Dude, we approve of creepy stalking, so no worries there. But I'm thrilled you snuck out of lurkerdom anyway, and I have to say I love the way you put your reasons for dipping into fandom, because I relate to it so much. I, too, fangirl the fans something wicked. There are so many fantastic, creative, smart, sharp people in this fandom, and I just love that everyone's a part of it - vidders, watchers, subtitlers, actors, lol. It's mad and I adore it.
Feel free to ask anytime you need help with IJ. I know it can be a bit overwhelming at first, but for what it's worth, I'm a total technophobe too and I've managed to suss it out so it's not that bad, lol.
A university project involving research about fans of a certain German soap? hmmmmmm. Maybe it's because I'm the PA to the Controller but despite your disclaimers about it not being exciting, I am intrigued. INTRIGUED I SAY. I hope we get to hear more when you finish it! :D
Oh, and I won't presume to use the name only your old friends use, but I just gotta say I love that story, it's one of my favourites. (Uhm, always assuming your name's even based on the book, heh.)