Something to think about

Here is me trying to figure out all my thoughts/analysis. Tis all jimble jamble, but bear with me here:

• It starts out watching something and loving it
• Not just for the entertainment but for the actors, the production, the story, continuation etc. 
• So because of this, fans start becoming fans by participation like Henry Jenkins said
• This is through research, conventions, fan activities etc.
• Most of all by seeing their love reflected in hundreds to thousands of other people around the world for the same thing (via internet)
• This love is then transferred to the feeling of being in the fan community
• It's where you can fan girl the hell out as much as you want and not be judged because that's what everyone else does any. It's normal. Accepted. Nothing to be ashamed of
• At that point the original love for the TV show or film is sort of just like a foundation for this newfound community
• It's the driving force behind discussions, interactions and such
• "The TV viewing itself was more like homework" - Barbara Fennison extract from Textual Poachers by Henry Jenkins.
• I love that quote because it is so true. 
• You're watching the show out of love for it but then the new factor of the fan community is added in.
• The community (internet) is lightning fast at absorbing the latest or new information and ideas.
• You have to watch the latest episode or interview or trailer or read a certain fan fiction or the latest updates about up coming projects or the latest comments from the cast and the producers via gossip sites/tabloids/twitter/facebook and other PROMINENT fans via forums/official websites/ unofficial websites/social networking.
• All this JUST to keep up with what the fan community is talking about. Why everyone is excited or shocked or freaked out.
• All this effort to feel that sense of belonging in a group of people who share a mutual interest and love for a TV show and/or a film. 
• That's how it blurs the sense of reality and hyper reality
• It's a community
• A culture all by itself so separate and alien from "real" reality
• But it's one that people love and can identify with so much
• They wish it was real, not a secret, shameful hobby. Or a different side to them that their "real" friends and family don't often see. A communal sense or unity through pop culture
• They try to incorporate it into life or make substitute it instead
• It's beyond escaping (which is also a huge part)
• It's like going to a second home or a second life. Not a fantasy destination.