Happy Labor Day weekend, Zoners! Today’s brunch is a tasty toasted bagel with honey nut cream cheese, a banana, and Ozarka water. Because in Texas, we’re not quite out of swimsuit season yet.
Is everyone bearing the ‘Colbert Report’ break well so far? Next week here at No Fact Zone, we’ll have a lot more to keep us plugging one more dark week, with a contest a day, a Labor Day eyecandypalooza post, the continuation of our Ten Best ‘Colbert Report’ ever, and a special series to introduce you to all the wonderful talent who helps with this site, “Better Know A Completist.” Because, like Stephen Colbert, we’re not above turning ourselves into the news.
So who all has gotten the new ‘Rolling Stone’ with Stephen on the cover yet? I’m spending this weekend with my mother and husband in Arkansas, and we made a special trip to the Books-A-Million and were able to find the magazine. Huzzah! The article is absolutely wonderful, and the picture of Stephen at his college graduation is worth the price of the whole magazine. I’m still waiting on my Emmy Magazines to come in.
You may remember how I talked about doing an exercise program a few weeks back. That’s going really well – I’m riding my bike with my husband, going to the gym, and getting private Yoga lessons from a certified yoga instructor (also known as my best friend of 17 years) on Wednesday nights. I’ve been focusing more on my exercise than diet, so I haven’t lost but a few pounds. However, I’ve lost three inches off of my waist. Yay! I’m really working hard to find a good balance between my real life and my blogging life, and you all have the wonderful staff of Completists who work with me for all the amazing non-stop Colbert coverage on this site. Thank you all again, so much, for allowing me to be able to step away from the computer and know that our community is in good hands.
Which leads me to my question for the weekend:
What is it that you enjoy most about participating in the No Fact Zone community?
You may remember that I mentioned speaking at WordCamp Dallas 2009, and the DFW WordPress group invited me to come speak again. If you’re in the Dallas area, I’d love it if you could come to the meeting and say Hi. The leader of the group suggested that I speak this time specifically about Community. What makes No Fact Zone different than any other Stephen Colbert fan site out there is our community. We’re shiny and happy, and we’re big, and we’re very active. No other Colbert site out there gets the comments and the responses that we do on our posts. The instant feedback on shows after the guide is posted is both amazing and a bit addicting. We’re also friends outside of the site, on Twitter, and on LJ and many other social networking sites. We wear our Colbert Nation status with pride, but I also see a very strong pride in being a Zoner.
So why, exactly, is this? What makes you spend your time here? And make friends here? And participate in the comments here? Have you made any friends in the real world due to your participation here? And is there anything that you would like to see that would make the community even stronger? Please let me know in the comments. (Also, in the spirit of one of the things that makes our community unique, let’s not go negative about other sites in the comments.)
Hmm, I’ll have to think on the community thing today and post later. Just now, I had to share this: I was at Home Depot this morning, and the “Nights in Rodanthe” song came on! I can never hear that without thinking of Stephen wrapped up in that huge afghan, drinking Wild Berry Zinger. Put a huge grin on my face – “Oh, I love loving!”
I guess this gets filed under “Moments when fandom makes you look/act a total idiot in public” :)
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
That song from “Nights in Rodanthe” is on my Colbert play list on my iPhone. When I was up in the Pocanos (and in NYC), every time we got in the car, that silly song played. It brings back so many good memories.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Ooh, and “My humps” (Whatcha gonna do with all that junk, all that junk inside your trunk, mmmm!)! I finally heard that song on the car radio about a year after Stephen’s dance to it. Laughed so hard I just about ran off the road!
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
as for why this is a great community, I find that there is so much to talk to everyone about, even during the breaks. people have common interests, or they’re just kind people willing to make suggestions, encourage, or congratulate. there’s no competition to be the biggest, most devoted, most skilled fan– it’s all about enjoying the show.
practically speaking, the things that NFZ doesn’t have, either by design or because TCR doesn’t lend itself to them, make it a very fun place. these things include users posting fan art/fic/vids here and the subsequent competition and feedback concerns that arise, drama about characters being introduced or killed off (Bobby was eaten without us getting up in arms about it!), shipping wars (because the show is all about Stephen), arguments about book vs. movie vs. series vs. game, because it’s all cohesively the Report, issues with longtime fans falling into cliques and behaving as though they’re superior to those who are new, and extensive or contentious political discussions (despite the fact that much of the show is about that very topic.)
there is a lot of positive reinforcement when we behave nicely to each other, so the message of generally friendliness doesn’t just pop up when there’s something amiss. also, I think it helps that Stephen and the team behind the Report seem to value kindness and generosity; it sets a good example for the fandom.
I’m a bit inspired by that Rolling Stone article too. all I want to say for now is that it was SUCH a lovely article. it really made me proud to be a fan of the show, and this will definitely be the most difficult week of the break for me so far!
I am hoping there will be a post later where I we can all discuss it, because I don’t want to spoil it for everyone who hasn’t been able to get it yet, but there’s so much to say.
and finally: it’s cool that you’re exercising! I have been going to the gym most evenings since I got back to school, which is not a routine I’ve ever maintained before. it was a bit intimidating at first, especially because there’s not a lot of girls around the free weights area. I know that shouldn’t be an issue, but I felt a bit out of place. I’m trying to come up with healthy breaks from schoolwork that leave me feeling a bit better about myself than a marathon of youtube vids.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Tiger said it very well. I just really enjoy the friendly, relaxed, and respectful atmosphere here and that keeps me coming back.
I also really enjoyed the RS article. It’s funny because I realized Neil Strauss was at the same taping my husband and I attended last month. I don’t want to spoil anything either but it is a really great article and I highly recommend it to all fans. And yes, the pic at his college graduation is priceless! I passed it on to my friend who went to a taping with me back in January. She couldn’t wait to read it and then was going to pass it on to her husband. Just my way of spreadin’ the love. :-)
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
I’m so glad this is the topic of WB today, because the more I become acquainted with fans through NFZ and Twitter, the more I fall in love with the fandom.
Before I knew anyone in the fandom (and fanned out by myself) my interest was simply in the show, Stephen, and his other work. It was fun and offered me something to love, something to look forward to and enjoy, but there was something missing that I had never really considered before.
I joined the Colboards in an attempt to try out a community, but I never really enjoyed it that much. I had a period or two when I checked them often and posted often, but, as Tiger alluded, it was very cliquey, and you could put your butt on the line simply by stating your opinion. People loved to tackle each other and debate, and I didn’t like debating about something as wonderful as the Report. It made it all seem trivial, and I loved what I loved about it, so I didn’t want someone trying to change my mind. I also hated being amidst people who simply joined to curse Stephen or Jon. And, probably most of all, I hated constantly being around crazies: people who claimed that Stephen was in love with them, or fetishists who always talked about their sexual fantasies with him or couldn’t gush over anything besides his banana. I respected Stephen as a performer and a comedian, and I didn’t feel like I was in a community with a majority of the people feeling the same way.
So when I found NFZ it was a real breath of fresh air. Everyone was so sweet and welcoming (as they still are) and there’s never been so many regular posters that you can hardly recognize who is who. There’s a small, simple community of regulars who are all such smart, funny, and interesting people. And since I’ve joined Twitter and have met more of them there, I’ve been able to get to know everyone even better, not just as fans, but as people, and I learn something about them every day. They support me when I have problems and congratulate my successes, and I try to do the same for them. And there’s never a lack of conversation material. We can always find ways to chat or laugh about something.
It may all sound melodramatic, but without the incredible and unique community that is the Colbert Nation, I probably wouldn’t be as proud as I am to be a fan. The people I have met have let me know that it is ok to fan out and enjoy something as much as I enjoy the Report, and that outside the tiny small town world I live in, there are people out there who feel the same way I do.
So yes…I love the Colbert Nation with all my heart, and I’ve been dying to express that in some way. So thanks for giving me the opportunity =D
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
I’m gonna have to say that I’m both when it comes to wearing pride of being both a Colbert Bation member and a Zoner. Making friends here is the ideal place for me because I have only a few friends in real life that actually know who Stephen is. Here and my friends on Twitter, we can rant and chat about Stephen and understand what we all mean when it comes to the show. Even after awhile, we begin to learn more about each other outside of the fandom and become even closer friends then we think we could have.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
One thing I love about this site, is that it is so well organized, put together, and so frequently updated. The community is so open and friendly and I’ve never had a better experience on any kind of fan site. I think what makes being a Colbert Report fan more fun than being a fan of a lot of other things, is how much Stephen plays up to his fans, and how much we are encouraged as a “Nation” to be unified. It is something that is rather unique, and you really feel appreciated as well.
I agree about the college graduation picture….priceless! Oh I laughed so hard! And the interview was beautiful. He has such a lovely soul.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Why do I keep coming back? Michele summed it up: “friendly, relaxed, & respectful.” While I’m not the only person I know that watches TCR, I’m certainly the only one among my close friends. I appreciate the intelligence and humor of those who post, not to mention the Completists’ encyclopedic knowledge!
Completists, I want to express my thanks for the time, creativity, and devotion you express in your posts every week, but especially during this long break.
I fell in love with Stephen and finally became an “it-getter” during the Philadelphia shows, and found NFZ not long after that, …. and realized that there is a community of fans who love Stephen and the show as much (even more!) than I do.
What makes me keep coming back are the people here. DB, I think the fitness program you’ve started is great – I’m trying to keep up with mine, but when school starts, I’d rather …zzzzzzz. Thanks for the motivation to stay active. I’m hoping to meet at least a couple Zoners November 1st, which will be the first time I’ll see Stephen in person. I’m so excited! – and I know Zoners understand how I feel.
I have not bought RS yet – although the song is periodically stuck in my head! I think I’ll use it as my reward for finishing my lesson plans.
Thanks, everyone!
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
i won’t be saying anything that hasn’t already been well put. i’ve never been active in a fan based community before, but since day one i’ve felt so at home with everyone here. communicating in comments, and through tweets it’s been fun getting to know so many of you. observing and being on the recieving end of the support we have for each other, even in non-colbert related issues is what really stands out to me. the level of dedication and enthusiasim leaves little left to be desired, and a lot to keep me coming back for more. this is an amazing community that i am incredibly greatful to be a part of!
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
NoFactZone is so much more level-headed and rational than Colboard (I would say other fan sites too, but that’s the only other one in which I’ve been involved). The cliques, crazy-insane fan fiction, and things of that sort really got in the way of enjoying the show. That does not happen here. There is such a friendly aura surrounding this site. No one is attacked for their opinion here, which is more than I can say about most places, internet-based and elsewhere. Thanks for the wonderful site.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Oh, I’m excited for next week’s activities!! And that’s wonderful, DB, that your exercise program is going so well! Keep up the good work! :D
I come to the No Fact Zone community because you guys get it. I don’t have many people in my “real life” who really understand what it is about Stephen and why he’s so special and awesome. So, it’s nice to log on here and see people who share my interests and have a flame in their hearts for Stephen just like I do! You know, it’s just nice to have some other people who are excited about what happened on last night’s episode or are all happy about the latest magazine cover. You guys are my allies in Colbert love and you’re really important to me! <3
And, also, what someone else said – you guys are a lot more level-headed than other communities and I enjoy the level of discourse that takes place here. :)
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
And also – that Rolling Stone article was simply marvelous. :)
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Gosh… I feel like most of my feelings have been stated already. Typically I lurk around a site to get a feel for it and I began participating on this site almost immediately! (Once I found it!) It is an overwhelmingly welcoming community.
What is unique about NFZ is that through sharing our thoughts and ideas we create an extension of learning–about the show, outside interests, and each other! I have read some wonderful insights and recommendations regarding movies, books, politics, education, etc. in a true open and respectful forum. It is a truly supportive environment where we celebrate our accomplishments and aren’t afraid to lament about some disappointments. I can always count on this site to make me smile, give me a good laugh, and remind me that there are many people out there with similar interests.
I have yet to start a Twitter account…perhaps that will link me more to other Zoners outside of this site. I would love to meet up and chat with others outside of the forum here but am not sure how that would work (try to get tickets on the same day to a show? regional “book clubs” to discuss works that have been highlighted on the show) or if it is even possible since, I assume, we are spread all over the country and globe!
Thank you to all who participate and make this such a welcoming site. Sometimes, the difficult thing with blogs and comments is that it can be hard to sense emotion, tone of voice, etc. when you don’t know someone or aren’t watching their facial expressions (even with the use of emoticons). I have not found that here, because everyone seems to operate with the best of intentions and the “Golden Rule” concept of treat one another as you would want to be treated. There are no hasty judgements or name calling. Every post is valued along with its contributor. That’s what makes posting worthwhile–even if we disagree–it is valued as an opposing viewpoint. So, thanks again everyone!
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
I’ve been thinking about this question today, and I keep coming back to a book I read by Clay Shirky, called “Here Comes Everybody: The Power of Organizing without Organizations”. Fantastic book on social networking and social organizations, both offline and online – I highly recommend it (especially for you, DB, it might be useful for your WCD presentation).
Anyway, one of the chapters is “Promise, Tool, Bargain” – the three components to forming any group. There’s the explicit or implicit Promise (why we join/contribute to a group), the Tools (how the media actually work), and the Bargain (the standards of behavior in the community). How these factors interact determine the character of a community, and whether it thrives or fizzles.
On a large scale, the Promise of being a member of the Colbert Nation is that, as Stephen says, you get to be in on the fun, and be a part of the improvisation that is the Report. It’s central to the show, and that’s not really the case for any other show out there. For any of the fan sites, the Promise is that you can participate in a community of other people who share the same interest in the show. That brings a lot of passion.
What makes NFZ so different, in my opinion, is the Bargain. The community standard places a tremendously high value on respect – for each other, for the staff of the show, for Stephen and his family. As a consequence, we don’t attract the crazies Nukaleu talked about, and we can say “holy bejesus that’s hot” without crossing the line into squicky. It also means the general tone of the community is welcoming, enthusiastic, and fun. We have all the passion of a great fan community, but the positive tone ensures that energy stays focused on the show and the work, and the joy we find in it.
(Other sites have more of an “anything goes” bargain, which is fine too but leads to a really different dynamic.)
All those things also underlie why I personally feel at home in the NFZ community. Before I found NFZ, I loved the show, but I became so uncomfortable with some of the Crazy out there, I actually started to feel weird about being a fan. But here, I can geek out about the show (& performer) I love, and there’s no weirdness or drama. Not to mention you all are a bunch of smart, interesting, and well-read people!
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
I like coming here and therefore I post here more frequetly ( I suck at spelling), then I would at the other 3 fandom-y places I hang. I guess I do that because I really, really like the topic. I mean that my other shows don’t get me as interested as anything Stephen-related does. Also because everyone is really warm and friendly. This place reminds me of hanging with my siblings, when we don’t really have anything to do; it’s easy-going, enjoyable, I like everyone and we always have fun.
And if I’m not really articulate in this post, just read juice’s and MaryLovesColbert’s posts.
Lastly, the Rolling Stone with Stephen is freaking awesome, especially after how long it took to get it. I particularly loved the picture of Stephen and his mom at his graduation and the ad for Americone Dream.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
haha! i loved seeing the add for americone dream too!!!
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
I totally missed the Americone Dream ad until someone else pointed it out to me!! Lol.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
I wish I could add something new to the discussion, but I think everyone has already said everything floating around in my head. There’s just something about being a Zoner that truly defines how we all feel about being a part of the fandom. I think the best I can do right now is to replay the scenario at my local convenience store as I came upon the Rolling Stone issue, which I wasn’t expecting to find there…
Walks into store w/hubby, stops at counter. Spots Rolling Stone issue w/Stephen on the cover. *HUGE GASP!*
Me: Ohmigod! Look, look, look, look!!! *total Colbert geek-out ensues*
Hubby: Oh geeze.
Store Clerk: Who is that?
Me: (in my head) *sigh* Really?
Hubby: That’s Stephen Colbert.
Clerk: Who the hell is that?
Me: *continues to geek out and starts thumbing through the issue, trying to find the article*
Hubby: You know Comedy Central?
Clerk: Yeah…
Hubby: You know The Daily Show?
Clerk: Yeah…
Hubby: Well Colbert’s on right after that.
Clerk: Oh. Sure doesn’t take much to make her happy. (alluding to my continuing geek-out)
As I’m sure we all understand, the clerk represents the rest of the non It-Getting, non-Zoner universe. But I know while you were all reading this, you totally got my surprise freak out and boisterous joy over finding the mag, didn’t you?
This is why I love being a Zoner. : )
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Your reaction to getting Rolling Stone is the same as when I got Emmy magazine, his book, and the tote bag.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Okay, that was hilarious. :D I’ve gotten to the point where I can control any urges to indulge in a total Colbert geek-out in public, but that doesn’t mean I’m not doing it on the inside.
One of the things I learned early on when I started doing the zeitgeist posts was what tone I should take with them, and came up with what has become sort of a mantra: keep it positive, and keep it focused on Stephen. That’s the most important part of the general theme around here, and I think that’s done just as much to encourage participation as our love for the show itself. And by staying focused on Stephen, we’re not focusing on ourselves, which eliminates a lot of the personality clashes and craziness you see in other fan communities.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Hahaha!! This is pretty much exactly what I do when I see something Colbert-related as well. Isn’t is so frustrating when the store clerks or whomever don’t know who he is?! Gosh…get with the times.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
haha! I love that story, and it’s so familiar. how many times have I had to say “it’s a show on Comedy Central” since I became a fan?
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Argh! I have had the store clerk experience many a time. How can they not know who he is? He spoke at WHCD! Ah me. Well, in a way it makes me feel like I have discovered this special person that not everyone knows about or appreciates and that makes me feel better. Sort of like finding hidden treasure. Now I’m thinking of Stephen making that “Arrggh!” in pirate speak:)
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Seconded. Sometimes people say they’ve heard of Stephen and watch his show sometimes and all I can think is, “Man, now I have nothing to talk to that person about.”
And thinking of Stephen as a hidden treasure makes me feel happy for some reason.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Oh, I’ve given up finding any big fans in my regular life. I did run into someone who recognized my WristSTRONG bracelet the other day. She said, “Oh I love Stephen Colbert”, and I said, “Yeah, I’m a big fan.” :)
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Wow – that’s awesome, DB! I hoped that once I got my WristStrong bracelet, people would mention it, but they haven’t.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
“Yeah, I’m a big fan.”
*coughs* Gold medal for understatement, DB. ;)
Recaptcha: Ithaca horrify (Don’t know what that means, but sounds like it could be a good premise for a TCR segment!)
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
I’m right with you, Lilimich. Know one really gets it in my real life. And I have surprised people with my fandom before. They’re loss!
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Some of my friends get it…but only when I relate a part of the show to something we are discussing. Then they say things like “I should watch more often…” Yes, they should! :) I do have a good friend who will shake his fist with me and feign anger in his voice when we discuss our *dissertations!* or any other current outrage we are having.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
I discovered No Fact Zone while bored at work one day around April 2008. Being a fan of the show was nice, but finding a community where I could share the love of the show with others really gave it meaning…and helped me through the down time at work! I guess everything that can be said has been said, but this community means so much to me. I’ve never been a part of a fan community before, but this place is special. Love you all!
I’ve been lucky enough to meet one Zoner, Dee, since we both live in LA right now. It was no surprise to me that she was smart, kind and easy-going like every Zoner on here! She was also patient when I had forgotten where I parked my car;)
DB, congrats on your exercise regimen. If only I were that disciplined! Once in awhile, however, I will do a quick set of sit-ups or dance around like crazy to I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’. Stephen does seem to seep into every part of my life;)
By the way, I know Books-A-Million from back East. I believe they bought out Crown Books. Don’t see them around LA though.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
You dance crazily to ‘Don’t Feel Like Dancing’ also? Well, now I feel less lame.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Ha! We’re all crazy when it comes to Stephen:)Thanks for making ME feeling less lame;)
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
I second the idea for having a post to discuss the RS article – maybe next Weekend Brunch? I saw the magazine at my tiny local grocery when I was picking up eggs and milk on the way home from work, and as a result I had a stupid grin on my face all through checkout.
Just made some cookies, ready to sit down and read :)
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Great comments from everyone! And I agree with y’all about the wonderfulness that is being a Zoner and Colbert fan.
The NFZ is a great place to “geek out” about all things Stephen. DB, you and the Completists do an amazing job keeping the news of Stephen in front of us, even when the show is dark!
To echo a number of other people, I love how I’ve “met” some of you via Twitter. Everyone is so supportive, and I’m glad to have gotten to know some of you better.
It’s absolutely the best fandom ever, and we have Stephen, his staff, DB and the Completists to wrap it up with a big shiny bow for us.
BTW, just got and read the RS. What a wonderful interview.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
This community is just a fan place to give praise and glory to all that is Stephen Colbert. I, too, do not have any “it-getters” in my real life, which saddens me, so I am glad that I’ve found such a great little community here, full of it-getters. :)
It’s fun to leave our own comments, thoughts, and opinions, about certain parts of the show and interact with other fans.
I keep coming back for all the new Colbert-related news and information. This blog is updated so quickly thanks to the efforts of all of the Completists. I’m quite obsessed with this website, honestly. It’s probably my second most visited website, second only to gmail. I check it many times at work when I’m bored, hoping that I’ll find a new bit of information is posted lol.
I got the Rolling Stone magazine yesterday. The interview was fantastic! Stephen Colbert is a one-of-a-kind human being. Wow. It sure made me happy reading that nice interview and reading about the positive attitude he keeps. ^_^ And thanks to those who pointed out the AmeriCone Dream ad. I didn’t look through the rest of the magazine, so I probably would have missed that.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
I like that it isn’t negative here. I’m tired of the negative energy at the Colbert Nation forum.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
If you mean that, welcome. :)
reCAPTCHA: hartnett Na
(don’t prove me wrong/don’t prove me right M, lol)
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Yes, it is really positive here and I love that as well.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
What I enjoy most is the welcoming people here and the wonderful energy. And it is always here, there is always something happening here and I just have to keep coming back to witness the outstanding creativity and ideas, and always they are positive and respectful. This site is really very reflective of Stephen Colbert himself, and TCR.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0