What Would YOU Choose?

[botias]

I think the Buffy fandom is amazing. Some of the fanworks and fanon have been so powerful that they have forever altered the way I view the show. I was thinking, what if I had to choose? If I could only have one or the other from this day forward, what would I pick? I think it says something that I would have to think about it. Joss, a man who hides his deep insecurities well, says he gives the fans what they need, not what they want. Actually, he trots out a bit of what they want too. But the fandom gives me what I want, what I need, what could never appear on network television, what makes me want to bleach my eyeballs and everything in between.

Comments

[prophecygirrl.livejournal.com]

See, I can't play this game. I just -- can't. I want it all, dammit. Even the ones that make me want to bleach my eyeballs, because even they help me figure out what I DON'T believe/like/want/need about S/B. Today. Plus, I seem to change my mind about what I want/like/need/ at least occasionally. I can't imagine being static about something that I actively care passionately about. So the idea of a "desert island Spuffy" terrifies me.

BTW, that "need" line of Joss' always makes me want to strangle him. Am I the only one? I mean, talk about patronizing. OTOH, he's given me the best, the richest fandom ever, so I also want to buy him a pony.

Ambivalent, much?

[botias.livejournal.com]

See, that's my point. The body of fanwork isn't just something we could toss aside with a little pang in favor of the always-superior canon. I don't want to dismiss the importance of Joss and Company in the scheme of things. They created the recipe. But there are some darn good cooks out there in the fandom, and yes, my metaphor falls apart, but it's still tasty!

Yes, Joss is a bit patronizing from time to time. ;)

[prophecygirrl.livejournal.com]

You know, I made that comment late last night, and just as I was falling asleep, I said to myself....OOOOOH I SEE WHUT SHE DID THAR!

*facepalm*

All this discussion about one single "right" point of view concerning Spuffy has got me all...cranky. Sorry. We're in total agreement, then. Not that that matters, but it's nice when it happens, especially when it's someone like you.

[botias.livejournal.com]

Hee! In your defense, I wrote it really late, and it's not my most clearly worded stuff.

Everyone needs to relax and love one another. ;)

[prophecygirrl.livejournal.com]

Yes, we absolutely should! And then we should go to Woodstock and watch Spike watch his hand move. It would be less silly!

I've taken a chill pill, and am much better now. :-P

[louise39.livejournal.com]

I suppose I am fairly easy to please. I love Buffy and Spike as long as it's pretty real and true to character. And I'll try to give everyone a chance.

I love dark Spuffy,
and light Spuffy,
and ambiguous Spuffy.
And my favorite list is always growing.

Joss started Buffy but the fandom writers and readers continue and expand the original ideas. I am grateful to them.

[shinybaum.livejournal.com]

Fandom is a moody cow, which is good because so am I.

No tv show could never, ever give me what I want or need, because it changes every five minutes.