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Forensic Fandom
Not transformational or affirmational fandom, but a secret, third thing.
I agreed then, and I still do, but I’ve also come to see this investigative approach as a widespread fandom phenomenon that is encouraged by multiple corners, and seems to make up the bulk of today’s active, engaged fans. I haven’t had a name for this engagement until I came across Mittell’s term, but it feels entirely appropriate for the way fans have taken on the mantel of amateur detectives uncovering The Truth, putting things together, theorizing about signs and underlying messaging. Another notable statistic from the YouTube report is that 8% of self-identified fans consider themselves “professional fans.” This means they earn money through their fannish endeavours, i.e., through creating more paratexts.
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