<< Reason 5 mundanes don't get into fandom-- when you describe anything we do, it tends to sound extremely pathetic. It's knowing the fans that makes it all worth while. >>
About as pathetic as grown men and women wandering around hitting a tiny ball with a stick (golf) or chasing a slightly bigger ball around a concrete "court" (tennis) or rolling a great big heavy ball down a wooden corridor (bowling) or chasing a little ball up and down a field (football). Just about *any* hobby can sound pathetic to those who aren't interested in it. Some people like to catalog insects (B7 reference! <g>) and others like to catalog things in their favorite tv show. Where's the difference?
Annie
I don't believe there is one, except fandom can be done on the cheap, and I don't believe golf can. I think watching sports is silly (there's no plot! no characterization!) and playing them, good simply for the exercise. When *I* hear about Neil cataloguing birds in the background, I think "Wow, what an exceptional way of combining two hobbies, and what a lovely shortcut for anyone who needs that reference material." But I can also step into the shoes of someone who's not that interested and see how they would think, "Wow, what an incredible waste of time!" I know I shouldn't spend a much time as I have been lately with the list-- I have artwork deadlines to meet. (3 competitive shows; 2 solo shows, and a Con by May!) But sitting here is keeping me put while I'm sick, so it has its practical advantages. :)