ geeky style has become increasingly popular in recent years.
In short, geeky pop culture has had a profound impact on society. It has inspired us to explore new ideas, think differently about the world, and create innovative products and services. It has also changed the way we dress and listen to music. Ultimately, this has positively affected society, opening new possibilities for expression and creativity.
Investigating the Popularity of Geeky Pop Culture
Geeky pop culture is a genre of entertainment and art that is becoming increasingly popular today. It encompasses everything from comics and video games to movies, television shows, clothing, and accessories. While some people may be unfamiliar with geeky pop culture, it has been around for decades and is becoming more mainstream daily.
At its core, geeky pop culture is all about celebrating the nerdier side of life. It’s a way to express yourself and have fun while learning about the world. Geeky pop culture can include anything from playing video games to reading comics, watching movies and TV, and even dressing up in costumes. It’s a way to show off your nerdy side and immerse yourself in something you enjoy.
So why is geeky pop culture so popular? For one, it’s a great way to escape life’s everyday stresses. It allows people to experience a world where they can be who they want and not worry about what others think. It also allows people to explore their interests and discover new ones. Geeky pop culture can provide a way to express yourself and connect with like-minded people who share the same interests.
Another reason why geeky pop culture is so popular is that it is often seen as a form of rebellion. It allows people to express themselves in a way that is seen as unconventional and different, which can be a great way to stand out from the crowd. It also allows people to explore new ideas and experiences they may not have had the chance to study in their own lives.
Finally, geeky pop culture is popular because it is accessible. With the rise of the internet, people have access to a wide range of geeky content they can enjoy from their homes. Additionally, many retailers offer a wide selection of geeky merchandise, so people can purchase items to show off their fandom.
Overall, geeky pop culture is a great way to express yourself and have fun while learning about the world. It can be a great way to escape life’s everyday stresses, explore your interests, and stand out from the crowd. With the rise of the internet, it has become increasingly accessible, allowing people to explore its wide range of content and merchandise.
Examining the Different Types of Geeky Pop Culture Fandom
Pop culture fandom is a phenomenon that has been around for many years, and it has been growing in popularity in recent years. Geeky pop culture fandom refers to the fans of particular pop culture genres, such as comic books, science fiction, video games, and anime. It is an area of study that has been extensively explored by academics and enthusiasts alike, and it has become an integral part of modern culture.
The term “geeky” often carries a negative connotation, but in the world of pop culture fandom, it is a term of endearment. Geeky pop culture fans are passionate and knowledgeable about their chosen genre, and they often find a place to express their enthusiasm among like-minded people. Geeky pop culture fandom is often associated with cosplay, collecting, and trivia competitions, but it is also much more than that.
There are several geeky pop culture fandom types, each with unique characteristics and values. Comic book fans, for example, tend to be passionate about the characters and storylines of their favorite comics and may attend conventions or dress up as their favorite characters. Anime fans are passionate about their chosen genre and often engage in online discussion groups and fan fiction writing. Science fiction fans often enjoy watching movies, TV shows, and reading books in the genre and may even create their fan works. Video game fans are usually devoted to particular titles and may enjoy playing different versions or attending gaming tournaments.
No matter what type of geeky pop culture fandom a person engages in, it is essential to remember that it is all about having fun and expressing creativity. Geeky pop culture fandom is a way for people to share their love of a particular genre and connect with others with the same interests. It can be an enriching experience and a great way to learn more about the world.
Understanding the Impact of Geeky Pop Culture on Trends and Media
Geeky pop culture has become increasingly influential in recent years and has impacted both trends and media. Geeky pop culture is a collective term for various genres and topics that geeky people are passionate about, including comic books, sci-fi, gaming, fantasy, and much more.
This pop culture has been embraced by people of all ages and has become a significant force in the entertainment industry. It’s become so popular that it influences fashion and beauty trends, television, and movie scripts. In the past, geek culture was seen as something that only certain people were interested in, but now it is seen as something that everyone can enjoy.
Regarding trends, geeky pop culture has had a significant impact. For example, there has been an increase in the number of comic book-inspired clothing brands as well as video game-inspired makeup products. Geeky pop culture also influences fashion designers and beauty brands, creating products that cater to the geeky demographic.
Geeky pop culture has had an even more profound effect in the media realm. TV shows like The Big Bang Theory and movies like The Avengers have become huge successes, showing that people of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy geeky content. This has led to an increase in the number of geeky-themed shows and movies being produced and in the number of geeky-themed merchandise being sold.
In addition, geeky pop culture has also influenced the way that media is consumed. For example, streaming services like Netflix and Hulu have created sections devoted to geeky content, such as superhero movies and TV shows. This has made it easier for people to access the content they love and has opened up the genre to a broader audience.
Overall, geeky pop culture has dramatically impacted both trends and media. From fashion and beauty products to TV shows and movies, geeky content has become a significant force in the entertainment industry. It has opened up the genre to a broader audience. As the popularity of geeky pop culture continues to grow, it will undoubtedly continue to influence trends and media significantly.


Fandom is a rather general term. Oxford dictionary defines fandom as being “The fans of a particular person, team, fictional series, etc. regarded collectively as a community or subculture,” but I feel as though the term fandom is popular culture is known as a specific fan base around a fictional show or movie, and anyway that is what I’m going to be focusing on in this exploration. Fandoms have existed since ancient times with the beginning of sports and sports teams. Rooting for different teams with communities of people that you wouldn’t know beyond that specific sport is really the beginning of fandom as we know it, but now it has evolved into something much different.
In 2019 Fandom is mostly understood as the online phenomenon and community of fans that form on different social medias and share their love of different fictional medias together, but fandom is also a way in which many people, including myself, have made new realization about their own character and identity. The relationship between fandom and queerness is not a new or uncommon pattern. The Slash fandom is the term to describe the section of fan bases which focuses on LGBT and specifically MLM (Men Loving Men) relationships. Homosexuality has been a part of literature and the oral tradition since the beginning of story telling, but the slash fandom really made its popular appearance with the show Star Trek: The Original Series. It’s hard to know exactly when the slash fandom begun because of the art and literature associated with the relationships were distributed and shared privately with not very many people. The Ring of Soshern written by Jennifer Guttridge in 1968 was one of the first or possibly the first stories written about the sexual relationship between Kirk and Spock. The novel was written with the intention of being just passed around from fan to fan, but it was published without permission in many magazines and was quickly spread far and why. It is extremely hard to find copies of this story due to many fans of the show going out of their way to buy copies to burn them in a form of protest and censorship. After this story was created there were multiple other stories published and then fanzines made to gather and form a kind of archive of Spock and Kirk fan creations. These fanzines were spread nationally so that people from across the country could share and enjoy slash art, but the anonymity of artists and buyers were still very important in 1970s when these fanzines became popular.
This national community of Star Trek slash fandom started as a smaller tight knit community. It was this community of mostly women exploring different sexualities not really ever present in popular media. This small community was made with the intention of not being very much publicized or seen by the public. I feel that the current fandom that has grown widely over the decades since have changed in obvious ways but stayed the same in that it has really remained a community with the understanding that that is supposed to be more private than public even though most fandom interactions are public on social media sites, fandom has this feeling of exclusivity and removement from the outside world. It feels like a safe place for the most part to explore topics that you wouldn’t normally feel the freedom to do in other online communities.
I discuss these fandoms from two major points of views: tumblr and instagram. Tumblr definitely harbored more of private community type of feel to it while instagram feels much more open and like content and conversations could spread throughout the entire social media site. On tumblr fandom content usually stayed within the people following specific tags or popular fandom blogs, but due to the popular explore feature of instagram, any posts of any kind can end up in the feeds of people who may not be a part of different fandoms, causing a major occurrence of negative comments on many fandom posts on instagram. Commenting negatively on others posts are for the most part looked down on. This contributes to a community more focused on uplifting individuals within the fandom and not tolerating bullying or negativity on a larger scale. This means individuals are more likely to explore their own personal likes and interests with the knowledge that their community will be supportive and understanding. With this environment created, male friendships in their respective fandom shows and movies are explored along sexually and romantic ways. A theory behind why slash as opposed to fem-slash has really been more popular in these communities is that there just aren’t a lot of female characters in media and when there are they either are not major characters or they are not written as well as the men. “there are not enough well-written female characters, particularly in the nerdy fandoms that dominate fanfiction – the Avengers, Supernatural, Star Trek – so women spend their energy pairing up the interesting male characters instead. (I think the enthusiasm of the Swan Queen shippers in the Once Upon A Time fandom give credence to the idea that plenty of women are interested in femslash too, if there are interesting female characters who bicker and meet each others eyes meaningfully.)” I explain this to say dispel the idea that all women writing about m/m relationships are fetishizing homosexual relationships, and instead I believe that it’s more the idea that young and old women alike are exploring ideas about romance and sexuality through likeable and relatable characters. I also argue that it is through this environment of freedom found through fandom that many women have made realizations about their own personal sexuality.
In 2016 a survey compiling data about different demographics and sexual practices of adults in fandom was made and distributed through the internet through blogs dedicated to fandom and fanfiction with a notable focus on BBC Sherlock and the tumblr fandom. Over 2000 people completed this survey in 21 days. 24% of the participants identified as heterosexual while 34.8% identified as bisexual. A huge difference between the general population and the participants of the survey. I feel that the reason behind this gap is that this inclosed community allowing people to explore and share new findings about themselves in way that isn’t really seen on any other platforms. Themes of family and change are common in a lot geek fandoms that grew on tumblr so it isn’t a huge surprise to see this openness and self reflection in the people that were in these online gatherings. “It is significant that these themes find their way into fandom, as fans often rely on their show for solace, comfort, and reassurance. While Zubernis and Larsen illustrate persuasively that fandom itself is a community that “builds confidence and self-esteem, offers a support system and creates a space where people can explore and grow more comfortable with their identity,” so too can the television texts themselves offer comfort and companionship to some who may be outside traditional community.” (Paul Booth 116)
- “History of Slash Fandom.” Fanlore, fanlore.org/wiki/History_of_Slash_Fandom.
- Booth, Paul. Crossing Fandoms: SuperWhoLock and the Contemporary Fan Audience. Palgrave Macmillen, 2016.
- Susana-Polo. “In Defense of So-Called ‘Bad’ Fanfiction.” The Mary Sue, The Mary Sue, 8 Aug. 2014, http://www.themarysue.com/in-defense-of-so-called-bad-fanfiction/.
“Fandom and Sexuality Survey.” Three Patch Podcast, 1 July 2018, three-patch.com/sexsurvey/.