A guide to Fandoms.
Fandoms are Religions that form around an Idol, which is an Artist that has been very successful, and produces such beauty that they attract people like honey attracts bees.
People want to get close to this Artist because they feel they can absorb their greatness through osmosis.
Idolization is not Friendship, however. It's an unhealthy behavior to be avoided with Mindfulness.
If you find yourself worshipping an Idol, be mindful of why you are doing it. If you want to be an Artist of the same type, then politely pick their brain through normal conversation, but don't overdo it.
The next level up from that is Shadowing, where you follow their career for Inspiration, in order to help your own career.
You aren't copying them, but gaining inspiration and knowledge to make your own Arts shine brighter. A good tip with this is to Shadow many Artists so you aren't fixated on just one. Fixate too much, and you may start worshipping them as a deity.
It's an awful trap for your emotions that takes mindfulness to pry yourself out of.
Fandoms are possessive of their Idols. If you have an Idol, as a member of a fandom, it is best to be mindful enough to back off and simply enjoy their Artwork.
You aren't going to be their friend, because Idol Worship is disingenuous.
Possessive and clingy people are creepy, and perhaps the creep is now you.
Fandoms can be fun, but they get culty as you get deeper into them. Watch yourself, and have the strength to back away when necessary.
You don't have to be someone's friend just because you like what they make. Just enjoy their work.
jthrash
I know you usually mean for these blog posts to be nothing more than worldbuilding for your fictional worlds, but this particular one makes way too much sense—at least, it’s yet another example of how truth can be stranger than fiction.
As the wise Patrick Star once said, “I told you SpongeBob, hero worship is unhealthy. C’mon, Jeffrey!” (Carries a hog-tied guy in a Jeffrey Jellyfish costume away in a wagon).
Mindblade16
I have a long list of people who have broken my heart in this context. The word "Parasocial" causes me pain.