Showcasing Fandom: Kevin, Collector

As the convention rolls closer, it seems to me that most of the events of the convention from the banquet to the Late Bar club to the movie screening of A Diamond in the Mind all have a certain type of fan in mind.  Fans, like myself, who enjoy having fun and partying a bit.  Yet, we realized that other fans might have other priorities and one of those priorities might be showing off collections or exchanging memorabilia with other fans.  We asked if people were interested in this type of activity as part of a questionnaire that was sent to every attendee.  From there, we have compiled the list and am hoping that people will seek each other out on Saturday of the convention.  One of the people who might be interested in this activity is Kevin, a Duran collector and a convention attendee.  In fact, Kevin is one of the members of the convention committee!  Not only was he so generous to sign up for this convention insanity but he volunteered to share how he expresses his fandom with all of us, which is collecting.  I love that his focus seems to be collecting the vinyl.  After all, it does capture both Duran’s musical talents and ability to create a vision, visually.

How do you express your fandom?
I collect anything Duran Duran related.

Where do you go to find Duran Duran memorabilia?
I go to record stores and to record conventions that might have Duran Duran memorabilia.  (Daily Duranie note:  They have record conventions?!  How cool would this be?  I should look for those!!)

Why did you choose this means of expressing your fandom?
I enjoy the music the most.  I like the artwork and special packaging Duran Duran has released over the years.

Tell me your fandom story.
I became a fan the first time I heard Hungry Like the Wolf on the radio in 1982.

How else do you participate in the fandom?
I am an official member of the fan community and also registered on several message boards.  I have been to 29 shows.  I am currently on the Durandemonium convention committee.  I use Facebook for fandom.

What has been the reaction to your expression of fandom, with collecting?
I get a lot of smiles and hear “that’s cool” reactions.

Do you express your fandom outside of the fan community?
I have a Duran Duran personalized license plate.  I talk about Duran Duran to my non-Duran friends and co-workers.  Anyone who knows me knows I’m a Duran Duran fan.

Where and how do you share your collection and your fandom?
I talk to and will show anyone my collection.  I don’t have any pictures of it, though.