With regard to being a fan of something I’d like to paraphrase a tiny bit of an article I just read. It’s behind a Patreon Paywall so I won’t post the whole thing out of respect to their work. If you want the rest look up Jeff May on patreon.
Jeff’s post is directed towards Comics fans specifically and is all about how to be a better fan.*
Quote:
Do you read comics?” question.
*It usually goes one of the following ways:
“Yes, I read comics and I wish to discuss those comics with you right now and possibly in the future.” Hell yeah, new best friend!
* “No, I do not read comics, but I would like to start” with a sense of piqued curiosity.
*”No, I do not read comics” with a sense of slight shame at being called out for being some kind of nerdy imposter.
* “No, I do not read comics, ew, I am being incredibly judgy toward a stranger” with a surprising sense of derision at the idea that they would ever waste their money on something like a comic book.
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So I think To put this in Tolkien Context:
Those who’ve read the books, possibly seen the movies but enjoy discussing it.
Those who’ve seen the movies and want to learn more from the books.
Those who’ve seen the movies and feel put down for not reading the books yet.
And folks that have watched the movies but think reading is too nerdy.
So while yes those in the fourth group exist and are the types of fans I feel are being talked about when talking about being protective I do think the other two types of film fans need to be considered.
I honestly don’t remember if I read the books first or joined the Downs first. I do know I saw the Fellowship first at the very least. I even remember me first introduction to LoTR it was the trailer. When Gandalf says “It wants to be Found” I was hooked, heck I just got a slight chill thinking about that line.
The point is yes there was an influx of new members from the films myself included. And while I know I’ve seen talk of “Legolas Fangirls” and strong opinions on the films I Do think this community was welcoming to those that were willing to learn about this new world opened to them.
I don’t think fans should be Protectors of their passions rather they should be Ambassadors for it.
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Jeff May’s Original Post