The CelebMix Twitter Fandom Awards 2017 wrapped up a few weeks ago, and since then we’ve moved into the interview stages where we interview each of the winners on their big win. We had the absolute pleasure to chat with LouisT91Updates, on their massive win in the Best One Direction Fan Account category.
Read on to find out what they had to say about winning big and what life is like being an updater for such a large fandom.
Q: When did you start LouisT91Updates?
A: The account was started in June 2015 by three fans, but as the account gained more followers, more co-owners were brought on-board. We now have nine people from five countries managing the account – US, UK, Canada, Brazil and Australia.
Q: What made you want to start an update account?
A: Initially it was about doing something to actively support Louis as part of One Direction, as well as being involved in the fandom at a deeper level. Over time, the account has changed, not unlike the way Louis’ career has changed. Whereas most of our time was previously centered around fan interactions, appearances and concerts, now that the band is on hiatus and Louis is working on his solo career, the account is focused on promoting his solo endeavors.
Q: Has being the co-owners of LouisT91Updates affected your life in any way?
A: Absolutely. Irrevocably. Wonderfully. It probably sounds cliché but we have made some amazing and diverse friendships with people from all over the world and they are truly life-long bonds; people who share our interests, our passions, the good times and the more challenging times.
On a practical level, the skill-set required to operate an account like LouisT91Updates would probably be quite surprising to most people. Technically, there are so many different applications and techniques required to be able to capture images and download audio/video to distribute on the account as well as creating edits and other original content. At last count, we’ve got about 30 different applications/extensions that we use regularly.
Research capabilities and knowledge of the music industry has also become critical over the last three months since the release of Louis’ first single, ‘Just Hold On’, with the awesome and all-round good guy, Steve Aoki. We have had to become experts in the US and UK charting, streaming and digital download services, the impact of radio station plays and so much more.
From a logistical perspective, operating a real-time social media account 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, raises its own set of challenges. Whilst having nine people on the account may sound like a lot, the reality of providing this level of coverage means that there are usually only a couple of us active at any given moment. That said, we’re always contactable, so if something significant happens we can draw in additional resources. We also have a series of group chats which help us communicate and manage the account so it’s not unusual to wake up to hundreds of messages.
Q: What do you enjoy most about LouisT91Updates?
A: We love being part of a wonderful team of like-minded people and part of a fandom that operates like an extended family. Supporting someone as generous and kindhearted as Louis is, seeing him succeed and being fortunate enough to be a participant in that is also incredibly rewarding.
Q: What was your first reaction when you found out fans of your account had nominated you to win a CelebMix Twitter Fandom Award?
A: Humbled. Surprised. Overwhelmed. This is a huge fandom so receiving that level of recognition was quite something.
Q: What does being an updater mean to you?
A: We see our role as publishing accurate and positive information about Louis and his career. Rather than simply being a passenger on the journey and reacting to events as they happen, we actively seek out and generate content, which is something we all really enjoy.
We also acknowledge there is a level of responsibility and accountability that comes with operating the account and we try to always present information in a factual and non-biased manner. We don’t deal in rumors and we ensure we have verifiable sources before posting anything that may be considered controversial.
Q: Do you have anything to say to the people who nominated and voted for you?
A: Just a huge heartfelt thanks for their support of our account and of Louis. We really appreciate the love and kindness we receive from our followers on a daily basis. We have so much admiration and respect for Louis and for everything he is doing and hope that people feel even more a part of that through our account.
We want to wish LouisT91Updates a huge congratulations on the CelebMix Twitter Fandom Award, and also thank them for the support they’ve shown the Twitter Fandom Awards this year.
What are some of your thoughts on this year’s CelebMix Twitter Fandom Awards? Let us know your thoughts over on our Twitter (@CelebMix).