Some sources say that ‘Columbiner’ is tied to fandom while others describe those who inform themselves about the tragedy without necessarily being fans. How would you define and describe what a ‘Columbiner’ is?

I think the term ‘Columbiner’ means different things for different people. Like most everything in life, there is nuance and so I don’t think it’s a case of ‘one size fitting all’ in what the term encapsulates for people.   You can look at it like a pie chart with the label “Columbiner” over it.  Some maintain it’s a fandom probably because a certain portion of that pie chart express like it’s a fandom.  Which doesn’t exactly give it credence that it is because it’s based on someone’s assumed perception.  For example, someone on the outside of this community looking in and seeing a smidge of the community express their interest in a fannish sort  of way (i.e. wearing the WRATH and Natural Selection shirts or making flower crown images or writing fanfiction imagines) is likely going to jumping to conclusions that “Columbiners’ are simply fan girls and boys and nothing more. But then, another slice of the pie demographic are those that are interested in hardcore researching the case andly  discussing the boys’ psychology and mental issues but have no interest in emulating the boys nor are they physically attracted to the boys.  And another slice on the pie chart, there could be those that are neck-deep in their fascination for the case but have an added level of an empathetic compassionate connection to the boys (likely due to their own bullying experiences as a teen). These ‘Columbiners’ have a multilayer of intellectual interest and also emotional and spiritual interests. They are mindful of incorporating the lessons to be learned about the Columbine tragedy stemming from the tragedy of those two boys as a way to give mindful meaning and purpose to their own life as well as compassion for others. I feel that I personally tend to fit this last category. I like the sentiment in this post ‘What Does it Mean to be a Columbiner’ as it’s sort of encompasses positive tenets to live by.  But in my mentioning of three varied types of ‘Columbiners’ I am not suggesting that these are the only types there are.  Columbiners are a pretty diverse bunch at the end of the day. The commonality is the interest in the Columbine event and the key emphasis of understanding from the two shooters as ‘the Source’ as a way to unlock the how and why this horrible tragedy unfolded and lastly, most important of all,  being able to identify with the boys in a way that connects back to ourselves in empathy.  

Did they ever actually disclose a plan A where they would shoot escaping survivors. Where does that info come from?

That comes from the boys’ discussion on the Basement Tapes:

“The official report notes, “Based on comments Klebold and Harris made in their homemade videotapes, the investigation determined the two planned to shoot any surviving students able to escape from the cafeteria after the bombs exploded.”
– Page 413-414  Columbine: A True Crime Story by Jeff Kass

Did Dylan ever go to a smashing pumpkins concert? I hope he got to I’m going to today :)

Oh, lucky you!  Hmm… We honestly don’t know for certainly.  The best I can say is possibly?  There’s a chance since he drew that one sketch of what appears to be himself in a SP Zero shirt.  He may have gone with either Devon and Zack and/or Nate.   Hope you’ll have a smashing good time!  😉  Let us know if you got a tee.

what the heck man? I don’t get why are people sending you such disrespectful messages. Treat people with fucking kindness man. This world really goes mad. I don’t see the point in taking the time to send in a hate message. Let people do what they want to be. Let people be interested in whatever the fuck they want. Love your blog Miss Lasting ❤️

Thank you, love. ❣️ Not to worry though.  I find the reactions kind of amusing as I’ve already mentioned all of this on my blog before. 

image