Get Your E On, Fellow Fans
By Jennifer Allen
It’s been a bit of a challenge, this long-distance love affair of
ours. But American EastEnders enthusiasts have always found a way to
get their E on.
Whether it be locating and supporting their favorite programme
on public television, riding the perfect tape train or experiencing
the show through simple summary, diehard fans have managed to keep up
with the folks in Albert Square since the program was first broadcast
Stateside in 1987.
Easties have naturally gravitated towards each other. The Walford
Gazette debuted in late 1992, providing the first real forum for fans.
With the advent of the internet and the growing popularity of
personal home computers, people were soon seeking out one another
online. EastEnders-themed websites popped up. Fan-based bulletin
boards, live chats and e-mail newsletters followed.
Friendships forged in the name of EastEnders resulted in various
clubs and communities scattered across the country. EastEnders
luncheons, dinners, slumber parties, fancy dress affairs and group
trips were readily available to avid fans. A lucky few were granted
access to Elstree Studios, where the show is filmed weekly. There was
even the occasional “meet and greet” with select EastEnders
celebrities.
It hasn’t always been fun and games, though. When PBS stations
threatened to pull programming it was this same network that allowed
fanatics to join forces.
Petition campaigns and fundraisers were organised. Announcements
were posted online and in newsletters; articles appeared in the
Walford Gazette;
e-mails went out en masse; and people responded.
There were some successful efforts, as well as a few
disappointments. But no matter what the outcome, the common goal
united fans across the U.S.
Though only nine PBS stations continue to air the program,
opportunities for the EastEnders lover abound. Tape trains have
transformed into dvd expresses, providing the most recent episodes
straight from the U.K. And Dish Network currently offers the show on a
monthly pay per view basis, with episodes running just one month
behind current scheduling.
As new fan sites appear, fresh web formats promoting visitor
participation are evident. Many of the old sites have morphed into
blogs, encouraging readers to post, comment and submit articles for
publication. Sites are no longer singular visions, but a collective of
people and their many, varied views.
Check out the
redesign of the
Western North
Carolina fan club website
wnceastenders.com
With rising gas prices and the economic downturn, fewer folks are
willing and/or able to participate in “go-to” events. Internet
options are filling the void.
The Western North Carolina EastEnders Fanatics (WNCEEF), who once
held quarterly face-to-face luncheons or “GabFests,” are now hosting
bimonthly chats moderated by current president Shonni Dixon at
wnceastenders.com. The site recently underwent a major overhaul,
adopting the blog format and creating a virtual gathering place.
In addition to live chats, the blog offers answers to questions
about EastEnders (1985-2000) through a panel of Early Years Experts,
UNC-TV Festival information from PBS liaison Dave Horne who is also
president of the North Carolina EastEnders Fan Club, interactive
trivia quizzes, related word games, and an assortment of EastEnders
news stories and articles.
In an attempt to keep the blog fluid, WNCEEF members are
actively searching for additional contributors (a complete list can be
found at wnceastenders.com under “EE Classifieds”). The hope is to
create an open, online community for EastEnders enthusiasts
everywhere. If the first few chats are any indication, it appears to
be working.
What’s next in Eastie networking? Things are evolving so
quickly, it’s hard to tell. But one thing is for sure: Without fail,
devotees will continue to create and discover new sources for the
EastEnders fix they crave. Because anyone can fall in love. That’s
the easy part. You must keep it going....
Jennifer Allen is the founder and a current member of the Western
North Carolina EastEnders Fanatics. For those interested in joining
in the fun, online chats are scheduled for every other Wednesday
evening from 8:30 pm EST until 9:45 pm EST at wnceastenders.com. All
are welcome, and are encouraged to visit the site prior to the chat to
register and familiarize themselves with the interface.
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