Fandom

• "The behavioural patterns of fans can often be related to the behaviour of those who practice any form of religion or faith. The intensity of the fandom differentiates between each person and can range anywhere from the die-hard fan to the occasional follower. However, the most interesting similarity between both faith and music is the way both uniquely shape and develop the ideas and understandings of those who follow these idols. Those who adore certain idols will often take the messages of their idol at face value, hoping to be more like the person they idolise." 
• "The relationship between fans and professionals in these genres has always been close, and the evolution of the genres cannot be fully described without including fan history as well... Fan culture had its own language, sometimes can "fan speak", where words and phrases have been adapted to create a jargon that only other fans fully understand, and there are also rules of society to fandom (for example levels of hierarchy within the community and dress codes). Fans create their own forms of literature and art called "fan fiction" and "fan art" respectfully, and even have their own form of music, called filk songs... [Role Playing Games] a group of fans would come together to physically act out or write in the point of view of a particular character... The crossover between fandoms has not lessened since Warner's time, and the lines between fandoms have blurred even more over time... Although predominately believed to be a genre by and for men, science fiction fandom has increasingly been dominated by women for the last half century... the ways in which the internet is impacting both the fans and how fandom operates... Jenkins calls fans 'Textual Poachers', a term commonly used in fandom research, because they 'construct their own culture from borrowed materials'. "