Oh, fandoms. We're in them. We love them. Well...sometimes. Being in fandoms can be great, but it can also be draining. Some reasons fandoms are awesome are listed below.
1. Merch
Clothes. Plushies. Action figures. Accessories. Dishes. Posters. Rare collectibles- the list can go on. Having merch is awesome to display our enthusiasm as fans (plus, it's the closest we'll get to having our favorite fictional characters here with us).
2. Fanart
Whether it's a picture/painting (like the one above that a friend of mine drew and can be found on her Tumblr), cosplay, music, fanfiction, or some other creation, fanart is amazing. Not only does it add to the enjoyment of the fandom overall, but it also allows people to display their talent and creativity. Social media makes it easy for fanart to be displayed and admired by thousands; people can even sell their art and use it as a stepping stone to creating original art. Just respect the artists and give feedback, please; we live off that.
3. Cons
Conventions are great to buy merchandise, meet other fans/celebrities/artists, cosplay, and just hang out with friends. If you've never been to a con, I highly suggest you go.
4. Community
Geeking out with people who love the same shows/movies/games/music as you in real life and on the internet- what's better than that??
5. Representation
In fandoms, some people can be ecstatic or even empowered that they're represented in a positive light in a show or movie. It can even create dialogue and help spread awareness beyond the fandom. Fans can even create headcanons (personal ideas/opinions) about characters to help certain groups gain more representation.
Usually, being in a fandom is a lot of fun, but other times, you wanna either be sad you're in it, disassociate yourself from it, or smack about half the fandom for the following reasons.
1. Merch
Sadly, merch is expensive. Unless you have a well-paying job or it's your birthday/Christmas, you probably won't be getting a lot. Even though it's expensive, the good thing is that it'll always be around (and probably discounted the longer it's out).
2. Ship Hate
Dear God. This. Not liking ships in a fandom is fine. Telling others that their ship is stupid, calling them stupid, or sending violent/threatening messages is NEVER okay, especially over something fictional.
3. General Disrespect/Rudeness
I'm not quite sure why people in the same fandom are rude/hostile to each other. Like, seriously, our love for fictional characters and stories aren't worth fighting over.
4. Arrogance
No fandom is superior to another, and just because you may have more knowledge about certain aspects of the fandom than others doesn't mean you can treat others as inferior or as "not true fans." If you're in the same fandom, try to get along and help others get even more excited for what they love, too. Fandoms should be more like a loving, dysfunctional family than an exclusive club.
5. Over-zealousness
Excitement is cool in a fandom, but sometimes it's a bit much (and by a bit I mean way too much). Try not to overwhelm/scare others with your enthusiasm. You don't have to actually scream about your favs every time someone mentions them. Of course, if someone wants to get super excited with you, then by all means have fun. Just be considerate of others in each process.
