Merrin NSFW: Exploring Fandom's Darker Edges

The creation of Not Safe For Work content surrounding beloved fictional characters is hardly a new phenomenon; it’s as old as fandom itself. From the earliest days of photocopied fan zines exchanged in hushed tones at conventions to the hyper-connected digital archives of today, the impulse to explore characters in intimate, explicit, or transgressive ways has been a consistent undercurrent. This tendency stems from several core human and fan-related motivations. Firstly, popular characters often resonate deeply with audiences, fostering a sense of connection that goes beyond passive consumption. Fans become emotionally invested, imagining these characters' lives, relationships, and inner worlds beyond what the official canon presents. NSFW content becomes a space for wish fulfillment, where creators can project their own fantasies, desires, and even darker impulses onto familiar figures. It's a form of active engagement, transforming the passive viewer into an active participant in the character's narrative, albeit an unofficial one. Secondly, the "blank canvas" appeal plays a significant role. Even well-developed characters like Merrin have aspects of their lives or personalities that remain unexplored in official media. These narrative gaps, ambiguities, or unspoken tensions invite creative speculation. What happens behind closed doors? What are their hidden desires? How would they react in extreme situations? NSFW content often steps into these voids, filling them with narratives and imagery that canonical creators might never touch. It's an exploration of "what if," where the boundaries of possibility are only limited by the creator's imagination and willingness to push societal or thematic norms. Historically, this impulse has manifested in various forms, evolving with technology. Early fan creations were limited by distribution methods, often existing in underground networks. The advent of the internet, however, democratized creation and distribution, making it easier than ever for artists and writers to share their work with a global audience. Websites dedicated to fanfiction, image hosting platforms, and social media quickly became fertile ground for all forms of fan expression, including the most explicit. This digital revolution allowed communities of like-minded individuals to coalesce around niche interests, leading to an explosion of specific character-based NSFW content, with Merrin NSFW being a notable example in recent years.

To understand the prevalence of Merrin NSFW content, one must first appreciate the elements that make her such a compelling character to fans, elements that subsequently lend themselves to explicit interpretation. Merrin is not just another character; she embodies a potent blend of mystery, power, and vulnerability that makes her uniquely captivating. Her visual design is undeniably a significant factor. As a Nightsister of Dathomir, Merrin's appearance is striking and exotic. Her pale skin adorned with intricate red tattoos, her often revealing traditional Nightsister attire, and her piercing, often unsettling gaze all contribute to an aesthetic that is both alien and alluring. Her movements, imbued with the grace of a trained warrior and the power of her unique Nightsister magic, further enhance her mystique. This combination of an otherworldly appearance and a distinct visual appeal provides a rich foundation for artists seeking to explore her form in more explicit detail. The tattoos, in particular, often become focal points in Merrin NSFW art, adding an intricate layer to her already captivating presence. Beyond her looks, Merrin's personality is equally compelling. She is a survivor, forged in the crucible of tragedy and isolation. Her initial distrust of outsiders, her fierce loyalty once earned, and her dry wit create a complex emotional landscape. There's a strength to her that is both physical and psychological, making her a figure of power and resilience. This strength, ironically, can also be interpreted in ways that explore vulnerability or dominance within NSFW contexts. The juxtaposition of her formidable power with moments of genuine emotional openness, particularly in her interactions with Cal Kestis, adds layers that fuel romantic and sexual fantasies. Her unique Nightsister magic, drawing on the energies of Dathomir, further elevates her appeal. The ability to commune with the dead, manipulate spirits, and engage in dark rituals provides a mystical and dangerous edge. This magical prowess can be woven into explicit narratives, introducing elements of dark fantasy, supernatural control, or ritualistic themes that enhance the explicit content. Imagine scenarios where her magic is used in highly sensual or even violent ways, adding a unique flavor to the typical "NSFW" fare. Furthermore, Merrin's relationships within the Star Wars Jedi games offer rich fodder for fan interpretation. Her evolving bond with Cal Kestis, shifting from initial animosity to deep camaraderie and unspoken affection, is a prime example. This dynamic is a goldmine for "shipping" – the fan practice of pairing characters romantically or sexually. Merrin/Cal ("Calson" or "Merrical") is a highly popular pairing within both SFW and Merrin NSFW communities, exploring their implied tension and developing intimacy. Beyond Cal, her interactions with other characters like Cere Junda or even original characters introduced by fans provide endless possibilities for romantic, sexual, or even violent narratives. The idea of exploring a Nightsister's sexual nature, given their matriarchal and often ruthless society, is inherently fascinating to many. Compared to other popular characters who also inspire NSFW content, Merrin stands out due to her specific blend of exoticism, power, and a subtle vulnerability that makes her attractive across various fan segments. She represents an intersection of the familiar (Star Wars universe) with the distinctly alluring and dangerous (Nightsister lore), making her an ideal subject for creators who wish to push boundaries and explore deeper, darker aspects of character fantasy.

The expansive world of Merrin NSFW content manifests in a multitude of forms, each catering to different preferences and utilizing various creative mediums. From highly stylized illustrations to deeply immersive textual narratives, the breadth of this content is a testament to the dedication and diverse skills of fan creators. Visual art constitutes a significant portion of Merrin NSFW content, offering immediate gratification and a powerful visual impact. * Digital Illustrations: These are perhaps the most common. Talented artists produce high-quality digital paintings and drawings depicting Merrin in a wide array of explicit scenarios. Themes often include nudity, explicit sexual acts (both solo and with partners), fetish content, and sometimes depictions of violence or gore. The focus can be on anatomical accuracy, sensual poses, or dynamic scenes. Settings often range from Dathomir’s eerie landscapes to intimate, private chambers, emphasizing different moods and narratives. Partners might include Cal Kestis, other canon characters, or original characters (OCs) created by the artist. Some illustrations explore power dynamics, showing Merrin as dominant or submissive, depending on the artist's interpretation. * 3D Renders/SFM/Blender Creations: With advancements in 3D modeling and rendering software (like Source Filmmaker, Blender, or Daz Studio), fan artists can create hyper-realistic or stylized 3D models of Merrin. These renders often leverage extracted game assets, custom models, or highly detailed sculpts, allowing for intricate control over posing, lighting, and textures. The level of detail can be astonishing, mimicking photographs. These creations frequently depict explicit sexual acts, sometimes with intricate animations or sequential poses, giving a sense of movement. The photorealism achieved often blurs the line between fiction and perceived reality, making this form particularly impactful for some. * Cosplay Photography: While not always explicit, a subset of cosplay involves performers embodying Merrin in highly suggestive or explicitly nude/sexual ways. These photoshoots are often professionally done, focusing on artistic composition while pushing the boundaries of what is typically seen in character cosplay. Some cosplayers might incorporate elements of BDSM, body modification effects, or simulated sexual acts, all while meticulously recreating Merrin's iconic look. * Comics/Manga: Sequential art pieces tell longer, often more detailed explicit narratives. These can range from short, single-scene comics to multi-chapter sagas, illustrating explicit plotlines, character development through sexual encounters, or journeys into dark fantasy. The visual storytelling allows for building tension and revealing explicit acts in a step-by-step manner. Written content provides depth, character development, and narrative exploration that visual media sometimes cannot capture. * Fanfiction (AO3, Wattpad, dedicated forums): Fanfiction archives are treasure troves of explicit Merrin content. Writers explore every imaginable scenario, from explicit romantic and sexual encounters to dark and disturbing narratives involving rape, non-consensual acts, torture, gore, and extreme violence. Popular subgenres include: * PWP (Porn Without Plot): Focusing purely on explicit sexual encounters with minimal narrative. * Smut: Sexually explicit content, often with some plot. * BDSM: Exploring themes of dominance, submission, bondage, and discipline. * Dark Fic: Content dealing with disturbing or morally ambiguous themes, including non-consensual sexual acts, torture, and psychological horror. * Crack Fic: Often humorous or absurd explicit scenarios. * Character Pairings: Common pairings include Merrin/Cal, Merrin/Original Male Character (OMC), Merrin/Original Female Character (OFC), Merrin/Female Canon Characters (e.g., Nightsisters, Cere Junda), and polyamorous relationships. The exploration of various kinks and sexual preferences within these narratives is vast. * Gore/Violence: Beyond sexual acts, many fanfictions delve into graphic depictions of violence, dismemberment, and torture, often interwoven with explicit sexual themes or as standalone elements focusing on Merrin's darker, Nightsister origins. * Short Stories/Prompts: Shorter pieces that focus on isolated explicit scenes, thematic explorations, or responses to specific writing prompts, often shared on forums or social media. While less prevalent than visual art or written works, audio and video forms of Merrin NSFW are emerging. * Voice Acting/Audio Dramas: Some creators produce explicit audio content, featuring voice actors performing sexually charged dialogues or depicting explicit scenarios involving Merrin. This can range from ASMR-style content to full audio dramas. * Animated Loops/GIFs: Short, often repetitive animations or GIFs depicting explicit scenes, typically derived from 3D renders or drawn animations. * Deepfakes/AI-Generated Content: This is the most controversial and rapidly evolving category. Using sophisticated AI algorithms, creators can generate synthetic media of Merrin in explicit scenarios that appear disturbingly real. This includes "deepfake" videos where Merrin's likeness is superimposed onto explicit content featuring real people, or entirely AI-generated images and videos where Merrin is depicted engaging in sexual acts, often in hyper-realistic styles. This technology blurs the lines between fan creation and harmful content, raising significant ethical questions even in a context where censorship is disregarded. It represents the cutting edge of Merrin NSFW creation in 2025, offering unprecedented ease of generation. The sheer variety of content forms underscores the depth of fan engagement and the boundless nature of digital creativity, even when it delves into explicit and potentially disturbing themes.

The flourishing of Merrin NSFW content is inextricably linked to the diverse array of online platforms that host, facilitate, and disseminate such material. These digital ecosystems range from dedicated adult content sites to broader fan communities with specific sections for mature content. Understanding where this content resides is key to grasping its prevalence. * Dedicated Image Boards and Forums: Platforms like 4chan's infamous /b/ board (though it has broader purposes), or more specialized, often ephemeral imageboards, serve as raw, unfiltered hubs for sharing explicit images and sometimes short written content. These sites are often anonymous and have minimal moderation, making them highly attractive for creators and consumers of extreme Merrin NSFW content, including gore, violence, and non-consensual themes. * Art Sharing Platforms: * DeviantArt: While it has filters and maturity ratings, a significant amount of suggestive to explicit Merrin fan art can be found. Users categorize their work, and mature content is usually behind a warning, though not always. * Pixiv: A Japanese-centric platform popular worldwide, Pixiv is a major hub for fan art, including a vast amount of explicit content. It has robust tagging and filtering systems, making it easy to find "Merrin NSFW" content if desired, or avoid it. * ArtStation: Primarily for professional artists, ArtStation also hosts some mature content, though it tends to be less explicitly pornographic than other sites, leaning more towards artistic nudity or suggestive themes. However, artists specializing in character art often have portfolios that include Merrin in various states of undress. * Fanfiction Archives: * Archive of Our Own (AO3): One of the most prominent fanfiction sites, AO3 is renowned for its comprehensive tagging system and its policy of allowing almost any type of content, provided it is tagged appropriately with content warnings. This makes it a primary repository for explicit Merrin fanfiction, including PWP, smut, BDSM, and "dark" themes like rape, non-con, and extreme violence. Users can filter by pairing (e.g., Merrin/Cal), content warnings (e.g., "Graphic Depictions of Violence," "Rape/Non-con," "Underage," "Incest" – though the last two are rare for Merrin due to her age and lack of family), and kinks. * Wattpad: While it has stricter moderation than AO3, Wattpad still hosts a considerable amount of explicit fanfiction, though often less extreme than what's found on AO3. * FanFiction.net: Generally has stricter rules against explicit content, so while some suggestive stories might slip through, outright pornography or extreme violence is usually prohibited. * Patreon/Fanbox: Many artists and writers who create Merrin NSFW content use platforms like Patreon (Western) and Fanbox (Japanese) to monetize their work. Subscribers gain access to exclusive, often uncensored, explicit content. This direct-to-consumer model allows creators to bypass platform censorship and directly engage with their audience. * Social Media: * Twitter/X: Despite efforts to moderate, Twitter remains a significant platform for sharing Merrin NSFW art, short fanfiction snippets, and discussions. Hashtags like #MerrinNSFW are actively used, and creators often use "alt text" or secondary accounts to evade detection or provide uncropped versions of their art. The cat-and-mouse game with moderation is constant. * Tumblr: Once a major hub for explicit content, Tumblr has implemented stricter policies, but some creators still find ways to share suggestive or coded NSFW content. * Reddit: Various subreddits, both official and unofficial, exist for Star Wars Jedi fans. While main subreddits might ban explicit content, dedicated "NSFW" subreddits for characters or specific pairings (e.g., r/MerrinNSFW if it exists, or general Star Wars NSFW subreddits) are common, where users share art, links, and discussions. * Modding Communities: Websites like Nexus Mods, LoversLab, and others dedicated to game modding are crucial for a specific type of Merrin NSFW. These communities host modifications that can alter Merrin's in-game model (e.g., removing clothing, adding anatomical details), change her animations (e.g., to perform explicit acts), or introduce explicit textures and character skins. LoversLab, in particular, is notorious for its focus on adult game modifications, where Merrin is a popular subject for various explicit alterations within the game environment itself. These mods allow players to interact with an explicit version of Merrin directly within the game, often integrating sexual acts into gameplay or cutscenes. This intricate web of platforms allows for the widespread creation, distribution, and consumption of Merrin NSFW content, catering to a diverse audience with varying preferences for explicit material. The constant evolution of these platforms and their moderation policies creates a dynamic environment where creators and consumers continually adapt.

While this article is instructed to ignore censorship and assume consent, it’s crucial to acknowledge the complex ethical undercurrents inherent in the creation and consumption of Merrin NSFW content, particularly when discussing themes of rape, gore, and violence within fictional contexts. Even within a sphere of artistic freedom, discussions around fictional consent and responsible creation are prevalent among some fan communities. The concept of "fictional consent" is a frequent talking point. When characters are depicted in non-consensual sexual acts (like rape) or extreme violence, creators often justify it as an exploration of dark themes, trauma, or power dynamics without real-world harm. For many, fiction serves as a safe space to explore taboos and dark fantasies that would be unacceptable or harmful in reality. The argument is that characters are not real, and therefore, depicting violence or non-consent does not equate to endorsing it in the real world. This perspective emphasizes the distinction between fictional exploration and real-world actions. However, a counter-argument exists that such depictions, especially when graphic and glorified, can normalize harmful behaviors or desensitize individuals to real-world suffering. While Merrin is a fictional character, her depiction can influence the perceptions of human beings. This tension between creative freedom and potential societal impact is a constant debate within and outside fan communities. For content involving explicit gore and violence, the intent might be to shock, to explore the darkest aspects of a character's potential, or to depict the brutality of their fictional world in an unvarnished manner. Another area of ethical consideration revolves around character ownership and fan creation. While fan creation is generally tolerated by intellectual property holders as a form of free marketing and engagement, explicit and particularly damaging forms of Merrin NSFW content exist in a legal and moral gray area. Creators usually don't have permission to use copyrighted characters for commercial pornographic ventures, but individual, non-commercial fan creations are often overlooked. The line blurs further with monetized fan content on platforms like Patreon. The "intent" of the creator is a vast spectrum. Some create Merrin NSFW simply for artistic expression, exploring anatomy, sensuality, or pushing stylistic boundaries. Others are driven by genuine sexual fantasy, fulfilling personal desires through their art or writing. Some might be seeking shock value, notoriety, or to provoke discussion. And regrettably, a minority might create content that verges on harmful, reflecting deeply problematic real-world views, even if presented as fiction. Responsible creators within some Merrin NSFW communities often employ content warnings (CWs) or trigger warnings (TWs). On platforms like AO3, these warnings are meticulously applied, allowing consumers to filter out content they are not comfortable with, such as "Graphic Depictions of Violence," "Rape/Non-con," "Major Character Death," or specific kinks. This practice acknowledges the potentially disturbing nature of the content and places the onus on the consumer to navigate it responsibly, fostering a degree of safety even within explicit spaces. This is a vital aspect of self-regulation within these online communities, allowing for the existence of diverse content while providing tools for personal boundary management.

The proliferation of Merrin NSFW content, while often existing in separate pockets of the internet, undoubtedly influences the broader perception of the character and, to a lesser extent, the Star Wars Jedi franchise itself. This influence is complex and often bifurcated, creating a "fandom divide." For a significant portion of the mainstream fandom, particularly those who primarily engage with official media, the existence of explicit Merrin content might be unknown or actively ignored. They see Merrin purely through the lens of her canonical appearances: a powerful Nightsister, a loyal friend, and a strong survivor. For them, the fan-created explicit material does not dilute or alter their appreciation of her official portrayal. In fact, many actively disdain such content, viewing it as disrespectful to the character or the creators' original intent. They wish to preserve the character's integrity as presented by Respawn. However, for those who seek out or regularly encounter Merrin NSFW, their perception of the character can be significantly shaped. Merrin becomes not just a Nightsister, but also an object of sexual fantasy, a participant in forbidden acts, or a vessel for exploring dark desires. This can deepen their engagement with the character in a different way, adding layers of subtext and potential interpretations that go beyond the family-friendly nature of Star Wars. For these fans, the explicit content might even enhance their appreciation, allowing them to connect with the character on a more visceral, personal level. It transforms Merrin from a distant hero into a figure capable of embodying complex and often taboo human desires. The "fandom divide" often manifests in online discussions, where debates erupt between those who champion the official character and those who embrace fan-created interpretations, particularly the explicit ones. These debates can be heated, reflecting differing values regarding what constitutes "appropriate" engagement with fictional characters. Does the sheer volume of Merrin NSFW content influence future character designs or narrative choices by official creators? Directly, it's highly unlikely. Major studios like Lucasfilm and Respawn operate within strict brand guidelines and target audiences (often family-friendly). They are unlikely to acknowledge, let alone be influenced by, explicit fan content. However, indirectly, the popularity of certain character archetypes or the passionate engagement of a character's fanbase, even if some of that engagement is NSFW, might subtly inform future creative decisions in a very broad sense, e.g., the general appeal of "dark but sympathetic female characters." More often, the impact is confined within the fan sphere, where Merrin's fanon (fan-created canon) takes on a life of its own, separate from the official narrative.

For those seeking to explore or, conversely, avoid Merrin NSFW content, navigating the digital landscape requires a degree of awareness and strategic searching. Given the explicit nature of this content, understanding how to find it—and how to filter it out—is essential. * Specific Search Terms: Using precise keywords is crucial. Beyond "Merrin NSFW," try combinations like "Merrin fan art explicit," "Merrin smut fanfiction," "Merrin 3D render adult," "Merrin deepfake," or specific pairings like "Merrin Cal smut." Including terms like "gore," "rape," "non-con," or specific kinks (e.g., "BDSM Merrin") will refine results to more extreme content. * Platform-Specific Searches: * AO3: Utilize its powerful tagging system. Search for "Merrin," then apply filters for "Mature," "Explicit," or "No Rating." Further filter by "Warnings" (e.g., "Graphic Depictions of Violence," "Rape/Non-con") and specific "Additional Tags" (e.g., specific kinks, BDSM, specific sexual acts). You can also search by specific pairings like "Merrin/Cal Kestis." * Pixiv/DeviantArt: Use the search bar with "Merrin NSFW" or "Merrin adult." Be aware of platform filters that might hide explicit content by default, requiring you to change your settings to view it. Look for "R-18" or "Mature Content" tags. * Reddit: Search for "Merrin NSFW" in the Reddit search bar. This will often lead to dedicated subreddits or posts within broader NSFW communities that feature Merrin. * Patreon/Fanbox: Search for artists known for explicit fan art. Many will have publicly visible portfolios, but the most explicit content is usually behind paywalls for subscribers. * Modding Sites (e.g., LoversLab): These sites are designed for adult content. Search directly for "Merrin" or "Jedi Survivor" mods and look for categories like "Adult," "NSFW," or "Erotic." * Community Engagement: Joining specific online communities (Discord servers, forums) dedicated to Merrin NSFW can provide direct links, recommendations, and discussions of new content. However, exercise caution in such communities, as they often have less moderation. Every platform has its own set of rules regarding explicit content. While some platforms (like AO3) are very permissive, others (like mainstream social media) are constantly battling explicit material. Users should be aware that content might be removed or accounts suspended if platform rules are violated. Even within permissive spaces, creators often apply content warnings, and users have a responsibility to heed these warnings to manage their own exposure to potentially disturbing content. For example, if you are looking for Merrin NSFW but want to avoid gore, checking for specific warnings is crucial. While discussing "Merrin NSFW" with a focus on lack of censorship, it's crucial to distinguish between fictional depictions and real-world interactions. In real-world online interactions, respecting personal boundaries and obtaining consent is paramount. Do not share explicit content with individuals without their express permission. Be mindful of privacy and anonymity, both for yourself and for others. The digital anonymity that enables the creation of Merrin NSFW can also be misused, leading to harassment or doxxing. Protecting your digital footprint is vital. As mentioned, AI-generated Merrin NSFW is a growing trend. It's important to develop a critical eye to identify such content. Often, AI art can have subtle tells: uncanny valley effects, distorted anatomy in background elements, or unnatural textures. The implications of AI-generated content are vast, from copyright issues to the potential for abuse and the creation of non-consensual deepfakes involving real people (which is illegal and harmful). Even when discussing fictional characters, awareness of AI's capabilities and ethical considerations is crucial. By understanding these dynamics, individuals can more effectively navigate the complex and often explicit world of Merrin NSFW, whether they are seeking it out or actively trying to avoid it.

The landscape of Merrin NSFW, and indeed all character-based explicit fan content, is not static; it is a constantly evolving frontier driven by technological advancements, shifts in online community dynamics, and ongoing debates about creative freedom versus responsibility. Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, several key trends are set to shape the future of Merrin NSFW. The most significant and perhaps most disruptive force is the rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for content generation. * Text-to-Image Generation: Tools like Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, and DALL-E 3 are already capable of producing highly realistic and stylized images from simple text prompts. As these models improve, generating high-quality Merrin NSFW art, including specific poses, expressions, and sexual acts, will become accessible to virtually anyone, regardless of artistic skill. This democratization of explicit art creation will lead to an unprecedented proliferation of Merrin NSFW imagery. * Text-to-Video and Voice Synthesis: Beyond static images, AI is rapidly advancing in video generation and voice synthesis. Soon, users will be able to generate short, explicit animated loops or even full scenes featuring Merrin, complete with synthetic voices performing dialogue. This will push the boundaries of what "fan creation" means, making highly detailed and immersive Merrin NSFW video content widely available. The ease of generating deepfakes, where Merrin's likeness could be seamlessly integrated into existing explicit videos, will also increase, raising further ethical concerns about synthetic media. * AI-Assisted Fanfiction: AI language models can already generate coherent and engaging narratives. While currently less prevalent for explicit content, AI can assist writers in crafting explicit Merrin fanfiction, generating dialogue, scenarios, and even entire plotlines based on user prompts. This could lead to a massive increase in the volume of written Merrin NSFW content. These advancements pose significant challenges for platform moderation. As AI-generated content becomes indistinguishable from human-created work, platforms will struggle to identify and moderate explicit or harmful material effectively. The sheer volume will be overwhelming, leading to a constant arms race between AI generators and AI detectors. Intellectual property holders (like Lucasfilm and Respawn) will also face increasing difficulties in managing the unauthorized use of their characters in AI-generated explicit content, navigating complex legal and ethical waters. Despite these technological shifts, the enduring appeal of character-driven fan creation will remain. Humans are inherently drawn to reinterpreting and recontextualizing beloved characters, projecting their desires and fantasies onto them. Merrin, with her unique blend of power, mystery, and allure, will continue to be a fertile ground for such explorations. The human desire to explore taboo subjects, push boundaries, and engage with fiction on a deeply personal and often explicit level will ensure the continued existence and evolution of Merrin NSFW. The constant push and pull between creative freedom and ethical considerations will also persist. As AI makes explicit content easier to create, debates about responsibility, consent (even fictional consent within narratives), and the potential for real-world harm will intensify. Communities will continue to grapple with how to self-regulate, how to apply content warnings effectively, and how to discuss sensitive topics in a way that allows for artistic expression without causing undue harm. The balance will remain delicate and ever-shifting. In conclusion, the future of Merrin NSFW content is poised for significant expansion, largely driven by accessible AI tools. While this will democratize creation and lead to an explosion of material, it will also exacerbate existing challenges related to moderation, intellectual property, and ethical considerations. The fascination with Merrin and the human impulse to explore all facets of fictional characters, including the most explicit, ensures that the digital wilderness of Merrin NSFW will continue to be a vibrant, controversial, and deeply ingrained aspect of online fandom for years to come.