...Effect of Fandom on Marketers In the “old days” an areas culture had a massive effect on the way that the people of that area lived their lives. What they wore, ate, watched, participated in, etc. But with the ever expanding and diversifying markets of the world today it is becoming easier and easier to start seeing alterations from this. In Kaplan and Langdon’s article “Chinese fandom and potential marketing strategies for expanding the market for American professional sports into China” (Kaplan & Langdon 2012). Marketing strategies are reviewed as one of the main topics. “One strategy of the NBA was to partner with established Chinese brands” (Kaplan & Langdon, 2012). This allowed the NBA to have an easy avenue for expansion as the market had already been developed. Take Nike for instance from the example. In Kaplan and Langdon’s article it is stated “China’s biggest seller of athletic shoes, Li Ning, recently surrendered its top position to Nike, even though Nike’s shoes – upwards of $100 a pair – cost twice as much. The new middle class ‘seeks Western culture’, says Zhang Wanli, a social scientist at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. ‘Nike was smart because it didn’t enter China selling usefulness, but selling status” (Kaplan, Langdon 2012). Basically when Nike came in, they did not say that they had the best product. They did not say they had the cheapest product. They said they had their product. Because of the interest by these Chinese consumers that was...
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...Tracing Papon’s Fandom- An Autobiographical Sketch -Amlan J. Das M2015MC008 School of Media and Cultural Studies Wikipedia describes him as the founder and the lead singer of the folk fusion band Papon and the East India Company. He has around 37,500 followers on Twitter and 536,434 likes on his Facebook page. Born to legendary Assamese folk singer couple Khagen and Archana Mahanta, the world knows him as Papon while parents named him Angaraag Mahanta. Born on 24th November 1975, Papon crafted himself as one of the finest Assamese singers not just in the state but also across the country. His distinct voice and his selection of alternative Electronic fusion and folk fusion genre made his one of the popular names in the Indian music industry today. Assam has been a land of singer. From the likes of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika to Zubeen Garg, singers from the state have made a very distinct mark in the Indian music industry. But Papon managed to do is differently is that apart from conditioning him to industry conditions, he managed to bring out the Assamese folk culture out of the state. Call it the new age information order, boom of the internet or just chance, but other singers from the state haven’t been successful in doing what this Papon did. Before going deep into the bibliography of Papon, let move tangentially to my first association or my first introduction to this singer. Must have been the summer vacations of 2005, as a fifth grader student ...
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...The furry fandom on the Internet is very popular among many people from teenagers to even adults. However while there are a good amount of people who are in the fandom and many people who are starting to participate in this unusual culture, many people view this is obscure, immature, and not acceptable to society. Furries are viewed strangely, because of they dress up as animals and are anthropomorphic, but have weird sexual desires. To start off, why furries are strange is their behavior and to dress up as animals. Many people view this as a strange practice, because it's not normal to dress up as an animal that acts like a human, and walk around in public. I would personally find it strange if I was encounter by person dressed up as animal....
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...Title With reference to research, critically discuss how knowledge of 'fandom' and 'fan' activities has contributed to our understanding of media audiences. Introduction: Audience is an essential and necessary part in the transmission of information. The decoding of information and signs delivered through media relies on individual audience’s perceptions and perspectives. Fan and fandom is a crucial proportion in the media audience. As stated in the Fandom: Identities and Communities in a Mediated World (2007, p1), “most people are fans of something”. The status of fandom and the culture of fan are becoming more and more pervasive in the contemporary society because of the development of transmission technology and the popularity of mass media. Definition of Fan and Fandom The word “fan” is coming from its etymological Latin root “fanaticus” which means enthusiastic and frantic and it is recognized as individuals who are fanatically obsessed with certain subjects. In general, the group of fans can be further defined as fandom. Fandom is more than merely an individual activity of being a fan, but rather, it is a collective behaviour and communal strategy forming an interpretive community of certain sub-cultural cohesion “evaded the preferred and intended meanings of the power bloc” (Gray, Harrington and Sandvoss, 2007). Fandom takes the form of group through which participants will socially share imagined concept and ideology of the community. It consists...
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...Manchester United’ Supporters "Fandom" as a topic, is arguably one of the most indistinctive concepts of "fan culture". However, we will analyze online fan activity dedicated solely to the Manchester United football club and relate it to the different dimensions suggested by De Kloet & Van Zoonen. We selected this particular topic because we believe all the different dimensions of fan-culture can be applied to this specific fandom group. Studying the nature of Manchester United's fan culture should be crucial to a club. This is obviously due to the fact that fans define and greatly determine the perceptions of the football club. If this truly were the case, it is important to investigate how fans think and act. Some acts and accusations made by fans may give football a negative connotation if they [fans] are being labeled as hooligans. However, in the following paper we take a positive attitude on football fans and try to illustrate what makes them valuable for research. The outlet of fandom explored is an image found on Facebook where Manchester United fans flaunt a flag in favor of the so called "Red Army". The comments on the picture give enough content to analyze the football club's fandom in every dimension suggested by De Kloet & van Zoonen. To grasp a stronger sense of fandom within Manchester United, we will also include a typical supporters’ anthem, which is sung almost religiously every match the club encounters. Additionally, we will define and...
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...Fanfiction No matter what fandom you’re in, chances are there is fanfiction. Did I hear you say you want to learn how to write fanfiction? Fantastic! Let’s start with the types of fanfiction. There are many different types; some people will choose to write an original story about original character. For instance, after people read a book or watch a movie they may want to be a character. And where most of us wouldn’t last five minutes in a fictional world, you can still write a character that is inspired by you to have action filled adventures. Another way to write fanfiction is by writing an original story with already created characters. Send your favorite character on an adventure, develop a minor character’s story more or even form...
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...There are three types of sports fans — which one are you? THE CASUAL FAN: Casual-Fans are fans who aren't particularly into their fandom. They enjoy it, know some trivia, see some movies, have some stuff. Casual-Fans are more laid back. This is probably most of my friends. They have their favorite sports teams but they don’t make the effort to watch every game. They know the name of the key players on the roster but that’s it. When the game is on, they’ll watch it but if something else is interesting on TV, they’ll go to that channel instead. These kinds of fans won’t know every single rule for the game but they understand how the sport is played. These fans aren’t bandwagoners because they actually know things about the team and go to games. Sports is great to them, but there are other things that occupy their free times most often. THE REAL FAN I would say this fits me perfectly. I am all of the above except I do make an effort to watch all the games and I do know what’s going on around the league. I have an extensive knowledge of the team roster and standings. The team and league history can be filed in my memory bank without any problem. I spend money on merchandise, tickets often and when friends want to talk sports, they usually come to me. There is a part of my life that is about the sport and when given the option to do something, sports usually is my first choice. THE CRAZY FAN This is the fan that I don’t think I can ever be. They go to almost every game...
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...Unexpected Adult Fans of My LIttle Pony and A Brony Tale try to showcase the Brony fandom for what they each believe it really is in an attempt to defy negative stereotypes the media has given it. Despite the same topical goal, the two documentaries still have their fair share of similarities and differences, although I will say that FiM: Bronies: The Extremely Unexpected Adult Fans of My LIttle Pony did a considerably better job showcasing the Brony fandom than A Brony Tale did. Both documentaries took a fairly similar route in portraying the fandom: taking a dozen or so confessionals from bronies or related persons and stringing them into a pseudo-storyline....
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...Chapter 1 The Problem and Its Background This section discusses the background of the thesis research entitled. “--”. The general and specific problems, significance of the study, scope and limitation, the framework of the study, and definition of terms used are presented here I. Introduction Fan fiction also known as, fanfiction, fanfic, FF, or fic is a defined term for fan labor about stories of characters or simply fictional characters and settings written by fans of the original work, rather than by the original creator. Works of fan fiction are rarely commissioned or approved by the original work's owner, creator, or publisher; also, they are almost never professionally published. Because of this, many fanfics written often contain a disclaimer stating that the creator of the fanfic owns none of the characters. Fan fiction, therefore, is defined by being both related to its subject's canonical fictional universe and simultaneously existing outside the canon of that universe. Most fan fiction writers assume that their work is read primarily by other fans, and therefore tend to presume that their readers have knowledge of the canon universe (created by a professional writer) in which their works are based. Fan fiction, as the name suggests are works of fiction created by fans. Ranging from books to movies, eager aficionados re-create scenes and plots to fit their own fancy. While seemingly trite to some critics, the fan fiction community is a large and supportive...
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...from its inception in the 19th century till present day. INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY When Sir Arthur Conan Doyle first introduced Sherlock Holmes to the reading public in 1887, nothing could have prepared him for the fact he had created a character who was destined to become the most famous detective in the world. This British literary idol went on to break all records and has become the most frequently portrayed fictional character of all time. Today, the brand has been invented and re-invented in so many different and exotic ways that it has the potential to keep entertaining, amusing, enlightening and keeping readers, viewers and listeners of all ages engaged for a long time to come, deviating from and strengthening the original fandom, and keeping a century-old brand as alive and as unique as it was when with the publishing of The Final Solution, Conan Doyle killed off the famous detective and had to face eight years of intense public pressure, who took to the streets wearing black arm-bands and demanding that he bring Holmes back. Few fictional characters have risen to the prominence and longevity as the Baker Street sleuth. Like any well-crafted piece of work, Sherlock Holmes has been an inspiration in his field – informing identities of later fictional characters, from Batman to Dr. Gregory House. Sherlock Holmes, according to The New York Times, is the 3rd most read publication on the planet behind the Bible and the Dictionary. There are 357 Holmes Societies around...
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...What does the creation of this picture tell me about the society that produced it? Well. ‘Going to the Match’ – LS Lowry The creation of this picture illustrates a society of partisan football enthusiasts who have all gathered together to share the buzz of excitement they can’t contain. Around them wonder a minority of passers-by dog-tired from a day’s hard work and noticing the atmosphere they don’t mind being in, but still going about their routine lives and missing out on such a joyous occasion. Many surrounding the stadium are equidistantly positioned to convey their mutual intention of attending the match and eventually forming a crowd of supporters as a whole. The picture signifies the essence of football in the particular society and how it contributes to their social spirit. Despite the overcast evening, the fanatics are in oblivion, not paying any attention to potential rainfall or its frost, but seeking solace in what the match promises. An evening of sheer exuberance, unity and heartfelt emotion. The neighbouring factory looks to blow out in frustration on behalf of the entrapped workers aching to get out and in the vibe of the ongoing match that’s within an agonisingly close range. So close, yet so far. The stadium has long been infested with swarms of aficionados, and still plenty hastily battling for an initial spot in the plethora of queues unconsciously formed on the way inside. The sense of urgency holds the significance of conveying the cornerstone...
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...Football fans The person who thinks, talks about and is oriented towards sports even when [the fan] is not actually observing, or reading, or listening to an account of a specific sports event.(Spinrad ,1981) A fan is a person who is passionately devoted to something such as a sports-team, band or entertainer. Fans of a sport or thing constitute a fan-base or fandom (Wiki-Answers). Most of us enjoys going to sporting events and no matter what the event is, there are excitements associated with these events and more so thinking that our team will win and if they win we go home happily and if it loses we get somehow upset or sad. Despite all this, we have different categories of sports fan in our societies and everyone who follows sports falls in one of these categories. The categories include: Diehard fans - no matter how the team that they are supporting does, they will always support it and won’t miss any game or news at all about their team. They knows every player on the roster, position they play, and uniform number. Casual fans – these are averaged or below average followers of their team. They stick and follow their teams, but not to the extent of following every game. Mostly they know a few star players. Fair-weather fans – these are the one that follow and cheer for their teams only when they become successful. They have no loyalty to their teams when they are in down period experience. The Pessimist - They talk only during commercial breaks. Pessimist might...
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...SM Entertainment, which is the one of largest entertainment companies in Korea. In the past decades, SM creates numerous world-class artists like BoA, Girls’ Generation, Super Junior, etc. In this article, the author illustrates the company and how SM company uses these artists to achieve its business goal. We can also see why Korea becomes a huge entertainment empire in such a short time. From this passage, I get three main reasons which can explain what makes SM so powerful. Firstly, SM coined its own music and performance style called SMP genre. The author also explains this term via some artists of SM like H.O.T, Super Junior. SMP genre is the unique element that sets SM apart from the others in the industry. SM created the term in the mid-90’s with H.O.T, SMP combines rock and R&B with hip-hop beats allowing for very strong dance performances. The music videos are more important than the music. They are attractive enough to make a person’s head spin with insane dance routines, and more sparkly bells-and-whistles fanfare than you even imagine. SMP genre not only works for the domestic audiences but also letting worldwide fans indulging themselves in the business. The author also explains how Chinese, Japanese and French fans are crazy for those young boys and girls. Music and performances aside, fan culture helps SM to establish the empire by leaning on the power of Chinese and Japanese fans. H.O.T is a great example to show this effect. As the label’s very early idol...
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...specific theme. An example of such would be masquerade balls. It was not until 1984 when the word cosplay was coined by combining costumes and portrayal of fictional characters. Fast forward to present day cosplay has become such a popular and appreciated pastime that participants don’t have to worry about receiving odd looks and so forth, especially if it’s not Halloween season. Cosplay is presently no longer limited to sci-fi and anime, but branched out into other categories such as super heroes, cartoons and video games. Many people gain great confidence through cosplay and pretending to be someone else, much like film stars. With this subculture the fans find common ground among one another and bond through their fandoms. Whether it’s Comic Con, Fan Expo or Anime North you are bound to see some outstanding creations. It’s certainly inspiring to see how dedicated people are to this practice and the amount of time and energy that is put into crafting their costumes. Though some rather purchase premade outfits, especially if they are not as crafty with a needle and thread. Creating and viewing cosplay attire is a mutually rewarding experience for both the cosplayers and regular dressed attendees. People even go as far as wearing wigs, prosthetics and special effects makeup. Cosplayers especially like to add their own signature style to iconic characters. Such as dressing Harley Quinn up in a Victorian flare. Androgyny and gender swapping...
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...NBA Case 1. Using Porter’s competitive forces model, analyze the NBA’s market situation. How does the use of Akamai help the NBA compete in the market? First by analyzing the NBA’s market by utilizing Porter’s competitive forces model, we need to look at potential entrants, suppliers, substitute products, and customers. Now potential entrants that could be competitors to the NBA could be less prestigious basketball leagues, national leagues, and other professional sports leagues that try to take away their customers like the NHL or MLB. As for substitute products other professional sports would also fall under this category as well along with amateur content uploaded onto other streaming sites that would lure consumers away from the NBA main website like Youtube for instance. As for customers, their bargaining power is very high in this business because they have several alternatives from television, to live games, and radio. One of the advantages that NBA.com has is its additional content when it comes to statistics and scores of other teams as well as insights and commentaries on matches. Akamai helps the NBA compete in the world market by allowing basketball fans throughout the world to access as fast as possible NBA’s virtual assets. It also allows the NBA to focus on specialized niche. 2. Using Porter’s generic strategies model, what do you think is the NBA’s overall strategy or strategies? The NBA’s overall strategy is differentiation. This is because...
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