Vampires

Ok, question here:  What's with the vampires lately?!?  The HBO True Blood Series, the Stephenie Meyer book series (which is apparently the new Harry Potter with the youngins),  some upcoming movies, etc.  

I know I'm not the first to make this observation or ask the simple question:  why?  Vampires aren't a new concept at all...why are they suddenly appealing/sexy/interesting/popular/whatever the heck they are?

Does anyone else remember when pirates were a big deal like 4-5 years ago?  People were all excited about 'talk like a pirate day'?   Tons of people were pirates for Halloween (hmm...).  I guess vampires are the new pirates.  

Although one would might suggest that one work showcased a vampire and the idea caught on - what about all the ideas that don't catch on?  Hmm.   Anyone out there interested in/excited about vampires?  Praytell...why???