What is Fandom

For the purposes of my research I am using a definition that was given to me by Peter Balestrari who I met as a student at the University of Iowa. He used the definition to separate fan behavior from consumer behavior.

Note: This definition isn't meant to diminish or devalue anybody's enjoyment of a particular person, place, or thing. Nor is this a tool to determine who is a greater fan. Instead it is a way to catalog a behavior or a set of behaviors in service to a particular subject.

A fan who is participating in a fandom will do some or all of the following:

• Collect memorabilia, examples of the subject, pictures, promotional or marketing materials or other ephemera   
• Attend or facilitate meetings, conventions, events, or other activities about the subject. 
• Have an active online presence in online communities or forums. 
• Create derivative works like songs, poem, stories, articles, props, costumes, or other accessories that are in support or about the subject.   
• Participate in activities that showcase derivative works like concerts, publication in fan magazines, reenactments, or public discussions. 

A final aspect of fandom is the line between professionalism and amateurism. The work that fans do in service to their fandom isn't done for specifically for financial gain. Many fans sell t-shirts, zines, props, or even hosts events as larges as concerts but often they are helping to offset the cost of materials, travel, and lodging for events. Any profits that are made are often plowed right back into the fandom. This also isn't a knock on quality either, the work done by fans are often as good as or if not better then what you can find for retail. In fact many professionals often find the passion for their craft in fandom.