Fandoms and online fan communities have grown over the past years as more people look for each other to discuss their favorite shows, games, players, and topics.
Nowadays, it is not surprising to find yourself suddenly in fandom as social media platforms bring people with similar interests closer to each other.
That said, newcomers must still consider some rules before engaging with any fan community online.
Be Respectful
Like with any community, newcomers must be respectful of other people. Joining a fandom to disrupt other people's enjoyment would only sour the whole community's experience.
This goes the same with lecturing longtime fans about what should and should not they do, especially as newcomers. Yes, that includes comparing a community with another fandom.
Observe First
Fandoms, especially long-established groups, often have their own cultures that may seem strange to newcomers.
While it is not always recommended to fully understand all the inside jokes and references in a fandom, it is better to lurk and observe first before interacting with other members to be able to keep up with the conversation.
Of course, asking other people about context and nuances can also help fast-track understanding of the online groups.
Be Prepared for Toxicity
As most discussions and interactions are online, it is not rare to see disputes among fans and online groups in fan communities.
Entering a fandom means becoming prepared for the storm that will wreak havoc on online discussions and engagements.
Unless the situation calls for it, it is recommended to try to keep away from community dramas and online fights as it would only sour your view on the fandom just because of a small vocal group in a much bigger community.
In the same sense, be careful of so-called "rage baits" that are only seeking to enflame people to go into heated discussions with other members or with another fandom.
Support Artists
Fan artists are the backbone of any online community, especially in niche fandoms and small online groups.
In most cases, they often keep fan communities alive if there is a drought of new content to discuss.
Actively antagonizing fan artists and even fan editors without a justified reason would only turn the community against you.
Welcome Other New Fans
Like how the fandom welcomed you into their ranks, it is important to keep the community welcoming to new and returning fans.
This includes making online discussions inclusive and a safe space for everyone. Prevalent gatekeeping, while an effective method to keep away toxicity, can only hurt the community's reputation in the long run.
