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Girls who like Boys who like Boys – Ethnography of ... - Yuuyami.com

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meanings.<br />

Barb mentions that she will read anything as long as it’s well-written,<br />

even het fic, though it has to be a pairing that doesn’t squick (fan-speak for<br />

“disturbingly nauseate”) her. However, to her, most <strong>of</strong> the canon pairings will<br />

do exactly that. When I asked her if she could specify why this was the case,<br />

she had a few problems but then explicated with: “It’s one <strong>of</strong> the things where<br />

you find out ‘oh look, you don’t have to do canon pairings! Byebye!’ I<br />

haven’t read canon pairings in forever.” This is very reflective to what Barb<br />

sees as her view <strong>of</strong> fandom, and for which she found an academic reflection in<br />

Jenkins’ theories, namely the appropriation <strong>of</strong> the source text. The fan mindset<br />

she sees at the heart <strong>of</strong> fandom is inquisitive, curious, possessive <strong>of</strong> the source<br />

text, and creative in its interpretation and/or mutation <strong>of</strong> it. It is through this<br />

mindset that she connects most easily to other people, as will be discussed<br />

below. And in a way it is also deeply ironic that that mindset extends to an<br />

appropriation <strong>of</strong> academic theory discussing that mindset.<br />

In terms <strong>of</strong> reading habit, therefore, Barb is very open in terms <strong>of</strong><br />

pairings and interpretation, though she does have certain standards that she<br />

expects fanfics which she reads to have. She tries to read fanfics that are IC<br />

(note again that IC is not the same as canonical), and that at least attempt good<br />

grammar. Also, she does not enjoy stories which diverge from canon without<br />

giving a reason. She will avoid angsty fics if she can help it, but, if they are<br />

re<strong>com</strong>mended by a friend or an author she enjoys, she will read them<br />

102

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