Let the Conversation Begin

This is my first post for FanstRAvaganza 3, and beginning tomorrow I will be covering something that has been the most delightful part of being a fan of Richard Armitage. Hang around while I begin to explore the creative urge and process as it relates to acting and more.

But this post is primarily for highlighting the structure of this year’s event, and its effort to promote community and diversity:

Blogfest organizers have found a way to do something quite innovative (and organizationally complicated): each post will link to another post via what they’re calling a tag-team, allowing readers to move through shared ideas from blog to blog, almost as if they’re conversations about a theme or a performance. Because, of course, it’s intended to be a conversation: a way for 34 different writers and their many readers to chime in and think about these topics. What a terrific idea, and what a nicely democratic way to get everyone talking to everyone else. — Feminema

It should also be noted that no two posts will explore exactly the same aspects of a topic (or chain). With a rendering of each day’s links, it’s our hope that you will be drawn to each blog piece and move easily through from one to the next. Today’s Conversation found here.

March 11, 2012
Categories: Fandom . Tags: , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 8 Comments

It’s All About Richard Armitage, Baby!

What?! FanstRAvaganza! Starts March 12th. Wait. You’ve never heard of Richard Armitage? He’s the guy on the header, and the sidebar, and here:

here:

here:

and also here:

Click on any of the pictures for more, and if that’s not enough, join me for Fanstra. Yep, it had to be abbreviated since I kept misspelling it, which I’ve finally figured out is due to almost every letter being typed with the left hand.

Okay, some of the posts this week will be about his fans, but it all leads back to him. :D

Screencaps and still from RichardArmitagetNet.com

March 10, 2012
Categories: Fandom . Tags: , , , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 4 Comments

The RA Blogosphere

Joanna Scarratt of United Agents commemorated her 100th post today, and while I was reading her short history of the medium, it was hard not to compare it with the proliferation of Richard Armitage blogs. In 2008 when I first started reading anything RA related on the web, there were some LiveJournals and Luvdembrooders, which was already defunct. It wasn’t until Summer 2009 that two other blogs emerged which kicked RA blogging into high gear. They were having such a fun time that it was inspiring, but it was the first FanstRAvaganza event in March 2010 that really put the fire under me. Less than a month later, this blog was born.

I created the ‘Addict List’ a couple of days later, and listed a little over ten blogs either dedicated to Richard Armitage or routinely featuring him as a subject. Since then it’s grown to 78 with the most recent one created a few days ago (and I’m not even counting the ‘Places to Get a Fix’ which also includes some blogs. phew!).

If this were Brad Pitt, then I would understand the numbers. But a still mostly unknown actor generating this much attention? Wow. That says something significant for Richard Armitage, or maybe I’m unaware of how many sites there are for other fairly unknown entertainers. Whatever the case, the idea of an advancing army comes to mind. LOL!

Next week the third annual FanstRAvaganza begins and boasting 33 participants from its original seven. I’m sure the experience will increase RA Universe by several more bloggers, and at this rate, we will overtake not only the Brad Pitt bloggers but the big Kahuna — the Jane Austen blogosphere — in a few years. ;-)

March 7, 2012
Categories: Fandom . Tags: , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 9 Comments

Richard Armitage on Twitter

In recent days, I’ve been pushing Twitter and some of you have jumped in with both feet. Alright!! I love it, and we are going to have some fun, and no, it’s not going to be all related to Richard Armitage. There is so much to see and do on Twitter, it’s stunning. It is THE forum/chatroom for the world. Unreal. Yes, I’m really this gushy about it because its power to transfer intel of various kinds is unlike anything I’ve seen. It is the giant segue in the sky, as it were. I could get philosophical and perhaps even a tad theological, but I will spare you that today.

For those who are hungrily scanning this post for the information of where Richard Armitage can be found on Twitter, you can stop. He’s not there — at least that he’s publicized it. He’s also made it plain that he doesn’t desire to be there — at least not right now:

Excerpt from his message of May 29, 2011:

With regards for requests for social media, blogs tweets etc. I have always worried that I will reveal something about the project I am working on that I am not allowed to, added to the fact that I am just about up to e mailing and little more, I may have to abstain for now.

But that is not going to stop some who really, really want to see him tweeting:

https://twitter.com/#!/PeerPressureRA/status/175237951926702080

When I saw this, my gut screamed a response:

Dear Richard,

I love Twitter, but what a headache it would be for you, and I heartily concur with your instincts about giving spoilers! The expectation level from fans once you started tweeting would be enormous. My eyes are rolling back in my head just imagining what that would be like. I don’t think you’re ready for that kind of co-dependency. Is anyone? LOL!

The PeerPressureRA id is new, but if it goes the way I think it will go, it could take on the proportions of a coup. If it does, I hope you do not cave into the pressure.

Take care, and in the meantime, could you put a fire under Sir Peter to get that vid out?! We’re all about to have a meltdown from the mere mention of it. :D

Signed,
One of your crazy fans, who would never put pressure on you (bats eye lashes)

Before you ask, yes, a little APM is at work in me today. ;D

An edit I really didn’t think I would make:

That’s Richard’s first tweet in case it’s not clear. :D

March 1, 2012
Categories: Fandom, Movies, The Hobbit . Tags: , , , , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 17 Comments

You Are Missing Out

If you are not on Twitter, you are missing some fun and some friends. I swear it won’t make your IQ go down. Can I get a show of hands of those who agree?! And it’s a helpful tool for business as well as being a blast although I will admit I do not use my RAFrenzy id for business. Oh no.

I actually have four Twitter id’s. One as my real self, one for business, one I’ve reserved for possible use later, and of course the Frenz id. Although I’ve said this before, it merits a repeat. You would be amazed at the people I’ve conversed with as a result of Twitter. Got some work out of it too! :D

So all of you who follow my blog and aren’t on Twitter, I hope you will consider joining, and if you are unsure how to proceed, I will be happy to help you out. It can be a little intimidating when you first begin. But if you know just a few basics, that’s quickly dispelled. So will you think about it?

And if you do join, please follow the Fanstravaganza id. Maybe we’ll get something good:

https://twitter.com/#!/FanstRAvaganza/status/174227430310031360

February 27, 2012
Categories: Fandom . Tags: , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 33 Comments

Are You a Fangirl?

February 25, 2012

Stand up and be counted!

We are in cyber world where you can have this kind of fun without repercussion, i.e., family and friends taking the Mickey out of you. So don’t let your inflated opinion of who you’re supposed to be keep you from having fun with this. As for me, I’m having a blast. My only qualm is that I may get so free that I say something to offend the uh, object of my affection.

Oh, you don’t know him? Well, neither do I, but I like to pretend I do. It makes for all sorts of fun. I write him fake fan letters and post pictures of him when no way I would really write him a letter from my real self or put up a picture outside this blog. I must maintain my cool image. ;-) It would be blown to hell if I actually had a picture. Listen, the DVD collection is already pushing it. And I suspect there are many of you like me but you’re too afraid to admit it — even here. But you’re wrong to be fearful. Go ahead and try it! Nothing is going to fall on you. Not sure about that? Well, I’ve been blogging for almost two years and commenting in cyber world more than twice as long, and I’m still here.

And guess what? I’m sane and married to a sane person, and I have four sane kids, who have excellent character and make excellent grades in school (I had to get that in about the kids since that is what I’m most proud of). I also have a job that requires me to be very responsible. But most important for you to know is that I do sometimes step away from my laptop and go outside and smell the fresh air and people come to my house and I go to theirs and we visit and eat dinner together, and oh, I do all sorts of things that are so ridiculously normal it would bore you to hear all of them.

So why this outlet? I asked myself that question for a long time, and sometimes I still have a moment of circumspection that could generate fear. But I no longer ask it because I think I have the answer, and I’m writing about my journey to it in my Diary, which sometimes gets a little depressing, but I promise the end of the story turns out well! Yes, there is an endpoint. I had it as a target when I first started the blog and really thought I would reach it by my first anniversary. You see how that turned out. I make no promises about my second anniversary, but I’m determined to finish and hope that you or someone will benefit. I know I am.

So my object:

Isn’t he cute?


Has a good sense of humor too.


And a good listener.


I mean he really listens.


And sometimes it hits him what’s happened.


“Yeah, man, there’s these women, fangirls they’re called…”


“…and one sent me this thing… well, it was…”


“…maybe I shouldn’t describe it. All I know is it was good for me. So yeah, I have some fantasies.”


“That’s right. I have some fantasies too even though I would never date any of you.”


“Oh yeah, man, I’m careful.”

I love that interview, and for those who have never seen the real thing, go here.

Screencaps courtesy of RichardArmitageNet.com

edit: and a slideshow of this group of photos on RichardArmitageNet.

February 25, 2012
Categories: Fandom, Interviews . Tags: , , , , , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 44 Comments

Happy Blogiversary to MeandRichard!

I look forward to more posts, and a million hits is around the corner. :D

And now for some fanfare:

Yes, it’s really called the Blogiversary Movie — proving that YouTube has pretty much everything. LOL!

February 25, 2012
Categories: Fandom . Tags: , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 10 Comments

Do the Right Thing

As some of you know, there is a fan made quilt of Richard Armitage being auctioned for charity on ebay. I hope lots of money is generated for the cause. As a general rule, I adore supporting charities, and at the time of this posting, the bidding is up to £410.00, which is approx $650 USD. Not a bad sum, and I’m sure it will get higher with two days to go, and especially when I consider its very smart display:


[Click for the auction]

I thought about bidding and immediately had another thought. What would I do with this thing if I actually won it? (If that’s not a question for some who have thought about bidding, I’ll kiss my elbow). No way it would hang in my living room or any public room of the house. I would be laughed out of town. And I couldn’t put it in a private room either. My bedroom? SO would never let that happen. Our bathroom, which guests never enter? Too crass, and somehow I don’t think SO would like being so intimate with Richard Armitage. My lingerie drawer? No, that would accord it some sort of importance it would never have for me.

Sorry, Richard. This isn’t about you. You’re great. Love ya. But so far I’ve contained my love to this blog. That’s where I’d like to keep it. :D

All of this had me wondering if this might truly keep some others from bidding. That’s when I realized exactly where this quilt should go! It’s so obvious it made me laugh. Yet who would never be laughed at for having something like this in their living room? Who could point to this with pride and say, “Yes, he’s mine!” Could be a girlfriend, or a boyfriend, but we don’t know of any of those people, so how could this be sent to them? If you haven’t figured it out by now, I’ll be surprised. Yep, it’s Mum. This quilt is begging to be hung in Mrs. Armitage’s house, and my gut says she would really love it if she knew it was made for a charitable cause, and it seems to have the added perk of no pictures from ‘Between the Sheets.’ :D

Now I’m not trying to tell anyone what to do, but for some of you who want to support charity and have a husband like mine, you might want to think about getting the address of Margaret Armitage.

You may think this is snark, but I’m serious. If you feel funny about getting her address, send it to her in care of RA’s agent.

edit: the auction is over and the quilt sold for £650 or $1,031 USD.

February 19, 2012
Categories: Fandom . Tags: , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 22 Comments

A Confession on Valentine’s

Imagine that.

Isn’t that what Valentine’s is really about?! Of course it is! Every time February 14th rolls around most women I know start spilling their guts, and I must admit I feel the need to do it as well and drafted a post with great detail about my passion for SO, and how it’s survived despite his refusal to participate in Valentine’s Day. But I thought better of it, and sent it to the trash bin. You can thank me now for that bit of wisdom. I also came with a piece about the music I habitually think of on Valentine’s. Yep, I trashed that one too. And just about the time I was saying valetines shmalentines, up popped some inspiration in the form of a Google Alert (God love Google. :D). “An Open Love Letter to Richard Armitage”, and what a letter it is. Made me feel ever so much better about my addiction, and now I can do what has been on my mind for the last hour — go to bed and get a good night’s sleep for the ides of February.

Night all, and I hope you had a wonderful Valentine’s Day.

And just one sop to my musician gene; can’t think of a more fitting tune for this frenzy:

Okay, a picture too since Harry is Valentine’s:


[As Usual, Click to Englarge]

Screencap courtesy of RichardArmitageNet.Com

February 14, 2012
Categories: Fandom, Musicilove, Vicar of Dibley . Tags: , , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 8 Comments

Widows on the Web

One of the ways I’ve connected to other Richard Armitage fans is through their fan fiction, and when I stumbled onto the GuyxMarian community at Livejournal in late 2008, a new addiction was born. :D I found a treasure trove of stories to keep me well occupied with the continuing saga of Guy and Marian, and the first Gisborne fiction I read was by Spikesbint (some of you may know her as Angelfish69 or the Admin of Armitage Daily or simply Angela). Little did I know how high she would set the bar with “Prisoners of Circumstance.” It is a tightly written story that resolves GxM in a way that left such a warm feeling when I first read it. Still feeling it after three plus years. LOL! But it was a story that became even more satisfying because it’s complete. Thank you, Angela.

Another one I read early on was “Fallout”*. Bookishy, the author, has done a great job capturing the Guy and Marian characters and potentially making them something else, and I would love to see how she develops them further, but the piece remains incomplete. It has not been updated since 2009. Maybe her imagination got distracted by something. I do give her credit for that possibly being the case. But dammit! I want the ending of that story, and I hope she’ll come back and take mercy on all of us and finish it. I’ve been waiting to say that for almost three years! :D

I wish “Fallout” were the only story left dangling or at least one of just a few fan fictions that remain unfinished, but there are many stories waiting for an ending. That frustrates me, and I’m not alone. A couple of years ago a friend of mine, who is also a fan fiction writer, posted her frustration about it on IMDb. I told her when I was starting this blog that I was going to save what she wrote and post it at some point. She was fine with that, and I’m not only posting it, but making it a permanent page on my blog. Not because I have an ax to grind with fan fiction authors. Not at all. I’ve loved witnessing people trying their hands at writing and have marveled at the imaginations and abilities of many of you. In fact, your efforts were part of the impetus for this blog. Which brings me to the real point of this piece.

I do not want my Diary of an RA Fan to be a widow on the web — something that starts but eventually goes nowhere. At one point in the life of this blog, I was thinking about scrapping my diary entries as they are not really conducive to publication and have to be heavily edited. I’ve pondered for a long time about finishing, and several of you have counseled me about that and several of you have sent me notes asking me for more entries. I thank all of you for your input. I started and I’m going to finish! But I need the fan fiction page to keep me focused.

As to fan fiction, I plan to say a lot more about it this year. In the meantime, some words of wisdom from broughps.

Graphic by Angela.

January 22, 2012
Categories: Fandom, Robin Hood . Tags: , , , , , , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 6 Comments

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