Fandom Definitions

Here are just a few definitions to help you
understand what fandom is all about.

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General Definitions

Ep or Episode

Short for 'episode' or an episode of the show or program the fan is interested in.

Fan

Short for Fanatic. Anyone who likes a particular television program, movie, book, book series, actor or actress, director, etcetera, and who wants to find out more about them or collects memorabilia about them.

Fandom

The television program, book, movie, etcetera, in which you are most interested. Also, a generic term for all fandoms, instead of a single one. Example: I am in fandom. My favorite fandom is ____ (fill in the blank)

Fen

Anyone in fandom. Could be considered singular or plural. Example: I am fen. We are all fen.

Newby or Newbie

Any new fan. Anyone new to fandom, or attending their first con, buying their first zines, etcetera.

Poems

Poetry written by fans about their favorite subject in fandom (usually a character or characters).

Filk

A poem set to music. Usually sung in accompaniment to harps, guitars, or even accapella. A folk song. Some times a filk may be a parody set to some currently popular tune, it might be serious, romantic, or funny.

Filking

The act of singing filks.

FanFic, Fanfic, or Fic

Fictional stories, scripts, poems, or filks written by fans for fans. The fanfic is inspired by the author's favorite movie, television show, novel, or comic.

Mundane

Anyone who is not in fandom, never has been a part of fandom, and / or probably has no idea what fandom is.

IDIC

Literally: Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations. It's from the Original Star Trek series from the planet Vulcan, and is part of the philosophy underlying Vulcan belief systems.

In fandom, it is a code of honor defining how fans should treat each other and those around them, whether they are fen or mundane.

Fen are supposed to treat each other, and mundanes, with respect and courtesy at all times. They should respect the viewpoint and beliefs of  others, even if they are in contrast to their own. They should listen respectfully, and should expect to be heard with equal respect. Fen should understand that not everyone shares their passion for a particular fandom, and should moderate their enthusiasm accordingly.

Many fen  are of different or alternate belief systems or lifestyles than society's main stream, but they all should be treated with respect.

There's more, but I don't have the official version handy. I'm sure if you went to some of the Trek sites, you'd find it there.

Basically, IDIC is this:
1)    Treat others as you would like to be treated.
2)    Treat everyone with respect and courtesy, whether they
           deserve it or not.
3)    Always be honest in your dealings with others, and let them
           know you expect honesty in return.
4)    Do no be rude -- to anyone.
5)    Always be kind and helpful.
6)    Do not badger someone with an opposing opinion to try to
           get them to change their mind.
7)    Remember the Boy Scout motto. Gotcha! <g> Actually, it
           wouldn't be a bad idea.

[General Definitions]   [Zine And Story Definitions]
[Convention Definitions]   [Newbie's Convention Guide]
[Do's And Don'ts At Conventions And On Sets]
[A List of Conventions To Go To]

For Mom 1922-1998

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Last Updated November 17, 2002
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