Doctor Who. Anime. PBR. Why are we into the things we’re into? The modern rise in nerd culture has changed the way we think about fans and the way they act.
Geekiness, once a mark of stigma, has transformed into an important focus for
creators, marketers, and a million internet celebs.
Fandom is the study of the communities that form around popular culture, whether based on a shared love of Star Wars, the New York Yankees, Taylor Swift, or 3D printing. Good fan management can lead to hordes of adoring, evangelical users; bad fan interactions can spell shame and embarrassment. From Pokemon to Air Jordans, this class explores the influences and motivations that have lead to the current renaissance in fandom. We chart the evolution of fan culture as a social and economic force, from early 15th century religious manias to its present rebirth in the age of digital connectivity and anonymity. Commercialization, appropriation, monetization, love-bombing, all of these are important tools for any project creator who wants to inspire large groups of people to do their bidding.

By Zoe Fraade-Blanar