I think that all you have to do to be a part of a fandom is to like the book, simple as that. But, I also believe that there are different levels of fandom(hood?) and which levels are truly superior to others. To be clear, this is mostly about book fandoms, sorry, there isn't much else in my life.
0.5. There is a movie: you are an untouchable (if we are comparing this to the Indian caste system). The only reason you are reading the book is because there is a movie, and while reading it you weren't drooling over the pages. Or showing any sign of true love for it. You know if you are a part of this group, you just know because when other people talk about that book you just roll your eyes.
1. A Fan: this is the lowest cast in a fandom. You like the book, you enjoyed it, you are anticipating the sequel, but you aren't going to kill for the first copy. When the movie comes out you aren't going to the premier, you're going to the opening day, weekend, or when it becomes cheap showing. There is nothing wrong with just being a fan of a book, but when you talk to others that are at a higher level caste for that particular series, they will look down on you.
2. A Follower: this is the group of people who check to see the release date or the sequels, movies, and when the DVD comes out, but they would choose their friends sleepover the premier. You probably own all the books, and might buy the DVD when it comes out, but you find other things in life. Again, there is nothing wrong with being in this group of people, some people just like some books more than others.
3. A Fangirl(or boy): this is sometimes hard to distinguish between A Fanatic. You do your best to go to the premier, you search for times and places to meet the author and actors, you do absolutely everything you can to support the movie, but sometimes things just don't work out. Even at this stage of fandom, people may consider you a little bit crazy, but that's good. I promise.
4,5. A Fanatic: there are two types, neither of which are really all that much higher on the caste.
Just Found Out Fan: it's okay, sometimes it takes buzz to hear about something. I am a fanatic over The Maze Runner, but it took the movie for me to find out (sort of...it's complicated). You know you are at this stage when you dress up as characters Halloween, and eventually realize that it is the end all be all to life. The only reason this is second to highest to those that were original fans of the book is because they will think that you are inferior, when really they should be happy to find another person to share their love with. Right?
Original Fan: you pre-ordered the book the moment you saw the cover. And, when you heard about the movie coming out you nearly died. This has been the END ALL BE ALL to your life for quite a while, and you consider yourself at the top of the caste. I'm putting you here because you've had to be tortured with waiting longer than all the others, so...this is your gift.
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