Working for (Doctor) Who?

I almost half expected this to be a late April Fool's prank - seeing that the position for Executive Producer of Doctor Who was listed online.

Giddy, I had decided to engage via social media, suggesting that this was such an obvious position for me to apply for, with only two major disadvantages:

• A possible move to Wales, which meant figuring out moving expenses and, of course, how to learn to speak Welsh in a timely manner; and
• A question of "Do I really want to work in something that I'm a big fan of?"

Admittedly, being a "semi-professional fan" is a mixed bag; I don't mind organizing the local Meetup Group (which is pretty much a small bag of jelly babies in midwest Who fandom) and my work for Chicago TARDIS is proving to be an absolute wonder. (Details are forthcoming, but for right now, my lips are sealed). But I sometimes wonder....do I want to go "full pro"? Would I ever be willing to immerse myself not just in something that is tangential to Who (say, writing), but perhaps be part of the few, the proud, the ones who are able to turn their fandom into something that earns them some fame and fortunate....or at the very least, free drinks?

Admittedly, there are some setbacks - a feeling of competition around something that we love; that sense that maybe people are in this for the wrong reasons. In fact, too often I am seeing the Wizard World mentality creeping into various fandoms - the idea that "we're going to be the greatest, one-stop fan experience for  "Insert current pop culture franchise here", and that you can make big money from nerds....but the truth is that fandom for anything, first and foremost, comes out of love.

That's right - love. Not the kind of gushing, over the top obnoxiousness expressed through tumblr, but the kind of love that inspires people's creativity...whether it be cosplayers finding the right bow tie, or my pal Dave in Wisconsin, who builds working Daleks. (The photo that's included in this blog post? He and his pals make that stuff - it's rather awesome!). For me, it's the ability to bring fans together for great experiences that allow them to share their love of Who; it's getting complimentary DVDs to view and share my thoughts about; and ultimately, kind of be known as "the Doctor Who guy" in several of my social circles. It's not about being the end-all and be-all for everyone; it's creating an environment where people can share what they enjoy...and that isn't reliant on being "in charge."

So back to the premise of today's post: would I ever consider becoming a "professional fan"? I've come close, but quite honestly....it would depend on the job. Serving as Executive Producer on Doctor Who - probably not, because I'd be surrounded by Welshmen.

But pitch a story to Steven Moffatt? You betcha!

Comedy Tonight (Two Weeks From Today)

Yes, I know I've been away from the blog awhile...and you'll have the opportunity to bug me about it in person!

As many of you know, I blog about tech and the social good for Chicago Now. Occasionally, we have regular "Blatherings" - get togethers that allow us to have a good time, network, and have fun.

At our next Blathering - April 16th - we'll be gathering at the Laugh Factory, located at 3175 N Broadway, near Belmont and Broadway. Starting at 7:30, we'll be putting on a stand-up comedy show, where each blogger gets up for three minutes and attempts to make the audience laugh. (Doors open at 6:00 pm)

And for that night, I'll be returning to my roots of almost 20 years ago, hanging with Andy Martello at a coffee shop, doing open mike comedy. Unlike 20 years ago, Andy won't be there (he's living in Vegas, and is more than likely on the road as I write this), and I'll actually be funny.

Who knows what will happen - I might stammer. I might be the opening act, or the closing act. You might hear about my lack of love life, or politics, or other wacky shenanigans. And yes, I'll figure out a way to record this for the Zone 4 podcast.

But here's a chance for you to enjoy a great night out, say "hello", and - most importantly - have a laugh. Because that should always be a priority.

Remember - April 16th. Laugh Factory. 7:30 pm.

Be there.

Doctor Who: THE BELLS OF SAINT JOHN

Minor Spoilers Follow

Ironically, the same day the new season debuted, a screening of The Ark In Space was held. I was not able to attend that screening (won't go into details - it's a long, overly dramatic story), but thankfully, it didn't matter - I already had Ark on DVD, and for me, the more important detail is new episodes. I was more excited about watching the current season opener than revisiting classic Who.

And although I liked The Bells of St. John, much of it felt a little too familiar.

Let's count off the familiar elements:

• Use of graphics overlaid on screen a la Sherlock - Check!
• Familiar plot (see The Idiot's Lantern) - Check!
• Clever integration of elements from Who's past - Check!
• Obligatory fez and jammy dodgers - Check!

As the kickoff for the 50th anniversary season, it is a good effort...but there's much of it that feels way too familiar. Not bad....just OK.

What makes the deal for this episode are Matt Smith's and Jenna Louise Coleman's performances.
Neither hit a wrong note, and I liked the fact that Clara Oswin isn't as overtly clever as she is in other episodes - quite honestly, it was good to have a more down-to-earth companion (at least, from the outset). It's a pretty entertaining first hour....and a good mid-season opener. It was fun, flashy, and at the very least....seemed to set the stage for moving forward. After all, you can't head into the future if you don't understand your past.

Doctor Who is back for its biggest year. I can forgive it for looking back slightly if it means the show will move forward.