| QAF musings |
[Jun. 17th, 2011|08:19 am] |
This is a newbe post- if it is off topic please let me know.
anyway..
One of the aspects of QAFs brilliance is its brave ability to portray issues that we sometimes prefer not to think about. But sometimes I feel the need to talk them over....
Season 1 - The age differences between B and J and the fact tat Justin is a minor. Fandom seem to be OK with this, but as a parent of a teenager I don't think I am. what would your reaction be to an irresponsible and promiscuous 30 year old that is sleeping with your kid, changing him and influencing/controlling every decision that the kid makes, taking over your role, putting him in danger?
(Personally, If I was Justins parent I would want him to do at least some business courses with his art degree.)
His parents opinions become irrelevant when Brain buys him a drink, dances and kisses him. And ..in season one Jenifer cares about Justin a hell of a lot more then Brain does.
We all love Brian, but if we didnt, if he was less beautiful, would we still be as tolerant?
This relationship seems to be "the love that dare not speak its name " or the Greek man/boy relationship. Oscar Wild wrote about it (and was jailed for it).
One aspect that QAF brings out is the huge influence and power the man has over the boy. (to some extent, as the relationship progresses, it is the other way around)
Brain becomes an Idol, a role model, a parent.
Are we OK with it? |
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[Jun. 13th, 2011|11:34 pm] |
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| *dirty canvases to call my own* |
[Jun. 6th, 2011|09:09 am] |
*clears out the cobwebs*
Doesn't look like the coffee club has been too busy lately...but I do have a question that never occurred to me before...it's really a fandom question and not a show question, but I'm offering it up for discussion anyway.
This came up the other day when I was chatting to Besa. Even though she's not into QaF anymore, she indulges me occasionally. We were actually talking about the Harry Potter fandom first. I read a TON more HP (well, really Harry/Draco) than QaF. I have a good reason for that (at least in my mind), but that's not really what my question is about.
It's the almost *complete* lack of original art in Queer as Folk fandom...in the HP fandom, there is tons and tons and tons of it, every pairing and scenario imaginable. Yet, in Queer as Folk, I can't think of any instance where I've seen any kind of art depicting even Justin and Brian, who are BEAUTIFUL people. Wonder why that is?
I know we have talented artists here that make banners and icons and lovely art, but it's always using the images that already exist from the show.
Thoughts? |
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| bj_action Theme #16: Let's Get Soaking Wet |
[May. 21st, 2011|09:41 am] |
Theme #16: Let's Get Soaking WetSign-up by commenting to this post (if you can't sign up directly on IJ here) by May 22nd at midnight EST.
Fics due on June 1st, 2011 at 7pm EST.
For further rules please refer to our Profile Page.
Any questions, ask below! Feel free to interpret the theme in any and every way imaginable! This challenge is brought you by ![[info]](http://www.insanejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif) not_yet_defined , happier_bunny and me! mander3_swish ...I get to co-host! woot!
As always, sign-ups are appreciated by the date posted, but will be accepted right up until the fic due date. Fic due dates and times are strict.
( and in case you need some visual prompting, click here! ) |
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| Pimping New Asylum, QAF One-liners |
[May. 16th, 2011|09:09 pm] |
This is a place to post one sentence fics, complete in themselves.
Write a mini-fic, no more than 40 words, in one sentence and share it over at QAF One-liners.
It's not the size that matters… it's the vision!
Join in and play with us!
Link to the asylum here
Thanks to mander3_swish, later2nite and qafmaniac for helping me create the asylum. Best girls ever! |
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| I Love You question |
[May. 12th, 2011|10:57 pm] |
Besides when Justin told Brian he loved him before Brian left for his "Ibiza trip," (407) when else did Justin say the words? perhaps some end of S5 scenes....I'll re-watch those, but if any knows of some other S1-4 instances, that would be super helpful! thanks! |
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| Emmett Question!!! |
[Apr. 14th, 2011|04:52 pm] |
So, in comparison to the rest of QaF gang, how old is Em? Would you say he's younger than Michael and Brian or roughly the same age?
Was his age ever mentioned on the show?
Thanks in advance for any help you might be able to provide! |
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| What relationship would you have liked to see more of? |
[Apr. 11th, 2011|05:44 pm] |
Sorry if this topic has been discussed before....
Lately I've been thinking about how the non-romantic relationships on QAF evolve over time and go in unexpected directions (like with Ted and Brian). However, there are some relationships that I wish the writers had let us see more of because I think they have so much potential.
The relationship that I wish had been explored more is the friendship that developed between Carl and Emmett. I think there is/was great potential for a father-son relationship that Emmett in particular could benefit from. It seems like his only adult 'caretaker' as a child was his Aunt Lula. So I think the possibility of having a father figure that he could trust unconditionally would be a relationship that he would really value.
We see a couple of scenes: where Emmett talks to Carl when Deb's in crisis over Vic, where Carl talks to Emmett about staying at the house. When Carl tells Em that he's a good man, you can see that he wants Emmett to take it to heart (like any good parent). So very good scenes, but I would have loved to see some more.
Any relationship that you'd like to have seen on-screen more? |
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| Beta Discussion |
[Apr. 1st, 2011|11:46 am] |
A new writer emailed me asking me several very good questions about what a beta is and how you know if your beta is qualified.
I suggested she create a post in here, so hopefully she will with all her questions: or she can just paste them into the comments here.
DEFINITION: A beta literally means, second reader. The author is the alpha reader.
[unless they don't read over their story when it's finished, then the beta literally becomes the alpha reader, even though they're still called a beta]
WHY YOU NEED A BETA: The reason you need a second set of eyes is because you already know exactly what you meant to convey in your story, before you read your completed work. the beta reader knows nothing until they read the story. thus, the author is the least qualified reader in deciphering whether a coherent story has been told.
WHAT A BETA DOES: the most important function of a beta (second reader) is to tell you if the story makes sense: does it need more information to express the point clearly? or are the usage and grammar errors ones that actually change or confuse the intended meaning of the text? the second most important function is to correct typos or other types of errors, so that the reader isn't pulled out of the story due to mentally correcting the text or by having to stop and figure out what was meant (this is the function that seems to cause the most debate in fandom regarding beta-necessity). third most important function of the beta is to contemplate the theme/s: does the story have a purpose? does it have a beginning, middle and end? are the ideas interesting? is the theme apparent? does the story include unnecessary information that doesn't push the story forward, thus distracting the reader from the main theme/s? the fourth most important function is to assist with style: does it drag on needlessly or repeat without good reason? does it flow? has the writer chosen the best tense? is the POV "right"?
FANDOM SPECIFIC BETA: this is as important as the first function of what a beta does in general. this is because the reason a reader chooses a fanfiction story as opposed to a non-fandom story, or a story from a different fandom, is because they are seeking to be inside of the world of the characters. if you're not going to put us in the world of canon, it is not a successful fanfic. Even if it is a good non-fandom fic.
WHAT A FANDOM SPECIFIC BETA DOES: the most important function of the fandom-side of the beta: are the characters IN character? whether the conflict is familiar or strange the character/s should be acting/reacting in a manner true to canon. second most important: does the language sound like the language style of canon? third most important: are the themes similar to the themes of the source material (canon)? fourth most important: is the universe the characters are in, in someway recognizable? whether they're in outer space or at the most familiar fandom location, the atmosphere should be reminiscent of canon.
KNOW WHAT YOU WANT FROM YOUR BETA: do you want a full beta? do you want a minimum beta where you merely get assistance in making the story clear or affirmation that it is already clear? or something in between full and minimum?
KNOW YOUR BETA'S STRENGTHS: can your beta help you with canon? does your beta speak the same native dialect spoken in the fandom universe? can your beta assist you with grammar and usage?
FINDING THE RIGHT BETA: The best way to find the "right" beta for you, is to state what strengths during beta (second read) you are most in need of. just as importantly, disclose in your request for beta the length and genre of your fanfic, list the main characters, character/pairings and share any warnings that might be attached to the fic when posted. this is important because the key in finding the beta that is "right" for you, is in being the "right" alpha for your beta... |
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| Opening credits |
[Mar. 27th, 2011|10:13 am] |
| [ | Current Music |
| | 513 in background | ] |
I've been re-watching the entire series during March, and have been thinking about the opening credits as I work my way through Seasons 4 and 5. Two questions:
1. Which opening credits do you prefer? Seasons 1-3 or Seasons 4-5? Why?
2. What images from the credits do you like the best?
For myself, while I like the energy and youthfulness of Seasons 1-3, I prefer the credits from Seasons 4-5 because so many relationships (and themes) from the show are represented. My favorite image is the frame with the three sets of feet (Lindsey, Mel, and Gus)--it just represents "family" to me and makes me smile everytime I see it. A close second is the frame where Justin kisses the side of Brian's nose because it just seems like such an intimate, loving moment. And "Cue the pulse to begin" is one of my favorite treadmill songs now. |
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| A different quick question |
[Mar. 9th, 2011|02:39 pm] |
I'm just betaing a fic right now... and it's about the Babylon bombing. How many people died? The fic mentions 4. I just wanted to double check... so if someone remembers off-hand, that would be great...otherwise I'll check the ep when I get home. Is it Ted that gives a Brian the update?
Thanks in advance! :)
Update: greenling had the answer 513 and the congresswoman (during the press conference) says that seven people were killed.
Thanks! |
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| Quick Question |
[Feb. 20th, 2011|11:22 am] |
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Does anyone know if we ever hear Cynthia's lastname? Just wondering... |
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| What is your favorite quote from the show? |
[Feb. 16th, 2011|08:55 pm] |
I want to make a calendar with 24 screencaps and just as many quotes from the show. So I'm having a hard time choosing from all the material, so I just thought, maybe you like to share your favorites wih me?
It shouldn't be too long, though. One of my favorites, Ted's speech in front of Emmett's anti-gay group in Season 1 wouldn't qualify because it's too long. And it shouldn't be too porny, because I want to be able to take the book to work.
Any ideas? |
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| Some random thoughts about Britin |
[Feb. 11th, 2011|02:48 am] |
I have been thinking (always a dangerous sign)...
I mean, for once it's clear that Brian likes it big: big loft, big cock, big gestures. So I never really asked myself why Brian buys a house like Britin for only two people. He also loves a lot of space and luxury.
But today for the first time I thought that maybe he didn't just makes an over-the-top gesture. Justin did ask for a home and a family, didn't he? So maybe at that point where Brian was ready or willing to give him everything to make him happy no matter what, he also thought about the fact that Justin might want to have kids or foster kids. Sure, he wanted to have room for Gus and the lesbians when they come to visit, but as far as canon goes, he doesn't even know they are moving when he buys the house, or does he?
As much as I like some of the fic about Brian and Justin raising a family together or at least living together with Gus, I always found it very unlikely to happen, even if the marriage hadn't been called off. What do you think? Does buying a country manor like that imply that Brian would have agreed to a family, too? Or does it mean nothing at all apart from the fact that he's a size queen?
Apart from that, there's a lot of fanon about how big it is, like 7 bedrooms or whatever. Is there anything canon about this? And if it isn't what can we see from the few pictures we have from Britin? How big is it, really? |
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| Gus and His Grandparents |
[Jan. 20th, 2011|02:28 pm] |
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So I've been wondering about something. Obviously, Gus has a lot of people in his life who love him, most of all his three parents. But what about their parents, Gus's grandparents? As he grows up, will any of them feature more in his life than others? Would Brian ever introduce Joan to Gus? Before the move to Canada, were Linday's parents more involved with Gus, or were Melanie's, and who will be more involved post-513?
Personally, though they're not biologically related, I can see Debbie being more of a grandmother figure to Gus than any of the others. Maybe this is partly because I see her as more of a mother to Brian than his own mom, so that fits nicely to me.
I can't see any good coming from having Joan in Gus's life. To me, that would be like feeding Gus emotional poison. And in season two, there's that little slip by Lindsay's mother about how she might become a grandma soon, apparently forgetting that she already is. Ouch. And whereas I can see Debbie, for example, spoiling JR and Gus during the holidays, I can just as easily see Lindsay's mother (I forget her name) favoring Lynette's (sp?) future kids over Lindsay's, the same way she favors one daughter over the other.
This might be a dumb question, but it's been quiet in Coffee Club, and I wondered about this, so I thought I'd see what you all think. |
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| Brian giving up smoking |
[Dec. 19th, 2010|09:42 am] |
So, I know almost all of us are holiday-ing like crazy, so there may only be six responses to this post. That's okay. It's just an idle thought that pops into my mind now and then. :)
Some people don't find smoking sexy and some do -- I'm one who doesn't, but YMMV with this as so many things in life. :)
Here's my question: Do you think Brian would quit smoking? I mean, his dad died of lung cancer. He's had cancer once already himself. It makes you wrinkle more easily and stains your teeth, and may even be linked to hair loss. It reduces your cardio-vascular stamina, too. I think all those things might weigh on Brian's mind and affect his decision making process on the subject.
On the other hand, Brian is totally oral and I'm not sure a toothpick fits his image, LOL.
And if you think he would, how would he do it? What would happen? WOULD HE SUCCEED IF HE TRIED????
Last, the most important question of all: How would url_girl indicate which stick figure was Brian in her awesome QAF doodles if he stopped smoking? |
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| Show and Tell: Holiday Edition |
[Dec. 3rd, 2010|07:51 am] |
Does anyone want to play Show and Tell?
Anyone?
How about sharing your favorite QAF Christmas/holiday decorations - icons, fics, vids (are there any QAF Christmas vids out there?)
OK, I'll start.
One of my favorite things about the holidays is getting to use url_girl's Christmas icons, created from one of the best Christmas Stories ever!
Another is rereading xie_xie_xie's "Plans" - Brian, Justin, Christmas at Britin surrounded by family and friends - what better way to welcome the holiday season?
Ok, your turn. Come Show and Tell some of your holiday favorites!
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| 212 Question: Scene in Comic Book Store |
[Nov. 27th, 2010|02:32 pm] |
I honestly have so little grasp of this scene. The one where Brian locks the door and turns the sign over... The "I know you want it" scene. Any insight would be appreciated. I am especially interested in what *is* Michael's secret identity?
It drives me nuts not understanding something that seems pivotal to their friendship, Michael and Ben's beginnings and Michael as a growing individual. Don't. Get. It. *Pulls hair*
ETA - More comments welcome, ALWAYS. I love reading others' points of view. But here (http://asylums.insanejournal.com/qaf_coffeeclub/204873.html?thread=2817865#t2817865) later2nite helps me come to an understanding that totally clarifies the whole dang thing for me. I am not sure that she and I completely agree (it's so hard to tell in print b/c semantics and lack of non-verbal) but her insight completely turned the lights on for me and it all makes sense now!!!!! THANK YOU, ALL. B/c without EVERYONE'S comments, I don't think I would have been ready for hers. You all helped me clarify my thoughts and I learned from your thoughts. Love you guys!!!
And I apologize if someone else said the same thing as L2nite in different words and I was too dense to grasp it. LOL. <3333333 And L2nite, I apologize if I misunderstood your words, I don't think I did, but communication can get so messed up online. <3 |
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| Show and Tell: Pretty Please with Justin on Top |
[Nov. 12th, 2010|02:43 pm] |
Happy Friday to us all!
In anticipation of the next batch of porn from this weekend's challenge at ![[info]](http://www.insanejournal.com/img/community.gif) bj_action, I decided to peruse past challenges to perv out over for inspiration for the fic I am procrastinating over am busily preparing for your reading pleasure.
( Click here to drool with me over porn ) |
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bouncy