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augustaquarius.bsky.social
Dr Rebecca Williams
@augustaquarius.bsky.social
3K followers 1.7K following 880 posts
⭐️Associate Professor
📚 @fanstudies.bsky.social Board Member
🎢 Transmedia Tourism • Experience Economy • Theme Parks • Disney • Participatory Cultures • Media Endings
❤️ Sushi • Margaritas • Minions
🧟‍♀️ she/her
💻 https://linktr.ee/drrebeccawilliams
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augustaquarius.bsky.social
Dr Rebecca Williams @augustaquarius.bsky.social · 3d
Thrilled to be guest editing an issue of @ijdisneystudies.bsky.social on Global Disney Fandom.

Currently seeking co-editors to work on the issue so please check out the call below #FanStudies #DisneyStudies

docs.google.com/document/u/0...
Call for Guest Editors
The International Journal of Disney Studies is planning two exciting special issues (more about them below), and we’re looking to expand our guest editor teams for them! As guest editor, you would wor...
docs.google.com
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Williams
augustaquarius.bsky.social
CFP: Monster Media Conference

University of Edinburgh

18-19 June 2026 (abstracts due 15 March 2026)

call-for-papers.sas.upenn.edu/cfp/2026/01/...
cfp | call for papers
call-for-papers.sas.upenn.edu
February 5, 2026 at 4:47 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Williams
fastcompany.com
HBO's gay hockey romance series was a breakout hit—and it's already boosting sales for the sport, just in time for Milan's winter games. f-st.co/e6SGxAl
Will 'Heated Rivalry' do for Olympic ice hockey what Taylor Swift did for the Super Bowl?
HBO's gay hockey romance series 'Heated Rivalry' was a breakout hit—and it's already boosting ticket sales for the sport, just in time for Milan's Winter Games.
f-st.co
February 8, 2026 at 11:25 AM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Williams
wonkhe.bsky.social
Last week on Wonkhe: Doris Ruth Eikhof offers lessons from the film and TV industry on the use of data on equalities, diversity, and inclusion in REF wonkhe.com/blogs/what-n...
What not to do about diversity data and REF
Doris Ruth Eikhof offers lessons from the film and TV industry on the use of data on equalities, diversity, and inclusion in REF
wonkhe.com
February 8, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Williams
bridgetkies.bsky.social
I'm conducting a research study to learn more about video game players' attitudes toward generative AI. The survey will take approximately 10 minutes of your time. tinyurl.com/videogameAIs...
#gaming #videogames #videogame
Pale blue flyer in the style of retro video game that reads "Calling all gamers! Do you have big feelings, positive or negative, about generative AI? Now is your chance to participate in a research study to share your thoughts." The link to the survey is tinyurl.com/videogameAIsurvey. The image has two trees on the bottom in each corner.
February 6, 2026 at 8:46 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Williams
augustaquarius.bsky.social
Another special issue of @ijdisneystudies.bsky.social on "Mickey and Minnie Mouse at 100" is also looking for 1 more guest editor to work alongside the fantastic Joel Gray & Peter Cullen Bryan. More details in the post below.
February 6, 2026 at 2:22 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Williams
fanstudies.bsky.social
New article ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Melton, J., & Karmelic, J. (2026). Reconsidering the “Exceptionally” Talented Middle-Aged Man: Fan Responses, Cancel Culture, and Authenticity in Mark Kozelek’s Late-Career Resurgence Jack Melton and Jeri Karmelic. Rock Music Studies, 1–18.

#FanStudies

doi.org/10.1080/1940...
Reconsidering the “Exceptionally” Talented Middle-Aged Man: Fan Responses, Cancel Culture, and Authenticity in Mark Kozelek’s Late-Career Resurgence Jack Melton and Jeri Karmelic
This research examines fan responses to allegations of sexual misconduct against prolific indie songwriter Mark Kozelek (Sun Kil Moon) on an indie-focused subreddit between 2014 and 2022. Using eth...
doi.org
February 7, 2026 at 6:24 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Williams
mznewman.bsky.social
New work: a review of After Mass Media by @drtvlotz.bsky.social in Continuum. Important book for TV studies, lots to learn from it. www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
After mass media: storytelling for microaudiences in the twenty-first century
Published in Continuum: Journal of Media & Cultural Studies (Ahead of Print, 2026)
www.tandfonline.com
February 6, 2026 at 4:53 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Williams
nation.cymru
A Welsh drag queen has set out to dazzle audiences across the UK on her new tour designed to uplift drag and queer artists
Interview: Marmalade, the Welsh drag queen championing queer talent
Ella Groves A Welsh drag queen has set out to dazzle audiences across the UK on her new tour designed to uplift drag and queer artists. Cardiff-based queen Marmalade shot to fame due to her appearance...
wp.me
February 7, 2026 at 9:20 AM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Williams
sequentialscholars.bsky.social
Sam Langsdale’s book “Searching for Feminist Superheroes: Gender, Sexuality, and Race in Marvel Comics” won the Charles Hatfield Book Prize from the Comics Studies Society. While many books about representation catalog problematic elements, Langsdale searches for progressive alternatives. 1/8
The cover of Samantha Langsdale’s book “Searching for Feminist Superheroes: Gender, Sexuality, and Race in Marvel Comics.”
February 7, 2026 at 1:11 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Williams
immersiverumours.com
EXCLUSIVE: We sat down with Phantom Peak's Co-Founder and Creative Director, Nick Moran, to discuss the show's new Westfield Stratford City venue and what's in store for the townsfolk in Phantom Peak's final season at Canada Water. www.immersiverumours.com/post/exclusi...
Exclusive: Nick Moran on Phantom Peak's new Stratford venue - Immersive Rumours
We sat down with Phantom Peak's Co-Founder and Creative Director, Nick Moran, to discuss the show's new Westfield Stratford City venue, and what's in store for the townsfolk in Phantom Peak's final se...
www.immersiverumours.com
January 28, 2026 at 12:13 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Williams
intellectbooks.bsky.social
Read an interview with James Fenwick, co-editor of Studying Unmade, Unseen and Unreleased Film and Television: Histories, Theories, Methods.

A comprehensive study uncovering the hidden histories of film and television projects abandoned despite major investment.

Read it 👉https://ow.ly/Pav650Y7FIV
Interview announcement featuring James Fenwick, co-editor of a book on unseen and unreleased film and television history, theories, and methods. Text discussing the importance of unfinished or unreleased projects in understanding film and television history, highlighting an unwritten history and industry insights.
February 7, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Williams
fanstudies.bsky.social
New article in Acta Psychologica ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Sense or sensibility? Exploring the motivations behind fandom nationalism expression in China

#FanStudies

www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Sense or sensibility? Exploring the motivations behind fandom nationalism expression in China
Organized fandom has become a defining feature of contemporary subculture, sociocultural dynamics, and even political discourse. In China, however, di…
www.sciencedirect.com
February 6, 2026 at 3:53 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Williams
fanstudies.bsky.social
New article ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Driessen, S., & Harder, S. K. (2026). #WeGotYou: examining the intersections of believability, cancel culture, and fandom (in a not-cancel case). Social Semiotics, 1–17.

#FanStudies

doi.org/10.1080/1035...
#WeGotYou: examining the intersections of believability, cancel culture, and fandom (in a not-cancel case)
In 2022, Backstreet Boys singer Nick Carter faced sexual assault allegations from three women. Carter, during his boyband career branded as the “innocent, young, baby” of the band, did not receive ...
doi.org
February 6, 2026 at 3:54 PM
augustaquarius.bsky.social
Another special issue of @ijdisneystudies.bsky.social on "Mickey and Minnie Mouse at 100" is also looking for 1 more guest editor to work alongside the fantastic Joel Gray & Peter Cullen Bryan. More details in the post below.
February 6, 2026 at 2:22 PM
augustaquarius.bsky.social
Thrilled to be guest editing an issue of @ijdisneystudies.bsky.social on Global Disney Fandom.

Currently seeking co-editors to work on the issue so please check out the call below #FanStudies #DisneyStudies

docs.google.com/document/u/0...
Call for Guest Editors
The International Journal of Disney Studies is planning two exciting special issues (more about them below), and we’re looking to expand our guest editor teams for them! As guest editor, you would wor...
docs.google.com
February 6, 2026 at 11:24 AM
augustaquarius.bsky.social
CFP: Monster Media Conference

University of Edinburgh

18-19 June 2026 (abstracts due 15 March 2026)

call-for-papers.sas.upenn.edu/cfp/2026/01/...
cfp | call for papers
call-for-papers.sas.upenn.edu
February 5, 2026 at 4:47 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Williams
jessmaddox.bsky.social
Got a question about the new journal Creator and Influencer Studies? We have answers.

As a friendly reminder, please do not DM me with submissions questions but email them to jessmaddox [at] uga [dot] edu
February 5, 2026 at 4:08 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Williams
artsprofessional.co.uk
Film and high-end television production spend in the UK hit £6.8 billion last year, representing a 22% increase on 2024, according to analysis by the British Film Institute (BFI).
UK screen sector celebrates 'steady' growth - Arts Professional
Film and high-end television production spend in the UK hit £6.8 billion last year, representing a 22% increase on 2024, according to analysis by the British
www.artsprofessional.co.uk
February 5, 2026 at 3:20 PM
augustaquarius.bsky.social
eu.usatoday.com/story/travel...
Disney's popcorn buckets are why some fans plan entire trips
Souvenirs have always been associated with travel, and that's especially true for these Disney fans.
eu.usatoday.com
February 5, 2026 at 3:37 PM
augustaquarius.bsky.social
Looking forward to presenting a paper on 'Minion Music: Spatial Transmedia, Soundscapes, and Immersion at Universal Studios Orlando’s Despicable Me-themed Land’, at the Sonic Cartographies: Mapping Music and Sound in Theme Parks conference in June.

themeparkmusicandsound.org
Theme Park Music and Sound Conference
Conference on Music and Sound in Theme Parks
themeparkmusicandsound.org
February 5, 2026 at 12:05 PM
augustaquarius.bsky.social
Special Issue of Journal of Gaming & Virtual Worlds

'Video Games & Horror’

Abstract deadline: 1 April 2026
Full article draft deadline: 28 July 2026

www.intellectbooks.com/journal-of-g...
Journal of Gaming & Virtual Worlds
Journal of Gaming & Virtual Worlds; The peer-reviewed Journal of Gaming & Virtual Worlds explores the cultural effects of gaming and virtual worlds across platforms and genres, as their increasing...
www.intellectbooks.com
February 4, 2026 at 2:46 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Williams
elizabethminkel.bsky.social
GOD a good piece about fic in a mainstream(ish) pub????

"How might we discuss fanfiction's influence on published fiction in a way that acknowledges that we get something out of fanfiction, and its related forms? Can we reach a healthier vision of the relationship between fiction and desire?"
Fanfiction’s Total Cultural Victory | Defector
In 2012, a self-published author of erotic Twilight fanfiction, whose books had gained a large fan base online, was offered a seven-figure contract by a major American publisher. E. L. James’s Fifty S...
defector.com
February 2, 2026 at 10:16 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Williams
corybarker.bsky.social
Happy to see this article on virtual watch parties for films that were *in theaters* when COVID hit finally see the light of day in New Review of Film and TV Studies.
The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the distribution of many films since 2020, but none more so than films that were in theaters when lockdowns closed multiplexes. To compensate for the collapsed theatrical window, studios quickly shifted films like Emma, The Hunt, and The Invisible Man to premium video-on-demand (or PVOD) rentals and fashioned ad-hoc promotional campaigns accentuating the surprise of their sudden digital availability. The centerpiece of these studio efforts was the ‘Watch Party’, which asked people to rent and watch the films ‘together’ with synchronized start times and real-time Twitter conversations. Studios also enlisted celebrity participants, including filmmakers who shared behind-the-scenes insights and digital influencers who delivered reactionary riffs on the films. Close analysis of promotional materials (e.g. social media posts, videos, key art) reveals that rather than replicating the theatrical viewing environment, Watch Parties instead imitated Social TV initiatives of the 2010s, including live-tweeted chatter, targeted hashtags, celebrity contributions, and canned production anecdotes. Although Watch Parties waned as the pandemic brought new distribution challenges, their emergence demonstrates Hollywood’s continued interest in constructing shared, limited-time, and now multi-screen experiences. This article identifies Watch Parties as ephemeral media events that are part of the lineage of ritualistic media events and nine-figure marketing plans but that also leverage the surprise of unique distribution circumstances to create short-lived bursts of virality and immediacy. The framework provides a new perspective on digital distribution and media events amid the increased industry and consumer preoccupation with on-demand streaming portals.
February 3, 2026 at 4:18 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Williams
scmstudies.bsky.social
The voting period for the 2026 SCMS election is now open and will close on February 27. To participate, one must be an active member and logged in. Get involved and vote for your representatives! Learn more here: cmstudies.org/page/Election2026
January 30, 2026 at 7:36 PM
Reposted by Dr Rebecca Williams
sheencr.bsky.social
Excellent article but stark reminder that for all the perceptions of universities as ivory towers for elites, they are actually vital hubs in towns n cities supporting local businesses and providing key services as well as education….
‘If I think about what this means, I want to cry’: what happens when a city loses its university?
When Essex University’s Southend campus opened, it was a message of hope for a ‘left behind’ UK seaside town. Its closure will be felt far beyond its 800 students, some of whom will not get their degr...
www.theguardian.com
February 4, 2026 at 8:12 AM