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Revision as of 19:39, 27 February 2005 by Piotrus (talk | contribs) (link conventions)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Keen aficionados of any phenomenon such as authors, hobbies, ideologies, genres or fashions can collectively manifest as fandom. Fans (or the plural fen) typically are interested in even minor details of the object of their fandom; this is what differentiates them from those with only casual interest. The objects of fandom are typically artistic, sporting or entertainment related. For example, it would not be usual to refer to an accountant who is really interested in the details of accounting to be a "fan" of accounting. Fandom members often attend various fan conventions, like the science fiction convention.
Fandom can also refer to the community of fans (usually online) who all share a fandom. These communities are often online, especially for less well known source material, but can also exist in the real world. "That forum is the biggest in the fandom"
A derogatory term for a member of fandom is "fanboy" or "fangirl".
The term "fandom" is particularly associated with fans of the science fiction and fantasy genres.
Many fans also write fan fiction, stories based around the universe and characters of their chosen fandom.