"openness of ideas"

I was just reading about the “openness of ideas” in fanfictions, insights from a fellow blogger, TickleTrunk. He wants to coin the term “Open Source Fiction.” Interesting concept, I must mention. In regards to some theorist again (I think his initials are M.M.), the “electric age” has brought about “fragmentation.” It seems like information is becoming more fragmented and more difficult to recognize. With such “openness of ideas,” it might become more and more difficult for humans to understand one another. I know my own fanfiction creation contains quite random occurrences. Would readers not understand my intentions? Perhaps our babble is no longer decipherable?

who's that theorist again...

After reviewing all of those CBC fanfictions currently floating around, I became curious about why I myself was inspired to write one. I think it has to do with the fact that I had something to say about Canadian-American relations. Consequently, I put it in a story involving a CBC children’s show and Mr. Stroumboulopoulos, Canada’s edgy, patriotic, lively television personality. Although my fanfic is extremely specific – particular characters interacting in a particular environment – I was hoping to achieve a universal effect. I guess in this case, the local becomes the global. Thus, anything that appears to be isolated will actually be widespread. With the internet being as pervasive as it is, my story can circulate to wherever, whenever! It’s the end of geography as we know it. I recognize these ideas from some theorist, can’t quite remember who…

Anyways, time to hit up the rink. After all, I'm one canuck that'll continue playing.

Waltzing Logs on a River

http://waltzinglogs.blogspot.com/

I think this piece is awesome. You've reminded us all about the greatness of our country. The scenery, the singing, the dancing are all so rich! Canadian stuff at it's finest! I like what you've done here, making something old into something somewhat new again. To say the least, you've made that video clip a piece of art by posting it on your blog. I definitely would never have imagined such depth in The Log Driver's Waltz and I'm glad you let your imagination fly. A log driver seems like an interesting job. I'd like to be one. I think I'd suit well in a checkered shirt, but my nose is more crooked than rounded and I don't dance too well. I can skate quite nimbly however.

I think J-bomb just invented a new sub-genre, here. I guess it could be called a "videofic." It looks like that Log Driver cartoon snippet really inspired J-bomb to write the story. It's interesting that the Internet allows users to extend and change boundaries. Taking artifacts from the past and re-configuring it into something new seems natural. He's really taken it to the next level! The author's imagination must be quite extravagant to be able to go into such vibrant detail about a video that I personally consider strange.

CBC Poet

http://cbcpoet.blogspot.com/

I’m not sure that this can be considered as fanfiction. However, because it is about a certain TV show, it must be. This is definitely a new and interesting way of using poetry within fanfictions. With “fusion” or “hybrid” being such a hot concept nowadays, this poem can be quite contemporary. However, because it’s on the internet, it seems like somewhat of an old form of art. Maybe if it was printed out, it’d make it more compatible. The internet tends to make older mediums into art.

To me, the genre you've used to deliver your fanfiction - if it can even be called that - is somewhat bizarre. Crackfic.

Here's a little something I put together for you...

Kids' show is over.
Big deal, CBCPoet.
Go watch some hockey.

Tickle Trunk Creations

http://tickletrunkcreations.blogspot.com/

Is this supposed to be a fanfiction of DistopicTreeHouse's fanfiction? I'm not sure if yours would still be considered a fanfiction though. I thought they were supposed to represent an expression of fandom and fan interaction, not as a response to counter somebody's else's work! You harsh plot bunny-ed DT. Anyways, I like how you give DT a challenge. It looks like you'll be having a brawl with DistopicTreeHouse. Count me in on that too, since you have something smart to say about CBC. Are you criticizing it, by the way? I didn't really catch that. Cause if you are...

There’s an interesting use of language in this fanfic, incorporating some dialogue. It seems like a lot of things aren’t explained in this one, almost like it’s “fragmented.” All I could do was piece things together through pattern recognition, which was mainly trying to remember who said what and what happened to whom. I don’t exactly understand the point of the fanfic, but who says there should be one? After all, fanfiction is still a relatively new genre being developed. Nonetheless, it was enjoyable to read.

Distopic Tree House

http://distopictreehouse.blogspot.com/

First thing's first...why doesn’t Casey drink Canadian beer like a normal human being? I sympathize with his probation. Playing with the [insert amateur Canadian hockey team], I remember being intoxicated a lot of the time and getting into trouble. So why is Ernie such a pansy? Crying sometimes for no reason? Even if your story is fiction, dudes don't cry...seriously man. Anyways, in regards to your fanfic, it reminds me of a storyline in a chic flick. I know it's supposed to be satirical of that old school kid's show, but why you gotta make it so artsy? After all, blood and guts are supposed to be cool, like hockey fight-style.

This piece is quite bizarre, I found. There is definitely some adult content in this fanfic. It's about a kid's show after all! The plot is beyond me: I’m left asking, “what just happened?” I guess this really shows the seemingly limitless boundaries of fanfiction composition. If it is possible to “take things too far,” DT has definitely achieved this. The fact that you believe “those puppets were more real than imaginary” somewhat explains things. Dude, they were puppets.

Some thoughts

I'm curious about all the recent fanfictions about historic CBC children's programs. There appears to be a number of different fanfic authors writing about them. I wonder if it has anything to do with an attempt to revive some Golden Age of television programing. I guess I got caught up in doing it as well. It's almost like I unconsciously wrote about it, like I'm numb to this whole new thing. Anyways, I thought I'd share some of my opinions about some of the other work that's out there...

George Stroumboulopoulos featured guest on Sesame Park

George Stroumboulopoulos featured guest on Sesame Park
By Terence Yee

Sunny Day
Sweepin’ the clouds away
On my way to where the air is sweet

Can you tell me how to get,
How to get to Sesame Park

Come and play
Everything’s A-OK
Friendly neighbours there
That’s where we meet

Can you tell me how to get,
How to get to Sesame Park

It’s a magic carpet ride
Every door will open wide
To Happy people like you--
Happy people like
What a beautiful

Sunny Day
Sweepin’ the clouds away
On my way to where the air is sweet

Can you tell me how to get
How to get to Sesame Park

How to get to Sesame Park


[Setting: winter, a Canadian park]

“Hi, Basil, what are you doing?” asks Louis the Otter.

“I’m trying to make some maple syrup,” Basil the Bear replies as he unhooks the bucket holding the precious sap.

“I love maple syrup, especially maple syrup donuts!” announces Louis.

Just then, George Stroumboulopoulos appears on an RCMP horse, wearing a moose skin on his back, with a beaver pelt on his head, holding a Canadian flag. The slight tilt of his head shows off his black CBC logo tattoo etched on his neck. “You should be having maple syrup on bacon, like the good old Canadian way!”

“Who are you?” asks the confused Louis.

Basil answers, “He’s that famous Canadian television personality.”

“Didn’t you use to be on MuchMusic, where they don’t censor out ‘shit,’ ‘bitch,’ or ‘fuck’?” questioned Louis.

“Yes, that’s the one,” proudly replied George. “So why aren’t you having maple syrup with bacon!?”

“I like those maple syrup donuts that they have at Tim Hortons. I like to buy those ones that --,” begins Louis.

“Do you think all there is to Canada is maple syrup donuts from Tim Hortons?” interrupts George.

“No, I just wanted to say that I --”

“Do you even know what it means to be Canadian?” George interrogates with a clenched fist.

“What are you talking about? We don’t want any trouble. Can you just leave us al—“

“I’m gonna show you boys what it means to be Canadian…”

Without pausing, George recites some random facts about Canada like he does so well during “Mile a Minute.”

“Canada has a population over 33 million people.

The total area of Canada is just under 10 million square kilometres.

77% of Canadians say they generally trust their fellow countrymen.

1% of Canadians over 15 are ten-pin bowlers.

41% of the population is taking two or more prescription drugs.

13% of adults in Canada say they have no sex life.

100% of the population rarely agrees about anything. This is Canada after all.”


Basil the Bear timidly says, “That is very interesting, George. We should get going now—.“

“There are some important international figures that are Canadian…” George has that sparkle in his eye that means nobody can interrupt him.

George was ready to introduce an important Canadian, his Greatest Canadian. With a snap of his fingers and some pre-recorded CBC video magic, the group arrive in London, Ontario. They visit the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame where George tells them everything he knew about Tommy Douglas, as if he was interviewing for a segment of “The Newsstand.” They return to the CBC studio.

“Wow, thanks for the information, George. It’s weird that some people get Canadians mixed up with our neighbours to the south, the Americans,” comments Louis the Otter casually. Basil shakes his head signalling to Louis that he should not have said that.

“We are nothing like them!” yells George, feeling offended. “Let me tell you some obvious differences.”

“But our time is up. Our show should be end—“

Before Louis can finish, George quickly reads off “The List”: top five ways to distinguish between Canadians and Americans.

At number five…
Canadian: colourful money
American: green money

Number four…
Canadian: 97% of tea in Canada is consumed hot
American: 85% of tea in the US is consumed iced

Number three…
Canadian: free drugs
American: drug problem

Number two…
Canadian: when travelling to Hollywood, pretend to be American
American: when travelling to anywhere else, pretend to be Canadian

And the number one difference…
Canadian: Hour has 22 minutes
American: Hour has 60 minutes

After all the talking, George and his two unenthusiastic learners become hungry. They enjoy some bacon (at George’s insistence) with their maple syrup.

Sesame Park has been brought to you today by the letters “U” and “S.”