Defining "FAN"

Many comments recently on PR pertaining to what a "FAN" is or is not.
I prefer the definition of "FAN" as described numerous times by the late David Poole.
Simply put... A "FAN" is, whatever I want it to be.

The venue does not matter. Whether it's racing, stick and ball sports or any other form of entertainment; I choose how "FAN" is defined. I choose my level of involvement, my thoughts and my emotions. I choose whom I want, for the reasons I want, to as many different teams or celebrities as I want.

On the other hand you have the same rights of participation, but you have no right to dictate that level upon me or anyone else. If others choose to be different than you that their right as a "FAN".

Carry on.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Shop Goddess on August 18, 2009 at 2:13pm
Good post, Keith.

Webster's defines fan as: an enthusiastic devotee or admirer of a sport, pastime, celebrity, ect; enthusiast.

Well, that and the device I have moving air around my home.
Permalink Reply by Sarah on August 19, 2009 at 12:46am
Bobby Allison once called me 'his favorite stalker'! ;p
Seriously, if you ever show up at a function for Robby (souvenir trailer, autograph signing, sponsor appearance) wearing your Robby stuff, he will let you know he is appreciative. Remember, your behavior while wearing that stuff doesn't just reflect on you, but also your driver. If a guest or new member were to read your posts here, what would they think of Robby??
Permalink Reply by vak7 on August 18, 2009 at 2:28pm
Well said. And one thing we do all agree on is our enthusiasm for Robby, we just show it different ways. Guess it reflects our individual personalities. The constant bickering on this site is nothing more than the division between optimists, pessimists and realists. And all families do their share of bickering, including our Planet family.
Permalink Reply by Keith on August 18, 2009 at 2:43pm
"And all families do their share of bickering"
The stories I could tell after attending a family affair the past few days.....
Permalink Reply by GasOnRobby on August 18, 2009 at 6:55pm
The point is fans can not bicker back and forth. We can bicker and be constructive and productive. Also the point is not to tell folks what they can and cannot say. If people (fans?) have the right to be negative then others have the right to question their fanship. The comment below sums up what I see on PR every week.

Here is what I hear. I am the biggest fan but he sucks, can't build a good cup car, is a horrible business man, will not get better, cannot run a team, sucks to work for, doesn't shut up and drive, doesn't have a strategy, and he will suck next week.

Does that fit your definition of a fan? It doesn't fit mine!
Permalink Reply by Keith on August 18, 2009 at 8:42pm
It doesn't matter if it fits either of our definitions.
Permalink Reply by GasOnRobby on August 18, 2009 at 10:13pm
The first sentanence is wrong. It should read "The point is fans can bicker back and forth." Sorry, what a major mistake on my party.
Permalink Reply by Mike/WC77 on August 19, 2009 at 12:02am
I agree Gas. Theres a lot of real contributers here that have been driven away over time by the BS. Realism is fine, but the consistant negative outlook for the entire team, & the slander toward the driver/ owner, crew, business model, etc gets real fuckin old. Me, thats where I draw the line & fight the urge to call somebody out. To me, those cats are NOT fans, they're arrogant assholes, & they've got no place here. So with respect to Keith,& anybody else, forgive me if I treat them as such. If you can't....well it really won't impact my life too much anyway.
Permalink Reply by GrayAntiMatter on August 19, 2009 at 4:41am
Being a fan does not require being delusional.

I'll leave that too JOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONER nation
Permalink Reply by GasOnRobby on August 19, 2009 at 6:52am
I am not sure I would call it a FALSE belief strongly held. I start every week hoping for and expecting a good run. The ol' every given Sunday. I start each work day the same way. When he doesn't do well then I try not to make excuses (except the COT) or place blame. It puts a damper on the rest of my day but I know RG and the team are trying their hardest with the hand that they have been dealt. In my opinion it provides no value to jump in during or after the race and say "See, I told you so" or second guess every decision RG has ever made. This behavior is destructive. Why would a fan want the RG fan community to implode or as Mike said drive away real contributers?

Another thing is you can pick your friends but you can not pick the people who call themselves fans. I for one want to be thought of a fan that could also be a friend. Providing constructive criticism when it needs to be said and providing support when it is needed. I have never met RG but if I did I would proudly say that I am GasOnRobby on PR and I am there for you every week. Lets go have a beer.

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