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 | Trekkies, and Browncoats, and Ringers oh my! |
 Why do all the other sci-fi/fantasy groups have a cool name that marks the difference between a regular fan and well.....us?
It's so unfair. Before ROTS, before I was a Star Wars blogger I called myself a Star Wars fan. I enjoyed the movies, but in a comparatively casual way. This was back when the most that could be said for me was that I liked Star Wars, but back then I couldn't tell a bantha from a mynock, or an AT-AT from an AT-ST, or a Hutt from an Ewok (okay, that last one I knew, but you get my point). In my way I loved the saga, and I was a Star Wars Fan..... but now that I love the saga, now that I think about it everyday, and have used it's metaphors to guide the choices I make in my life don't I deserve something more? Don't we all? Don't we deserve a title that immediately tells the world what we mean when we say we are fans of Star Wars? A name that communcates that special level of devotion found in a relatively select (albeit self selected) group?
One reason I can think for us not having a name is the variety of ways that people identify with the saga. We can't say we're "Jedi", there are far too many who'd prefer to be a "Sith", and the "Senators" just sounds too weird.
Maybe by not having a collective fan title we have a certain amount of intellectual freedom that would be lost if we all decided we should be part of the "Alliance"
What do you think? Any ideas? Or do you know something I don't know? 
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http://blogs.starwars.com/anakinside1/27 |
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jediprincess77
I Know...
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date Posted: Oct 31, 2006 6:41 PM
Interesting point! Terms I hear quite a bit when one refers to me and my fandom: crazy, nerd, fanatic, wacko, obsessed, and the #1 term- freak.
It's usually a negative reference...but I see names like these as compliments in their own twisted way. 
To steal a term from one of my favorite games that gets far too little credit, I sometimes call myself a "Star Warsian."
(Does anyone else know this game? Hint: it's also where I get "Holy Exploding Death Star, Batman!" from.)
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hansgirl3
Invoking the Squee
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date Posted: Oct 31, 2006 6:52 PM
That's funny, JP77, I've called myself a Star Warsian before, but I have NO IDEA what game you're talking about.... 
AS1, I know what you mean. I generally just refer to myself as a Star Wars geek, but like the other terms you mentioned, it typically has that overall negative connotation to it. I don't think of it as negative, but a lot of people do.
*sigh*
I don't know why we don't have a term for ourselves. I guess it's just because nothing fits.
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jediprincess77
I Know...
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date Posted: Oct 31, 2006 6:53 PM
have NO IDEA what game you're talking about....
I was just thinking that I'll have to come up with some sort of prize for the first blogger to get it!
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usetheforce19
MasterMonkey13
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date Posted: Oct 31, 2006 7:18 PM
The Fan Force.
May the Force be with us all! God bless! (just got back from Trick-or-Treating, I was Darth Maul and a hate to brag, but I looked GOOD!)
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anakinside1
Echoes from the Asteroid Field
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date Posted: Oct 31, 2006 7:38 PM
"Star Warsian."
Ah! I was wondering about something like this.
I don't think of it as negative, but a lot of people do.
I sort of call that the take lemons and make lemonade solution. 
The Fan Force.
Oh, yes, I like that one
I was Darth Maul and a hate to brag, but I looked GOOD!)
Brag away. I bet you looked great. I didn't see any SW character this year at my house. 
This question has been around since the Cenozoic Era...
Oh, good, I'm glad I'm not too far behind.
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GalacticBabe
I Have a Bad Feeling About This!
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date Posted: Oct 31, 2006 7:38 PM
Alliance....I kind of like THAT! (not already taken, is it?) My question is: why are some fans embarrassed to be fans? Are they afraid to be labeled as "geeks, nerds, freaks, etc. I am a fanatic, plain and simple. What you see is what you get!
And JP, I don't know what game you're talking about either! Hint! Hint! When did it come out?
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Japanese Fett
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date Posted: Oct 31, 2006 7:43 PM
Fan Force is pretty cool.
Sayonara, & MTFBWY
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vadersgirl33
vadersgirl_reflections
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date Posted: Oct 31, 2006 8:05 PM
I'm not sure what we would be called. Star Trek fans are called "Trekkies", I do know that (I went out with one in my high school days!). Your question is interesting. I'm with HG3. I don't think there is one label that fits us- depends on the side of the Force you want, be it Jedi or Sith. Or go with neither and call yourself Madalorian or whatever. Star Wars fan works for me.
vadersgirl33
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vadersgirl33
vadersgirl_reflections
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date Posted: Oct 31, 2006 8:06 PM
Also, just a thought. Star Trek fans are also called geeks, nerds and everything else, too!!
vadersgirl33
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Jedi Master Mina
Another Galaxy, another time
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date Posted: Oct 31, 2006 8:34 PM
Yeah. I guess Star Wars geek just doesn't cut it. Darn
Nope...Neither does freak. Hey, Star Wars alone is a household name and I'm ok with that. But you are correct, I sure dig Browncoats. Maybe because I am one.
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amidalooine
The Emotional Galaxy
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date Posted: Oct 31, 2006 9:17 PM
I just finished the Firefly series yesterday, and I still have to watch the movie Serenity. Gorram good stuff...
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Son of a Bith
The Cantina Corner
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date Posted: Oct 31, 2006 9:41 PM
I am proud to say that I am also a Browncoat and a Ringer. But I haven't really gotten into Trek. (yet...)
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Marvolo7
Marvolo's Misanthropic Musings
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date Posted: Oct 31, 2006 9:54 PM
The worst is when people think Star Wars and Star Trek are the same thing...
Clueless individual: What's your favourite movie?
Me: Star Wars.
Clueless individual: Oh, so you're a Trekkie, right?
Me: No, Trekkies are Star Trek fans...
Clueless individual: Same difference.
Me: Actually...
Clueless individual: Live long and prosper! Did I do that right?
Me: *sigh*
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brooklooineghost
Just a simple mom trying to make my way in the (expanded) universe
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date Posted: Nov 01, 2006 3:26 AM
The worst is when people think Star Wars and Star Trek are the same thing...
Yes!!! UGH!!!
When people give me the live long and prosper' hand sign, I throw up 6 fingers. (That's for 6 REAL movies, as opposed to a string of horrible sequels that amount to an excuse to exploit a decent t.v. series)
But I must admit, I am often jealous of the fact that their name lends itslef so well to a 'cool' moniker. You read my mind!!!
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anakinside1
Echoes from the Asteroid Field
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date Posted: Nov 01, 2006 4:41 AM
Alliance....I kind of like THAT! (not already taken, is it?)
I don't know if the Browncoats might object.
I do know that (I went out with one in my high school days!).
Are they very different from us?
I sure dig Browncoats.
I just finished the Firefly series yesterday, and I still have to watch the movie Serenity. Gorram good stuff...
Shiny....Yeah, I've finally crossed over to the browncoat side myself. I'm making my way through the series for a second time now. 
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anakinside1
Echoes from the Asteroid Field
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date Posted: Nov 01, 2006 4:45 AM
Clueless individual: Live long and prosper! Did I do that right?
Me: *sigh*
LOL
Force Users.
Nice. I'd like saying that.
"Wookiees".
Have you met my dad? That one might hit way too close to home for me.
But I must admit, I am often jealous of the fact that their name lends itslef so well to a 'cool' moniker. You read my mind!!!
me too! Hey cool title for your blog.
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Cousin Itt
You don't know how to fix the hyperdrive...!
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date Posted: Nov 01, 2006 5:12 AM
Its very difficult to put your finger on what we could be!
I know that I used the term Star Warsian when I was a little girl (when SW first came out in 1977).
Maybe by not having a collective fan title we have a certain amount of intellectual freedom this fact really does set us apart from other fan bases..."We will not be labelled!, we are above that!"
Though I agree with JP77 and HG3, the negative labels do tend to stick especially 'wierd' , 'geek' and 'freak' in my case.
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brooklooineghost
Just a simple mom trying to make my way in the (expanded) universe
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date Posted: Nov 01, 2006 6:18 AM
..."We will not be labelled!, we are above that!"
my intellectual side says yes ... the lover of popular culture in me says that after 30 years of this, i would like a title to show for myself!!!
and as far as all of the awesome suggestions, i'm afraid we still haven't come up with too many that would mean much to anyone outside of the SW family. I mean, I'm a hockey fan who has had to explain to many a grown up what a Bruin is ... the uninformed might need something more obvious.
my daughter's uncle calls me the hot star wars geek, so i guess that's the biggest compliment i'm gonna get (he doesn't know/believe how many of us are out there )
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The Stooge
Star Wars Joke-A-Day
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date Posted: Nov 01, 2006 6:22 AM
Don't listen to all those suggestions -- a label hasn't caught on because labels are baaaaaaaaad.
For one thing, not being labeled makes being a SW fan much more accessible. A casual fan can still admit that s/he likes it, without feeling some strange need to follow up with "...but I'm not a Warsie." For another, it makes us cool. After all, everyone likes something about SW, so Joe Citizen usually has (perhaps deep down) a respect for us die-hards.
And finally, labels are divisive among fandom. I remember someone explaining to me that a Trekkie likes the Original Series, while a Trekk er prefers TNG. Applying such twisted logic to our community can't be healthy.
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hansgirl3
Invoking the Squee
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date Posted: Nov 01, 2006 6:39 AM
And finally, labels are divisive among fandom. I remember someone explaining to me that a Trekkie likes the Original Series, while a Trekker prefers TNG. Applying such twisted logic to our community can't be healthy.
That's an interesting perspective, Stooge. I hadn't heard that before from the Trek community. For years I've considered myself a Trekkie, although not a "die-hard".
Considering we already have the fringes of some divisiveness, perhaps labeling ourselves and risking more of it would not be a really good thing at all!
Hmmm...
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Cousin Itt
You don't know how to fix the hyperdrive...!
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date Posted: Nov 01, 2006 6:50 AM
the lover of popular culture in me says that after 30 years of this, i would like a title to show for myself!!!...I do know what you mean, an identity recognisable to those outside the SW community - to show how may of us are out there.
Very thought provoking blog...thanks for stimulating the brain that was rapidly dying at work!
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greenandwhitejedi
Bar 66
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date Posted: Nov 01, 2006 6:55 AM
Seeing as there isn't really an appropriate way to divine a nickname from the title, and in-universe monikers (Jedi etc.) are too divisive, we could look to the one unifying element behind it all: How about 'Lucasite'? Or is that too culty? Or too much like "parasite"?
Wait a minute. Cults? Parasites? It's Resident Evil 4 all over again!
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padmeskywalker77
Padme's Legacy
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date Posted: Nov 01, 2006 7:12 AM
The worst is when people think Star Wars and Star Trek are the same thing...
UGH!!!! I totally agree with that. My parents have even referred to me as a Trekkie  . I set them straight quick
the lover of popular culture in me says that after 30 years of this, i would like a title to show for myself!!!
I hear you!! However, as Stooge said, there could be a danger in labeling ourselves. Although, I would like a name other than: *geek, nerd, wacko, fanatic*
Great job in getting me thinking!!
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viagoangel2
Were Anakin and Padme' really one?
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date Posted: Nov 01, 2006 7:43 AM
A label? Ugh! Hate labels, I really do. Mainly because, there are NO two people the SAME. Even if there are thousands (ok hundreds of thousands) of SW fans, we all love the Saga for different reasons. We all have our own special niche or forte'. This is what separates us from those other groups you mentioned, a Label. We don't need it, we are and we should be proud to be who we are.....A Star Wars Fan! May the Force be with you
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jkthunder
Seven Pieces
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date Posted: Nov 01, 2006 7:46 AM
The collective title "Fan Force" has already been in use for some time. I like it, but being the intelligent beings we are, I don't think a lot of SW fans really feel the need to identify with any titles.
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Kenobi-fan
The Jundland Wastes Journal
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date Posted: Nov 01, 2006 8:21 AM
No more labels do you require. Already know, you, that which you need.
I agree with those who shun any label. Like the Galactic Alliance itself, our numbers are too great and too varied to be comprised within a simple word or two.
We are simply 'Star Wars fans'...may it always be so.
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RiverTam
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date Posted: Nov 01, 2006 8:34 AM
"And by what name shall I call you?"
"If you know who I am, then there is no need for such paltry labels as names. I am. That is enough."
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QuiDon88
From the Funeral Pyre
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date Posted: Nov 01, 2006 8:36 AM
I agree with Kenobi-fan. We all know what would happen if the Star Trek Enterprise stumbled across the Millenium Falcon, so what do we have to prove? Brightly colored uniforms and Vulcan Mind Melds are no substitute for a good blaster at your side.
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MomOf2YoungPadawan
Mamadala's Lair
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date Posted: Nov 01, 2006 9:04 AM
I agree with Stooge on this one.....labels are baaaaaaaaaaaaaaad.
Yes - even my hubby thought there was no difference between Star Wars and Star Trek.....until I went Dark Side on him....now he appreciates the difference.
Love ya!!!
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anakinside1
Echoes from the Asteroid Field
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date Posted: Nov 01, 2006 11:48 AM
Look at you all proving once again how much more evolved you are than me!!! I think part of it is me wanting a name for my transition. It's like the difference between a boyfriend and a husband - there's a degree of love and commitment that I would love to recognize. If it brought about divisions though, that would be the last thing mesa wanting.
Thanks for your comments everyone!
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MomOf2YoungPadawan
Mamadala's Lair
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date Posted: Nov 01, 2006 12:05 PM
Wait...I forgot..label me a LILWA!!!
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jkelly
There Is No Conflict
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date Posted: Nov 01, 2006 12:52 PM
Oh, my! Interesting question
I'd have to agree that labels cause division and could turn off someone who is a fan but doesn't want a label. Also, the saga is broader in application and scope.
Something involving an Alliance would be cool, because it invokes a broad range of fan base. But then, I really love the Empire.
I recently heard a joke including a discussion between Prez Bush, GL, and an Iranian that was about the crew of the Enterprise. While the joke darkly funny, I had to refrain from explaining the difference.
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usetheforce19
MasterMonkey13
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date Posted: Nov 01, 2006 1:21 PM
Know what? The Stooge is right, we don't need no stinkin' name! We are "Fans" always and forever!
May the Force be with us all! God bless!
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cbern
Omega Squad's 5th member
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date Posted: Nov 01, 2006 2:41 PM
Great blog once again, as1!
I agree, we get our fandom independence by not picking a special group, and we really couldn't do that, because at least half of us are imp fans and the rest rebel fans, or jedi and sith and so on
What do you think? Any ideas? Or do you know something I don't know?
Not sure I know anything you don't about this topic, or many topics for that matter
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JediAnikin4191981
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date Posted: Nov 01, 2006 5:18 PM
I TOTALLY AGREE WITH U ON THIS!! I always think I'm a SW Fan but where's the special name. *might i add i hate being mistaken for a trekkie!!!* lol But many SW is so special from any other different Sci fi saga/series that we dont need special names lol
Nice Blog
JediAnikin4191981
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StarWarsFanatic4
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date Posted: Nov 01, 2006 5:23 PM
Finally something to think about
ponder this, i will
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DarthRaven589
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date Posted: Nov 01, 2006 6:18 PM
Lots of regular people like star wars unlike star trek and other things I barley know what star trek is. A name for serious star war fans would be useful in conversations. I started as a kid who watched the star war movies a little more then other kids then I started getting more interested.
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Darth Rylic
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date Posted: Nov 01, 2006 6:45 PM
but now that I love the saga, now that I think about it everyday
As do I. I saw the OT in theaters when I was maybe 4 back in 97. I liked it then, but as time went on I didn't care much for it and had forgotten most of it. I couldn't even remember that Luke and Leia were siblings! But after almost 10 years I watched it this summer and now I love it more than ever.
The worst is when people think Star Wars and Star Trek are the same thing...
I will destroy those fools! *picks up comlink* Comander, time for Order 67!
Here's just a bunch of names:
Knights of the Old Republic
Rebels
Impirials
Troopers
Padawans
Lucas's Apprentices *LOL*
Sand People
Force User ( I like that one)
TIE Pilots
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zach starwalker
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date Posted: Nov 01, 2006 7:21 PM
everytime someone syas baaaaaaaaaaaaaaad i think of a sheep for some reason but labels are baaaaaaaaaaad think of one label thats good. i dont think that the entire star wars fandom can be refered under one name. i mean theres at least ten different parts to star wars. eu, ot, pt, and everything in between i mean you could like the movies but not the books or some of the movies and all of the books . there are so many options one word (or two) cant fit us all in it. some like jedi others sith. there are just too many to pick from
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DJ Maul: Got Feet?
DJ Maul's Dancin' Cantina Party
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date Posted: Nov 01, 2006 8:14 PM
Some of us have had this discussion before and the name "Fan Force" was pitched then as well, and its a cool enough name; the problem is getting it OUT there.
Bottom line: the FANS wont be the one to come up with a name; if we were to have one it would have been done already by the media or something.
Downside: No cool "nickname."
Upside: We're the COOLEST of all of them....
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JediMelindaWolf
Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try.
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date Posted: Nov 01, 2006 8:50 PM
We are who we are . . . plain and simple . . . Star Wars Fans
This describes us well enough, and it includes everyone from the casual fan to those of us who consider ourselves die-hard fans.
For those folks who insist on labeling us nerds, I simply laugh in their faces (even close friends have noted they think it's time for the men in white coats to come take me away). They don't get it. They (probably) never will. Oh well. Such is life. I feel for them . . .
MTFBWY
good blog, AS1!
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gandalf78971
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date Posted: Nov 01, 2006 9:00 PM
Warsers maybe?
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