That word might not mean what we think it means.

[logovo]

Reading some stuff today I saw several people talking about aca-fans (acafans? AcaFans?) and I'm starting to wonder if they mean the same thing I'm thinking when I hear acafans, as in actual people in academia, writing, publishing, teaching or fanlore's entry. Are people now using that word interchangeably with fans who are just into meta? Anyone else getting that impression?

Also, I still haven't watched SPN and I'm trying not to read spoilers but I'M FAILING SO BAD. Because I'm weak and impatient.

Comments

[cleo]

The second definition you mention stands out to me as it is one I have been coming across a lot recently (with a reaction of "bzuh?"). I'm not sure how recent it really is, but the shift is interesting.

In my experience, the term "Aca!fan (and it's variations)" has always meant academics who (some of whom, but not all, publish academic work about fandom) are in fandom and both approach fandom with academic tools and modes of discourse, as well as/in addition to nonacademic tools/modes of discourse. I don't think the term inherently refers to only fen who do meta; aca!fen just use a different set of tools, which are neither better nor worse than any other set of tools anyone in fandom might use.

[logovo]

Last week I had some moments of confusion as I saw comments referencing aca-fans and didn't instantly realize they were not talking about academics, but any fan having a conversation around meta, which yes, major "bzuh?". It's easy to see where it's leading if the term gets thrown around so easily. But it seems it's been happening for sometime, as rodo above as mentioned, but it's new to me in SPN.

[cleo]

Fandom is so big/small, though, so the convergence of alternate definitions of things is always interesting.

Also, I hope you don't mind if I subscribe to you!

[logovo]

Cool!
::subscribes back::