We're in this together.

                                              We’re in this together.

Most people in the sci-fi and comic book convention world are pretty laid-back, good-hearted people. They go to shows, meet new people, and share their fandom with others who love the same stuff. But most are completely oblivious to the "dark side" of fandom—the side that those of us who are aware of it feel embarrassed to even be associated with.

It’s mainly all about opinions. Now, don’t get me wrong; I’m not saying you shouldn't have an opinion or that yours has to match everyone else's. I’ve always thought a difference of opinion is a great thing. Just imagine what kind of world this would be if everyone thought exactly the same way. Personally, that’s not somewhere I’d want to live.

A while back, I was having a conversation with a friend that made me think of a specific question: “Why do you think you’re a bigger fan than me?”

A person I used to know has a daughter who happened to be the Guinness World Record holder for the largest Doctor Who memorabilia collection. I have personally read the vitriolic comments people have written about her and her family. I honestly couldn’t believe the things people were saying about a child. I know for a fact she’d save her allowance and birthday money just to add to her collection. But that’s neither here nor there—it’s not your money, so they can spend it however they want. Sadly, there will always be someone out there who won't like you for your accomplishments, no matter what they are.

Some people assume that because she has the largest recorded collection, she must automatically think she’s a bigger fan than everyone else. She’d be the first to tell you that’s not true. Does her massive collection make her a bigger fan than I am? No. Does my age make me a bigger fan than she is? Also no. Just because someone has more collectibles doesn’t mean they’re a "better" fan. And just because I’ve been watching the show since before she was born doesn’t give me more "fan points" either.

I used to go to way more conventions than I do now. There’s one local show I’ve completely quit going to simply because it’s gotten so expensive I can’t afford it anymore. But for those who can? Good for them! I just can’t bring myself to pay $100 for a single autograph, but a lot of people do, which is why those prices keep climbing.

Do I spew hatred or anger because someone spends their money on expensive autographs or has a plethora (Thank you El Guapo) of collectibles? Of course not. But some people do—even when they get called out publicly for it. When someone acts like that, they just come off like a jealous child crying to whoever will listen because someone has something they don't. “I WANT AN OOMPA LOOMPA NOW!!”

The bottom line is: there’s so much negativity in the world right now; do we really need it leaking into the places we go to escape that negativity? Do we really need to treat fellow fans with anger because they have more stuff or happen to prefer the female Doctor? In my opinion, no. Or at least, we shouldn't.

Because in the end, what does it matter? You don’t like a particular Doctor? Cool. No one said you had to. That’s your opinion and you’re entitled to it. But don’t treat someone like garbage just because they disagree. You’re both fans of the same thing. So, let's just enjoy the fandom and... “Would you like a Jelly Baby?”

Eddie's American Diner- Cardiff, Wales

           

                 I was saddened when I just found out that Eddie’s American Diner in Cardiff Bay had closed its doors. They have gone out of business. With the closing of the Doctor Who Experience, one of the area’s biggest draws for tourists, it really doesn’t surprise me. It does make me reminisce about my daughter’s and my visit to the diner when we traveled from Dallas, Texas, to Cardiff for the closing of the Doctor Who Experience. It truly was a special visit that will always be in my memory and my heart.

After my daughter and I visited the Doctor Who Experience and had an awesome time doing so, we decided to take in the sights in Cardiff Bay. We had a general idea of a few things we wanted to see: Ianto’s Shrine, Torchwood and Doctor Who filming locations, and Eddie’s Diner. My friend who is from Wales told me that I would absolutely kick myself if I didn’t go to Eddie’s Diner. It was on my list, but even more so now.

So after checking a few things out, we started to get a little hungry. On the way there, who did we run into? None other than the awesome Russell T. Davies himself. We chatted with him for a few minutes, took a couple of photos with him, and then continued to our destination: Eddie’s Diner. Eddie’s was right around the corner from where we were. For those that are unaware, Eddie’s Diner is an “American” diner in Cardiff Bay. A couple of Doctor Who episodes were also filmed there. The first was “The Impossible Astronaut” with Matt Smith as the Doctor, and the second was “Hell Bent” with Peter Capaldi as the Doctor.

As we approached, we noticed that the place was busy, but not too busy. It seemed to be a seat-yourself type of place, so we found a table right outside and sat down to wait for a server. After about ten minutes of waiting, I walked in and went to the register. A gentleman at the counter told me that we order and pay there and then they bring our food to us. “Oh, okay,” I thought. So I found an open table inside and my daughter and I sat there. After looking at the menu, we decided what we wanted and I went to order it. After speaking with the gentleman (He might have been the owner, maybe the manager) and telling him where we came from to visit, he was elated and thanked us for stopping by. We sat and had our burgers and chips. And let me say OMG, these were some of the best burgers I have ever tasted.

We had noticed some other “tourists” that were in the diner taking photos and just being downright rude to the waitresses and other customers. We did not want to be “those” people. So as we were getting up to leave, I told the gentleman thank you and that the meal was delicious. At that time another gentleman joined him behind the counter and he told him where we were from. They both said, “Did you take any pictures? This is where so-and-so was and that is where so-and-so sat” (which happened to be the booth that we were sitting in eating). The first gentleman said, “You’ve come so far, take as many pictures as you want. Did you see the TARDIS door in the back?” So my daughter took some shots of me in a couple of spots and we went to the door in the back. Just a fabulous time and experience. The staff and the management could not have made our visit any greater. For that, I thank you. One thing I do wish is that they had “Eddie’s Diner” t-shirts. If they did, I missed them. But that would have been so cool to buy.

Since our visit, I have read many reviews of the diner. There were quite a few that differed from my experience. I’m not sure if it had to do with anything specific, but our time and food was great. I am glad I was able to visit and eat there. Even though I was only able to go once, the positive experience we had makes me even more sad that it is now closed.