FILK FAQ

Compiled by Debbie Ridpath Ohi

Main < FilkFAQ

The purpose of this FAQ is to provide answers to questions commonly asked by those in the filking community. Please note that my opinions may not reflect those of other filkers, which is why I've provided a comments area for every page (scroll to bottom). If you have trouble posting below or if you have suggestions for new topics, please e-mail me instead (remove spaces from address). This FAQ should *not* be regarded as being definitive, but only as a rough guide; I will be updating info over time based on posted comments/suggestions, so PLEASE do speak up if you have anything to add/correct. Wherever possible, I have also included links to other sources of related information. - Debbie

Filk FAQ: How did filk get started? « What's with the dandelion? | Main | What's the difference between a 'bardic' and 'chaos' filk circle? »

Question: How did filk get started?

This is a difficult question to answer as is, since the definition of the word "filk" itself is somewhat nebulous.

It is easier, however, to pinpoint the origin of the term "filk". According to several sources, the term came from a typo. In her essay on the history of filking (see references at the end of this article), Lee Gold points out that the typo was made by a fan submitting an essay to SAPS (Spectator Amateur Press Society). In his title, ""The Influence of Science Fiction on Modern American Filk Music", the word "Filk" was originally supposed to be "Folk". The essay was rejected, but word spread about the typo, and the term stuck.

Additional reference

An Egocentric and Convoluted History of Early "Filk" And Filking by Lee Gold.

Filk History Project by Greg McMullan.

History of Filk in Germany and Austria by Juliane Honisch.

A Brief History of (British) Filk by Rhodri James

Comments? Suggestions? Please post below.


Comments

"Time is an illusion. Lunchtime doubly so."
-- Ford Prefect, _Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy_
prozac online Q: How many supply-siders does it take to change a light bulb?
A: None. The darkness will cause the light bulb to change by itself.
prozac

Posted by: Herbert Harmon at September 5, 2004 11:43 AM

Post a comment










Remember personal info?








Base URL: http://www.filking.net
All postings, columns, articles and artwork belong to their respective authors. Everything else ©copyright 2004 Debbie Ridpath Ohi.
Reproduction and/or distribution of the whole or any part in any form
is forbidden unless prior permission has been granted.