Cultus Dispatches delves into the history and culture of the Tolkien fandom, playing on Tolkien's (in)famous characterization of his fanbase as a "deplorable cultus." This column welcomes myriad approaches (including multimedia) that span the super general (broad theories and trends) down to the super specific (individual fanworks) and aim for a diverse selection of articles within this column.
Status: Open to new submissions. Please contact us (see below) before beginning an article.
Contact: Dawn Felagund
Publishes: Monthly
Length: Any
Requirements:
This column focuses on Tolkien fandom culture and history. Writers should assume their readers have no knowledge of fan or media studies. The focus of an article can be very broad down to the extraordinarily specific. While this column tends to focus on the segment of the fandom related to transformative works, other topics related to the broader Tolkien fandom are welcome as well. Possible approaches include but are not limited to
- analysis of historical and cultural trends in the fandom
- application of fan or media studies concepts to the Tolkien or Tolkien fanworks communities
- analysis of how diverse fans experience the Tolkien fandom
- changes in how characters, pairings, groups, and genres are treated in fandom over time
- interviews with influential fandom persons
- histories of specific fandom sites, events, and projects
- analysis of the influence of interpretations, fanons, tropes, trends, and even specific fanworks on the fandom
- spotlight on lesser-known types of fanworks
- reviews of fandom conferences, conventions, and other in-person events
Remember that the SWG is a positive-focused community that has as a part of its mission the support of other Tolkien fandom communities. Conflict between people and groups is a frequent part of the fannish experience and an undeniable part of the Tolkien fandom's history. As such, conflicts may be discussed as part of this column but should always be done so with an eye toward preserving the privacy and dignity of persons involved. Except in instances of clear wrongdoing, discussion of people and groups within the fandom should be positive and supportive and should not seek to glorify fandom conflict, wank, or "discourse." If your column will touch on one of these topics, we advise working closely with one of our editors to ensure that the SWG's guidelines and values are honored.
