The Best and Worst of Fandom Behaviors

Today's podcast spends some time covering the behaviors (good and bad) in fandom. This is a topic that can extend far beyond one podcast, but it was good to discuss it with Dan and Britni. Here are some of the top behaviors I like and dislike in today's fandom:

LIKES:
Rallying around a kid who's been bullied -  Here's a prime example of good fandom fighting against bad fandom in a news story (with some unfortunate Star Warsy plays on words by the reporter, but a good story):

Creative uses of GIFs/videos to spread an opinion - There is some fantastic creativity out there, and when it's used for good - it's often genius.

Healthy debate about a story/film/TV show - When fans are simply sharing why they like/dislike something, you can find a variety of opinions that might even change your own thinking.
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DISLIKES:
​Fighting trolls or people with other opinions with childish/trollish behavior - There's a difference between responding by sharing another perspective and responding in a way that is meant to anger someone or generate cheers from your supporters. The picture of someone with their "Haters Tears" mug is a tactic I would expect from trolls. Plus, drinking tears? Ew.

The "real fan" argument - Don't tell anyone they're not a REAL fan if they don't agree with you. You might as well stick your tongue out and respond with, "I know you are but what am I?"

​Attack of the generation gaps - There are few ways fandom looks more shallow and clueless then when they attack fans of older and younger generations. Prequel lovers attacking "OT lovers" (and vice versa) or Batman vs. Superman people insulting those who still love Christopher Reeve is a waste of time and completely useless.

Politics on social media - I have never understood sharing political opinions on a podcast/fansite social media account. If you have followers, you're immediately alienating part of your audience, and it's fair to say politics is not why they follow you. In fact, nerd culture is a means of getting away from politics and things that tick people off.  If you want to roll the dice on a personal account, that's one thing - but a fandom account - I don't understand why it's necessary.

 - Scott