Archive:Fanboy

Fanboy is a term used to describe an individual (usually male, though the feminine version fangirl may be used for females) who is utterly devoted to a single fannish subject, or to a single point of view within that subject, often to the point where it is considered an obsession. Fanboys remain loyal to their particular obsession, disregarding any factors that differ from their point of view.

Background

Fanboys are attributed with a sycophantic devotion to the creators and principles behind a work with which they are currently enthralled. Fanboys are noted for a very emotional attachment to their chosen subject, often taking negative remarks about it as a personal attack. They will readily engage in debates, but will fall back on emotional responses when challenged on facts. For example, a fanboy may go out of his way to point out negative and often untrue statements about their obsession's rivals. Fanboys are often hostile towards critical review of their chosen subject. The stereotypical image of the fanboy is as an unkempt, socially awkward, young man who may be perceived as a loud mouthed pseudo-intellectual. Fanboys are also typically aggressive and hateful towards the opposing brand or competition of their obsession regardless of its merits or achievements.

As electronic entertainment gained popularity, the term became increasingly applied to video game and television addicts. As a result, a subculture emerged which readily labeled itself as "fanboys." Within this group, more effort is taken to fit in with a perceived standard, resulting in a more outgoing attitude, even among those with insecurities. This outgoing stance is often felt to be abrasive by those not involved in the culture as deeply. The term originated in comic book circles, to describe someone who immersed himself in the fictional worlds of comics and the culture of comics fandom. The term is often used in a derogatory manner by other less obsessed fans. In the songs of the fannish parody musician Luke Ski, many characters proudly consider themselves fanboys. The term is most commonly associated with adolescent and teen males but can be applicable to any age or sex.

History of fanboys and the term

The term "fanboy" is most commonly associated with adolescent and teen males but can be applicable to any age or sex. it is often used in a derogatory manner by other, less obsessed fans. The term originated in comic book circles to describe someone immersed in the fictional worlds of comics and the culture of comics fandom. Common subjects of reverence by fanboys are TV shows, movies, music, anime, comic books, Star Trek ("Trekkies"), Star Wars, cars, video game consoles, video games, operating systems, MMORPGs, hardware and software companies.

Popular depictions of Fanboy stereotypes include the Comic Book Guy on The Simpsons and columnist Larry Groznic from the satirical newspaper The Onion. In the songs of the fannish parody musician Luke Ski, many characters proudly consider themselves fanboys.

The earliest published uses of the word "fanboy" have been dated to 1982. One reference is to the cover of the "Official Underground and Newave Comix Price Guide". On this cover page are sketched overweight, overzealous comic book collectors wearing T-shirts that state "Fanboys of America," and are describing the extreme measures they would go to, including moving to San Francisco, to preserve their comics.

Also published in 1982, a comic strip appeared in Jim Engel and Chuck Fiala's "Fandom Confidential" comic. In the strip, Jim and Chuck met comic artist/writer John Byrne and collapsed into "mindless paroxysms of adoration." The John Byrne character responded that they were "a couple of fanboys in bondage" (a play on words referring to a Monty Python sketch in which an Elizabethan era character reads what she claims to be a new Shakespeare work called "Gay Boys in Bondage". Another early use is in a smart-alec editorial reply by "Ambush Bug" to a letter in his comic in 1985.

More recently, especially in the video game industry, fans of a particular video game console manufacturer have begun exhibiting slavish devotion to their brand of choice. Conversely they hold an unreasonable amount of animosity towards the other brands which they consider to be competition. They are extremely rude to fans of the other companies or even people who don’t hail complete and utter devotion to the object of their fanaticism. These people seek out every opportunity to annoy others whose opinions differ from theirs. This trend has led to the term “fanboy” deriving a more and more negative connotation. They inhabit in web forums and blogs.

Subjects of obsession

Some current examples of brands and products which have fanboy supporters:

• The competing gaming systems Playstation 3, Wii and Xbox 360.
• The operating systems Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X and Linux.
• The internet web browsers Firefox, Internet Explorer and Opera.
• The computer microprocessor companies AMD and Intel.
• The competing DVD successor formats Blu-ray and HD DVD.
• The competing handheld video game consoles the Nintendo DS and the PlayStation Portable.
• The various MP3 players, notably the iPod and the Zune.

Media

Comic Book

• Sergio Aragonés' Fanboy
• Galactic Storm Fanboy

Television

• The Simpsons's Comic Book Guy refers to himself as a fanboy.
• Freakazoid's Fan Boy
• King of the Hill's Hank Hill is a fanboy of propane.

Radio/Podcasts

• Fanboy Radio - [1]
• The Opie and Anthony Show - [2]

See also

• Addiction
• Cyberstalking
• Editor war
• Anorak
• Astroturfing
• Otaku

External links

• Urban dictionary: fanboy
• Dissecting the Fanboy Mind - A discussion of the fanboy behavior in regards to video games.
• The trial of the Fanboy - A criticism of the fanboy concept and overusage of the term.