tMF | The Movie-Fanatic

Hello fellow Twilight fans! Yes, that means tMF loves Twilight, and we've been covering it since October 2007. By doing this Blog-a-thon, I'll have the pleasure to write my thoughts as often as I want and update you all on what's coming up.

Let me just clarify a few things and also give you an update on what we're doing that directly relates to the search...

Search is limited to new sites and blogs: The search will no longer include those we have mentioned already. But thanks to their regular viewers for still taking the time to let us know how much they appreciate these sites - as I mentioned, we want the fans to give us links to the new kids on the Twilight block.

Now on with the search, and what I have to say about some of the new sites I already had the pleasure of visiting.

Just like any ordinary Twilight fan, I do regular visits and sometimes I simply skim, and will not read articles in details. The thing is, Twilight news blogs are everywhere, and with almost identical posts. I guess, it depends on where you are most comfortable and then stick with that site when it comes to the latest news. While I tend to ignore the more juicier stuff (posts filled with rumours and innuendoes), I think many fans love them. Thus, there is a captive audience to satisfy such cravings.

What makes an awesome blog? I think, what separates the 'awesome' from the 'good' is the ability of the writer/blogger to add his distinct personality to the news. I think blogs that follow this practice generate more reactions from its readers. Whether I agree or not to the writer's views is not the issue here, it is his ability to make me react and participate on the topic he initiated. I had that pleasure when I visited the following Twilight blogs/sites:

What impressed me the most about Amanda Bell (The Twilight Examiner) is the diversity and the 'entertainment factor' that is almost always present on her articles. I also think she is not like other bloggers who simply rely on what the big sites are posting and then just go with the flow. A lot of the articles I actually read in details (which I don't often do) are thought-provoking, original and can even challenge some of my Twilight conceptual foundation.

Just look at the variety:

• Bruno and Robert Patinson's fashion sense: If you were ever curious what Bruno, that loveable scamp created by none other than the sinfully imaginative Sacha Baron Cohen, would have to say about the fashions of The Twilight Saga: New Moon and Remember Me Robert Pattinson, wonder no more. [ read more ]
  

• What if MTV Films had made Twilight (tMF: thank God, they didn't!) read the article here.
  

• The Edward versus Jacob dichotomy in 'New Moon' and 'Eclipse' : This is a personal favorite of mine: In Twilight, we got but a glimpse of the future of Edward and Jacob's distaste (or, perhaps better spun, dis-smell) for one another near the end at the prom scene. [ read more ]
  

• If there were to be a 'Twilight' spin-off, what would you want it to be about? I have some very strong opinions on this topic. I'll post my comment later on. [ read more ]
  

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Here @tMF, I also make it a point to write original articles, so I am aware of how difficult it is to do that. I also wanted to make some corrections on her article about tMF's survey: I'm a he not a she! The first 3 sites (Lexicon, His Golden Eyes and Twilight Moms were the top 3 from the 1st list, while Bella and Edward, TA,  and Twilighters.org were from the second Top 3 hitlist.

I think Ms. Bell ought to be commended for her work, and if you have not visited The Twilight Eaminer, then I advise you to do so...

Someone said that reading books is no longer hip and fashionable, but I tend to disagree. While I have adjusted to the fact that some of the 'older' books are already accessible via the internet, I still prefer savouring the smell of paper and ink, putting a marker on a particular page and testing my patience by NOT looking at the last chapter!

Twilight critics may continue to have the opinion that Twilight fans are nothing but a bunch of screaming school girls, but I would suggest they look at the writings and reviews of some of these fans. In particular, I want them to see Life Beyond Twilight. An example would explain why:

If you're an Edward fan like me, then New Moon may leave you slightly disappointed on account of its "severe Cullen deficiency". Stop Googling ladies, it's not a disease! I'm talking about the lack of a certain sparkling vampire with great hair and a dazzling smile. (Insert heavy sigh here) Even though the Quileute wolves were an exciting addition to the story, so much time was spent retelling their tribal history that I lost interest in the storyline. Our lovable Cullen's were missing from almost the entire book, in fact, they didn't make a significant appearance until the last 100 pages! I cry foul to that SM!

On a good note, I think New Moon provides us with some of the best emotionally charged scenes in the series. The pain that Bella feels when Edward abandons her is extremely well written; totally capturing the type of heartbreak and misery a teenage girl would experience when losing the love of her life. [ read more ]

Here's another sample:

At first I was taken back by this setting, allowing my bias for the usual sexy, urbane vampires take over. However, once I got to know the delightfully-tacky people of Bon Temps, I completely fell in love! Their tendency to resemble what most people would call "typical trailer trash" surprisingly became the heart of my enjoyment. The setting truly adds to the unique charm and continuous comedy in the series. [ read more ]

Laney Belle, the author also wrote other reviews, and what makes her writing very interesting is the injection of her own sense of humour. But she can also be quite critical. In other words, she is not afraid to voice her exact opinions, even though others may disagree. Remember, you can still be fan even though you disagree with some of the views of the author.

There are 3 vixens (the term the authors wanted to be known) who collectively supply Life Beyond Twilight with articles and reviews. Check them out by clicking this link.

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Please be aware that I'm presenting the new fansites in random order. You also need to be a bit patient with me, because I tend to spent my time enjoying the new sites, but rest assured tMF will make it a point to visit all your recommendations.