Fandom studies should indeed pay more attention to affect, both positive and negative. Affect indeed is highly individual, and this individuality poses methodological challenges. To research what is deeply private and interior is difficult, and qualitative methods do not entirely elicit the depth of these emotions.
Nicolle Lamerichs in one of the conversations on the state of fandom studies currently happening on Henry Jenkins’ blog.
This one, between Nicolle and Lincoln Geraghty, looks at issues of place, character, affect, the changing nature of fandom as both a solitary and communal experience.
This one, between Nicolle and Lincoln Geraghty, looks at issues of place, character, affect, the changing nature of fandom as both a solitary and communal experience.