Lillian Varessi on Fandom and the first Xenite Club Fan Mailing to Lucy Lawless
| Interviews by Fans | |
|---|---|
| Title: | Lillian Varessi on Fandom and the first Xenite Club Fan Mailing to Lucy Lawless |
| Interviewer: | Diane Silver |
| Interviewee: | Lillian Varessi |
| Date(s): | conducted in the spring of 1997, posted October 1997 |
| Medium: | online |
| Fandom(s): | Xena: Warrior Princess |
| External Links: | Lillian Varessi on Fandom and the first Xenite Club Fan Mailing to Lucy Lawless, Archived version |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
Lillian Varessi on Fandom and the first Xenite Club Fan Mailing to Lucy Lawless is a 1997 Xena: Warrior Princess fan interview at Whoosh!.
Series
For others in this series, see Whoosh! Interview Series.
Some Excerpts
How did you first get involved in Xenadom?
I first got involved with online Xena fandom last May (1996). I lurked on the NetForum for awhile, and then slowly began to contribute thoughts and ideas about the show. ... My online activities changed soon after that. It seemed that a number of people had a great deal to say to Lucy and Renee, so I put together two anthologies with which they could send their messages to me. In turn, I would type them up and send them to Jetthead (who sent them to Lucy and Renee). It was the first anthology [of the Xenite Club Newsletter] that Lucy responded to on the NetForum.
What was it like in the early days?
I can't speak for the early days as I came in early in 1996, but I can tell you that it has changed dramatically from early 1996. Back then, the forum was a place where fans could share ideas about the characters, the show, the stars. A place where incredible literary talent was born, nurtured and then flourished. Unfortunately, what also evolved was a shameless display of jealousy, in-fighting, and behavior so outrageous that most of the original members of the NetForum have fled in disgust.
My online activities have changed dramatically. My duties as Vice President and Editor of the Xenite Club Newsletter; as well as the handling of the website have increased my awareness of, and accessibility to, thousands of fans who are true believers of this show. I have said from the beginning that X:WP has empowered women from all over the world to make a difference in their lives. This has been clearly shown through the letters I receive from fans who wish to contribute to the Newsletters - fans who thought they could not express their feelings so openly. This show has empowered them to find the words; they found something they could identify with; and began to open up to "strangers" if you will and write poetry for the first time; or editorials; or messages to Lucy and Renee describing how they feel about the show and how the show has touched them.
I have been moved to laughter, tears, and empathy for all those who have voiced their feelings. These are the heroes - these are the people that have been impacted greatly by the show; these are the people who, despite incredible adversity in their lives, have found the words that, in some cases, have set them free; changed their lives for the better, and found a voice that had once been lost. This show has given hope to so many; brought laughter where there was despair; strength at a time when weakness prevailed; and love of oneself. To be a part of this positive force has been an honor.