Does it have to be good or useful analysis, Jesse? I mean, would prattling on endlessly about the curl of Spike's hair count?

I think if you're doing your prattling in a context where other people are reading it, then sure it could count. I think it's the effort+community thing that makes fandom, and effort could mean money like Monique says, or just time.

Realize I haven't thought about this until just now, so I reserve the right to refine my opinion.

I've often considered myself a fan, but other people tend not to classify me as one. I don't go to cons, and I hate spending money on merchandise, which are two things that some fans I've met seem to define themselves by.

Separate from whether an individual is part of fandom or not, since that's a self-definition thing, where do people see the lines between fans and fandom. I don't know myself. Going to Cons says Fandom to me, but I've never been to one and I could be wrong.

That makes me wonder - does it matter how specific the con is? By that I mean is it a con for a particular show or group of shows, or is it a generalized con (science fiction, comics, etc.) and does that make a difference? I guess I'm wondering if there are such things as generalized fandoms, or does fandom need to be specific by definition?

In my head, it needs to be specific (although I also tend to have fan = fandom in my head), but I've never tied being part of fandom to, say, being into the fic. Among other things, I consider myself a part of an ME fandom, but I've never really done anything in terms of fic, reading or writing.

Granted, as I think about it, there have been shows I'm absolutely nuts about, but have never really engaged in any activities I'd consider fandom related, period.

Oh, and Joel was way cooler than Mike.

t /obligatory random kerfuffling moment

I mean, would prattling on endlessly about the curl of Spike's hair count?

That was the fate of a number of previously interesting (to me) boards, the shortform was actually "cheekbones!", so I'd say yes.

Sometimes when having a conversation about a group of people with that group of people, as more and more grow offended by how they're being described and characterized, there comes a point when it's wiser to step away rather than repeatedly attempt to justify your interpretation and risk further offense.

Well said, Matt.

I think I'd classify general con attendance as membership in fandom - I've gone to a lot of cons where there was a wide range of Sci-fi, Fantasy, and RPG entertainment represented, as well as arts and crafts, historical re-enactment, and the like. People who are dressing up in Renaissance clothing and performing filk or finishing out their 16th round of Doom tournament competition are just as invested as the ones wearing Klingon prosthetics.

where do people see the lines between fans and fandom

Fandom is a community. To give an example... I'd say I'm part of SG-1 fandom. I have a network of relationships with other people who are fans of the show, I write fanfic, I comment on the show, etc. I feel a sense of belonging to that community. On the other hand, I would say I'm not part of BSG fandom, though I'd be comfortable saying I was a fan of the show, because I don't know the fandom at all--I don't know who the personalities are, I don't really search out people beyond my already-existing circle to discuss the show with, I don't produce anything creative because of the show.

Anyway, that's how it works in my brain.

There's probably more discussion about actual aspects of fandom in this topic in 2 days than on fandom_wank over the last year. And only a few mentions of Harry Potter.

I've often considered myself a fan, but other people tend not to classify me as one.

And I don't think I'd ever call myself a fan of anything, and yet a while back Allyson said that, by her definition,I was part of fandom because I was part of the community. And I could see the logic in that. Allyson, why doesn't working with the Lost community make you part of the Lost fandom in the same way? I feel like the way you're objecting now is the way I was objecting then. So... I'm confused.

There's probably more discussion about actual aspects of fandom in this topic in 2 days than on fandom_wank over the last year.

Have you ever actually read f_w?