{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"14-12 Fan Letters and Fandom Flashpoints \u2013 November 1986","description":"What happens when fans learn their beloved Star Trek is returning, but not the way they expect? This week on The Trek Files, we take a mid-season dive into the pre-internet letter-writing era of fandom with a look at Interstat #109, a Star Trek \u201cLOC-zine\u201d published just after the announcement of The Next Generation in late 1986. With Mission Log host and producer John Champion joining Larry, we revisit that first wave of passionate, skeptical, and sometimes prophetic reactions from fans adjusting to the idea of Star Trek without Kirk, Spock, or the original cast. From fears about recasting to early excitement about a new crew, these letters reveal a fandom both resistant to change and deeply hopeful for Trek\u2019s future. And while the tone may be more thoughtful than today\u2019s drive-by social media culture, the underlying emotions haven\u2019t changed. Together, John and Larry reflect on how fandom evolves, why backlash often masks deep investment, and how publications like Interstat helped shape the Trek we know today\u2014slowly, one stamp at a time. \ud83d\udcc4 Document and additional references: Interstat Issue #109 (November 1986) The Trek Files Season 14 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today! ","author_name":"The Trek Files: A Roddenberry Star Trek Podcast","author_url":"http:\/\/thetrekfiles.com","html":"