Now and Then

After the discussion we had about participatory culture and did the research activity in class for those people who bring being fans to the next level I got to thinking about other ways people show their appreciation through being fans. Does anyone remember renaissance fairs? This is a different part of a culture where fans would gather on a specific weekend, dressed like they did back during the reign of Elizabeth I. Now-a-days there are still renaissance fairs but, are they still popular like they were maybe 10 years ago? People have the internet now , making them capable of staying inside their own homes and getting lost in a virtual community with other diehard fans. In present time, you can be a fan of anything and make your own blog, website or even documentaries on youtube to let other people view you and be a part of your culture. People just want a sense of belonging and like their thoughts/passions to be shared with other people who share their same culture. Not only that, but people are not limited on the internet like they use to be. Young adults, teenagers and even young children are becoming more prone to using tools on the internet to get their voices heard. Are we trading the simple joys in life of dressing up and going to participate at a fair to stay at home and play around on the computer?