Such a thoughtful and well researched piece, as always! I love this discussion about the integrated experience, and virtual vs. in-person actually not being at odds with each other, but maybe complimentary to each other. As someone deep in the Gilmore Girls fandom, I think about this a lot. Conventions can get pricey, and sometimes the interactions can feel transactional, depending on the spirit of the event and the people in attendance.
Also, am currently reading American Fantasy by Emma Straub and I think y’all would really like it. It’s about a middle aged woman who reluctantly goes on a cruise with a fictional, popular boy band from years ago - think NKOTB or Backstreet Boys, depending on your micro-generation. It explores some of the concepts you’re discussing here and it’s been interesting so far!
Thank you so much! Yes! Complimentary experiences. And, it really is hard to enjoy something when you’re thinking so much about the financial strain of that experience, which I think about a lot every time I’m at a concert or show. This nagging feeling of “was it worth this price?” And it’s so funny you mention American Fantasy—it’s been on my nightstand for a month and I just started it. I love Emma (shoutout to her incredible bookstore in Brooklyn, Books Are Magic!) Fun fact: we were both at the NKOTB show in Vegas on the same night! I saw her social media posts afterward and thought, great minds think alike (or have an affinity for the same boys from Boston)!
That's so funny about Emma and the NKOTB Vegas show! Jackie and I were both huge Joey fans. So fun that you got to see them. I didn't know she had her own bookstore! Great tip for next time I'm in the city.
And yes, so true about the financial costs of the experience. My fall lineup includes a Hayley Williams show and GG Fan Fest, both of which feel like a perfect energetic match for the price.
Such a thoughtful and well researched piece, as always! I love this discussion about the integrated experience, and virtual vs. in-person actually not being at odds with each other, but maybe complimentary to each other. As someone deep in the Gilmore Girls fandom, I think about this a lot. Conventions can get pricey, and sometimes the interactions can feel transactional, depending on the spirit of the event and the people in attendance.
Also, am currently reading American Fantasy by Emma Straub and I think y’all would really like it. It’s about a middle aged woman who reluctantly goes on a cruise with a fictional, popular boy band from years ago - think NKOTB or Backstreet Boys, depending on your micro-generation. It explores some of the concepts you’re discussing here and it’s been interesting so far!
Thank you so much! Yes! Complimentary experiences. And, it really is hard to enjoy something when you’re thinking so much about the financial strain of that experience, which I think about a lot every time I’m at a concert or show. This nagging feeling of “was it worth this price?” And it’s so funny you mention American Fantasy—it’s been on my nightstand for a month and I just started it. I love Emma (shoutout to her incredible bookstore in Brooklyn, Books Are Magic!) Fun fact: we were both at the NKOTB show in Vegas on the same night! I saw her social media posts afterward and thought, great minds think alike (or have an affinity for the same boys from Boston)!
That's so funny about Emma and the NKOTB Vegas show! Jackie and I were both huge Joey fans. So fun that you got to see them. I didn't know she had her own bookstore! Great tip for next time I'm in the city.
And yes, so true about the financial costs of the experience. My fall lineup includes a Hayley Williams show and GG Fan Fest, both of which feel like a perfect energetic match for the price.
Hope you enjoy the rest of the book!
Joey was always my fave too! 💕