What Being Adherent Means To Me

While the path to fandom is different for everyone, there are some common stops along the way. Typically, it begins with a step from casual enjoyment to legitimate (personal) interest, when you begin exploring the subject matter beyond your initial exposure point.

The next stop tends to come an increased appetite for content, where you begin reading, watching, or engaging in new ways. Some will quickly be satisfied and exit the path. But not you

Soon, you reach a stop where you focus on all the details. You begin noticing and appreciating nuances the creator included because they knew you’d discover them. That appreciation comes with a little pride in your developing connection to the content and its creator.

Your pride quickly propels you to the next milestone - identification. You find your passion for the material has become part of your personal identity. No matter how it manifests, this identity is permanent, whether or not you lose interest in the future.

Somewhere between pride and identification you experience recognition: that moment when you see other fans and they see you. This is frequently accompanied by some outward gesture acknowledging you’re both part of the same collective. The resulting warmth lets you know you’re in the right place.

After some time, you realize there are unspoken rules to recognition - a mutual respect for each other’s unique journey toward fandom. You also realize that these rules apply to fandom in general, regardless of your respective interests. Suddenly, you find yourself a significant stop - adherence.

Adherence is following the tenets not only of your own interests, but of all interests. Adherence combines loyalty and respect, enjoyment and curiosity, admiration and encouragement. Adherence is the base camp from which your journey can continue with renewed vigor. 

On behalf of the Geek Orthodox community, welcome to adherence.