Fandoms

Fandoms are organized communities of fans centered on a particular work, creator, character, or genre. They form around films, books, television series, video games, or broader intellectual properties, and can span multiple media and languages. Notable examples include Star Wars, Star Trek, Harry Potter, and various anime and gaming communities.

Fandoms develop through shared interest and participatory culture. Fans create and exchange fan fiction, fan art, videos, mods, and wikis; they propose theories, translate content, and discuss canon and spin-offs. Collaborative projects like fan wikis and asset libraries help sustain collective knowledge.

Most fandom activity takes place online, on forums, social media, dedicated wikis, and streaming or video platforms. Offline, fans gather at conventions, screenings, cosplay events, and fan-run clubs. These activities cultivate identities and social belonging.

Fandoms are governed by informal norms and codes of conduct. They can be inclusive and supportive, but may also experience gatekeeping, harassment, or clashes over interpretation and representation. Debates about canon, characterization, and the handling of sensitive topics are common.

Copyright and intellectual property shape fandom practice. Fan works are usually transformative and based on licensed material, raising questions of fair use and rights holder policies. Some creators encourage fan engagement; others request takedowns or licensing agreements.

Fandoms have cultural and economic impact, driving fan labor, conventions, and merchandising. They are also studied in academia as fan studies, media theory, and sociology. Ethical considerations include consent, representation, and the well-being of participants.