Posts in Studies
OTW Signal, June 2026
Every month in OTW Signal, we take a look at stories that connect to the OTW’s mission and projects, including issues related to legal matters, technology, academia, fannish history and preservation issues of fandom, fan culture, and transformative works. In the News Last month, Russian photographer Alexandra Kuzyk became one of many people targeted in Russia’s intensifying campaign against LGBTQ+ expression when she was prosecuted for writing gay fanfiction. Prosecutors sought a four-year prison sentence, but Kuzyk was instead sentenced to 18 months of compulsory labor, with 10% of her wages withheld by the state. While Kuzyk was formally convicted under Russia’s law against producing… Read more
TWC releases No. 33, “Fan Studies Methodologies”
Transformative Works and Cultures has released No. 33, “Fan Studies Methodologies,” guest edited by Julia E. Largent, Milena Popova, and Elise Vist. This issue’s contents emphasize what the editors call the multi-inter-para-disciplinary nature of the field of fan studies, with contributions addressing topics related to methodology, such as subject position, feminism, affect/feelings, (self-)presentation, race, and power. So what we set out to do in this special issue of Transformative Works and Cultures is start conversations on how we do fan studies. We want this conversation to recognize the strengths, diversity, and potential of our field. At the same time, we want it to start grappling… Read more
OTW Guest Post: Katie Davis and Cecilia Aragon
From time to time, the OTW will be hosting guest posts on our OTW News accounts. These guests will be providing an outside perspective on the OTW or aspects of fandom where our projects may have a presence. The posts express each author’s personal views and do not necessarily reflect the views of the OTW or constitute OTW policy. We welcome suggestions from fans for future guest posts, which can be left as a comment here or by contacting us directly. Cecilia Aragon is a Professor of Human Centered Design and Engineering at the University of Washington, and a long-time science fiction, fantasy, anime, and… Read more
OTW Guest Post: Leah Steuer
From time to time, the OTW will be hosting guest posts on our OTW News accounts. These guests will be providing an outside perspective on the OTW or aspects of fandom where our projects may have a presence. The posts express each author’s personal views and do not necessarily reflect the views of the OTW or constitute OTW policy. We welcome suggestions from fans for future guest posts, which can be left as a comment here or by contacting us directly. Leah Steuer is a PhD candidate in Media & Cultural Studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Her work engages the body as primary… Read more
OTW Guest Post: Sharon Marcus
From time to time, the OTW will be hosting guest posts on our OTW News accounts. These guests will be providing an outside perspective on the OTW or aspects of fandom where our projects may have a presence. The posts express each author’s personal views and do not necessarily reflect the views of the OTW or constitute OTW policy. We welcome suggestions from fans for future guest posts, which can be left as a comment here or by contacting us directly. Sharon Marcus is the Orlando Harriman Professor of English and Comparative Literature at Columbia University, and editor in chief of Public Books. Today, Sharon… Read more