So, I have some thoughts this morning after an amazing talk last night.

I'm not an academic, but I have many friends who are. My experience as a independent researcher is that fan studies & manga studies folks are *nicest,* most generous, welcoming & supportive people. I know there's a lot of competition and politics within academia. But that's the system, not the people, not these people. I've always been treated with respect by every academic I've dealt with, even though I have never been part of that system.

Am I the Asshole, a chronology:

1960's Dear Abby: "My sister-in-law uses bad language around my children, how do I not invite her to the family reunion?"

1970's Dear Ann: "My wife wants to have her own credit card. How do I convince her she doesn't need one? 1970's Dear Miss Manners: My husband won't use the soup spoon for his soup. How do I train him to use it?

1980's Dear Miss Manners: My mother-in-law-to-be hates me, do I have to invite her to the wedding?

Things we *have* learned from the Ioawa caucuses, a thread.

Caucuses are not useful.

They are pretty much designed to cut out anyone other than able members of the leisure class. This relic is overdue to be replaced. 1/12 Technology is not our friend. It is our tool and, as such, we much only use proven, safeguarded, trusted tools in elections.

Every possible form of manipulation *is* happening. Phone lines are robo-jammed, voting machines are hacked, voter rolls purged, power is cut... 2/12

All ready for @james_welker's lecture on BL and Yuri! discusses the types of media, manga, anime, doujinshi, CD Dramas, LNs, live action, etc