This document discusses fandom, fans, and the distinction between fandom and fanaticism. It defines fandom as communities of fans connected by a common interest who use various online platforms. While fandom provides a sense of community and fulfillment, some take their obsession to an extreme and are considered fanatics. The document examines examples of dedicated fans versus crazed fanatics and how technology has increased opportunities for fan connection but also bullying. It raises questions around distinguishing normal fandom from fanaticism.

1. FANDOM
Fans,
Fandom &
Fanaticism

2. FANDOM:
- Community of fans with a common interest (sports, tv show, music,
celebrity, comics, movies, fashion etc).
-Fans connect through various platforms (YouTube, Twitter,
Facebook, conventions, Tumblr, 4Chan etc).
- There are countless fandoms (Beatlemania, Bronies, Little Monsters,
1Directioners, Trekkies, Beliebers, Avatards, Furries etc)
“Fandom has existed for over one hundred years and it is thought that
the dedicated fans of the fictional character Sherlock Holmes are the
original fandom, with reports of public mourning events held after the
character was thought to have died in The Final Problem.” - Katharine
Fowler

3. FANDOM OR FANATICISM?
Making the distinction.
-Fandoms can be generalized as obsessive or weird.
-The media portrays these sub cultures negatively (screaming footage of teenage girls and
online trolling).
- The prominence of social media today increases the ease of bullying and negative
connotation spreads faster and wider.
-Generalization and lack of social acceptance is a continuous issue in relation to new and
unique sub cultures.
-Throughout history certain individuals (fans) have taken their hobby or ‘obsession’ to the
extreme have been labelled as fanatics, insane or criminal.
-Is this a normal part of fandom or should we make the distinction between fans/fandom
and fanatics?

4. MADONNA FANS SHOWING OFF
DEDICATION TATTOOS AS PART
OF THEIR MADONNA FANDOM-
FANS
ROBERT HOSKINS –
TRIED TO KILL HER–
CRAZED FANATIC
EXAMPLE OF FANDOM V FANATICISM

5. FANDOM – COMMUNITY &
TECHNOLOGY-Sci-fi fandom dates back to the 1930’s and maintains a tight knit
community globally.
-Being a fan of something/one is great! It’s life fulfilling. Imagine a
passionless life.
-Fandoms let us be able to socialize with people with common
interests and loves.
- Sense of community and status. Validation and encouragement.
- In this digital age the progression of technology and the internet
mean that the possibility of networking and building these fandoms
and connections is endless.
- Fandoms are a form of human communication and connection.

6. “IT TAKES ALL TYPES OF PEOPLE TO MAKE THE WORLD GO ROUND BUT SOMETIMES
ITS HARD TO TELL WHERE THEY ALL FIT IN.”- KEVIN GALLWITZ
A member of the Brony fandom.

7. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Baym, N. (2007). The new shape of online community: The example of Swedish independent music fandom. First Monday, 12(8).
Retrieved from http://firstmonday.org/article/view/1978/1853
Blog.iinet.net.au,. (2015). The internet and the evolution of fandom | the iiNet Blog. Retrieved 12April 2015, from
http://blog.iinet.net.au/internet-evolution-fandom/
Forums.digitalspy.co.uk,. (2015). Has music fandom gone too far? - Music - Digital Spy Forums. Retrieved 12 April 2015, from
http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1956351
Geekout.blogs.cnn.com,. (2015). When fans go too far. Retrieved 12 April 2015, from
http://geekout.blogs.cnn.com/2012/10/19/when-fans-go-too-far/
Pinterest.com,. (2015). Retrieved 12 April 2015, from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/514254851175111748/
Spaces, T. (2015). The Dynamics of Fandom: Exploring Fan Communities in Online Spaces. Academia.edu. Retrieved 12 April
2015, from http://www.academia.edu/491940/The_Dynamics_of_Fandom_Exploring_Fan_Communities_in_Online_Spaces