[tomdkat]

First, I think it's important to have an understanding of the word "fan".

Originally Posted by piratehunter

What are the positive sides to fandom?

I think fandom is important since it provides direct feedback to those who do or make stuff we like. It can be music, movies, sports, literature, whatever. Without the feedback (both praise and criticism), those "doing the do" won't know if they their work is being seen, appreciated, pondered, or acknowledged as existing in any way. If people choose to do the work and not show anyone, obviously fandom isn't important. If they choose to show their work to someone, the feedback from that person will be like gold to them (even if the feedback is negative since the creator will know that person didn't like that particular piece of work they produced).

Fandom also allows those outside of the realm of the creator of work to participate, in some form, with the work. Creators sometimes get new ideas from fans, make changes based on fan feedback, or otherwise feed off fan participation to help create new/future work. This, in turn, helps the fans feel like they are actually part of whatever it is they admire or like, which makes the fans feel good. When talking sports, the fans can almost be part of the team since they can make noise and do other things to impair the performance of the opposing team, at least sometimes.

Fandom is essential to the symbiotic relationship between creators of work and those that appreciate or "consume" the work that's been created.

What are the negative sides to fandom?

Sometimes, people let things get out of hand and take their fandom too far. In their heads, they can form nonexistent relationships with creators of work and sometimes even act upon those thoughts and feelings in real life. The line between the creator of the work and themselves gets blurred, if not erased, and the fan can behave in a manner the creator of work deems uncomfortable, if not dangerous.

In sports, fans sometimes use their "fan status" as a protection such that they are enabled to do things they would otherwise not do, like throw a beverage at a professional athlete.

When does fandom go too far?

Fandom goes too far when the line between the creator of a work and the fan of that work or the creator gets blurred or erased. It can also go too far when the fan stops differentiating between the creator of a work and the work itself. For example, a fan who sees an actor and recognizes that actor as a particular character they played in a given movie instead of the actor themselves. This isn't necessarily a "problem" but can be if the fan takes this "character association" to extremes.

Do you even consider yourself to be a fan?

Yep.

There have been several occasions when rabid fandom has turned out to be a positive thing. If it weren’t for the fans of “Family Guy” that petitioned and sent the DVD sales through the roof, we’d have no new episodes. If the fans of “Firefly” hadn’t come together, we’d have no “Serenity.”

What are your thoughts on this?

I wouldn't consider that to be "rabid" fandom as much as enthusiastic fanaticism.

Peace...