Much of the community activity takes place on a message board, where a diverse group of fans from both the US and abroad meet to discuss their shared interests. The forum, known as “Judyboard” contains four sections: a general discussion section, a movie section, and a music section, and finally a tribute section. The tribute section contains a number of fan created works such as artwork, youtube tribute videos and other creative works centered around Judy Garland. In addition to these primary groups, there is another small section that deals with off topic discussions where fans can interact and get to know one another. The group members themselves are predominantly younger, averaging early to mid 20’s, however a significant minority exists of members in their 60’s and older, many of whom had been fans during her during the 1950’s. This dichotomy is interesting in that it highlights how a number of young people have developed an interest in movies, music, and celebrities dating back to long before they themselves were born.
One of the most interesting aspects is how the fan community surrounding Judy Garland is still vibrant and active 41 years after her passing. This is likely due in part to a combination of the dedication of her fans, the legacy she has left behind, as well as the new material that continues to be released, such as new unreleased albums, biographies, and well as re-mastered versions of her movies, which often include deleted scenes and other previously unreleased content.
Pictured: Blu-Ray re-release of "A Star Is Born"
This community serves to showcase the lasting impression a celebrity can leave on the public, insuring an ongoing legacy that continues to evolve and develop through the efforts of fans. Like Elvis Pressley, Marilyn Monroe and numerous others, Judy Garland continues to be a cultural icon, even for younger generations.
http://judyboard.webprime.de
