Week 4: “Doing” Fandom

Course: Am I a Fan Yet?

What does it mean to participate in fandom?

So far, we’ve talked about how the barrier to being a fan is very low, where fandom is and what norms govern the fandom world. But what does it actually mean to be “part of a fandom”? Is fandom something you do?

The only difference between “being a fan” and “being in a fandom” is the aspect of social interaction. Fans can experience their love of something completely individually, but if you’re in a fandom, it means you’re probably interacting with other fans (even if you’re just lurking…).

So what does it look like to participate in a fandom? What are the different ways a fan might “do” fandom? How do fans interact and what is a “fanwork” anyway?

(If this section interests you, be sure to also check out our course on Fan Labor!)

Read

“Fanworks, Transformative Fandom, and Copyright” by Paula Dupont

“The Forums With Only One User” by Roisin Kiberd

“Fandom, Music and Personal Relationships through Media: How Teenagers Use Social Networks” by Pilar Lacasa, Laura Méndez Zaballos and Julián de la Fuente Prieto

Watch

“The Future of Fandoms | Idea Channel” by PBS Digital Studios

Activity and Discussion

Using everything you’ve learned so far about how fandom works consider this question: What do you think the most important thing new fans need to know is? Think about what you were like as a new fan (maybe that’s even you right now!). What sorts of things would you have liked to know? What do you still want to know? Read through others’ comments and see if you can answer them!

Post your reactions and reflections to this week’s material and activity in the comment section below, and don’t forget to interact with others!