Henry Jenkins - fandom and participatory culture

 

Henry Jenkins

Factsheet #107 - Fandom

1) What is the definition of a fan?

A fan is a person with an extreme and uncritical enthusiasm.

2) What the different types of fan identified in the factsheet?

. Hardcore fan

. Newbie

. Anti-fan

3) What makes a ‘fandom’?

A ‘passion that binds enthusiasts in the manner of people who share a secret — this secret just happens to be shared with millions of others.’

4) What is Bordieu’s argument regarding the ‘cultural capital’ of fandom?

Bordieu argues a kind of ‘cultural capital’ which confers a symbolic power and status for the fan, especially within the realm of their fandom.

5) What examples of fandom are provided on pages 2 and 3 of the factsheet?

. Fan art for Sherlock Holmes

. Liverpool bedsheets

6) Why is imaginative extension and text creation a vital part of digital fandom?

It is this which distinguishes fans from ordinary consumers.

Tomb Raider and Metroid fandom research

1) What types of content are on offer in this fansite?

. Walkthrough

. Locations

. Trophies & Achievements

. Enemies

. Games

. Weapons

. Characters

. Screenshots

2) What does the number of links and content suggest about the size of the online fan community for Tomb Raider and Lara Croft?

The website allows you to play games and watch films which demonstrates how larger the fandom is and all the different ways they have to interact.

1) Look at the Community Spotlight page. What does this suggest about the types of people who enjoy and participate in fan culture?

2) There is a specific feature on Metroid Prime 2: Echoes. What do the questions from fans tell you about the level of engagement and interest in the game and franchise from the fan community?