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Top 5 Signs You’re a Fanboy (or Fangirl)

Top 5 Signs You’re a Fanboy (or Fangirl)

Fanboy is a term with an imprecise definition. We all have our own interpretation of it and, when we use it, we are either using it as a term of derision or as a term of endearment. Some of us self-identify as fanboys.

The term itself mostly denotes the sort of fan who possesses an impressive, noticeable love for something. Are you on the fanboy spectrum and, if so, what kind of fanboy are you? Here are some possible symptoms ranging from positive in nature to downright toxic.

Image Credit: AshleyNicholsArt

You’re a Scholar When It Comes to Your Thing

You’re a Scholar When It Comes to Your Thing

You simply can’t get enough material regarding the thing you love. You spend hours on the thing’s wiki, you read the supplementary content, and you listen to every interview with the thing’s creator. Eventually, you may even know more about the content than the person who made it. It seems strange but it does happen. Creators sometimes forget. Fanboys are then able (and likely) to explain, at length, why something is inaccurate. They may even cite their sources.

There’s nothing wrong with this side of fanboyism. In fact, it is evidence of a person’s ability to acquire an impressive amount of knowledge on a topic that has both breadth and depth. Basically, they can become an expert and being aware of that capability inspires confidence.

You Could Defend Things You Love with Your Life.

You Could Defend Things You Love with Your Life.

Do you perceive a slight against the thing you love? Then you must not hold your tongue. In fact, you can’t. Some form of criticism has arisen where none should exist and if someone attacks the thing then, basically, they are attacking you.

This isn’t a good fan trait. For one, it takes a toll and requires a lot of time that just isn’t fruitful. It is also appears to be impulsive, obsessive behavior. It is okay if someone doesn’t like the thing. What is important is that enjoy the thing. If you find that you are prone to taking offense at criticism of the thing, then self-examination can be helpful. Why does an attack on a product that isn’t you offend you?

You Might Attack the Opposing Thing

You Might Attack the Opposing Thing

Uh-oh, it looks like a different thing, often regarded as the competitor to your thing, is doing a good job at something. That can’t be. There must be something stupid or bad about the supposed good thing and you will make sure everyone knows. Does that thing have something your thing doesn’t? You didn’t want that thing anyway.

Often, this is a case of sour grapes among fans. It is often closely tied with the need to defend something. I believe that is why the “console wars” are named as such. It is fanboys attacking one another, and it makes sense; video game systems are expensive and, in part, what people are defending is the choice they had to make when shopping. But it often looks very silly and can devolve into extremely toxic behavior.
Remember Bioshock ? You know, that really good game? When it first came out, it was a platform exclusive and it was a divisive topic. Now everybody has access to it and people seem to like it just fine.

You Collect the Things

You Collect the Things

Do you have every installment in a thing’s series? Do you have shelves full of figurines? How about your t-shirts? Are they properly representing the thing you love? Then, in all likelihood, you are a fanboy.

I remember back when Suncoast was around in the 90’s. They sometimes had nerdy figurines which was exciting for me because it was otherwise difficult to find collectibles for the things I liked. Now things have changed. The market has realized that nerds love spending and collecting and it is now easier than ever to collect cool shit. Just look at all the vinyl pop stuff. I, personally, haven’t taken the plunge on those things but if they make Final Fantasy or Sandman stuff, then I will go broke.

You Possess an Unrivaled Passion

You Possess an Unrivaled Passion

It’s cool to care about things. If I meet someone who loves something, even if I don’t love the thing, I get excited to hear them talk about it. It is endearing. And when I love a thing and I find out someone else loves the same thing, I get excited. When two hardcore fans meet up, it can be a beautiful thing. You might see them talking fast, shooting off on tangents, and reveling in the joy of talking to someone who can appreciate all the random trivia a hardcore fan has acquired.

On the flip side, too much passion can be a bad thing. At a point, it can become obsession. You may end up over collecting when it isn’t financially viable. You may spend way too much time with the thing. It may take priority over other important aspects of life.

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