Bitz 'N' Blogs with CJ Cross

(A/N : This blog is written in the name of fun. I mean no offence to anyone in writing this)

There’s something that’s been rolling around in my brain since the Outlander series ended (That was 874 years ago .. Well, that’s what it feels like to me anyway) and today I thought I’d tackle that something in the form of this weeks blog.

As you can tell by the title – Which type of fandom partner are you?

For context: Your girlfriend/boyfriend/ spouse/husband/ wife is neck deep into a fandom. Whether it’s books, a TV show, a film franchise, music or musical, game or genre of anything – you’ve fallen madly in love and can’t imagine your life without them in it. They’re your person in all things. They’re your always and forever. Everything is going great guns until one day – BAM- they’ve fallen down a fandom rabbit hole and have no intention of ever climbing out.

The question is, how do you handle their fandom obsession?

I have come up three types of “Fandom Partner” and trust me when I tell you, regardless whether you want to or not, you will find yourself in one of these categories eventually. Falling into a category doesn’t make you a bad person. You’re still a decent person. This is purely from my own observations ( as someone who has been part of various fandom spaces over the years) and my attempt to explain what I’ve seen during my time in fandoms.

Ready? Here we go!

1. ALL IN FLYNN

An ALL IN FLYNN is the type of person who takes one look at their significant other and decides then and there to join them down the rabbit hole.

You’ll find yourself becoming so involved, that even the one who found the fandom first, can’t help but gush to all their fandom friends that “They’re even more obsessed than I am!” or ” I am so lucky that my significant other is with me in this!” The two of you will go everywhere together. To every event, to every convention, to every meet and greet and every fan held function around the globe. You’ll share the same friends, you’ll cos play together, you’ll buy all the merch (including limited editions of things or the same things in several different colours) and chances are, you’ll create content that gets you a whole ton of extra attention from all four corners of the fandom-sphere. Your home will be decked out with fandom memorabilia and you’ll stand side by side and support each other should the shit hit the fan ( as it often does in the fandom space, regardless of what it is) the two of you will ride at dawn, on your metaphorical horse, with your swords drawn ready to defend the realm unto death. You know the hills you will die on by name and you’re not in the slightest bit sorry either. 10/10 no notes

2. SIDELINE SUSAN

If you’ve managed to get your hands on a SIDELINE SUSAN – they’ve similar energy to an ALL IN FLYNN except they’re quieter about it.

A sideline Susan is exactly as the category suggests. On the sidelines. OK, so you don’t go to every fandom related event on the calendar but every once in a while you’ll go to something, just to make your significant other happy. But mostly, you prefer to stay out of the spotlight. You’re the kind of person who, should your significant other wish to create content, you’ll go all out and buy all of the equipment required – complete with all the bells and whistles- just so your fandom obsessed other half can create something wonderful. You may not even like the thing they’re obsessing over but, you understand that *the thing* is important to them and so, you simply nod and smile while they spend hours talking about the latest fandom drama that’s got their attention.

As far as the merch goes? Behind closed doors, you roll your eyes while you mutter ” Dear God, not again! I swear they’ll send us broke” as you sit reading the latest credit card statement. But to their face you say that you’ve got no issues with what they’re buying but just ” take it easy” and remind them gently that money doesn’t grow on trees.

Having said that, you really can’t be to judgemental because you’re also aware on how much you’ve spent on said fandom obsession in the name of happiness. Being on the sidelines, you’ve become an expert on walking that fine line between casual spectator and full on player. It’s a skill not many people can possess. You Sideline Susans have mastered the art and thats nothing to be sneezed at.

And finally, while you won’t ride directly into the fray, if and when the fandom space becomes to much (which it does at least 75% of the time) you’ll be there with an empathetic ear, a warm blanket, a cup of hot coco with a box of tissues on standby.

3. Grumblebum Gary

Grumblebum Gary.

In the unfortunate event you’ve found yourself in possession of one of these, I’m afraid you’re in for a rough time

You guys are literally the worst type of people when it comes to anyone you know belonging to a fandom. Regardless how happy the person is being part of said fandom thing, you’re quietly seething and turning into the green eyed monster because their attention is focused on something other than you.

You’ll make with passive – aggressive comments should the situation present itself and take great pleasure in reminding your person that fandoms are toxic and that anyone involved in a fandom is monumentally stupid.

Fandom Merch? Outrageously expensive and all they’re doing is pissing money up against a wall

Attending fandom events? Even to make your significant other happy? Fuck no! You’d rather set your genitals on fire or shit in your hands and clap!

As far as you’re concerned, being involved in a fandom is a complete load of bollocks and should be left in the bin where it belongs

In the event the shit hits the fan? Well, you’ll just tell them “I told you so” and “You’ll get no sympathy from me” before going about the rest of your day

Your motto is ” Saw a fandom – took a shit on it” and the less said about that, the better.

So, there you have it folks. The three types of fandom partners.

Which one are you with?

Thanks for reading,

Ceej