The state of Aussie fandom - 1990

[Therin of Andor]

People here often debate about how well regarded is Star Trek fandom.

Someone has uploaded an Aussie TV interview show from 1990, in which my Star Trek friends and I are asked to discuss the state of science fiction fandom. We were all only supposed to represent one fandom each, so I was representing my then-Batman club, but many of the interviewees were significant Sydney fannish identities of the day, and some are now working as professionals in their various fields (including writers, artists, actors, SPFX guys, museum curators, etc). Exciting, because I have really watched it since it aired, and I haven't seen my copy in about fifteen years.

If I recall, many of the fan participants were rather suspicious of host Peter Couchman's planted "experts": Dr Stephen Juan, anthropologist, and Professor Brent Waters, psychologist. However, these experts were surprisingly supportive of science fiction fandom, ie. calling us adults who haven't forgotten how to "play", and who have found a solid sense of community and acceptance of each other.

For those who often say that Trek and SF media fans don't get the respect they deserve, this is a fascinating study of a moment in time.

http://therinofandor.blogspot.com/2009/09/couchman-interviews-science-fiction.html

The beard was only rather new at the time, otherwise I'd have been dressed (at the station's request) as an Andorian or in my Robin the Boy Wonder outfit.

 

[Michael]

I just watched the whole thing. Very interesting stuff. I found it rather annoying how often the moderator kept coming back to the whole escapism angle. But I liked all the responses from the audience. I think the 'experts' were spot-on with most of what they said. (Although it was a little suspicious that one of them hadn't heard of the term 'fandom'.) It seems like you guys had a lot of fun, though. Your final joke was hilarious. And I really want that shirt!

Oh, and that: Reality is for people who can't deal with science-fiction.

 

[Therin of Andor]

I just watched the whole thing. Very interesting stuff. I found it rather annoying how often the moderator kept coming back to the whole escapism angle.

Yeah, Couchman was extremely positive when we all arrived, at a point when many of ussuspected he was going to be anti-fans, but I have a feeling something set him off on the escapism tangent and he'd forgotten some other points he'd intended to cover. (You might have noticed a reference to the audience's clapping, and having done it all before. IIRC, about five minutes into the show they realised there was a major sound glitch and the whole opening had to be done again.)

Although it was a little suspicious that one of them hadn't heard of the term 'fandom'.

1990, it wasn't a word that was in the public arena. Similarly, once I helped a video company to do liner notes on some Star Trek video releases in the late 80s, and they agreed to putting an ad for our club on the box art. Over the phone, they typed up the ad to read "Star Trek Sandom"!

It seems like you guys had a lot of fun, though. Your final joke was hilarious. And I really want that shirt!

Well, they were a bit disappointed I didn't want to shave off my then-new beard to wear my Robin outfit! I think I still have the shirt, but I'm sure it no longer fits...

Reality is for people who can't deal with science-fiction.

Yeah, one of the guys (who speaks in the interview) used to screen-print that motto onto T-shirts he sold at conventions!

 

[Orcus]

Hahahaha! Well... that was a great trip down memory lane. I'd forgotten that the first Batman film was still very new then - just as well you weren't in your Robin costume, after all...

It was certainly interesting to see you there contributing with the sense of enthusiasm, presence and bon homie that I remember you for (has it really been 16 years?!). It may be due to a sense of familiarity but I found your contribution there to be one of the highlights of that piece and you certainly brought the thing to a close with a nice piece of perspective.

Thank you.

 

[Therin of Andor]

I found your contribution there to be one of the highlights of that piece and you certainly brought the thing to a close with a nice piece of perspective.

Thanks Orcus!

All of the speakers who had a caption (with our name and title) had already discussed our thoughts with the researchers during the week before and, when we arrived at the studio, there were "Reserved" signs on our seats. Everyone else was just allowed to scatter throughout.

Host Peter Couchman made a point of saying hello to me before taping commenced, shook my hand and told me he loved my story about fandom love matches. So I knew the researchers had prepared him quite well. I was given no warning about where to use it. As the show was winding down, I felt real disappointment there'd been no opportunity to jump in with the story - and it was such a shock that Peter was suddenly giving me the closing comment! A very cool moment.