Henry Jenkins - fandom blog tasks

Factsheet #107 - Fandom

1) What is the definition of a fan?

 A fan is a group of people who are interested in a certain topic/genre/activity. They love the media product and have devotion for it.

2) What the different types of fan identified in the factsheet?

 Consumers, Fans, Cultists, Enthusiasts, Petty producers.

3) What makes a ‘fandom’?

 The difference in passion determines fandom. 

4) What is Bordieu’s argument regarding the ‘cultural capital’ of fandom?

 Theres a sense of power and status for being a fan.

5) What examples of fandom are provided on pages 2 and 3 of the factsheet?

Ironic readings- when fans engage in philosophical debates about meanings within their texts.

Rituals and participation- Fans who cosplay and perform as their character of choice

Defy critics- Fans who are outraged with comapanies decisions regarding their media product

Text creation- Fanfiction and creations from fans telling their own stories about the media product


6) Why is imaginative extension and text creation a vital part of digital fandom?

So that fans can feel that they are appreciated and can have their creative ideas shared and acknowledged. This also helps to drive the fanbase.

Henry Jenkins - degree-level reading

Read the final chapter of ‘Fandom’ – written by Henry Jenkins (note: link may be blocked in school - try this Google Drive link if you need it.) This will give you an excellent introduction to the level of reading required for seminars and essays at university as well as degree-level insight into our current work on fandom and participatory culture. Answer the following questions:

1) There is an important quote on the first page: “It’s not an audience, it’s a community”. What does this mean?

 

An audience would refer to groups of people who consume the product or service whereas a community both consumes and produces the product/service with other fans.

2) Jenkins quotes Clay Shirky in the second page of the chapter. Pick out a single sentence of the extended quote that you think is particularly relevant to our work on participatory culture and the ‘end of audience’ (clue – look towards the end!)

 

 "some are calling them “prosumers,” suggesting that as consumers produce and circulate media," This quote reveals that users of the internet and members of participatory culture not only consume content but are actively engaged in producing content for others to see and consume.

3) What are the different names Jenkins discusses for these active consumers that are replacing the traditional audience?

 

Inspiration consumer, Influencers and connectors.

4) On the third page of the chapter, what does Wired editor Chris Anderson suggest regarding the economic argument in favour of fan communities?

 

Companies invest in small niche communities on purpose in order to avoid high cost production whilst building a stronger network with their consumers.

5) What examples does Jenkins provide to argue that fan culture has gone mainstream?

 

He states that fans are ruling the box office, he also says that they have helped shape the gaming industries and that moders are now being hired.

6) Look at the quote from Andrew Blau in which he discusses the importance of grassroots creativity. Pick out a sentence from the longer quote and decide whether you agree that audiences will ‘reshape the media landscape from the bottom up’.

 

"A new generation of media makers and viewers are emerging which could lead to a sea change in how media is made and consumed. " I would agree with this because due to audiences becoming prosumers media that is generated now must be adapted to their prosumers tastes or else media conglomerates will lose out on audiences.

7) What does Jenkins suggest the new ideal consumer is?

 

The new ideal consumer talks up the program and spread words about the brand.

8) Why is fandom 'the future'?

 

The number of fans is evergrowing and this increase in power can disrupt and change industries.

9) What does it mean when Jenkins says we shouldn’t celebrate ‘a process that commodifies fan cultural production’?

 

He means that it is unfair to those such as the fans that have had their content stolen.

10) Read through to the end of the chapter. What do you think the future of fandom is? Are we all fans now? Is fandom mainstream or are real fan communities still an example of a niche media audience?

 

I believe that fandom will grow in size dramatically but will eventually cap off due to people growing out of it.