Fandom School (7th period): How To Connect With Other Fans

So, if you've been keeping up with my Fandom School posts, you have a pretty good idea of what a fandom is and what are the different parts of a fandom. And if you read my blog, chances are you've joined at least one fandom. So the question is, how do you find others in your fandom(s)? How do you find other fans?

There are a number of different ways to meet other fans and get to know them:

How to meet other fans in real life

1. Get fandom paraphernalia (isn't "paraphernalia" such a great word?). This includes T-shirts, toys, action figures, backpacks, phone cases, etc. The advantage of these things is that they show the world that you are in a fandom and provide opportunities for other fans to strike up a conversation with you.
2. Make fandom references. Those who are in your fandom(s) will be delighted and will start talking about them with you. This has the downside that non-fans will just look at you like you're crazy. But then, any fan is a little bit crazy anyway, right? :P
3. Introduce your current friends to your fandom(s). Then you'll have friends in your fandoms(s)!

How to meet other fans on the internet

1. If you don't have a social media account, create one. Facebook, tumblr, Google+, whatever. I don't care. If you already have a social media account, you can skip this step.
2. Update your profile to include a list of your fandoms. This way, people who like the same stuff as you know what they have in common with you.
3. Join communities/groups for your fandom(s) and regularly post in those communities/comment on the posts in those communities.
4. Find others who have the same fandoms as you, and follow them. In many cases, they will follow you back.
5. Make fandom references in your public posts, to show everyone what you are obsessed with.

And that about sums it up. I hope you have a great day and meet lots of new friends in your fandoms, and I also hope that your current friends join your fandoms if they haven't already. I'll see you all again next week for the next fandom school post! Bye!