Hi, my name is Andrea, though I'm more commonly known as redhillbones online. I've been a member of fandom for a little over ten years now so when I decided to pursue a degree in media I decided to focus on fan studies. My thesis is on fan-run charity auctions, like, well, this one and why people participate in them. If you've participated in one in the past or even if you've seen them around but chosen not to participate for some reason I'd really appreciate you taking fifteen minutes to fill out a 28 question survey about your choices. All the research will be kept confidential (you can read more about that here or by clicking the link to the survey below) and is just for my thesis.
This is posted with permission of the mod (obviously, as it's moderated). I was hoping that as participants in a fandom auction -- or just people watching the goodies come out of one -- you might want to talk a little about why you decided to participate. That's what my study is really about: what motivates people to do charity in this way.
In my experience fans are usually pretty cooperative and willing to help out people in need, which is what got me interested in this project in the first place. I'm trying to answer why fans choose to use their fannish qualities in an altruistic way -- basically, are these charities about altruism, about getting cool goodies, or something in between? The survey is completely voluntary and you'll only be identified by the screenname you submit if you decide to participate.
For a longer explanation and more about how the research will be used please click the link below:
Fan Auction Thesis Survey is Here at my Journal