RMFF: The college paper!

I was contacted a few days before the October meeting by a college student by the name of Thomas Huxford who was taking a class on English Composition and chose to write an ethnography paper on the sub-culture of the Star Wars fan community in Colorado. Being the generous dude that I am... I said that the RMFF would love to help him out and so he came to the October meeting to interview myself, get some quotes from others, and see what our little band is all about.

I appreciate his effort to contact us and hear and see first-hand what our group is like.

Here is the paper that he wrote. I believe he did a great job capturing a snapshot of who we are and what we're about (with a cameo interview by Kevin J. Anderson!).

The Rocky Mountain Fan Force​

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If anyone says they don't care about Star Wars, then something is terribly wrong. Star Wars may be only a passing interest for some people, but to completely deny its impact as a culture changing phenomenon is simply being naive. The movies themselves have sparked much more than a simple following; they've built an entire sub-culture all by themselves. This sub-culture is incredibly devoted to what they do, and they do it well, which is to love Star Wars. The word “love” might be considered a little strong by some, but the level of commitment put forth by the large number of people who follow the series is nothing short of it. Entire organizations have formed from its very existence. Enter the Rocky Mountain Fan Force (the RMFF). This organization started way back in 1999, when people were beginning to realize the internet could be used for more than just e-mail. Originating as an online forum where people could post and talk about their love of Star Wars, it eventually grew into a full-fledged fan club. Now, in 2013, it has become everything its creators had hoped for: a group that meets and talks about everything that could possibly have to do with Star Wars. If you have ever hoped that your love for Star Wars could be more than just hitting replay on the DVD player, then the RMFF is the place you need to be.

The RMFF has a fairly humble meeting area. They gather regularly at a local Village Inn in Denver, CO. Besides being a great way to grab a bite before the start of the meeting, the Village Inn doesn't look much like a place where you'll find Star Wars waiting inside. When I walked in, everything was not as it seemed. The smell of bacon and eggs wafts from the kitchen, instantly rousing the stomach and summoning thoughts of breakfast. However, beyond the simple characteristics of a normal restaurant, a profound thing is happening in the far corner of the room. Several tables are put together and there are a few people gathered around them. Wander over and you'll be treated to friendly smiles and inviting gestures; all before even announcing your name, and without the slightest hint of Star Wars on your person. From afar they look like a fairly normal group of friends, but get closer and you'll find many curious things that you probably didn't expect to see. A folding toy lightsaber is sitting casually on one of the tables. Star Wars books are also present under the arms of one person, giving strong hints that this is no normal get-together. More people begin to arrive, bearing shirts showing a detailed diagram of the Millennium Falcon, and other curiosities. It's becoming clear that this is no normal get together. No, these people are here for Star Wars. One person is even dressed in robes, possibly showing her allegiance to the Jedi. Yes, this is the RMFF, and they're having a blast. Even though they're all here for Star Wars, most of them look surprisingly normal. Only one person is dressed up, the rest look just like they might be your neighbor down the street. A few have kids, some are wearing jeans, and there's nary a stormtrooper in sight. Costume-phobic prospective members need not fear because: “You don't have to have a costume to join us, we just get together and do fun things,” says Jonathan Thornton, the current leader of the RMFF. (J. Thornton, personal communication, October 19, 2013). Indeed, all that is needed to enjoy the group is a love for Star Wars.

The beginning of RMFF's meeting is a lot of introductions, conversation, and ordering of food. This is the time that I had a chance to sit down with Jonathan Thornton, the Chapter President of the RMFF. Jonathan Thornton is a fairly normal looking guy, with a normal haircut. His appearance would suggest that he's at Village Inn with normal intentions. Except for the fact that he has on a shirt with R2-D2 on the front holding a droid service manual. The description reads: “These aren't the books you're looking for.” He appears quite at ease and begins talking to me about what the RMFF is and what they stand for. “Yeah I think everybody here definitely has an appreciation for Star Wars, you know it speaks to them in different ways. Whether it's a love for movies, or the movies inspired them to do something else with their lives, it's how they express their fandom.” (J. Thornton, personal communication, October 19, 2013)

The first steps into the Star Wars universe for now long-time fans were trepidatious. Not many people had a clear idea of what the movie was about when it was first released, or how much impact it would have on their culture. Kevin J. Anderson, a well known writer of Star Wars novels, recalls what it was like in the beginning years: “... I hadn't heard any hype about it yet, nothing but a rather cryptic radio commercial, and I went with some high-school buddies to see it. We were all completely blown away, it's hard for new fans to imagine now, seeing something as genre-shattering as Star Wars without having any expectations whatsoever.” (K. Anderson, Kevin J. Anderson Interview, n.d.). The first Star Wars Fan Club newsletter was published in 1978 by Craig Miller. This newsletter, which was later renamed Bantha Tracks, became one of the main sources for Star Wars fans to look to for news on their new favorite movie. The following years would see many new fan clubs emerge.

Even though the RMFF drew heavily from Star Wars for its conception, you don't have to be centric towards those movies to be a member or post on the boards of their website. They encourage a healthy mix of topics. “... you just talk about everything under the world. Whether it's Star Wars, or family, or just different television shows that you're watching.” (J. Thornton, personal communication, October 19, 2013). Ultimately however, what brought the group together was an appreciation for Star Wars. “I mean, it's not just Star Wars, but I think that is the common thread. That kind of... you know... the hero's journey, the special effects and the character development.”(J. Thornton, personal communication, October 19, 2013). Even part-time "Trekkies" have a place in the RMFF. “... we joke about hating on Trekkies, but we love 'em none the less. There are conventions that happen all the time here in Denver... There are a lot of people here who dressed up in Star Trek costumes for those in previous years. One year a lot of people dressed up as 'Red Shirts' from Star Trek, and that was just a fun costume for them to do.”(J. Thornton, personal communication, October 19, 2013).
The RMFF is also involved with several charity organizations. It seems this is one fan club that has the time to not only play, but also to give back to their community. The RMFF will work with local theaters to put on special events with the release of new Star Wars films. “... with us being there at the theater, we were encouraging people to bring clothing and different items for Urban Peak.” (J. Thornton, personal communication, October 19, 2013). These items are distributed to the homeless through this organization, giving much needed assistance to the city's less fortunate individuals. “We’re very active in the community. We partner up with Wings Over the Rockies Museum, and through our partnership with them, and putting on these special events, we're able to help raise money for that museum as well.” (J. Thornton, personal communication, October 19, 2013). The RMFF will also hold auctions to help charities such as the Make a Wish foundation. “We're very involved in raising money for community organization through our fandom... We partner up with the 501st and the Rebel Legion for other events as well.” (J. Thornton, personal communication, October 19, 2013).

The RMFF certainly has a unique imprint of its own, but it also has strong ties with other Star Wars groups in the region. The 501st is another Star Wars group that puts a heavy emphasis on costumes and the “Empire” of the Star Wars universe. Another group named the Rebel Legion, follows a similar path, but focuses more on the “Rebels” from Star Wars. The level of commitment their members put forth runs deep according to Dale “He-Guy” Morris, “They even have trading cards. 501st members have their own trading cards with their name, their garrison, and everything.” (D. Morris, personal communication, October 19, 2013). Jonathan Thornton and his wife, Linda Thornton, see the RMFF as more of a middle ground for these respective groups. “We're more of a hub because we have members that are in the 501st and the Rebel Legion.” (L. Thornton, personal communication, October 19, 2013). So although there are groups out there that stick to a very rigid interpretation of what defines a Star Wars fan, the RMFF is a lot more relaxed in their presentation.

Even though the RMFF may take that more relaxed stand on participation and costumes, they still have an ace up their sleeve when it comes to showing off. After all, what Star Wars fan club would be complete without their very own X-wing? Apparently not this one, because the RMFF are the keepers of a promotional X-wing modeled after the Star Wars movies. They were made for the premiere of the Star Wars: A New Hope – Special Edition in 1996. This X-wing is one of only several that were created during this time, and the RMFF is in charge of maintaining it now that it has moved to the Wings Over the Rockies Museum in Colorado. “There were seven premiere cities, ours is the one that was in Tokyo. It was brought here in '99 for the first Star Wars Celebration.” (Jennifer Peterson, personal communication, October 19, 2013). (Jennifer is referring to Star Wars Celebration, a convention for Star Wars fans that took place before the first prequel movie, The Phantom Menace.)


Towards the end of the meeting, the RMFF gets down to business. Introductions revolve around the table for newcomers, with everyone saying their name and the handle that they post under on the message boards for the RMFF website. This is followed by going over other meet-ups that the group may be participating in, and a rather interesting t-shirt design that was passed around the table for members to give feedback on. One topic that came up, and is of particular note, is that there is a “council” within the RMFF. They hold elections for who will be part of the council, kind of like a democracy. This is an interesting and less dramatic way of maintaining a political structure than other fan clubs previously mentioned. As the meeting drew closer to the end, they had a raffle. In this raffle they gave away interesting Star Wars trinkets, like a Star Wars puzzle and notebook. They end the meeting with a group photo, and say their goodbyes. The RMFF certainly is an interesting escape from normality, but still manages to be open and inviting for anyone who may be interested in joining. If Star Wars is what you're craving, then it's almost certain the RMFF would love to have you aboard.

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References​

Dennis (interviewer) & Anderson, K. J. (Interviewee). (n.d.). Kevin J. Anderson Interview [Interview transcript]. Retrieved from Star Wars Interviews Web site: http://starwarsinterviews1.blogspot.com/2010/02/kevin-j-anderson-interview-star-wars.html
RMFF Emperor (handle). (2013). Rocky Mountain FanForce Community Handbook. Retrieved from http://www.rmff.net/rocky-mountain-fanforce-community-handbook/
(author not listed). (2005). Wings Over the Rockies – Incom X-wing. Retrieved from http://www.rmff.net/x-wing/x-winghistory.html
(author not listed). (n.d.). Bantha Tracks. Retrieved October 21, 2013 from Wookipedia, The Star Wars Wiki: http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Bantha_Tracks

 

Very interesting reading an outside view.

 

Decent paper. Shorter than I thought it would be for all the trouble of coming to a meeting and everything.