Fandom and Fan Culture: What does it mean to you

[Jetame]

For a senior thesis I am writing about the development of fandom and fan culture as it relates to fiction in various forms. This includes science fiction literature, television and movies, fantasy, anime and manga, American comics, other television, movies, and literature, etc.

I thought it might make sense to get a sense of fandom and fan culture from the fans themselves (other than myself, of course.) I have prepared a list of questions you can use to guide your answers, or you can just rant. I don't care. You don't have to answer any of them if you don't want to.

If you want me to use a name other than your username if and when I quote you, or if you want your words kept anonymous or not used at all, let me know in your post.

Here are the questions:

• Would you consider yourself a fan?
• What would you consider yourself a fan of?
• How do you participate in your fandom (fanficiton, role-play, fan art, message boards, conventions)?
• If you write fanfiction, what kind do you write and why? (I am particularly interested in Yaoi because there is a considerable amount of information about it.)
• When and how were you first introduced to fandom and fan culture?
• Would you consider fandom a "culture"? How would you define it?
• What does being a fan mean to you?
• Do you have any personal stories that illustrate what fandom and fan culture mean to you? If so, please share.
• Anything you want to add?

Bonus:

• What, if anything, do you know about the history of fandom and fan culture? Do you know of any useful links?

You can answer here or click on the link in my signature and answer on the thread in Extended Discussion. There is also a duplicate thread in Anime/Manga/Comics. Take your pick.