What is going on with Supernatural? A discussion about fandom spaces with Nicole, a real-life anthropologist

Sandra and Kasey talked with someone who has gone all in to explore the results of fanfiction and collaboration colliding in an online community. This episode features a lively and in-depth discussion of the fandom ecosystem and collective cognition with anthropologist Nicole. Nicole completed research that studied a FanFic-centric Supernatural Discord server and its members. No, not Idling’s. However, Nicole’s dissertation highlighted many topics that are often touched upon in this podcast. 

Cause really, if there isn’t group griping and despair about the writing process, is it even fanfic?

Related Discussion Links and Contact Info

Nicole can be contacted via email and on Bluesky

Nicole’s episode reference doc 

Transformative Works and Cultures - Transformative Works and Cultures (TWC) is an international, peer-reviewed journal published by the Organization for Transformative Works. TWC publishes articles about transformative works, broadly conceived and articles about the fan community.

An IITI episode with MJ (Incog_Ninja) about Sexual Agency in FanFic

~~~

We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat.

Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala.

~~~~~

TL;DR - If you can’t be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.com

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email ([email protected])!

All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcast

Our Discord #backseat Channel.

Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect.

Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind the scenes perks!

We’ve got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!

~~~~~

Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:

World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

~~~~~

For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take Action

Support Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  

~~~~~

LGBTQ+ Charities

Switchboard LGBT UK

The Trevor Project - USA and Global

~~~~~

Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.

~~~~~

Chapter Timestamps

00:00:00 - Intro

00:02:28 - The researcher behind the study

00:05:07 - Nicole’s personal fandom and fanfic journey

00:10:08 - Lurking and the methods of anthropology

00:17:46 - Why observe a SPN FanFic Discord server?

00:33:09 - The art of researching people

00:42:34 - Digital anonymity

00:54:54 - How the research changed?

01:02:50 - Collective cognition

01:22:25 - The self-promotional aspect of creating

01:28:39 - Reader norms and culture

01:46:18 - The collaboration of fanfic creation

01:52:38 - How much agency do fanfic writers have over their blorbos?

01:55:23 - How do writers write for their reader insert audience?

02:00:23 - The magic of reality in fiction

02:02:39 - Is Dean Winchester running the show?

02:07:57 - Who has ownership over a fictional character?

02:13:24 - How fanatical is the Supernatural fandom?

02:25:22 - How fanon influences canon

02:30:20 - Nicole’s final research thoughts

02:33:45 - Closing thoughts and outro