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.
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?
I've written Mansquito filk, but I don't consider myself part of the Mansquito fandom community.
I've written Mansquito filk, but I don't consider myself part of the Mansquito fandom community.
So you're not going to the Mansquito con, then?
