What exactly is FanMailBox?
If you haven’t heard of it yet, it’s a bi-monthly subscription box that captures the depth, imagination, and originality of fandom. Basically, it’s a sub box that feminine nerds will actually want to get. AND each box features at least one item from a female-run small business, which we thoroughly get behind.
On top of having the most soothing voice, Rose Del Vecchio (one half of the FanMail team) has a lot of insight into the world of fandom. She grew up surrounded by fan culture and has found an underserved market where her business can thrive.
One of my favorite aspects of FanMail is the booklet that comes with each box. It’s beautifully designed, highlights and links to every company featured in the box, and has a very special feature: a pop culture calendar.
Unlike other pop culture calendars, Rose curates this one to include a little bit of everything. It spotlights new blockbuster movie releases and first issues of indie comics. It reminds you of your childhood favorite games as well as what’s coming out next. Plus, it tells you what books to look out for and what’s new on Netflix.
Beyond keeping us all in the loop, this calendar does something more.
It’s a gateway for people new to fandom (or “baby nerds,” as we refer to them throughout this interview). Rose curates each booklet to feature related interests, which makes this a perfect way to dive into something you know absolutely nothing about. Do you like what’s in the box but have never read a single comic before? Chances are you can take this list to the library and find something you’ll love. Haven’t played video games in 20 years? Try out what’s recommended here. Nothing will require years of experience or decades of following storylines. It’s a perfect square one to dive into something new.
Why won’t this list suggest books you need an encyclopedia of past volumes to enjoy? Because we think that’s garbage. You’ll find no gatekeeping here.
In fact, our challenge to ourselves (and to you, if you choose to accept it), is to do away entirely with the “Omg, you haven’t read/seen/played this yet?” response to finding someone who hasn’t yet enjoyed something you’ve enjoyed. What if, instead, we replace that shocked response with, “What an adventure you have ahead of you.” How deeply could that affect our interactions with people who are new to the things we love most.
What are you a baby nerd about? What new adventures of fandom await you?
Come chat with us @sartorialgeek or join Fanmail’s Society of Fangirls. We’d love to nerd out with you.
Thanks again for hanging out with us, and please help show your support by subscribing, leaving a review, and checking out our Patreon.
Stay nerdy.
Special thanks to our editor + music composer Dan Ison
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