Our history, in our own words, in our own voices.

[morgandawn]

This essay about the history of media fandom showcases the efforts of many volunteers over the last 6 years. The essay relies heavily on Fanlore articles about fanzines and fandom events from the 1970s-1990s. Fanlore, in turn benefited from the scans made by dozens of fanzine and letterzine owners and publishers across the world as part of the Sandy Hereld Memorial Collection. And as soon as we finish transcribing the oral histories recorded at various US conventions, there will be more first hand records of our history.

Without these first hand records, our community and history could not only vanish, but it could also run the risk of being twisted and misrepresented. One of the more powerfully subversive acts is to record your own history, in your own words, in your own voice.

Or as Spock would say: "Dif-tor heh smusma."

Comments

[laurashapiro]

In case I don't say it enough, thank you for all you do to preserve our history.

[nagasvoice]

Repeating this sentiment with extra applause and hugs!

[laisserais]

That essay was really fantastic.