(no subject)

[shadowkat]

Here's a rarity...haven't gotten one of these emails in ages. And
just when I was debating taking my BTVS site down.


>
>Hi, I hope you're well. My name's K and I'm from
>Australia. I came across your superb Buffy site,
>while doing research for a profile on the Buffy series
>and also the Angel spin off series that I'm doing in
>my media course at school. With more and more Buffy
>fansites disappearing now that the show has concluded,
>please keep your great site up, as a terrific
>resource.
>
>I also need to survey and include (from preferably
>more eloquent, articulate fans) comments on what
>individually made (and still makes) the Buffy and
>Angel TV shows so individually unique and compelling
>to them (despite both being finished their respective
>runs) and would be honored to have your response.
>
>Plus I was wondering if you can recommend any fairly
>eloquent, articulate Buffy and / or Angel fans
>(compared to most people) you know or have admired,
>whom I can contact, as they are difficult to find.
>I could mention you recommended them, or not say
>anything if preferred.
>
>I know I could go on some Buffy fan discussion forums
>and post my question up for people to answer, but I've
>posted on a few Buffy fan forums and the response has
>been poor.
>Thanks so much for your time. I hope to hear from
>you very soon.
>
>Sincerely,
>KJ>
>

Here's my response, also my good deed for the day. More or less. Considering I've had a horrid sick headache through all of it. And had one while writing this. Not bad considering:


Thank you for the message and for the compliment. I've considered taking the site down from time to time, but too much effort and I figure it's not hurting me any to leave it up. (Most of the sites that were taken down were probably costing folks
money.)

At any rate - there are at least four other sites that you can check out:
1. www.atpobtvs.com - also runs a discussion board that I recommend you post your query on, you can say I referred you, they know who I am over there. That site is possibly the best one you'll find on Angel the Series, the most in depth and
scholarly. It also features links to other scholarly sites and a Virtual S6 Angel the Series fanfic that is well worth checking out. The site is run by a woman who has a PHd in Philosophy. Look for a site called The Annotated Buffy - it is site that finds the literary and pop culture references for all the episodes up to and including S3.

2. www.teattheford.com - this site is another excellent one. Has numerous essays, fanfic, and should still be up and running. Most of the people on it are over the age of 30 and have academic credentials. There is a brilliant essay on Escher, you might want to check out by alcibades.

3. www.slayage.tv - I think that's the link, this is the home of Slayage, a scholarly journal devoted to analyzing BTVS and ATS and still going strong. Numerous scholars are writing essays on the series and publishing them.

Any of these people may be happy to respond to your query.

My reasons? For me, BTVS and ATS were innovative, ground-breaking television.
Rose the form to the level of art. Which is rare for this medium. The writers took risks, pushed their actors and directors to take them as well. Often resulting in raw edge of your seat performances. Plus the writer blended other literary mediums, pulling from Shakespear, Stephen Sondeim, Clockwork Orange by Burgess and the film by Kubrick. As well as pulling bits and pieces from mythology. And blending genres. Before BTVS - we didn't really have many dramedy's - the combo of comedy and drama. Nor did you have a female heroine quite like SMG's Buffy. Veronica Mars, Joan of Arcadia owe a great deal to Whedon's creation.

Why did BTVS compel me? Was it the characters? The stories? Or the risks?
I think all three. At it's worst, BTVS was still the best thing on TV. And now two years after it's demise? I can still say that - with very few shows coming close to it.
It appealed to the broadest range - adults and teens. Also dealt with painful issues in new and interesting ways. Plus told stories using visual metaphors. With a small budget, Whedon continued to stretch the medium - playing with all sorts of film styles, such as a silent film in Hush, or pure non-linear dreamscape imagery in Restless. His tales were entertaining yet made you think at the same time.
Another rarity.

Not sure that makes sense. Hope it helps.

Best, Shadowkat

Comments

[petzipellepingo.livejournal.com]

All of the sites that you have listed are wonderful and I would add this one if you hear again from KJ http://www.soulfulspike.com/indexintro.htm. A number of people on my flist are particularly impressed, as I am, by the episode reviews under Spikecentricity.
Hope your headache goes away soon.

[buffyannotater.livejournal.com]

I got an e-mail from her today, too!