And the Band Plays On - Fandom and Continuity

Yeah, just what the world needs. Another bundle of loosely connected thoughts on the nature of fandom and the eternal question of what separates the self-proclaimed media fan from the non-fan. Let the wacky theorist begin... *g*

Intro: The Missing Chord

Regardless of their respective emphases, many theories about the key elements of fandom as a cultural community evolve around three basic roots: 1) a deep, heartfelt love for the source material, 2) the wish to exchange toughts and opinions with other like-minded people, 3) active or passive delight in creative expression.

Although I agree that these are indeed the central aspects of fannish life, two recent coincidences have made me ponder whether there might still be another essential element, running beneath the surface and holding the whole thing together as a warm, vibrant keynote; namely [insert overly pompous brass fanfare here *g*] the fan's subconcious wish for certain kind of continuity.


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