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miss_pryssTonight I spent the evening in a casual setting, discussing industry topics with a group of 8 or so women in my profession (all of them strangers to me, and all from other companies). The format and content of the discussion were similar to conversations I've had in the past with fellow fangirls, so the contrast between fannish conversation and this discussion was all the more marked for me.
So, let's do a little run-down of the differences and see where we net out, shall we?
CONVERSATIONAL STYLE
My colleagues: Did not interrupt each other, EVER, and were obviously put out on the one occasion when I interrupted one of them.
My fannish friends: Interrupt each other CONSTANTLY. How else is an interesting conversation supposed to work?
My colleagues: Speak in moderate tones of voice and refrain from expressing very strong opinions (positive or negative), or from directly expressing disagreement with each other.
My fannish friends: Speak LOUDLY, especially when expressing: a) wild enthusiasm, b) strong disapproval, or c) lively disagreement with each other.
EDUCATION AND INTELLECT
My colleagues: Don't know the difference between fifteeth-century European literature and nineteenth-century English literature, but pretend like they do to avoid looking stupid.
My fannish friends: Tend to be unusually well-versed in literature generally; and would be almost universally least casually familiar with the above distinction; and, if they weren't, would immediately admit ignorance -- and ask to be educated.
My colleagues: Don't "get" graphic novels or comics, and would certainly never read them for fun.
My fannish friends: Do, and would.
My colleagues: Just didn't seem that smart.
My fannish friends: Are all as smart as, or (in many cases) way smarter than me.
SOCIAL AND SARTORIAL STYLE
My colleagues: All weigh 125-140 pounds and wear biz-casual clothing so bland and conservative it makes me feel like a color-blind punk rocker with my green plaid skirt and purple hair.
My fannish friends: Come in pretty much all shapes and sizes; wear pretty much anything; and think my purple hair is neat.
My colleagues: Come off as clique-ish and heterogeneous.
My fannish friends: Are a bunch of disparate characters unified only by a common geekery -- and a certain broad like-mindedness.
CONCLUSION
Hello, I would like to find a job in an industry peopled only by fannish types and geeks of other stripes. Until that day comes, you'll find me in my cubicle quietly moderating my expectations.
So, let's do a little run-down of the differences and see where we net out, shall we?
CONVERSATIONAL STYLE
My colleagues: Did not interrupt each other, EVER, and were obviously put out on the one occasion when I interrupted one of them.
My fannish friends: Interrupt each other CONSTANTLY. How else is an interesting conversation supposed to work?
My colleagues: Speak in moderate tones of voice and refrain from expressing very strong opinions (positive or negative), or from directly expressing disagreement with each other.
My fannish friends: Speak LOUDLY, especially when expressing: a) wild enthusiasm, b) strong disapproval, or c) lively disagreement with each other.
EDUCATION AND INTELLECT
My colleagues: Don't know the difference between fifteeth-century European literature and nineteenth-century English literature, but pretend like they do to avoid looking stupid.
My fannish friends: Tend to be unusually well-versed in literature generally; and would be almost universally least casually familiar with the above distinction; and, if they weren't, would immediately admit ignorance -- and ask to be educated.
My colleagues: Don't "get" graphic novels or comics, and would certainly never read them for fun.
My fannish friends: Do, and would.
My colleagues: Just didn't seem that smart.
My fannish friends: Are all as smart as, or (in many cases) way smarter than me.
SOCIAL AND SARTORIAL STYLE
My colleagues: All weigh 125-140 pounds and wear biz-casual clothing so bland and conservative it makes me feel like a color-blind punk rocker with my green plaid skirt and purple hair.
My fannish friends: Come in pretty much all shapes and sizes; wear pretty much anything; and think my purple hair is neat.
My colleagues: Come off as clique-ish and heterogeneous.
My fannish friends: Are a bunch of disparate characters unified only by a common geekery -- and a certain broad like-mindedness.
CONCLUSION
Hello, I would like to find a job in an industry peopled only by fannish types and geeks of other stripes. Until that day comes, you'll find me in my cubicle quietly moderating my expectations.
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Date: 2007-02-07 03:51 am (UTC)My fannish friends: Speak LOUDLY, especially when expressing: a) wild enthusiasm, b) strong disapproval, or c) lively disagreement with each other.
One of the things I've noted when hanging out with non-fannish folks is that often I'm the only one who's completely willing to show my squee. Non-fannish folks seem on the whole much less willing to, as though it makes you uncool to show your cards. And I don't know-- I just don't get that. I like when things inspire and excite me.
Don't hold back, tell us how you really feel <g>
Date: 2007-02-07 04:49 am (UTC)