The Rise of American Fandom: "Fanatics" Take Interests From Hobby to Lifestyle

The fascinating evolution of fandom has reflected changes in technology, media, and culture. 

Early "Fan"tasies

The roots of modern fandom can be traced back to early science fiction fanzines of the 1930s, where aficionados would pen letters to each other and publish homemade magazines focused on their niche interests. One of the first organized fan clubs formed in the late 1930s was devoted to the pioneering sci-fi author E.E. "Doc" Smith and his Lensman series.

While small in numbers initially, these grassroots communities helped cultivate social ties between geographically distant sci-fi and fantasy lovers. Their growth accelerated after World War II, coinciding with new accessibility to publishing technologies like mimeographs. By the mid-1950s, science fiction fandom had established traditions like annual conventions that persist today.

Early Fan Clubs: Fandoms began with fan clubs in the early 20th century. These clubs often communicated through newsletters and organized events for fans to connect.

Rise of Media Fandoms: The mid-20th century saw the rise of media fandoms, particularly around science fiction and fantasy genres. Shows like “Star Trek” and “Doctor Who” had dedicated fan bases that organized conventions and created fan fiction

The 1960s saw fandom emerge into broader public view through mega-popular franchises. The original Star Trek series, debuting in 1966, assembled perhaps the first large, organized fandom dubbed "Trekkies." Elsewhere, fans of The Man from U.N.C.L.E. formed some of the earliest organized TV appreciators. At this stage, club membership focused heavily on mail correspondence between sparsely connected groups.

A watershed moment for fandom legitimacy arrived in the late 1960s. When Star Trek was canceled after three seasons due to low ratings, fan Bjo Trimble spearheaded a letter-writing campaign that helped convince NBC to renew the seminal series for a third season in 1968—one of the first instances of fan activism tangibly impacting media.

The 1970s marked the expansion of worldwide fandom through the popularity of written works. J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings was completed in this decade, birthing an enduring global fanbase. Conventions evolved into larger multi-day social events attracting thousands, where costuming, filking (music), and fanzine vending became prominent staples.

In the 1980s, videocassettes and affordable personal computers allowed fans to directly access media and connect on early online bulletin boards. The inaugural Generation X also came of age, bringing new demographics to fandom and alternative subcultures. Pioneering groups founded then, like MediaWest (sci-fi) and Outlaw Starship (Star Trek), set the foundations for thriving online communities to come.

Internet and Online Forums: The advent of the Internet in the late 20th century revolutionized fandom. Online forums, Usenet groups, and chat programs like IRC and ICQ allowed fans to connect globally and share their passion.

The internet explosion of the 1990s supercharged fandom's growth potential. Websites, email lists, and Usenet groups blossomed, facilitating international sharing on an unprecedented scale between previously disconnected aficionados. Milestones included one of the first large organized Harry Potter fandoms forming online years before final book releases.

Modern digital fandom truly took hold in the 2000s. Fans gained new modes of highly participatory engagement through platforms facilitating multimedia creativity from music videos to digital art. Fanfiction archives flourished while LiveJournal and Dreamwidth brought community blogging mainstream. Fanvids on YouTube also emerged as a major art form and conversation driver.

Social Media and Digital Platforms: The 21st century brought social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr, further transforming fandom. Fans became active participants, creating and sharing content, influencing the direction of the media they loved

Today's omnipresent social media has empowered fandoms to flourish globally at scale. Fandom permeates mainstream and niche interests across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and dedicated hubs like Tumblr and Archive of Our Own. Industries work to court enthusiastic "fandom markets" that boost commercial success, often through socially driven content. Simultaneously, some movements focus on protecting fans from exploitation or excluding certain demographics.

Participatory Culture: Today, fandoms are characterized by participatory culture. Fans are consumers and creators, producing fan art and fan fiction and influencing media production through campaigns and feedback.

Impact on Media and Culture: Fandoms significantly impact media and culture. They can drive the success of shows, movies, and books and even influence casting decisions and plot developments.

American fandom has grown from humble beginnings in small publications to a massive $74 billion global industry. What started as a group of hobbyists connecting through mail has turned into creative and engaged communities that often speak out on political issues. Fandom is still lively and relevant today because it adapts well to new digital platforms, reaching generations all over the world.