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Every month or so the OTW will be doing a Q&A with one of its volunteers about their experiences in the organization. The posts express each volunteer's personal views and do not necessarily reflect the views of the OTW or constitute OTW policy. Today's post is with LianneW, who volunteers as a Fanhackers volunteer on the Communications committee.
How does what you do as a volunteer fit into what the OTW does?
Fanhackers is a group that aims to make scholarly work on fandom accessible to a general audience. We write blog posts on fan studies topics, promote studies looking for fan input, manage a community bibliography, and more in the same vein!
What is a typical week like for you as a volunteer?
Fanhackers volunteers typically write one blog post per two weeks. So far, I’ve posted summaries of scholarly articles on fandom (especially on queer topics) and info on various fannish projects like oral history and archiving projects. I’m also organizing an exciting publication project with Fanhackers! We’re soliciting written and visual submissions for a zine that combines scholarly, artistic, and generally thoughtful work on the theme of “fandom friendship.” If you’re interested, check our blog on July 26 for more details!
What made you decide to volunteer?
Fandom is one of my life’s biggest joys, and I wanted to give back to fandom in a different way. I also specifically was interested in Fanhackers as a way to continue my scholarly thinking after graduating from university.
What has been your biggest challenge doing work for the OTW?
I can’t really say that there have been any challenges, since I started volunteering with OTW somewhat recently! It’s been a lot of fun.
What fannish things do you like to do?
I used to write fanfiction and organize fandom events a lot more, but now I’m mostly a consumer! I still enjoy fanfiction and fanart and have my favorite fan merch on my bedroom wall. My fandom nowadays is mostly my friends.
Now that our volunteer’s said five things about what they do, it’s your turn to ask one more thing! Feel free to ask about their work in the comments. Or if you'd like, you can check out earlier Five Things posts.
The Organization for Transformative Works is the non-profit parent organization of multiple projects including Archive of Our Own, Fanlore, Open Doors, Transformative Works and Cultures, and OTW Legal Advocacy. We are a fan run, entirely donor-supported organization staffed by volunteers. Find out more about us on our website.