Yes, sports is the exception that explains the rule. The rule is that fandom requires some type of exclusivity to inspire your devotion. It’s about identity. Star Trek fans really like Star Trek, but I suspect, even more, they like they fact—when they’re convening—that they have something special in common that they all recognize. In some way, I’m too normal to go to a Star Trek convention—don’t worry, you won’t see me there. But at an Indiana Jones convention, if you could muster the enthusiasm to go, you might see anyone.
Sports is only a half exception. You have devoted fans and “fair-weather” fans, depending on whether they identify with “their team” no matter matter what or only if it’s doing well.
Perhaps fandom is a function of having appealing qualities/message and being able to create identification. I think there are certain identification “holes” here on Less Wrong so if someone with authority (like Robin) started filling those holes there would be sub-fandoms.
Yes, sports is the exception that explains the rule. The rule is that fandom requires some type of exclusivity to inspire your devotion. It’s about identity. Star Trek fans really like Star Trek, but I suspect, even more, they like they fact—when they’re convening—that they have something special in common that they all recognize. In some way, I’m too normal to go to a Star Trek convention—don’t worry, you won’t see me there. But at an Indiana Jones convention, if you could muster the enthusiasm to go, you might see anyone.
Sports is only a half exception. You have devoted fans and “fair-weather” fans, depending on whether they identify with “their team” no matter matter what or only if it’s doing well.
Perhaps fandom is a function of having appealing qualities/message and being able to create identification. I think there are certain identification “holes” here on Less Wrong so if someone with authority (like Robin) started filling those holes there would be sub-fandoms.