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Fan Dumb: Difference between revisions
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Taking these fans too seriously is usually a mistake. Although they tend to be louder than the rest of the fanbase combined, [[Vocal Minority|they are usually a decided minority in almost every fandom]] (though they often claim to be a majority). [[Fan Dumb]] also tends to suffer from an extreme case of [[Fan Myopia]], regardless of what kind they are; in any variation, they are often intractably convinced that the views of "the fans" (or perhaps more accurately, their ''personal'' views, which they tend to confuse with the views of fandom as a whole) are both more widespread and more mainstream than in fact they are. If you're a producer, then [[Pandering to The Base|pandering to them]] is usually a good way to make your show crash and burn. And to add insult to injury, they usually won't be very grateful that you were thinking about them, but will instead start whining about how you made the show crash and burn.
See also [[Single
Compare with [[Viewers
Sadly, every fandom has to and/or has had to deal with this and all of its variations...no matter how much they deny it and how much they wish this problem didn't exist. Trust us, these people even annoy the makers of the shows that you like as much as they annoy the rest of us. We admit that even [[TV Tropes]] has its problems with [[Fan Dumb]] of its own. Don't worry, [[Fan Dumb]] are usually just a [[Vocal Minority]]. Keep that in mind if you decide to put this as an example to any media or see this in any media here. [[Silent Majority|Most of them]], including yourself (unless you actually do fit this and you know if you are) are not complete and utter morons and just want to enjoy it like everyone else.
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* '''The Monomaniac''' This is, although not the only type of Fan Dumb by any means, probably the most classic example of it. S/he is [[Serious Business]] taken to the extreme. ''Nothing'' outside of the object of the fandom exists for this person, except perhaps the fandom itself. This means that they will attempt to discuss the object of their adoration every single chance they get, often attempting to twist or divert other discussions to this end, regardless of how awkward or nakedly inappropriate this is ("Yeah, it sucks that your father died; I felt exactly the same way when Captain Magnatron failed to defeat the Zargons in Episode 19"). This often leads them to grossly blow the actual significance of the work in a general context quite out of proportion... and, naturally, leads to nothing but contempt for those who aren't quite as committed to the show as they are, or who (gasp) aren't part of the fandom at all -- don't they realise how ''important'' it is? Naturally, any of the other listed types of [[Fan Dumb]] may find themselves ending up here. Unfortunately, [[Straw Fan|this is the way the vast majority of fandom is portrayed in the media]], which is why we have a trope specifically for that. <ref>A fan whose life revolves around the show, and nothing else. The classic [[Fan Dumb]] variant.</ref>
* The '''Purist''': A fan who has an idealised vision of what the show should be and isn't going to let anything or anyone affect or change that vision... [[Fanon Discontinuity|not even the show itself]]. They tend to react to any changes made in the show's format with [[They Changed It, Now It Sucks|hostility]] and [[Ruined FOREVER|suspicion]]. Although often a fan who's been burned by [[Adaptation Decay]], [[Seasonal Rot]], or obvious [[Merchandise
* The '''Theocrat''': A fan who takes [[Word of God]] to its logical extreme. While some fans take the [[Death of the Author]] and [[Fanon Discontinuity]] concepts too far and call out the creator for things in canon they don't like, some fans simply like to dabble in the occasional bit of [[Fanon Discontinuity]] or perhaps pen an [[Alternate Universe Fic]]. This is something which does not sit well with the Theocrat, who will demand that each and every "true fan" adhere to [[Word of God]] completely. Things such as [[Ship to Ship Combat|expressing support for a non-canon couple]] or casually stating that you don't consider a statement a creator made at a convention about a plot point in the series finale to be part of your personal canon will get you stoned or burned at the stake by these fans, and if you dare write a fanfic that deviates from canon even a tiny bit, expect this fan to bombard you with flames in your review section, even if the fic itself is well-written and compelling. They might even go so far as to flame you for speculation on the series that later gets [[Jossed]], demanding that you go back and delete your own posts if later story revelations contradict what you wrote. <ref>A fan who expects everyone to adhere to [[Word of God]] faithfully and never deviate from it.</ref>
* The '''Elitist''': These fans tend to spring up when the show goes from being a cult favourite to the mainstream. They are often prone to "I judge you if you like..." or "I judge people based on whether they have seen..." They tend to resent the influx of new fans as 'plebs' and 'Johnny-come-latelys' who are infiltrating and bringing down the tone of their previously exclusive, niche little club. As an [[Small Name, Big Ego|ego-stroking exercise]], they might actually try to set themselves up as an elite and attract any [[Lickspittle|Lickspittles]] and [[Internet Mimic|mimics]] they can find; alternatively, expect to hear a lot of whining about how the show has [[
* The '''Culture Alien''': This fan often seems to have no [[Willing Suspension of Disbelief]], often leading him to criticize or refuse to accept plots, characters and themes that might be [[Necessary Weasel|necessary or even essential for that show or genre to function]]. He often appears to be a member of a [[Periphery Demographic]] who cannot or does not wish to accept that the show is not actually aimed directly at him (if at all), and yet resents the fact that it is not actually aimed at him. Therefore, any complaints about how it's ''not'' aimed at him are legitimate complaints and considered "Weaknesses." If the work in question is aimed specifically at children, expect this kind of fan to pick out dubious evidence from the work as "proof" that it is ''actually'' for adults. <ref>A fan outside of the show's demographic who complains because the show isn't being directed at him.</ref>
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** The '''Toxic Genius''': A fan who seems to believe that the fact that people are disagreeing with his strongly held opinions is not because they have different but equally strongly-held opinions, but because he's just so much smarter than they are that they can't see that he's correct. The operative term is usually "you just don't get it" (i.e. "you're much stupider than I am and thus can't see why this show is amazing / dreadful"), couched in as patronising and condescending a fashion as possible. This variant can also be found engaging in slightly pretentious (and often [[Epileptic Trees|wildly off-mark]]) analysis of the show. Many times the Toxic Genius is often shown as being a single-character-interpreter blind to [[Alternate Character Interpretation]], believing that only ''their'' interpretation of the character is correct. (Seen especially in character-heavy works like books, film, and some video games) They will also [[Fan Hater|not allow anyone to view the character any differently]]. <ref>A fan who believes those who disagree with his / her opinions to be of lower intellect ''because'' they disagree with his/her opinions.</ref>
** The '''Toxic Visionary''': Like the Genius, the Toxic Visionary uses his perceived intelligence as a weapon... except he thinks that he's smarter than the creators. A self-proclaimed (if falsely-humble) expert on everything, the Visionary is given to long discussions about how the creators clearly don't understand their own show as much as he does, often peppered with phrases such as "I don't like the direction <the creator> is taking <insert series here>," "I may not be an expert on _____, but..." and even, in sufficiently bare-faced examples, outright coming out and saying "I could've written it better," said completely without irony. They can usually be found picking over the work for [[Subtext]] that doesn't exist, earnestly trying to settle questions [[Shrug of God|the creators would rather leave unanswered]] and overestimating the significance of 'hard' fandom as a whole. <ref>As above, but with the added factor of thinking that he's smarter than the creator(s) and better than everyone else.</ref>
** The '''Toxic Missionary''' This one has an idea of [[True Art]] as a method of education, and not necessarily an entertaining one. The Toxic Missionary may criticize the frothier parts of the show for detracting from the all-important message. Their version of [[Complaining About People Not Liking the Show]] is that their show ''ought'' to make people feel uncomfortable, at least on first impression; it's a pill they ought to be taking along with the mindless entertainment they seem to prefer. Admittedly, many an [[Author Tract]] is trying to produce missionaries to spread its message, but Toxic Missionaries can be seen even in fanbases of shows with no apparent [[Writer On Board]]. Like the Toxic Visionary, these latter cases are all-too-often guilty of seeing things which aren't there, and are often guilty of over-subscribing to the idea that they should stick it to the man. As such, they hate the [[Rule Abiding Rebel]] with a passion and live in constant terror of their favourite show being perceived as one, fairly or otherwise.<ref>Same as above, but as a [["Stop Having Fun!" Guys]].</ref>
* The '''Strawstuffer''': This fan might express what is a healthy amount of criticism... but ignores the chain of decay, middle management and [[Executive Meddling|all those who contribute to decision-making]] as an explanation to why things go poorly, instead preferring to focus their ire on an easily-named and recognized target regardless of what their involvement in this might have actually been. This target then becomes the subject of blame for all of the things that go wrong with the show, [[Mis Blamed|regardless of whether they can reasonably be blamed for it or not]]. Furthermore, any failings or missteps are subsequently treated not as human error or the kind of slip-ups that any creative may encounter from time to time, but evidence that their target is out to spite them personally (which can lead to some overlap with the Tinfoiler below). <ref>A fan who hates [[The Scrappy|someone/something]] for [[Ruined FOREVER|ruining the show]], despite that someone/something [[Mis Blamed|not being responsible]].</ref>
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* '''King (or Queen) Customer''': This fan thinks that money equals control; having pumped a crapload of money into merchandise related to the fandom, they believe that they now own the fandom and that all creative and executive decisions must be run through them first. This tends to translate to an insanely overdeveloped sense of entitlement; the producers must bow to his every wish, regardless of how impractical or impossible this would be. He is prone to gloating over / complaining about the amount of money he has invested the fandom, with the idea that no one has forced him or continues to force him to buy every single piece of merchandise apparently not occurring to him. Whenever exclusive sweepstakes or promotional events happen, you can bet your bottom that King Customer may be the first one complaining how it should be available to ''everyone'', which may be justified in certain cases, but not for stuff like Collectors Editions or tours. This is the same type of person who will attempt to fight a speeding ticket with the line "My taxes pay your salary!" <ref>A fan who thinks that because he owns lots of merchandise from the show he is entitled to special treatment and priority.</ref>
* The '''Old Timer''': (Also known as "Methuselah") The Old Timer's been around since the beginning (or a very long time, anyway), and isn't going to let you forget it. They too have an overdeveloped sense of entitlement, but this time it's based on how much time they've invested rather than money, or devotion. Because they've stuck with it over the years, they believe that they're far more important to the franchise than these kids and 'Johnny-come-latelys' who have only just arrived, and resent the show changing in any way to include them. They view the franchise through a sharp [[Nostalgia Filter]]; the show is never as good as [[Nostalgia Aint Like It Used to Be|How It Used To Be]], and any criticisms raised of the show at / before this point will be viciously rebuffed. Especially [[Long Runners|long-running properties]] will attract Old Timers who will resent and attempt to get rid of younger fans who had the misfortune of being born after the property (and they) were. It can also happen to works that are no longer in production (classics) -- but still manages to attract [[Periphery Demographic|younger fans]]. Essentially, they're the [[Grumpy Old Man|grumpy old men]] of the fandom constantly complaining about the good old days and shouting at the "young whippersnappers" to "get off their lawn", saying that they're too young to deserve it. Very commonly they may be found complaining about something that back in their day was a problem...yet they complain at the lack of it now, acting like those adults who make better lives for their children yet say "back in my day we....and we liked it."<ref>Similar to the above, but substitute "owns merchandise" for "I was here first!". Frequently suffers from [[Nostalgia Filter]] and [[They Changed It, Now It Sucks]].</ref>
* The '''Willfully Blind''': This fan refuses to see any faults in the object of his love at all, even if they're staring him right in the face. Tends to go beyond merely liking something to an irrational state of mind where, because he likes something, that means that it cannot possibly have any faults at all. They also will not realize how other people could possibly not like it, and will likewise [[Complaining About People Not Liking the Show|tell them they're worthless for not finding it the best thing since sliced bread]] despite that this mentality can lead to ''massive'' [[Hype Backlash]]. The Willfully Blind is fond of the [[Quality By Popular Vote]] and [[Reviews Are the Gospel]] lines of argument, often insistently referring to reviews, ratings or sales figures to support this assertion. If they encounter evidence of a flaw that even they cannot ignore, they are then prone to rationalize it away with the excuse that "it's still better than everything else" or "The rest will make up for it". <ref>A fan who insists his favored [thing] is flawless and perfect and anyone else who says otherwise is WRONG WRONG WRONG.</ref>
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** The '''Mad Matchmaker''': This fan is marked by an obsession with romantic relationships in a work that was never intended to be a romance. Related to the '''Culture Alien''', they're the kind of person who, instead of criticizing the tacked-on romantic subplot, criticize the alien invasion for getting in the way of the sideplot, and when called on it they refuse to take "It's not a soap opera" for an answer. They will pitch a fit - possibly even [[Hate Dumb|flounce from fandom]] - if their [[One True Pairing]] is jossed. They may be a fanatical fan of one character or one pairing, or they may just have an uncontrollable desire to [[Pair the Spares]] - or just the entire goddamn cast with little logical reason. They take crack pairings seriously and will never shut up about it. Either way, there is no situation where romance is too frivolous, inappropriate, or downright creepy for them. <ref>A fan of romance to the exclusion of all else in non-romantic works.</ref>
* The '''Perfectionist''': Like the Purist, the Perfectionist believes there is only one way to do things. However, whereas the Purist is hung up on a particular period, the Perfectionist is consumed with a particular way of enjoying the product; there is only one correct way to play this game, or listen to this music, or watch this film, and that's his way. Many times, the Perfectionist will claim an update makes a product inferior because it deviates from their accepted [[Metagame]], bonus points for products when the [[Metagame]] tended to be based around [[Ascended Glitch|exploitation of glitches, shortcomings in the game engine]], or [[Loophole Abuse|exploiting loopholes in the rules]]. Very commonly they [[Suffers Newbies Poorly|scorn newcomers]] and try to chase them out. <ref>A "[["Stop Having Fun!" Guys]]" fan in the fandom.</ref>
* The '''Misplaced Champion''': "Fandom -- love it or leave it!" Usually a supportive variant, this fan gets a bit too confrontational when it comes to criticism of the object of their fandom. Regardless of how mild or gentle the criticism. Regardless of how valid or reasonable the criticism. Regardless, in some cases, of how ''even the [[Word of God]]'' may agree with the criticism. They feel that anyone who considers a work flawed is nothing more than a [[Troll]] or a misguided fanboy and they need to be set straight and see the work is perfectly fine. The minute someone doesn't like something in a work or finds something in the work that bugs them, you can bet that the Misplaced Champion will show up like lightning and try their hardest to squash these criticisms simply because (in their mind) the work is just so good that there cannot be any legitimate criticism for it. The number one culprits of [[Complaining About People Not Liking the Show]], tied with the Willfully Blind; a common line of argument is something along the lines of "why don't you go and watch something else if you hate [the show] so much?", even if the critic has made perfectly clear that they ''don't'' hate the show ''at all''. <ref>A self-appointed [[Fan Boy]] who will defend their precious fandom from any criticism and any haters.</ref>
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* The '''Unpleasable Fan''': This type of fan is someone who complains about a flaw or something in the work, only to, when it's remedied, find something else to complain about, pull one of the [[It Sucks]] cards on it, or, simply [[I Liked It Better When It Sucked|insist that the improved version or a sequel that fixes the flaws is "not a true entry"]] '''''[[I Liked It Better When It Sucked|because]]''''' [[I Liked It Better When It Sucked|it fixed the flaw(s)]]. This form of Fan Dumb is so prevalent that it got its very own trope - see [[Unpleasable Fanbase]]. Especially commonly overlaps with the '''Old Timer'''. <ref> A fan who ''always'' finds something to complain about, and is rarely content with anything</ref>
* The '''Hipster Fan''': This fan is someone who is quite a fan of the show...but only as long as it's cool to be so. This is somewhat the inverse of [[
* The '''Protectionist''': This fan has an overdeveloped sense of entitlement, believing that certain works are aimed ''only'' towards members of his demographic. While it is true that certain works are, in fact, marketed towards specific demographics, the Protectionist will insist that this means [[Periphery Demographic|members of other demographics]] are not allowed to enjoy those works. He'll typically act is if those fans who fall outside the target demographic somehow "cheapen" his own enjoyment of those works. He will make it known loud and clear that such fans are undeserving, and will attempt to run them out of the fandom. Often [[Suffers Newbies Poorly]]. <ref>A fan who sees himself (and those who are like him) as the only members of the demographic of the show, and think that the "outsiders" and "new fans" are not allowed to like the show.</ref>
* The '''Fandom Moral Guardian''': This kind of fan is very concerned with the morality of their chosen series. While they may be part of the target audience themselves, the Fandom Moral Guardian focuses their attention on criticising adult- or teen-oriented books or programmes [[Think of the Children|for being inappropriate for children]], even though younger audiences clearly aren't what the creators had in mind. The Fandom Moral Guardian sees a lot of fiction in terms of [[Black and White Morality|black and white]]; there are "dark" works which can only be enjoyed by adults and there are "light" works which are only appropriate for children. However, if the creators of the latter category decide that they'd like to make their work even a little bit darker - maybe [[Harry Potter|they want the work to age alongside its original audience]] or hope they'll have greater story opportunities - the Fandom Moral Guardian is convinced that the work is irretrievably shifted into the "dark" category, so they'll be there to [[Contractual Purity|complain about the creator "betraying" them]] and berate other fans for continuing to enjoy such [[The New Rock and Roll|immoral material]]. Accordingly, expect this type of fan to be a little bit oversensitive about tropes like [[What Do You Mean
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