In this weeks media lectorial, the topic was “audiences”. This brought up many interesting topics, such as the concept of “The Masses” and how the methods audiences receive media is changing with time.

One section which stood out for me personally was the concept of Fandoms, or groups of extreme fans of a particular media entity (for example a TV or Movie series or a particular Band).

What is interesting is that being part of a fandom can become a large part of someones identity, for example:

• Trekkies
• Whovians
• Potter Heads (this one makes me laugh everytime I hear it)
• Bronies
• etc….

These groups usually operate via online forums dedicated to their collective interest, sometimes it can be a dedicated standalone forum or it can also be a part of a larger online community (for example a Sub-Reddit, or a Tumblr, or a Facebook page). Or in many cases a plethora of forums across the internet, with standalone and setting up groups on many major social network platforms.

Being part of a fandom has traditionally been associated with negative connotations. However, attitudes towards people expressing their love of particular media has grown more positive in recent years, likely due to the rapid rise in social media.

There are also fans who dipise the assocaited fandoms, “I love xxxxx, but I cant stand xxxxx fanss” is a common phrase to hear across social media landscapes, as people grow frustrated and ostracised from Fan groups because of differing opinons on acceptable behaviour to the majority, or being well outside the age bracket that makes up most of the fandom.