Contributor Introduction: KC Finch, Trekkie and all around chill dude

Intrepid new contributor joins the Redshirts Always Die team to bring you, the beloved reader, quality Star Trek content.

If you’re visiting this site and reading this article, it’s safe to assume that you’re at least vaguely with Redshirts Always Die and the fantastic work that they do. And if you follow the site on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any combination of these platforms, you may be aware that, occasionally, they send out a call to talented and creative writers, experienced and otherwise, who are willing to take up the mantel of providing you, the wonderful reader, with top-notch Star Trek related content. That’s my roundabout way of saying that if you’re a Trekkie and you think you have what it takes to join a team of some other really cool Trekkies and provide top-notch Star Trek contend to the masses, then you should apply!

I applied just last week to be a contributor to Redshirts Always Die with very little expectation that the action would go anywhere. However, within the week, I had received an email welcoming me into the fold. Imagine my excitement finding out that I would have a chance to contribute content that is fun and informative to the broad Star Trek fandom scatter around the globe. It’s exciting is what I’m saying.

Okay, so what qualifies this guy to talk to me about Star Trek?

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That’s a great question, hypothetical reader! It all starts in the way back time of 1987, I was four. Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home had come out recently, and Star Trek: The Next Generation was looming just on the horizon. I was flipping through channels one day, and found on HBO (That’s where people watched movies on TV before streaming.) and stumbled across Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Specifically, it was the scene where Kirk, McCoy, and Saavik beam to Regula One space lab in search of the titular Khan. Watching this is the first tangible memory that I can recall. At that point, I had been watching the Original Series even before that so you could say that I’ve been a Trekkie my entire life and from that moment on, I was hooked. Once TNG began airing, I would fight my parents tooth and nail to stay up every week to watch so you could also say that I’ve been pretty passionate about my Trek fandom since day one.

Having joined the fandom as I did, I feel, puts me in a somewhat interesting spot as a fan today. I have been watching episodes of the Original Series since I was three years old, but I was too young then to pick up on any of the subtext, and as I grew old enough to ‘get it’ many of the points seemed moot. I imagine that groundbreaking western in space with its overly dramatic lighting, and its ham-fisted leading man had a much different impact on viewers who were living through the social context at the time that the show originally aired. As a kid in the 80s and 90s, they represented morality tales with lessons not to be forgotten.

On the flip side of that, growing up with TNG, DS9, and Voyager, I was still pretty oblivious to the subtext of those various shows as well. That’s been great fun because now I can go back and watch episodes that I’ve seen hundreds of times over, and rediscover them all over again! It’s like watching for the first time, but… not… That set up worked way better in my mind, but you get the idea. It’s fascinating to take a lifetime of experiences, and a world of things and look at them through the prism of Star Trek fandom and realize that all of those stories that entertained me as a child still have relevant messages to share even today.

Driven by this self-proclaimed unique perspective, I have devoted obsessive amounts of time to learning everything that I can about the franchise. I’ve grown up admiring starship designs, lusting after props and uniforms, and learning from the characters as they learn and grow from episode to episode. I’ve had the privilege of being a Trekkie since before it was cool. This is a really long-winded way of saying that I really like Star Trek.

That’s cool, bro. Who are you again?

That’s another excellent question, dear reader! Besides my, probably, unhealthy infatuation with Star Trek, I enjoy writing a great deal. I’ve written more college papers than I can count. I’ve run a blog of my own for a number of years, and I’ve even had literary pieces published in various magazines in the past. I also enjoy film and television a lot. I’ve spent nearly as much energy learning about film techniques and practices as I have learning about Star Trek. I enjoy playing video games and table top games. I have a degree in Information Technology, probably as a result of seeing all of the cool tech presented on Star Trek. I also have a degree in audio engineering in case CBS ever realizes that they need someone to help record that next awesome Star Trek soundtrack because I’m obsessed with Star Trek music you guys. I have a wonderful wife who wasn’t a Trekkie when we met, but who has embraced Star Trek almost to the same extent that I have. I also have a fabulous puppy that likes to sit on my lap and watch episodes with me.

Next. Quentin Tarantino Star Trek film still a priority. dark

In short, I’m just a dude who really likes Star Trek. I love the fandom, and the inclusive attitude that its presented me over the years. I love watching Star Trek, and I love discussing it because I find that every person brings their own unique perspective to the conversation, which gives me a chance to expand my understanding of the human adventure. I’m super excited to join a team of fellow Trekkies on a platform that will get my silly thoughts on all things Trek to a broader audience, and I’m looking forward to bringing you all my best as we boldly go. Thanks for your time, fellow Trekkie! LLAP!

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