Although I agree with this idea, I think it is somewhat limiting. Certainly, fans of creative works played an important part in determining how the average person would use the internet, and they have shaped the culture of the internet. Even when not discussing a particular creative work, discussions on the internet often owe their form or existence to fandom. But as true as this statement may be, I think it would be a mistake to assume that it will always be correct. What is now true may one day be false--cyberspace is always changing; right now it is still useful to consider it a large fandom, but that might one day change and we should be aware of that. What is certain, however, is that fan culture's influence on the internet will always be felt in some way.
- Do you agree with the original statement?
- Do you agree with my assessment of its validity?
- How is the way you use the internet similar to how early fandoms used the internet?
- How is the way you use the internet different from how early fandoms used the internet?
I agree with you a great deal. I think a lot of this plays into the idea of Web 2.0. Technology evolves with the way we use it. At some point, the internet became a great way to exchange ideas about media. However, now as we create more of the media, there grows a greater grey area.
ReplyDeletePeople are no longer orbiting around areas of interest (TV shows, cooking, etc.), they're actively playing a role in their progression. If a fan runs on stage in the middle of a play and starts reciting or adapting lines, that would be intrusive or possibly destructive. However, that line between performer and consumer is starting to disappear on the internet. People no longer fit set roles.
I think my own use of the web bears a good deal of similarity to fandom -- I seek out and participate in communities based on mutual shared interests. But there's more to the net than connecting, I think. Fandom has always seemed "enjoyable" in terms of how we think of it... and not everything on the internet is such a joy! Curious to know what others think!
ReplyDelete