FLAN--What is it? by flautistfirst

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FLAN--What is it?

POSTED BY: FLAUTISTFIRST
UPDATED: Wednesday, March 8, 2006 08:06
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Tuesday, March 7, 2006 4:24 PM

Okay, I've gotten most of the abbreviations worked out, but I just can't get FLAN or FILK.

Can anyone help me with these?

Thanks ahead of time.

There's no place I can be since I found serenity.

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Tuesday, March 7, 2006 4:36 PM

SHINYHAPPYKLIN

"flan" is an accidental combination of "Firefly" and "fan", said by Nathan in an interview. Supposedly this term is used by those who prefer Firefly over Serenity (or just think it - and Nathan - is cute). (it's also a yummy carmel custard, but I didn't think you were looking for that specific definition)

"filk" isn't an abbreviation, it is a term for fandom parody songs (usually in a folk style). I hear it came from a misprint in a science fiction convention program, where "folk singing" became 'filk singing", and it's stuck ever since as a term for the songs we make up, some original, some to popular tunes, about scifi/fantasy topics, shows, movies, etc. and fandom activities in general. Most conventions have some group filking going on, usually late at night. See the Bedlam Bards' new album "On The Drift" for a great example of Firefly/Serenity filk!

"We gotta go to that crappy town where I'M a hero..."
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Tuesday, March 7, 2006 7:48 PM

FLAUTISTFIRST

Thank you very much for the explanations.

Now for the next question:

Sci-Fi conventions? Are these different from Comic conventions (aka com-cons)?

I'm new to this fandom thingy.

And, in case you were wondering, which you probably aren't, there are flute conventions. The National Flute Association holds one annually. It is a big deal that I have not ever had the pleasure of attending, but would like to some day.

Again, thanks for answering stupid questions from a relative newbie (And yes, I have my browncoat. I wear it proudly everywhere and constantly try to convert others.)

There's no place I can be since I found serenity.

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Wednesday, March 8, 2006 2:02 AM

SHINYHAPPYKLIN

Technically, scifi cons are different than comic cons, although there's a lot of crossover between them. Comic cons seem (from what my own experience has been) more about getting autographs from artists, genre writers and other celebrities in the genre, as well as cult actors, models, etc. , and lots and lots of purchasing collectibles. A few panels and movie previews at bigger ones (like THE Comic-Con in California), but usually just small art demos and maybe some movie/anime screenings at small ones, no panels.

Scifi cons tend to be much more about the panels and guests. Also costuming contests and sometimes other organized events, such as model contests, costuming workshops, etc. There's usually an art show at most of the larger ones as well.

Again, scifi cons run from small, local cons to extremely large. The ones that the major series/movie stars attend are often the larger cons, with the smaller ones tending to be more literary scifi based, with authors and artists the main guests. Some are 'verse specific (as in a Trek con, or the upcoming Flanvention), but con promoters realize people have multiple interests, so there's often crossover, especially at the largest cons.

Check out http://www.dragoncon.org for an example of a VERY large (and very fun!) con. Every year, 30,000 + fans take over downtown Atlanta for 4 days of nearly 24-hour programming in approximately 26 tracks of programming -- everything from art to anime, Trek, Whedon, Stargate, Star Wars, LOTR, British scifi, B5, X-files, costuming, hard science, Pern, Wheel of Time, gaming, writing, etc., etc.....so much to do and not enough time to do everything you want!

I don't doubt that there are flute cons....get enough people who have an interest together, inevitably, a con will follow! (I study such things -- it's a community phenomenon).

"We gotta go to that crappy town where I'M a hero..."
_______________________________
Shiny stuff for Browncoats at:
http://www.cafepress.com/outtotheblack
http://www.outtotheblack.com

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Wednesday, March 8, 2006 4:58 AM

FLAUTISTFIRST

Shiny!

Thanks for the answers and I'll definitely check out that web site.

There's no place I can be since I found serenity.

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Wednesday, March 8, 2006 6:31 AM

CYBERSNARK

If you're looking to understand filks, you can also check out http://www.amiright.com/parody/new.shtml These are more parodies than actual filks, but there are a few filks here, and the principle's the same either way.

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We applied the cortical electrodes but were unable to get a neural reaction from either patient.

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Wednesday, March 8, 2006 7:56 AM

KBACHELDER

At one time I believe the Canadian Browncoats ( http://www.canadianbrowncoats.com) had a link on their homepage to the video from the con where Nathan first said 'flan'. I don't see it on their page anymore however.

Kevin

-----

Listen to the only podcasts in the 'verse dedicated to Firefly & Serenity...

The Signal
http://www.serenityfirefly.com

Firefly Talk
http://www.fireflytalk.com

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Wednesday, March 8, 2006 8:00 AM

KBACHELDER

Quote:
Originally posted by flautistfirst:

Sci-Fi conventions? Are these different from Comic conventions (aka com-cons)?

I'm new to this fandom thingy.

Dragon*Con is "THE" scifi convention where you can find over 25,000 other scifi 'geeks'. It is a ton of fun if you can go. Here is a link to an excellent recap of what it is like...

http://www.dvdtalk.com/features/dragoncon2005/index.html

Enjoy,

Kevin

-----

Listen to the only podcasts in the 'verse dedicated to Firefly & Serenity...

The Signal
http://www.serenityfirefly.com

Firefly Talk
http://www.fireflytalk.com

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Wednesday, March 8, 2006 8:06 AM

FLAUTISTFIRST

Shiny times 2. I appreciate the fine answers to my questions.

There's no place I can be since I found serenity.

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