Not too long ago, I rediscovered an image that I had saved years ago. Obviously, at the time, it hit me enough that I saved it but I did not do anything with it. I guess I was not sure what to do with it until now. How many of you have seen this:
When I rediscovered it, I’m sure my reaction was exactly like it had been when I first saw it. I laughed I found it funny. After all, I suspect that I might fit that description. My evidence? I have been involved in this website for almost a decade now. That should be enough proof. If you want more, I confess that there have been times when it has been all Duran, all the time, especially when preparing and being on tour. So, I laughed. It is important to be able to laugh at myself, right? Healthy even? I hope so!
But, what if this type of thing was directed at me by someone else? Would I find it equally funny? Well, I would if it was Rhonda. Absolutely. For sure. After all, she has been on this journey with me, to a large extent. What about another Duranie? Is that Duranie my friend? Then, I would still laugh. A non-friend? Nope. I think I would still be okay with a fan in another fandom. But I would draw the line at non-fans. They don’t get it. Yes, I’m a little sensitive but the stigma that fans receive is real. What about the rest of you? Would you laugh? Cry? Get angry? Something else?
On a slightly different but related topic, do you even relate to the image? Do you feel like fandom has consumed your soul at times? Maybe it is just me. If so, maybe, don’t tell me. I’d like to think I’m not the only weirdo in the bunch. What about those of you who are in multiple fandoms? Do you find that some consume your soul more than others? If so, why is one(s) so much more intense than others? Oh…fandom. You never cease to make me think.
-A
I love this topic and here’s my 2 Canadian cents to this ! I love being part of a fandom, there is no shame for me on this but what I do not like (even dislike) in a fandom is the jealousy and the “ownership” of the guys by those fans. I love sharing stories and adventures and concerts with other fans until those other fans makes you feel like you are NOT good enough to hang out with them. You are not a “good enough” fan to be part of their “group”. Only certain fans can be part of that “special” group because they met the guys several times and the guys knows them and would not want to be seen with another Duranie fan that is not to their level. Yes, that’s my honest truth with fandom and that is not only with DD, I have tried to be part of other fandom with the same or even worse experience that made me feel like I do not want to even attend a show of that band because of the fandom. Finding other fans that are open, happy and fun to be around, I would be there in a heartbeat. Getting to know those ones who if you tell them you are a Roger fan and they will tell you “you cannot like him because he is my fave” that is the main and major turn off of a fandom.
You bring up a good point. There is the judgment from those outside of the fandom and the judgment from within. The within one is definitely more harmful. -A
I thought the image, or more likely the quote, funny. Truthful.I am a fan of many things that perhaps consume my soul. But these things bring me joy, fulfillment, and sometimes friends. If another fan said it to me, it would be an acknowledgement of our bond in fandom. If a ‘mundane’ (me and my friends term for non-fans) said it, who cares? I know they will never understand, do not care to understand, and life is too short to explain it to them.
That’s a good attitude to have! -A