Anyone else feel this way?
So for some reason, I feel like I can’t really enjoy being in a fandom or can’t really join a fandom if I join late.
Like for example, becoming a fan of a band like 5 years after they debuted or something, feels impossible to me.
I also have a game that I really, really like, called Genshin impact. It has influenced me in terms of art, storytelling, and so much more. I am someone who clearly likes the game, as I have quite a lot of merchandise of it, and I will talk about it endlessly if given the chance.
Yet, I feel like I’m not AS MUCH of a fan compared to those who started playing right at release. Genshin released in September 2020, I downloaded it in December 2020, and only started fully playing it in march 2021. I missed out on quite a few events that debuted at the start of the game, though I know what happened in them, bcos I watched playthroughs on YouTube. But still, I feel sad that I couldn’t experience them for myself. I feel like I’m not as much of a fan compared to those that played since the game released, and have some of the exclusive namecards and weapons that were given out at the start of the game.
I know I can’t do anything about the time I started playing them game, but I really wish I would stop feeling so upset about not starting earlier, and I also wish i would stop feeling like I’m less of a fan compared to those who started at the game’s release.
@Silentlywishing
I get what you mean! I think it's a lot about fan culture. Such as 'gatekeeping.' Often fans who join later are criticized for not discovering the artist, games, movie, etc... early on. Some earlier fans may hold a lot of pride for discovering the thing first.
I think it's helpful to remember that being in a fandom longer, does not mean you love it more. And fandoms are all about sharing what you love with a like-minded community<3💛💫
Thank you so much for your answer! And yes, I should remind myself that being in a fandom later doesn’t mean I love it any less :D
@Silentlywishing
Exactly! I'm glad you've found something you love and to fan over about! It's wonderful to have interests and passions! :)
I totally agree, it's so rare to be one of the first people to discover something anyway 😊
hi @Silentlywishing ! I totally get where you're coming from. I've recently adopted the hobby of collecting Funko Pops and there's times where I'll feel like such a poser. In time I've been able to reframe my thinking of being intimidated to, "whoa I got so much to learn". Maybe you just need to remove yourself from that type of negativity and find a more friendly bunch, I would assume that real fans welcome newbies and would love to talk and teach (At least I'm the way when it comes things I'm a superfan of, like Harry Potter or Game of Thrones).