IMHO, what is a fan?

I think that a fan is what you think, as long as you aren't hurting yourself or others...

I'm quite big on not measuring people's fanship, because everyone is different.

Just as long as you aren't hurting others, I'm ok.

greyeyegoddess wrote:

I'm quite big on not measuring people's fanship, because everyone is different.

I agree. We all have a different view on what a fan is, and on this website, we're free to express ourselves and I like that.

Sadly, there are too many places where people do question what kind of fan you maybe...

and saying that, people on that i'm deebee are just as much fans as anyone else.

You're right, Alice, that's why each one of us has our own definition of what a fan is. But I haven't been able to tell my definition until now and wanted to share it.

Well said, darling.

xo

This is a great thread! I moved it to "Personal Feelings About Gerry", however. I think it's more in line with that category.

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You're welcome, everyone.

The reason I started this site was because I wanted something in between the "gushy gushy only" forums and the rigid "we can't talk about anything but the projects and facts" forums. I wanted a place where people could feel free to gush if they wanted to gush, but at the same time if they were upset and didn't agree with something, be free to voice that as well. I try to keep it real here, and balanced.

I got slapped in the hand too many times for voicing it like I saw it. There are some sites that will rake you over the coals for gushing. There are also some sites who will lynch you if you say something that (in their opinion) paints Gerry in a light other than wholesome and perfect. And then there's us. If I think Gerry's acting like an ass, I'm going to say that I think he's acting like an ass. If Gerry does something great, I'm going to say I think it was great what he did.

The whole need of some to mother and protect this man isn't really helping him at all. He can take care of himself. Personally, if someone had their head up my arse all the time, it would get uncomfortable.

DK, thank you very much for moving this thread to the proper spot. I wasn't sure where to put it in the first place.(the thread, that is )

pamelajane wrote:

You're right, Alice, that's why each one of us has our own definition of what a fan is. But I haven't been able to tell my definition until now and wanted to share it.

Not a problem...I was agreeing with you in my weird way..

It's always wonderful when fans get to the point where they know how they feel and that they can express their feelings towards what they enjoy and towards other fans, too.

Hi PJ ! (waving)

This is a good thread ya got here !!

and I agree with the rest of you --

I think it is best to be honest about things too --

I guess that being a Fan of someone -- for me -

is being a supporter of them overall -- still doesn't mean

I agree or even like everything that person does & I

could/do get disappointed in them sometimes -- (as I

think someone would equally feel /do if they were my

fan/supporter & I guess if I was really offended (so passionately

from my heart) -- I could even cease to be their fan --

but I think overall -- I want the best for them -- in whatever

actions they do (not ignoring that any of the actions I -- or

anyone else takes Isn't without consequences) but also

knowing that we are all human and do/will make choices

that have a negative effect on us or others.

I guess I always hope for each of us that we find the right way

back to our most positive destiny..

greyeyegoddess wrote:

Not a problem...I was agreeing with you in my weird way..

I knew what you were saying, Alice, so we were both in agreement!

Hi, backatcha, Tee! It is so true that we can accept Gerry, warts and all, and at the same time, still not condone some of the negative things we hear about him.

I looked up the definition of "fan" and it's derived from the word "fanatic". In a more common definition, it's simply someone who is an ardent admirer of someone.

For me, I can be a "fan" of someone's work, their life achievements or who they are as a person or any combination there of. However, I've never experienced the level of fandom like this with Gerard Butler.

I, too, belong to two other fan sites. I like this one because, like DK, I get "spanked" alot on the other site. That's not to say I don't love the women there and love the site as well, but it's kind of like visiting a friend's house where they are real picky about everything, the house is too "clean" so to speak and you get chastised for speaking your mind.

Recently, I spoke up about how some there were critisizing other fans about their own fandom and got in to some trouble. These individuals seem to be very judgemental on others and feel that how they feel and express their fanship for Gerry is the right way and that is just wrong in my opinion and I said so.

Anyway, I stepped on some toes, as I often do. I don't like having to keep my feelings in check when I see someone with their subtle little nicely put critisisms of others. I see right through it. In fact, one of the administrators of that site doesn't like me and it is apparent. The reason for that, I couldn't say for sure.

So, I found this site, which is like a the kind of a friend's house where, even if they weren't at home, you can walk in and raid the fridge or the "pantry" and feel at home, I hope.

As far as my own fanship of Mr. Butler, I'm sure it will evolve like any type of "relationship" does. It will go through all the stages, etc. Right now, I'm still grappling with his supposed womanizing antics which really may or may not be true. Since I am new to being a fan like this, I'm not sure that this isn't what most celebrities go through and most of it is just media hipe.

When I say "womanizing" my definition of that would be a man who does not respect women in general or who divides women in to catagories, which I believe is wrong too. We shouldn't judge a woman because she has a one night stand anymore than we would accept that kind of activity with a man. That's IMO is a double standard, and as women, we shouldn't be perpetuating that double standard ourselves.

I set certain standards for myself, when it comes to my own moral barometer, but I don't expect anyone to be like me or be damned!

I love most of GB the way he is and I "question" some of his "traits" but then again, I also question the validity of those supposed activities as my granny used to say, "believe nothing you "hear" and only half of what you "see". Words to live by, I say!

Love

I guess it depends on what you're a fan of,exactly.

I admire the man but I'm a fan of his work. So, when people get all up in arms about his personal life, I find it a little stalker-creepy-ish. There are exceptions to that rule, of course, like showing concern or outrage if your neighbor did something amazingly bizarre.

It's one thing to have an opinion about something, but another to go all batshit crazy over it. Like everyone else, I enjoy some mild speculation about his life and it can be fun to try and predict the future. I enjoy a little fantasy here and there,too, but that's all it is. Just fun taken with a margarita and a grain of salt.

I think the majority of Gerry's fans are pretty sweet and mild. There are just some who cross the mental line, IMO, and take the fan thing way too seriously and lose perspective.

DonnaKat wrote:

If I think Gerry's acting like an ass, I'm going to say that I think he's acting like an ass. If Gerry does something great, I'm going to say I think it was great what he did.

The whole need of some to mother and protect this man isn't really helping him at all. He can take care of himself.

[quote]

Share!

And I think he does it too well ... but, maybe sometimes, just a board would not be so bad. That is why I hope that in his circle of friends or co-workers, there is someone around who can advise him, or at least try. A Gerard certainly does not cost anything listen to opinions other than his, and then will rule on what to do.

Species now that its popularity is growing increasingly .. now the risk of making mistakes is bigger ... and I speak not only of his work as an actor ....

It's so true. While it's true he can do what he wants and it's nobody else's business, at the same time he's going to have to deal with the consequences now that he's in the spotlight. He can't fly under the radar forever. People see what they see, and they talk.

It's the same with my dad. He's a minister, and there are things others can get away with that he can't. It doesn't seem fair, but that's the way it is. People are constantly looking and scrutinizing, and looking for something to gossip about. If one doesn't mind the gossip, then so be it. But you can't have it both ways.

Gerinanimal, big hugs to you. I think a lot of people here have gone through the same thing, and have found our way here.