Snowflake Challenge - Day 14

[dizzojay]

Day 14 - In your own space, talk about what you think the future holds for fandom. Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.

What does the future hold for fandom? 

Honestly, I have no idea.   Fandom constantly ebbs and flows, and at the moment, it's going through a bit of a purple patch.  It seems to be about as mainstream as it ever has been.  I don't think there's any one reason for this, but a combination of factors such as an increasing range of platforms in social media, top drawer genre shows such as Game of Thrones that appeal to all sections of society, a succession of blockbuster fantasy/sci fi franchises over recent years such as LoTR, The Hobbit, Harry Potter, Star Wars prequels and sequels, Star Trek Reboots, the Marvel and DC universes etc, and popular shows such as The Big Bang Theory that make geekiness 'cool'.

This acceptance is a great thing.  For too long, 'fans' have been tarred with the nerd brush, and have often been regarded with anything ranging from amusement to pity by the 'normals' in society.  Now, fans can step out and wear their fandom with pride.  Fandom no longer feels like an underground movement, but what it mustn't do is become too normal.

The whole joy of fandom is that it's quirky.  It's a place of individuality, creativity and whimsy, and it needs to keep that essence to appeal to the people - the fans - that make it.  It needs to keep that edge of geekiness to exist.

So, my hope for fandom's future is a balance.   That it continues to find the acceptance that it has been receiving, and in so doing, it continues to grow and flourish.  Conversely, I also hope that it remains the haven of eccentricity and unconventionality that we all love and value so dearly.

Comments

[spikedluv]

A balance of mainstream acceptance and quirkiness sounds good!

fandom

[oldtoadwoman]

There's so much good canon content these days. I remember when there'd be one or two shows that I really liked and they always got canceled. (I thought I was cursed for a while there.)

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

I'm curious that you think fandom has gone mainstream - that's not my perception at all. Every time I mention fannish things to 'normal' people I still get the raised eyebrow and or puzzled looks. Are you getting a more positive/knowledgeable reaction?

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

I don't think it's completely mainstream, but I think it's more mainstream than it was. My perception is that people don't see fandom as the preserve of spotty teenage boys who can't get a girlfriend any longer.
I've been finding that when I talk to people about fandom, they're more interested than puzzled. They want to find out about it and what it's all about, and they feed off my positivity to feel positive about it themselves.
I think there's also a definite shift to geeky people not being the butt of everyone's jokes any more, and a lot of fantasy and sci fi types of shows and films which used to be considered a bit nerdy, can be universally popular blockbusters now.

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

Mmm possibly. I still find that even the so-called blockbusters are not as mainstream as we think, from the inside (as it were). Still, you and madebyme_x are right, it's definitely improved.

[roxymissrose.livejournal.com]

I think it's become more mainstream than it was, even if the 'normals' almost always get it wrong, thinking we're all some kind of 50 Shades fetishizers, lol! Being here since 2004, I've seen a lot of changes. It'd be interesting to see what the future brings. :)

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

I've been in the Supernatural fandom since 2010, and even I've seen changes. It will be interesting to see how things change in the future.

[madebyme-x.livejournal.com]

I had trouble with this challenge - it's hard to answer!!! Like you, I think more people are aware of fandom now, and I hope that continues, but at the same time I'd hate it to lose it's sense of individuality.

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

It was a tough one, wasn't it.
I agree with you, fandom needs to strike that balance between being accepted and being unconventional!