If you’ve been on the internet for a while, you’ve likely run into fandoms or even been a part of a few yourself. For me, I grew up on the internet and all that came with it. I became heavily invested in the shows I enjoyed, finding communities online who shared my interest, and finding even more media to consume made by that community. That’s the thing about fandoms, they don’t just enjoy and consume the content produced, but as the reading this week states, they’re producers in their own way. This means fan fiction, fan art, fan merchandise, etc.
I’ve also found that fandoms have a weird way of interacting with the sources of their interest like the actors and writers. It can become obsessive, like learning all about the actors and writers, or not seeing them as their own people an only see their connection to the show. While that has definitely been scary at times I’m sure, fandoms also have their own unique way of affecting the show. Most people watch something, react, then move on with their lives. Some people in fandoms, I mostly noticed when I was younger, is that when they want something changed in a show, whether it be a critique on plot, character writing, etc. they make sure it is heard by those who have the power to take that criticism.
I feel like if your media has a fandom, there’s some major pros and cons. On one hand, you have a massive following absolutely dedicated to what you create. Not only will they consume the show, but they’re also extremely likely to buy the products you sell based off the show and attend events if you hold them. Fandoms also have a tendency to become relatively well known. The fact that the fans are well known would likely lead to exposure to the original content, basically free advertising. I do feel like there are downsides though. Fandoms do like to create media using your characters and world, and even sell their own media based off that. At what point is that ok and not stealing, when does that line get drawn. I know Nintendo has shown issue with this kind of thing at some points. To many people’s disagreement, Nintendo is very strict and heavy with their copyright and it can tend to become a dangerous game if you wish to sell things with their material in it. There’s also a con to a fandom becoming well known, even though that still has pros. Sometimes these communities get toxic and they start turning on themselves and others for any number of reasons. I’ve known people who refuse to even watch a show because of fans they’ve run into of that show. Imagine having this amazing show, but no one will watch because the fans of it are so horrible.
My question for the class is, if you were to have a show, or series of movies, would you want a fandom or not. Why? Do you see them as a valuable benefit, is it just a nice sentiment?
Mass Media and American Life 
I see fans as a definite asset to the brand. Fans can help you grow and continue to help your work live on even after the mainstream has forgotten. Fans keep the dialogue open and there is great interaction amongst fans; a common interest. I think Fandoms are here to stay and will only continue to grow with different franchises. I think that people look for ways to escape, especially in this day and age and to belong or have a sense of community. Fandoms allow people to unite around a common interest. I think that with the rise of social media and technology that fandom sites and interactions will only continue to grow and be innovative. It will always contribute to profits and help to continue the cycle of revenue.
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I would personally want a fandom, but it would have to occur naturally obviously. I think it is a great thing to have people who support you, and people involved in fandoms are definitely loyal enough to support someone through thick and thin. Fandoms allow people to come together and bond over a shared interest.
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I think fandoms are a very big part of a television series or movie. Without the fans loving every second of every episode or scene, there’s no reason to even have a show. The point of television is to entertain and inform, without anyone being a fan of the show, there’s no one to entertain.
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If I were to have a television series, I would love to have a connected fandom. Having a fandom is so fun because it creates such exciting things, such as meet-ups, photography, art, dance pieces, radio shows, etc. Having a group of people who love the same things as you do creates such a welcoming feeling, expressing creative freedom. Having Fandoms for the show is hugely beneficial as it creates a wildfire effect. Small group posts about the shows and others engaged with the show, and it continues as larger groups of people see the show.
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I’d definitely want a fandom behind me. Having a fandom makes you a main attraction and it is a revenue boost. Plus having a community of people that admire you brings a sense of joy.
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I think for a tv show or a movie to have a fandom is almost the dream for these creators. When you have a fandom you have fan base that will for sure watch your new season of a show or a new movie of a series like Star Wars and Star Trek.
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