Appreciation post: How I went from judging to joining all kinds of fans

I always thought being a true fan meant you had to know every little thing from the original stories. It was like a club where only the most dedicated got in. Then I went to a big fan event and saw people just having fun, not worrying about who read what. They were into the movies and shows, and their excitement was real. I met someone who made an awesome costume but hadn't touched the source material. Talking to them, I saw how much they loved the characters. Now I believe that any way someone connects with this stuff is good. Sharing that passion is what really matters, and it's made being part of this world a lot better.

3 comments

3 Comments

butler.kevin2mo ago

Did I ever admit that I used to judge fans until I realized I was being a snob?

the_susan2mo ago

At the Star Wars celebration, I talked to a guy who only saw the movies but built a full Mandalorian suit. He didn't know the extended universe stuff, but his passion was clear. Realizing you were a snob is a start, but the real change is when you stop seeing knowledge as a gatekeeper. It took me a while to learn that enjoying something doesn't require a test.

robert_lopez642mo ago

That point about knowledge as a gatekeeper really sticks with me. I mean, maybe it's just me but once you drop that, you can just enjoy things without all the extra baggage.