This is not a post of any substance about FanLib so much as a metaphor that I liked.

[cimorene]

FanLib's marketing attempts with lj fandom were kind of like going to a hardcore goth club and handing out Hot Topic ad flyers. "And look, you can wear things with like - little skeletons on them!"

In other new FanLib news, people are distributing their marketing brochure and analyzing their FAQ. It seems clear that it's not actually aimed at people who are already well into fandom, let alone at the savvy and highly-networked fans who make up the livejournal community. life_wo_fanlib is a collection of links to information and posts about it. If you're part of fandom, it would be good for you to read a bit about it - not because it necessarily poses a threat to our corner of the community but because it's highly relevant to all of fandom (angiepen: Why We're Not Just Walking Away.)

Comments

[mahoy.livejournal.com]

FanLib's marketing attempts with lj fandom were kind of like going to a hardcore goth club and handing out Hot Topic ad flyers. "And look, you can wear things with like - little skeletons on them!"

That is truly the best description I've seen thus far. And oh, so perfect!
I bought a Clash T-shirt at Hot Topic a couple of years ago, and the counter biscuit stared me down, sniffed delicately and asked, "You do know who The Clash are?" It was all I could do no to launch myself across the counter and strangle her with her rhinestone-encrusted dog collar.

[cimness.livejournal.com]

rhinestone-encrusted dog collar

Wait... seriously? I mean, really? I don't know if that's more beautiful or starkly horrifying.

[mahoy.livejournal.com]

I was leaning more toward starkly horrifying. The people who work in Hot Topic seem to wear that gear without a hint of irony, which, really, in the deep South where I live? is the only way to wave your goth flag. Otherwise, you're just sad.

[cimness.livejournal.com]

I don't think I ever saw any native goths in my part of the deep South. We didn't even have Hot Topic. But I'm sure there must be some lurking at the University.

[anatsuno.livejournal.com]

Best metaphor evah. :D

[axiom_of_stripe]

FanLib's marketing attempts with lj fandom were kind of like going to a hardcore goth club and handing out Hot Topic ad flyers. "And look, you can wear things with like - little skeletons on them!"

that is utterly true and also utterly awesome. :)