Fans, Fandom and Fanaticism

Presentation by Ally Eastman

Cyber community

• The internet has allowed for fandoms to grow, more so than if it did not exist.

Pros

• Community

– Share of emotion with others, such as enthusiasm, sadness etc.

– Sense of belonging

Quick Story

Pros

• Different Point of view; Bands need their fans.

Pros

• Opportunity

– Travelling

– Expressing yourself through fan art of fanfics

Analysis of Fanfics

• Archive of our own (A03)

Analysis of Fanfics

• Archive of our own (A03)

Analysis of Fanfics

• Archive of our own (A03)

Analysis of Fanfics

• Archive of our own (A03)

Analysis of Fanfics

• Archive of our own (A03)

Cons

• Drama in fandom

Cons

• Anti-fans or people outside of your fandom making fun of you, not taking you seriously over what you love

Cons

• One sided relationship

Cons

• Financial; could cost a lot of money. Is this necessary? Up to you to decide

Conclusion

Being part of a fandom can bring a community, travelling and creative expression. However, it can also bring drama, anti-fans, one-sided relationships and financial negativity. I think that being in a fandom is a more positive than negative action. The cons are not a big deal and can be dealt with well, especially if individuals are knowledgeable.

Resources

Alex. (2013). Bookish Fandoms: The Pros & Cons. Retrieved fromhttp://www.bookchickcity.com/2013/05/bookish-fandoms-the-pros-cons.html

Kleine, R. (2013, October 22). PROS & CONS: Being in a Fandom. [Video File].Retrieved fromhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZTsJLOlgrs

Nagas, P. (2013). Why Is There So Much Slash Fic?: Some Analysis of the AO3 Census. Retrieved from https://ladygeekgirl.wordpress.com/2013/11/12/why-is-there-so-much-slash-fic-some-analysis-of-the-ao3-census/

Rich, D. (2011). Global Fandom: The Circulation of JapanesePopular Culture in the U.S. Retrieved fromhttp://ir.uiowa.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4862&context=etd

Romano, A. (2012). The pros and cons of fandom on Tumblr. Retrieved fromhttp://www.dailydot.com/society/pros-cons-tumblr-livejournal-fandom/

Wiatrowski, M. (n.d.). The Dynamics of Fandom: Exploring Fan Communities in Online Spaces. Retrieved fromhttp://www.academia.edu/491940/The_Dynamics_of_Fandom_Exploring_Fan_Communities_in_Online_Spaces