Research

Independent Research Study: Projected Completion, December 2022

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes a 'Lucifan'?

This study defines a 'Lucifan' as person who self identifies as a fan of the television show Lucifer, who may or may not participate in additional expressions of their fandom. Additional expressions of fandom may include but are not limited to: fan fiction writing, fan art creation, fan group membership/participation, social media group membership/participation, cosplay, event attendance, etc.

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Do I have to live in the United States to participate?

No, this research study is open to world wide participation so long as you self identify as a Lucifan and have completed one full season of viewing. English is the primary language of conduct for this study.

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What is the purpose of this research?

The purpose of this study is to gain further insight into the Lucifer fandom, its impact on fan community led cancelation protests and the relationship between fans and television show professionals (i.e. cast, creators, etc). Using a grounded theory approach, the primary research will be combined with secondary research in an effort to encapsulate the fan culture phenomenon for historical and cultural purposes. 

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How does Phase 1 work?

Participants complete the following Survey (20-30 min) prior to (12pm) midnight EST May 11, 2022. Participants who wish to be considered for Phase 3 (Interviews) must provide contact information at the end of the Phase 1 survey. NOTE: Participants are never required to provide their contact information at any time during the Phase 1 process UNLESS they want to be considered for the Phase 3 portion of the research.

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If selected to participate in Phase 3, what can I expect?

Contact of Participants - email contact between the months of May-September 2022
Virtual Interviews - a scheduled, 30 min to one hour digital interview (via Zoom or similar program) with the principal investigator to discuss survey responses and additional questions related to the the research topic sometime between May-September 2022.

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Will I receive any compensation for my participation?

Participants will not receive any fiscal or in kind compensation for their participation.

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How will the information be used and stored?

This independent research study is being conducted by the principal investigator (Darlynne Overbaugh, Comics In My Life) solely for the purposes of developing a better understanding of fan culture and its socio-cultural manifestations. The principal investigator and organization are in no way affiliated with Fox, Warner Bros, Netflix or any other entity or institution. Upon completion of the study, all information, data, imagery and recordings will be deleted from its digital and/or physical storage locations. Principal investigator may publish the findings in appropriate peer reviewed journals for educational purposes.

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About the researcher:

Darlynne Overbaugh, is an independent researcher of fan culture and its related events. She received her Master's Degree in 2021 from Falmouth University in Creative Events Management. She has been a visiting lecturer at Ithaca College and a guest speaker at SUNY Cortland and panelist for San Diego Comic Con (at Home edition). Her professional specialties include all ages inclusive programming development and implementation, registration management and marketing strategies. A life long comic book collector and fan culture enthusiast, Darlynne plans to travel the world conducting research at fan conventions worldwide, when it is once again safe to do so. 

Master's Thesis Research Project: Completed July 2021

 

Abstract

While the history and impacts of fan conventions have been studied within the context of tourism and financial value, the social value of fan conventions and the fan families that attend conventions have been dismissed from the research sphere. This mixed methods interpretivist / social constructivist phenomenological study uses a grounded theory approach to identify what fan families experience pre, during and post fan culture conventions. Motivations, social connection(s) and behaviors are captured through a picture elicitation interview process from both the child and parent perspectives. As a result, this study finds that fan conventions both nurture fandom(s) and fan family social structures through the behaviors of cosplay and consumption and demonstrates that while ludic co-creative processes already exist, fan convention producers have the opportunity to establish formal co-creative processes with fan families to improve the event design and event experience for all stakeholders.