So here’s the thing. I had started writing about stans and stan culture specifically about the ways stans mobilize against critics. I was like damn, this is going to be great. This topic is something that’s so interesting to me. And then BAM the depression hit. And the perfectionism hit. And the imposter syndrome (??) for the newsletter I started as a fun hobby (??) hit. How does one get imposter syndrome over a hobby?! The ways in which my brain is wired specifically to fuck with me are astounding, truly.
So, I will be diving into the stans but probably next week. Going to try and chill this weekend instead of laying in paralyzing fear of every failure imaginable. As a way to make up for that, here are a lot of thoughts on a lot of content across a lot of mediums.
What I’m Listening To:
As It Was, on repeat
505, on repeat
(No, I’m not ok – thank you for asking)
How Email Took Over the World w. Anne Helen Petersen
This episode took me to a lot of places. As someone who is terminally Online™ the exploration of how email became such a prominent part of our lives was very interesting. The ways in which the Blackberry, in particular, changed my relationship with the internet and just how online I was is something I hadn’t really considered before.
Perez Hilton and the Rise of the Blogarazzi
Peak 2000s was introduced to me by my friend Sam and honestly, it’s so nice to be so understood. Peak 2000s is hosted by Sydnee Washington and Marie Faustin and in each episode, they have a different guest to discuss a specific moment or phenomenon from the 2000s. As someone who was, embarrassingly, an avid reader of Perez Hilton, I enjoyed this look back on the environment in which he rose to fame (or infamy) and how we as consumers have grown and recognized past wrongs in a way that Perez hasn’t.
Articles:
The Unsung Queerness of Green Day Lyrics
How TikTok heartthrob William White’s thirsty fandom turned toxic
We talk a lot about fandoms with a focus on Gen Z and Millenials, but this article focuses on the toxicity of an older fandom demo.
Why It's a Mistake to Call Those Anti-LGBTQ Laws 'Don't Say Gay'
Can Nail Techs Win Better Working Conditions?
Primadonna made me into the woman I am today. Absolutely adore this look back at a wildly influential album, no matter what the critics tell you.
The Last Fanfiction I Ever Wrote
Internet Shit:
Till next time!
xoxo, Liz