1984
From Fan History Wiki
1984 is the year of the characterization discussion, the real start of Usenet popularity, of increased interaction between actors and fen, and new material in various canon universes.
In Warped Space #50, Paula Smith contributed an essay to an ongoing dialogue about characterization issues in fan fiction. She discussed something known to fanzine readers and writers called “Langsam’s Law.” She is quoted by Langley as saying "special caveat for writing media-based fiction. Don't make an established character do or say something out of line with his established character, of if you must, give good, solid reasons why."
Usenet gained more exposure in 1984 with a presentation by Alice Greene. In June, she showed Star Trek fans net.startrek and explained some of the advantages to using this medium for fannish communications. Archives from net.startrek during that period show that discussion of slash, referenced as K&S instead of the current convention of K/S to refer to the Kirk/Spock relationship, was happening on the group, along with advertisements for various Star Trek fanzines.
Actors and American fans of Blake's 7 began interaction at conventions. This sometimes led to correspondences, personal phone calls, and general chit chat. This interaction would continue for a number of years and was similar to interactions enjoyed by a few other fannish communities.
Personal computers, aided by their word processing programs, started to have an impact on the publication of fanzines. They, along with the growth of coping services, led to a growth in the number of fanzines and created a situation where more fen could produce their own, high quality fanzines. (Langley)
In the world of canon universes, The Bill was in its first season on television in Australia. The Transformers is in its first season run on television in the United States. Alias Smith and Jones, V and Voltron were also enjoying their first run on television.
See also:
- Canon released in 1984
- Conventions held in 1984
- Fan fiction awards given in 1984
- Fanzines published in 1984
- Technology innovations in 1984
