To be the type of fan who gets really involved in fandom takes a certain kind of personality. I have friends at all levels. Some are fans who like this or that, but the fandom doesn't seep into all aspects of their lives; it's just something they enjoy. Some are more like me, who get obsessed and can't stop thinking about the fandom and write fics and buy merch and try to know everything there is about the fandom and make references to fandom when the opportunity arises - and even at random, when it really doesn't apply. This applies to TV show fandoms, music fandoms, and while less recognised as geeky although people can geek over it too, sports fandoms. Really, it's a personality difference.
I was constantly ridiculed for obsessing the way that I do, and until I went online in 1994 and joined a regular AOL chat about Star Wars with a bunch of middle-aged men, I thought I was a freak. The longer I was online, the more people I saw who are as involved in fandom or even further involved than I am. And I'm sick of being judged and seeing other people judged for that level of involvement.
I think people should be able to experience the world and the fandoms it has to offer whatever way they see fit, so long as they're not hurting anybody. Peole should not be made to feel embarrassed if they're really really REALLY into this or that.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2007-02-04 06:48 pm (UTC)I was constantly ridiculed for obsessing the way that I do, and until I went online in 1994 and joined a regular AOL chat about Star Wars with a bunch of middle-aged men, I thought I was a freak. The longer I was online, the more people I saw who are as involved in fandom or even further involved than I am. And I'm sick of being judged and seeing other people judged for that level of involvement.
I think people should be able to experience the world and the fandoms it has to offer whatever way they see fit, so long as they're not hurting anybody. Peole should not be made to feel embarrassed if they're really really REALLY into this or that.