Over the last few weeks, I’ve found myself adrift in the sea of fandom. Not really feeling the breeze on my back, but more like a one man band going nowhere fast. The catalyst for this is really not important; that’s a song for another time (or blog). Wikipedia (I know, I know) defines fandom as “a subculture composed of fans characterized by a feeling of empathy and camaraderie with others who share a common interest. Fans typically are interested in even minor details of the objects of their fandom and spend a significant portion of their time and energy involved with their interest, often as a part of a social network with particular practices, differentiating fandom-affiliated people from those with only a casual interest.” But sometimes the thing you thought was written in the stars, was really just written in the sand, and it can really make you rethink the thing and reasons that drew you to the fandom in the first place. That is were I was…drifting, the joy being sucked out of my sails…until recently, when the still waters began to ripple, a little tide turn.

You “meet” people on social media, whether you follow them, or they follow you. You might share a mutual interest, or you may just appreciate what the other has to offer. A lot of the accounts I follow are music related (shocking, right?) and many of them have followed me back, including one called *crosseyedbear. Well, a few days ago, I received a DM from this mutual. Although I wasn’t surprised, we had never chatted outside of this main social media platform, so it piqued my interest. *crosseyedbear had sent a photo which looked much like playlist would and in the photo was a highlighted line. That highlighted line contained the following information, “I Was On A Boat That Day (New) Old Dominion.” I thought to myself, “Cool, they’re listening to OD!” And then I saw the text under the picture…”I help program the music at *insert major themed restaurant chain.* Added Old Dominion because you are so passionate about them so I checked them out. So if you ever end up at XXXXXXXXX, request some OD!” Now this is someone who obviously does not listen to OD, so just reading that *crosseyedbear took a listen based on my passion for the band was pretty freaking awesome on it’s own. But WHUUUUUTTT?! Added them to their programming? I’m sorry, I don’t care who you are, that’s pretty great. And, I’m not going to lie, it definitely gave me that riding the breeze feeling again! To know that even though your fan voice may be small, it’s still being heard no matter who or what tries to stifle or muzzle it, is amazing…especially when it means the possibility of more people hearing the band behind the fandom. Cake, icing, tequila shots, sun and the rum, all of that.

I’ll wrap this up with the last part of *crosseyedbear’s DM which perfectly sums up exactly what being a singular fan, smooth sailing across the sea of fandom. “I just thought you’d enjoy the story of how fandom can make ripples in the world!” Be the ripple.

*name changed to protect the innocent 😉