I don't think I will be visiting the Westeros Forums again. I don't want to be a scold, but I would have to comment more than I like. Some things I can't let past unchallenged. Discussing a series of fantasy novels I like should be fun, however those forums aren't fun. I'm horrified by the sexism, the racism, the homophobia, and the simple meanness. In just a matter of days I've seen multiple posters promote a young girl as a reward for deserving men, claim that a thirteen year old girl could freely choose prostitution as a career and that paying her to have sex with many men would not be rape, and state that heterosexual incest is preferable to male homosexuality. I'm sick to my stomach.

The portion of the fandom on Livejournal is too fragmented for my comfort. It's difficult to remember where I read specific things. However I will try to make an effort. The first thing I need to do is find an icon I can live with.

I'm very excited about ASOIAF being converted into an HBO show. The news propelled me from being a passionate but casual fan of the series into actively seeking out the fandom online. However I have some reservations about the latest casting news. I don't want to be a "troll" or have my opinions on other things discounted because of how I feel on this issue. Therefore I'll keep my true thoughts to this blog.

Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister

Perfect.

Sean Bean as Eddard Stark

Okay. I would have preferred someone like Christopher Eccleston. Sean Bean is a very "Hollywood" choice. However I understand they need a well known actor to draw an audience and since Ned will only be around for the first season, it makes sense for it to be him. I'm worried about the changes they've made to Ned's character in the script. They've made him into something of an ass. I can only hope that Bean will portray Ned in such a way that he doesn't seem as brash as Jaime.

Jennifer Ehle as Catelyn Stark

Good. I had expected someone with a higher profile since Catelyn is effectively the female lead. I had also expected someone more conventionally attractive since I'd understood Catelyn to be a desirable woman. However Ehle is a solid, well regarded actress and I expect the best from her.

Mark Addy as Robert Baratheon

Bad. Addy doesn't have the fallen superman aspect to him that I expected of Robert. It's difficult for me to imagine Addy as the great man who charmed enemies into fighting for him in his youth.

Kit Harington as Jon Snow

Good. He looks like the budding young hero.

Richard Madden as Robb Stark

Bad. He's quite handsome, but he looks like a grown man. I believe his mature look is detrimental to the role of Robb.

Alfie Owen-Allen as Theon Greyjoy

Good. He looks like an unlikeable ass. He's perfectly suited to Theon.

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Jaime Lannister

Okay. I had expected a more conventionally handsome actor since Jaime is often described as "beautiful." Coster-Waldau's nose is not handsome. However I watched the video grrm posted and I believe he will do an adequate job.

Harry Lloyd as Viserys Targaryen

Good. I think Lloyd will portray a Viserys whom the audience can both hate and pity.

Iain Glen as Jorah Mormont

Good. He looks the part and he is well versed in portraying knights. I expect a solid performance from him.

Jack Gleeson as Joffrey Baratheon

No opinion.

Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark

No opinion.

Maisie Williams as Arya Stark

Good. Williams is a very cute little girl. It'll be interesting to see her develop as Arya.

Tamzin Merchant as Daenarys Targaryen

Very bad. Dany is a very important role and I'm disappointed they've bungled the casting. I would never call Merchant the names some rude people have called her, but she's much too plain for a character deemed "the most beautiful woman in the world." More importantly, she does not seem to be a very good actress.

This is my journal for accessing ASOIAF fandom. I'm no artist or writer so it's unlikely I'll have anything to post here. But I am a real person and not a spambot.