Factsheet #107 - Fandom
Read Media Factsheet #107 on Fandom. Use our Media Factsheet archive on the M: drive Media Shared (M:\Resources\A Level\Media Factsheets) or log into your Greenford Google account to access the link. Read the whole of Factsheet and answer the following questions:
1) What is the definition of a fan?
A fan of a media text is someone who likes and consumes a media regularly.
2) What the different types of fan identified in the factsheet?
hardcore,newbie and anti-fan
3) What makes a ‘fandom’?
A group of people who have been brought together by their shared passion for something/someone.
4) What is Bordieu’s argument regarding the ‘cultural capital’ of fandom?
Bourdieu argues that fandom gives fans ‘cultural capital’ such as knowledge, taste and expertise which gives them status/power in fan communities.
5) What examples of fandom are provided on pages 2 and 3 of the factsheet?
The Vampire Diaries – fan influence on the show’s writing
The Lord of the Rings – fan fiction/ debates about relationships
Star Trek – early fan fiction
Harry Potter – mashups and fan edits
6) Why is imaginative extension and text creation a vital part of digital fandom?
Fans use digital media to extend and reshape stories
Henry Jenkins - degree-level reading
Read the final chapter of ‘Fandom’ – written by Henry Jenkins (note: link may be blocked in school - try this Google Drive link if you need it.) This will give you an excellent introduction to the level of reading required for seminars and essays at university as well as degree-level insight into our current work on fandom and participatory culture. Answer the following questions:
1) There is an important quote on the first page: “It’s not an audience, it’s a community”. What does this mean?
It means people no longer just consume media. They participate, create and connect with others through it.
2) Jenkins quotes Clay Shirky in the second page of the chapter. Pick out a single sentence of the extended quote that you think is particularly relevant to our work on participatory culture and the ‘end of audience’ (clue – look towards the end!)
“In the age of the internet, no one is a passive consumer anymore because everyone is a media outlet.”
3) What are the different names Jenkins discusses for these active consumers that are replacing the traditional audience?
loyals, media-actives, prosumers, inspirational consumers, connectors, influencers, multipliers, and lead users
4) On the third page of the chapter, what does Wired editor Chris Anderson suggest regarding the economic argument in favour of fan communities?
fan communities can be profitable as small but passionate audiences means less spending on advertising.
5) What examples does Jenkins provide to argue that fan culture has gone mainstream?
The tastes of fans now shape the box office,TV and the gaming industry.
6) Look at the quote from Andrew Blau in which he discusses the importance of grassroots creativity. Pick out a sentence from the longer quote and decide whether you agree that audiences will ‘reshape the media landscape from the bottom up’.
“This bottom-up generation of media makers and viewers is emerging which will reshape the media landscape.” I agree, I believe audiences will reshape the media landscape from the bottom up as consumers are now able to produce their own media.
7) What does Jenkins suggest the new ideal consumer is?
Someone who talks about, shares, and promotes the media they love
8) Why is fandom 'the future'?
Fan participation has become normal in digital culture and everyone now behaves like a fan online.
9) What does it mean when Jenkins says we shouldn’t celebrate ‘a process that commodifies fan cultural production’?
Companies profit from fan behaviour without rewarding fans.
10) Read through to the end of the chapter. What do you think the future of fandom is? Are we all fans now? Is fandom mainstream or are real fan communities still an example of a niche media audience?
I believe that fandom will no longer be as niche as it once was as almost everyone is now a fan of something/someone and behave as a fan online by reposting/sharing content or posting about things they’re passionate about.
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