Obviously, this has gotten out of control. The celebrity stalkers of yesterday could be found wandering around Brad Pitt’s yard or riffling through Madonna’s garbage. Law enforcement agencies would step in and cart the wacko in question off to jail. This new breed of “number 1 fans” resides primarily online using modern technology to assist them in round the clock protection of their favorite performer. I recently met a woman who volunteers her free time to police message boards on behalf of a certain pop star. She actively attacks this singer’s critics and seeks out negative posts about him. She considers this to be her calling. Seriously.
In addition to being downright scary, this is particularly annoying to us critic-types. It brings intelligent discussion to a screeching halt and opens the floodgates for rambling, combative posts that dilute the topic at hand. Exhausted critics and readers alike are usually left thinking “Yeah we get it. You love so-and-so. Enough already!”
I had my first run in with the C.H.U.D.S. a few years ago. I reviewed a made-for-TV movie starring Lucy Lawless. The movie was garbage and my review said as much. Mere hours after my review was posted, my e-mail was flooded with nonsensical messages defending Lawless and personally attacking me. The ironic thing is, I like Lucy Lawless and would even consider myself a fan. The C.H.U.D.S. couldn’t see this. The hate mail continued for weeks until I was forced to shut down the account. I could only explain myself so many times until I decided to call it quits.
Since then, I have learned to ignore the celeb-obsessed. I continue to say whatever I want, ruffled feathers be damned. Dealing with passionate, outspoken fans comes with the territory of being a critic. I dish out criticism so therefore I can take my lumps with the best of them.
That said, I no longer post my personal e-mail on my reviews, have several accounts just to be on the safe side, and will never say anything bad about Jordin Sparks. Ever.
Article comments
1 - Amrita
Ha, it's funny because Sanjaya Malakar got me into similar trouble so I understand what you're saying :D
On the other hand, CHUDS are basically the celebrity equivalent of any other obsessed group. As I type this, there's this strange group of divorced men who're simultaneously hitting on me, making suggestive remarks, reviling me and attacking me ... because I'm a woman - just like their ex-wives. It's a strange, strange world out there :)
2 - David
There are some crazy people out there. Some of them may be fans of somebody nice.
This is a surprise? Can't the media find something interesting to write about instead of parroting each other about the fact that somewhere an idiot made a threat to somebody?
3 - Charis
Yes, we Lucy Lawless fans can be a bit over the top in her defense. To be honest, a lot of us did not really like the movie, but thought Lucy did a great job with what she had. I apologise for all us Lucy C.H.U.D.S. (which whith Lucy, there are many) for being rude to you personally. We generally, try not to do that, but we do get over-zelot on occasion.
4 - El Bicho
You, tease. And here I thought you were doing a write-up about a Cannibalistic Humanoid Underground Dweller, although it sounds pretty close.
5 - Morgan
I'm glad you're a fan of Lucy's, or I'd have to hurt you. {j/k} Actually, if you're a fan, then you may have some faint inkling as to why some of us are protective of her. Unlike sweet Jordin, (who I love and voted for 24 times, so no attacks, k?) Lucy brought to life a genuine Lesbian Hero. If you think you got spanked for dissing her, for the underwhelming film she was in, imagine what her hubby got when he had the bad form to "off" our hero, and in such an ugly horror film way!
I wasn't so angry as deeply hurt when his ego decided to slap the fans for personal gain. You see, we women, especially women centric women have had to endure the death of our strong female hero's since the Patriarchy began. Everyone from Thelma and Louise, to Ripley, to Joan of Arc had to go for the sake of some male ego. We're used to it, but the difference with our generation is we're not so quiet about the presumed bashing of our very very rare heroines anymore. You may be right about Celebrity acolytes, but you're missing the boat if you equate the Lucy Lawless protection squad with mere fandom. Early in her "Xena" career Lucy claimed "I'm not the great white hope of the Lesbian world." Well, guess what, something funny happened post Xena. That is exactly what she became. She's claimed us as deeply as we've claimed her. It takes a special woman to pull off being a hot, straight, blond, mom of 3, and a Lesbian Icon. Yet, there you have it.
We have so very few who don't patronize our existence, or ignore it altogether. Lucy Lawless, as well as Renee O'Connor don't treat us with disrespect. On the contrary. The two of them can be given most of the credit for turning the show into a Lesbian love story.
Many of us had our lives actually changed by the show's existence. We found self esteem, friends on the Internet, and many of us found our lifemates (me included) through the power of Xena: Warrior Princess. I'm not sure many men can get that. Especially if you happen to be a white male. It's hard to understand the incredible invisibility we true lesbians have in the world. You will never find women more loyal than those who've been dismissed and kicked around as much as we have by society. If we bite your head off for dissing Lucy, then good for us. It's taught you to be more respectful in your criticism. How many people's efforts have you referred to as "garbage," since your ill fated attack on Lucy's great performance in a sub-par film? I hope not many. Garbage is an ugly word, and you, as a critic can do better. Especially, if you have the good sense to be a fan of Lucy's. Take care, Morgan