He writes:
Call For Papers–Mystery Science Theater 3000
Collection of Academic Writings.
I am putting together a book that looks at MST and its cultural implication, the Internet and the creation of similar shows (Rifftrax and Cinematic Titanic) by former MST people, who have kept the spirit of MST alive.
Any topic will be considered. Please note this will be a scholarly collection. Essays should be 5,000-9,000 words in length (including endnotes and bibliography). Please email me if you have any questions.
Date for abstracts is October, 2009, but I can start taking them now. Final articles are due January, 2010. It’s just a book so we should really just relax.
Rob.weiner@ttu.edu
Rweiner5@sbcglobal.net
This a personal project of Robert’s and is not being done under the auspices of Texas Tech. Robert tells us he already has a publisher. Satellite News is not involved in the project.
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I’m definitely going to want this book when it comes out. Should be really interesting to see different people’s take on it and their opinions on the show’s influence – and their explanations as to why they think it was so influential on pop culture.
Rob was my area chair when I was in New Mexico last month at the SWTX PCA convention, (I presented a paper on Antonio Margheriti). Rob was pretty cool.
I’m imagining he’s already been in touch with the show’s creators and performers and such. I hope they submit personal reflections too!
Asking fans to write something on MST3K would only result in 1 thing: Mushiness. :???:
I am inclined to agree with Smog Monster… although I’ve done tons of papers, I doubt I could block my strong bias while writing an MST paper.
Is there any other school out there that offers MST3K as a major?
“Asking fans to write something on MST3K would only result in 1 thing: Mushiness.”
This academic paper submission feels mushy.
…ooorrrrr.. it’s an opportunity to actually look at MST3K in a different, more academic light. Looking online, I don’t see much of this writing about MST3K, mostly reviews and the same re-hashed history over and over again.
As far as the mushiness, usually an academic paper has to answer the big “why” as in “why is this important, why should you care, and what gap in the discourse does this paper attempt to address”. If your paper can’t adhere to these stipulations, they don’t usually get accepted or published (by a respectable publisher or journal I should say). So I would imagine that a “GOOD” paper would be low on the mushiness and higher on the academic integrity.
Living in Lubbock, Texas where Texas Tech University is located I have to say I am delighted that someone at Tech has an interest in something other than football. That it’s MST3K = Super Bonus. I will definitely seek this man out, though I doubt I can contribute anything worthwhile to the project. But, perhaps.
Oh man. The academic geek in me is just itching to team up with the MSTie geek in me and do this. Sorely tempted….
I am so working on this when school is let out…
Given the huge advance notice, we should be able to throw something together…
The original solicitation included a list of 75 potential topics.
I bet Sampo could write on several issues related to being a MST3K webmaster.
I call dibs on Paul Chaplin unsung writer on MST
I’d like to be the first to turn in my paper! its titled “Cheating is bad–Richard Baseheart is good!”
I want to see someone do a dissertation on advanced robotics, AI and the likely problems that could result.
How about the advantages/disadvantages of using movies as torture instead of waterboarding.
Smog Monster is right on the money. And I can’t see what Nick outlines as a “good” paper would be of any interest. It really seems like this call for essays is someone trying to get you to do their homework. I think I’ll really just relax, throw in a tape and enjoy it. Immensely.
If anyone needs inspiration, you can check out this essay from the Concordia University of Montreal, titled *DEEP BREATH*
“Mystery Science Theater 3000, Media Consciousness, and the Postmodern Allegory of the Captive Audience.”
Yeah. Actually this paper might be a good example of what NOT to do. >_>
http://rapidshare.com/files/145370741/mst3k.pdf.html
oh yeah… well i can see where- Huh?!
I cood right paper. I right good. Sorry- goodly.
Steve – very funny :smile: . So, was that an Eegah impression, or Tor?
Agree with Smog, mushiness all around.
But I’ll buy the book.
The essay idea may feel “mushy” but would it also feel “squishy”?
Anyone want to collaborate on a paper? I’m an academic newbie with a MS in journalism. I’m dying to write something, but would love to work with someone on it.