What does being a fan mean to you?

[Di]

I have been wanting to post this here for a while now.... There is such a diverse group of people here from all over the world, and this is a very large forum. Recently there has been a lot of discussion on fans, posting, and the sharing of opinions. I am not certain what brought each individual to the forum, I do know what brought me...

I love the music. I came here to learn from others, catch up on news about concert tours, read other people's thoughts and experiences, and even to share if I can find a place to do it in. I would love to see even more discussions here on the music, the history some of you may have as fans, and even what it has brought into your lives.

So what does it mean to you to be a fan? And it would be great if in this perhaps people did not judge what anyone else had to say and comment on it, but just let each person write it and leave it....

Everyone have a great day,
:)
Di

[AndyK]

Moving this to General Messages, as it's more On Topic, than Off Topic.

Good discussion idea though Di, will think about my reply while I eat

[Di]

Originally Posted by AndyK

Moving this to General Messages, as it's more On Topic, than Off Topic.

Good discussion idea though Di, will think about my reply while I eat

*Sigh*

I have *got* to get better at selecting where to put my posts...


Di
... working on it....

[Mike Piercy]

Oxford Dictionary again provides a great basis:

Fan: devotee of a specified performer
Fan Club: organsised group of person's devotees

(With the emphasis on devotee hopefully)

Mike

[Ageing Bat]

I joined here following Meat Loaf's collapse at Wembley on 17th November. I've been a fan for many, many years (wrote most of my English Language O level essays to Bat out of Hell!). I've been to 8 concerts spanning the last 10 years - I really couldn't afford it before then as I had a young family, and money was so tight the coins in my purse didn't chink together, they squeeked!

Primarily I was looking for news on Meat's health, together with the opportunity to express to sympathetic companions how devistated I felt last November. It amazed me that so many other people in this sometimes ugly world felt so united in their anguish.

I've always enjoyed reading the General and Off Topic threads - especially the light humoured, witty posts, and also the sympathetic, compasionate ones.

With regard to the music - whatever mood I'm, whatever may be troubling me, there always seems to be either a whole track, or just a few lines from one that really sums it up, and helps me sort it in my head. I haven't come across another artist's music that affects me in quite the same way.

[native texan]

What does it mean to me to be a fan? You raise a great question, Di. First of all, let me say that everything that follows is my personal opinion. Personally, I believe being a fan means enjoying someone's work- whether music, art, sports, literature, or other myriad areas. It means wanting to see that person succeed and be appreciated by others. It means wishing them well in life. It does not mean thinking the person can do no wrong, but rather acknowledging that we all have short comings, and admiring the person anyway. I look at it the way I do my children. They are wonderful and I love them dearly. I am their biggest fan. I know they have flaws, and love them anyway. I can address things with them privately. However, I would never expect anyone to seek out a way to publicly criticize or embarrass them. What would be gained from that?

Being a fan doesn't mean living with blinders on. It means seeing a person for who they really are, and loving them anyway. So sez me

[Rob The Badger]

I like the music, that's as far as it goes.
I do rate the man as an actor, however, that's what he does best IMHO.

[RSG]

A fan is a person enjoys this special person's gifts.
Whether they enjoy their books, they life or even guitar riffs.

A fan is a person who buys one's CD, Movie or book.

One who has respect for the person. Respect meaning, no flaming, or stalking. I myself am interested in one's and favourite song\movie. But its too far when you want to know where they are all the time, and you think you really know them in reality, but you really don't.

Example, my friend thinks she knows Eminem in person, but she never met the man, and she's always saying how she was talking to him and he says this and that. pretty scary

I believe this is what you call a fanATIC

[meatwka]

A fan is a person enjoys this special person's gifts.
Whether they enjoy their books, they life or even guitar riffs.

A fan is a person who buys one's CD, Movie or book.

One who has respect for the person. Respect meaning, no flaming, or stalking. I myself am interested in one's and favourite song\movie. But its too far when you want to know where they are all the time, and you think you really know them in reality, but you really don't.

Example, my friend thinks she knows Eminem in person, but she never met the man, and she's always saying how she was talking to him and he says this and that. pretty scary

I believe this is what you call a fanATIC

I would pretty much agree witha ll of the above, well said rsg!!

[Pudding]

Good question. I like it so I'm going to reply to it.

I think being a fan can be split onto 3 definative areas:

1) FAN - An ardent follower
2) FANATIC - Excessive enthusiasm for and intense devotion to a cause or idea
3) SYCOPHANT - A person who tries to please someone in order to gain a personal advantage

As described by www.dictionary.com

I'm definately No.1 and being a fan to me means admiring what someone says or does but not necessarily having to agree with everything they say or do.

Pud:o]

[JulesB]

Good question, Di. I've thought about this in depth for a long time. I think being a fan for me is the respect and admiration of the artists work. How a CD, movie, book or play reaches out and grabs ahold of my emotions.

When a piece of work makes an impact, I search for the reason why and that's what lead me to this community. Most people seek out a place where they can communicate with others that share their interest.

Jules

[AndyK]

As far as I'm concerned being a "fan" is about gaining enjoyment or pleasure.

As far as Meat Loaf goes, I gain enjoyment and pleasure from most of his songs, some of his films, from all of his concerts, and importantly from alot of the people I've met through being exposed to his music over the last 20 years - I've made and continue to make some cracking friends through the fan community.... what more can I ask for?

[shadow1000001]

Originally Posted by AndyK

As far as I'm concerned being a "fan" is about gaining enjoyment or pleasure.

As far as Meat Loaf goes, I gain enjoyment and pleasure from most of his songs, some of his films, from all of his concerts, and importantly from alot of the people I've met through being exposed to his music over the last 20 years - I've made and continue to make some cracking friends through the fan community.... what more can I ask for?

I totally agree with you Andy and you know that the friends that you meet here will be your friends for life


Maria

[Guppie]

What does being a fan mean to me.... well, Meat has an impact on me. There's a song for every mood I'm in. Most of the songs move me. e.g. when I'm pissed: "life is a lemon". When I'm down: "Objects in the rear view mirror" .

Why I visit this forum: because I like a lot of the people posting here. Since I joined, the amount of members doubled so I can't read all topics anymore, but in spite of what's going on the last few months, mlukfc forum is still worth a visit. As long as I can give my opinion, but that's a different subject so I won't even go there.

[Vickip]

Originally Posted by JulesFromMOTS

I think being a fan for me is the respect and admiration of the artists work. How a CD, movie, book or play reaches out and grabs ahold of my emotions.

When a piece of work makes an impact, I search for the reason why and that's what lead me to this community. Most people seek out a place where they can communicate with others that share their interest.

Jules

CHSIBM Jules :)
Vicki

[Pudding]

Originally Posted by JulesFromMOTS

Most people seek out a place where they can communicate with others that share their interest.

That's so very true. Why just the other night I was interested in some fish & chips and the only place I could get some was at a fish & chips shop. To my surprise the place was packed full of people with the same interest and I ended up having a chat with someone about the quality of fish and different types of batter!. I really enjoyed myself that night and look forward to going back again sometime this week.

Pud:o]

[goodhip]

What is a Fan?
Something to cool you down in summer

But on a serios note i Class my self as a fan someone who enjoys someones work. I can relate to meatloafs songs because they have a meaning i think every some says something about whata person or persons is feeling I have been a fan for 12 years in am only 22 so do not remember the beginning yat Meats music has got me through so much in my life i thank him foro what he has done or me i always enjot listerning to him he picks me up when i am down helps me trigh the bad times and mqakes me relise there is a light but also inspires me to do more them i feel i can.
being a fan is not about buying all rocords and everthing to do with an artists is bout aprechitin, care and suppot. i was at wembely on 17 november and i joined mlukfc on 18 to find out how he h=was doing and to wish him well. it wasa worrying time for a lot of people not to matian meat himself and a lot of fans came through and wished him well no matter what they are true fans.
I think of myself as a fan maybe some people disagree thats your choice

[CarylB]

I related strongly with what Native Texan said. For me being a "fan" means perhaps going a bit further than simply enjoying someone's work (which Native Texan went on to say). I have friends who thoroughly enjoy Meat's concerts but wouldn't describe themselves as "fans". For me too it means wanting to see that person succeed and be appreciated by others, wishing them well in life and it means wanting to encourage and support them in all their endeavours. Yes, it doesn't mean believing the person can do no wrong, but it does mean that I continue to love them, admire, honour and respect them and try to understand them if they don't quite live up to my expectations sometimes. It means having concern for their feelings just as I would anybody I really cared for, showing how much I appreciate what they do, and like Native Texan, never wanting to publicly criticise, embarrass or humiliate them, for I would never do that to someone who was beloved. To me it means thinking what will be helpful to tell them, and what will not, and putting what I say in such a way as they can hear it non-defensively. To me it means the person holds a special place in my heart, even if they may never know it. It means I feel joy when they are on the crest of a wave, concern when they're down, and hurt when they're hurt. This is what it means to me to be a Meat Loaf fan. Through being a fan I have met some wonderful friends, and Meat has given me much joy and solace over 26 years. And I will always thank him from the bottom of my heart to his beautiful soul.

Since I wrote this, Meat has defined his perspective on what makes a true fan in his eyes. And having read his thank you message, I am more proud of him, and of those he is thanking than ever.

[Vickip]

Originally Posted by CarylB

I related strongly with what Native Texan said. For me being a "fan" means perhaps going a bit further than simply enjoying someone's work (which Native Texan went on to say). I have friends who thoroughly enjoy Meat's concerts but wouldn't describe themselves as "fans". For me too it means wanting to see that person succeed and be appreciated by others, wishing them well in life and it means wanting to encourage and support them in all their endeavours. Yes, it doesn't mean believing the person can do no wrong, but it does mean that I continue to love them, admire, honour and respect them and try to understand them if they don't quite live up to my expectations sometimes. It means having concern for their feelings just as I would anybody I really cared for, showing how much I appreciate what they do, and like Native Texan, never wanting to publicly criticise, embarrass or humiliate them, for I would never do that to someone who was beloved. To me it means thinking what will be helpful to tell them, and what will not, and putting what I say in such a way as they can hear it non-defensively. To me it means the person holds a special place in my heart, even if they may never know it. It means I feel joy when they are on the crest of a wave, concern when they're down, and hurt when they're hurt. This is what it means to me to be a Meat Loaf fan. Through being a fan I have met some wonderful friends, and Meat has given me much joy and solace over 26 years. And I will always thank him from the bottom of my heart to his beautiful soul.

Very well said Caryl ... thank you.
And I couldn't agree more.

Vicki

[Bart]

A fan. Well for me its a part of my life. He's been there for so long. During my teenage years i listened everyday. My schoolagenda was Meat loaf everywhere. When i went on holiday with mu friends i took the music with me. When i was a student he was there too. Supporting. Now i have a little family and he is there too. All the time. Every day. Not only the music. But he is just there. I dont listen everyday. its not necessary. Just thinking about him or the music or the themes or whatever. I cant explain. its/he's just there. Just like my work. its there every day too.
Its just a part of me.

Dont understand me wrong. Some fans are just compensation their lack of selfrespect in projecting there souls to Meat (or someother star) or whatever. Well, maybe i do that too, dunno. But most of all he is just the best i have ever seen.

[JulesB]

Originally Posted by Pudding

That's so very true. Why just the other night I was interested in some fish & chips and the only place I could get some was at a fish & chips shop. To my surprise the place was packed full of people with the same interest and I ended up having a chat with someone about the quality of fish and different types of batter!. I really enjoyed myself that night and look forward to going back again sometime this week.

Pud:o]

I just love someone with a wicked sense of humor! Still chuckling many hours later....


Jules

[LostSoul]

Originally Posted by Pudding

I think being a fan can be split onto 3 definative areas:

1) FAN - An ardent follower
2) FANATIC - Excessive enthusiasm for and intense devotion to a cause or idea
3) SYCOPHANT - A person who tries to please someone in order to gain a personal advantage

Pud:o]

4) LOONIE!

You forgot that one Pud!

Nooooo, I don't have the "Let me sleep on it" sheets! I have the couch!

Back to topic seriously.
Like some of you, just can't explain it. It's part of me...

[heat]

For me, being a Fan of something means that you wish whatever it is the best of everything and always want them to do well. It means that you go through the good times and bad times with them. It means knowing their faults and being able to love them despite of and because of them.

Now, being a Meat fan - or Fanatic, as the case may be, for me, is an intensely personal thing. Meat has provided the music to the soundtrack of my life. His music got me through very tough teenage years, it was playing when i gave birth to my children and it has always been there seeing me through the good and bad. No matter what mood i'm in, i know i can always find a Meat song to suit. It's just an integral part of who i am.

As for the man himself - well, he was my first crush, and i idolised him. I guess i still do. Knowing what he has been through in his life and still come out on top is an inspiration to me - it gives me hope that we can all rise above our problems and still succeed in whatever we do.

Being a Meat fan has enriched my life a great deal - i know i wouldn't be the person i am today without his influence in my life, i'm definately a better person because of it - and without him i wouldn't have come to know a lot of wonderful people that i have come to reguard as friends.

[DIZZY DRUMMER]

Heat - well said.

Being a ML fan is very personal. I first brought BOOH when I was 13yrs old and did it not only because I liked the song/album, but also because it hacked off my step father. (was rebelious then)

The music has got me through highs & lows of my life. There is always a song to suit every mood (like Heat said) I have to confess that on of my favourites is "A Kiss is A Terrible Thing To Waste" because my Mum died very suddenly and that is what I did - regretted it ever since. So every song has a place in my heart, obviously some more than others.

Meat Loaf the man has gained mountains of respect from me over the last 6 months or so. Before, he was a singer, who made great songs come to life. Now I realise he is a brilliant performer (my first concert in Birmingham - 11th November 2003, second Sheffield 29th January 2004)
Both times he was ill - but by God did he deliver the goods. He has gained masses of respect, love and gratitude for what he has done for his fans.

Meat comes across as genuine, warm and very pleasant. I have not had the fortune of meeting him - but one day maybe!!!!!

Keep Rockin Meat xx

[Kathy]

Originally Posted by LostSoul

4) LOONIE!

I think I'm part fan and part loonie. No, seriously, for me being a fan is being so profoundly moved by an artist's work that I come to care about the artist as a person, as if he were a friend in real life. So on a board like this I accord Meat the same respect I would any of my real-life friends.

On a more mundane level, it also means I know in advance I will like anything new that comes out; I will go ahead and get the record, book or movie without needing to see reviews or hear clips. This has only backfired a couple times, where I regretted spending the money (Meat was NOT the artist).
-Kathy