Fandom Personality Reader: What Type Of Fan Are You?

Being a fan means something different to everyone. So, it only makes sense that all fans have unique connections to fan culture and how they interact with the fandom world. If you have personally been apart of a fandom, you’ve probably interacted with a wide variety of fans. One of the many reasons that fan spaces are special is that they allow people and fans of the “thing” to bond over shared interests. However, sometimes people might feel they’re not “enough” of a fan or don’t fit in with the fandom.

But the truth is that there are infinite ways for people to express their love for a fandom, and there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Just because you’re not a fan in the same way as someone else doesn’t invalidate you. Finding out where you fall on the massive fan spectrum can help you understand more about yourself and the way you personally partake in fan culture. Your fandom personality is a unique part of yourself that pops out when you’re spending time in a fandom you enjoy. In a way, it’s your expression of passion and excitement. So, what type of fan are you, and what does it say about you?

The ‘Incognito’ Fan

As the name might suggest, the Incognito Fan is elusive and notoriously hard to spot (an alternate name is the Camouflage Fan). The Incognito Fan probably runs a massive Twitter or Tumblr page dedicated to their fandom, but nobody in real life knows they even like that band/book/show/movie. The Incognito Fan is most likely a night owl; they love to make art. They have many notebooks that they never use; they may also have subtle fandom memorabilia in their room, like a small figurine or a poster with a vague reference.

If the Incognito Fan hears something about their fandom out in public, they probably get embarrassed and have to restrain themselves from becoming visibly excited. They also use the puppy-dog eyes emoji way too much — if you identify with the behaviors of the Incognito Fan, good for you! Your secret life as a superfan is admirable. Just remember that it’s okay to talk about your interests — you don’t have to hide them if you don’t want to!

The ‘Just the Movies’ Fan

Just the Movies Fans are usually a little late to the party. Their friends probably made them watch the show/movie years after it came out, and they hopped on the bandwagon after it already stopped. They probably dress up as their favorite character for Halloween, and they’re definitely in love with at least one of the actors. Just the Movies Fans typically have a bit of a sweet tooth and are more left-brained than right-brained. They are motivated by a desire to get the full fandom experience and not be considered.

When talking with other fans, they drop as much information as possible to prove they know what they’re talking about. They’ve probably been told to read the books a million times, but they can’t seem to do it. It’s likely that they started and never finished — they probably even tried the audiobooks. If you’re a Just the Movies Fan, more power to you! You might get some heat for not knowing the books-only lore, but you’re still a totally valid fan. You belong in your fandom!

The ‘Avant Garde’ Fan

They liked that band/book/show/movie way before you or anyone else knew about it. More commonly found in music fandoms, the Avant-Garde Fan prides itself on having impeccable taste and a knack for scouting out the next big hits. Their aesthetic is either alt-grunge or cottagecore hipster. They probably have laptop stickers, an uncommon allergy, and a super niche hobby, like archery. They have a Pinterest board (or 10) with fandom-related pictures, and they probably fantasize about going backpacking or on a long road trip. Even though they’re quite book-smart, they sometimes lack common sense.

If you’re the Avant-Garde Fan, how does it feel to be the coolest person in the room? No, seriously. It’s good to be the king, but remember to be nice to everyone who’s not on your level yet—it’s not their fault. Also, you should probably organize your closet.

The ‘Fight Me’ Fan

The Fight Me Fan probably sees their band/book/show/movie as a huge comfort, which is why they’re so protective of it. It goes without saying that the Fight Me Fan knows every piece of trivia under the sun, and they likely joined the fandom at a young age. They’re probably internet friends with the Incognito Fan. Fight Me Fans don’t do anything by halves inside the fandom and out of it—they’re fiercely loyal and almost always caffeinated. However, they’re also compassionate, and when people criticize their band/book/show/movie, they take it as a personal insult. They’re definitely no stranger to Twitter fights.   

If you’re the Fight Me Fan, you should be feared and loved! Your enthusiasm and determination are beautiful things — just remember that it’s okay if other people don’t share your fandom opinions or like the same media as you. It doesn’t make your interests any less valid!    

The ‘Middle of the Road’ Fan

Also known as the Casual Fan, the Middle of the Road Fan genuinely enjoys the band/book/show/movie, but it’s not essential to them, and they don’t consider it to be one of their favorites. There might be one song or character that they’re super attached to, but the other kind of blends together. Middle of the Road Fans are generally pretty easygoing. When their friends decide where to get takeout from, they probably say, “Whatever you want! I’m good with anything.” Middle of the Road Fans also tend to feel intimidated when talking to fans who are more deeply invested than themselves. There’s one quote from the fandom that they use all the time, but that’s all they’ve got.

If you’re a Middle of the Road Fan, that’s great! Don’t feel like you have to be a superfan in order to enjoy something. It’s fine to just chill.

The ‘Hot and Cold’ Fan

This the fan who fluctuates drastically on the spectrum — one day, they might be the Fight Me Fan, and the next, they might be Middle of the Road. They’re constantly accumulating new interests so that certain fandoms might fall on the back burner now and then. Multitasking is their middle name, and they constantly seem to be juggling a crazy amount of projects. Yet, they always pull it off and manage to be put-together nearly all the time. Those with the Hot and Cold fandom personality probably binge watches shows and makes super-specific playlists. When it comes to texting, they either reply immediately or respond a year later.

If you’re a Hot and Cold Fan, that’s awesome! Having your levels of interest change over time doesn’t make you a fake fan — it’s totally normal, and there will always be a place for you!

The ‘Decoy’ Fan

If you’re a decoy fan, you pride yourself on tricking others into thinking you’re a bigger fan of something than you actually are. These people have only watched the first episode or have only heard the band’s biggest hit. Like the Middle of the Road Fan, the Decoy Fan has a few tidbits of knowledge that they like to flaunt, but that’s about it. However, the Decoy Fan will never admit that they’re not a hardcore fan. They don’t feel intimidated when talking to Fight Me Fans and the like because they’re experts at faking it until they make it. They’ll nod and smile and be just vague enough to slide safely under that radar.

If this is you, you’re truly a master of disguise! Decoy Fans are a powerful bunch and would absolutely be able to pass a lie detector test. Just know that it’s okay to not know as much about a fandom as other people — you don’t have to pretend!

The ‘Sign Me Up’ Fan

This particular fan knows exactly what they want. Rather than having a favorite show, the Sign Me Up Fan has a specific genre that they occupy. Often found in the fandom sectors of sci-fi or fantasy, the Sign Me Up Fan will consume any media in their favorite genre without question. The details of the show aren’t as important as getting their fill of the desired media. They’re here for the tropes, for the action, for the guarantee of going on an adventure firmly rooted in the classic elements of the genre. Even if the Sign Me Up Fan knows that a given show isn’t very good, they’re still fully entertained by it. They’re not necessarily easy to please, but if all their favorite ingredients are there, it’s guaranteed to be a good ride!

If you’re the Sign Me Up Fan, that’s great! You’re loyal to your genre, and your dedication is awesome. Be confident in your taste in media!

The ‘Critic Fan’

Essentially, the Critic Fan in the fandom personality bracket thinks it would have turned out better if they were in charge. It’s frustrating for them that the reality of the band/book/show/movie doesn’t match their vision. Although they love the foundation, they have a lot of issues with the finer points. They’ve probably been called a “tough love” kind of person. Critic Fans tend to be perfectionists and hold themselves and others to a very high standard. They may have considered being a producer at some point. The Critic Fan has a really odd system of organization that somehow works perfectly, and they probably own a pair of combat boots. Their friends know they’ll always get an honest opinion from them.

If you’re a Critic Fan, good for you! You’re a born leader and aren’t afraid to tell it like it is. Just remember that a piece of media doesn’t need to be perfect in order for it to be enjoyable.

Which Fandom Personality Are You?

Of course, this is just a slice of the great fandom personality spectrum, so the possibilities are infinite. The “fan” parts of ourselves are very personal, and they’re something we should be in touch with. Being part of a fandom is a special thing — if we let it, it’s something that can change us and our lives for the better. Being a fan is an identity that grows and develops as you do, so nothing is set in stone. Having an understanding of the way you personally engage with fandom can give you unique insight into yourself.