Fandom At The Crossroads: Celebration, Shame and Fan/Producer Relationships

I've been a fan of Supernatural since it debuted 8 years ago and been involved in the fandom aspect of it for all of those 8 years. As far as behind-the-scenes stories, conventions, the cast/crew and the goings on within the fandom --I know quite a lot about it so I was fairly certain I would enjoy this book but not necessarily learn anything new.However, I was happily surprised to find that wasn't the case. The fan-fiction world of the SPN fandom, which know about in a general sense, but don't really participate in, was a part of the book I was most fascinated by. The psychology of why fans write and read it was very illuminating. The book covers this in much detail--from general fan-fic to the more, shall we say, controversial kind. :)It also covers the downside of fandom. Yes, we don't always get along, but the topic is discussed with respect, objectivity and clarity. Thumbs up.There are also some wonderful interview snippets with Supernatural cast members about fame and the fandom. I especially enjoyed Jared Padalecki's insights.On a literary level, kudos goes to authors Lynn Zubernis and Kathy Larsen for approaching this topic in such an entertaining, accessible way so as not to leave non-academics readers scratching their heads. Granted, your head may spin reading some of it, but don't let the references to psychology scholars scare you...this is NOT a bland text book kind of read.If you're interested in the cultural and/or psychological aspect of the SPN fandom (or fandom in general)that is insightful, intelligent, AND fun--I highly recommend buying this book.

I was very disappointed in this book. It's lack of scholarly depth really suprised me. There were no statistcs to support their theories. Their pool of interviewees on the fan side was small. There was far to heavy a focus on slash and insufficient focus on other aspects of fandom like the save our shoe, and charity efforts. The questions asked of the show runners don't even really touch on the impact an avid fan base might have to the bottom line. I think the problem lies with the fact that the author's the backgrounds are in literature and psychology and not sociology. It becomes cringeworthy obvious how weak this book is when you compare it to books like "Heat Wave: a Social Autopsy of Disaster in Chicago" or "The History and Sociology of Genocide". On the plus side, if you are a fan It does make feel good. However I would save your money and read "Fangasm" by the same authors instead, it produces the same effect and is a more enjoyable read.

Very insightful look at the fan experience , These ladies know what the fandom is about and understand it from the inside as well as having the educational background to see it objectively. It is an easy read, not just for academics, but I would encourage them to read it to if they are interested in just how fandoms work. Being fairly new to fandom,myself this was a help to me, fandoms are not one big fandom that always agree, There are some very intelligent people that love this show -Supernatural on the CW and provide well thought out analysis. Fandom is not just for a select few, it is for everyone who loves the show..

Really enjoyed this book that mixes the academic with pop culture. Helped me to understand parts of the Supernatural fandom that I found confusing and sometimes downright odd!Can't wait to read the new book Fangasm.

Nice to know that I am not the only one with an obsession. An in depth look in to the lives of some of Supernatural's most obsessive fans.

Must read for any fan

Eres fan de SPN, pues a que estás esperando?¿Ves la serie pero no formas parte del fandom? ¡Pues ya te estas tardando!Una forma de conectar con otras personas que son como tu y descubrir que no eres un/a incomprendido/a a pesar de que tu familia no entienda cuanto te apasiona ir de convención, y si nunca has ido a una, aquí te cuentas como es.