Just curious. Do we have any Kathryn or Danny

[Tati]

I agree with Disaster's definition of fanatic. I don't consider myself one (even though my mom might :smile21: ). I see my tv show "addiction" as a hobby. Some people like to paint, others like to draw, others do gardening, etc. My hobbies are my tv shows (besides reading and writing). As a hobby, it takes a lot of my time - board discussions, taping episodes, reading/writing fanfic. Sometimes I change appointments if an important episode of a show is on. That might make me a fanatic, but when real life calls - work, college, friends, family, etc - I'm a normal person like everyone else. And that's how I see everyone I've met on CC boards (a very nice and special fandom, I must say).

[irishkale]

I was afraid to check this thread... thought I was going to get totally flamed...

and for the record, I don't think I could live without chocolate!

[Disasterfreak]

Nah, Irishkale...no one could ever flame you! You've done too much for us!

[Shorty]

am i a fanatic.... hmmm.... going by what irishkale said (thank you irishkale ;D) yes, but i dont think i would ever turn stalker- thats just creepy..... hmm, possably because i usually dont bother reading the credits and so, when someone mentions a famous actors name im like.. who?, anyway, the pont being- ive never had a favourite, actor, singer/band, author etc. now i have a favourite actor (im still uncertain on authors and singers ) and so, im really not used to it ;D

yikes! i just realised that, while i was justifying being a fanatic, i didnt tell you which actor -

KATHRYN MORRIS RULZ!!!!!!!!! ;D

[TVFan]

First of all, irishkale, you are cracking me up! :smile21:

Secondly, I think I tend to relate the term "fantatic" to disasterfreak's very well put definition:

a "fanatic" is someone who basically lets his/her obsession run his/her life. Like they stop doing other things, important things, and set aside their loved ones for the sake of this obsession.

This is why I wouldn't put myself in this category. This definition conjures up images of the people who recently quit their jobs and temporarily moved out to California so they could stand outside the court house for Michael Jackson's trial. I'm thinking I wouldn't even quit my job for a loved one's trial (unless it was very neccessary).

Thirdly, you totally took the thoughts out my head and put them on this board Tati! This is totally me:

I see my tv show "addiction" as a hobby. Some people like to paint, others like to draw, others do gardening, etc. My hobbies are my tv shows (besides reading and writing). As a hobby, it takes a lot of my time - board discussions, taping episodes, reading/writing fanfic.

And I think you both nailed down the difference (for me) between a "fan" and a "fanatic." I think there are different levels of fans, but a fanatic is one who has crossed into a different, possibly unhealthy level. And for the record, I haven't encountered anyone on this board who seems to have achieved the "fanatic" level.

[myril]

Uhm, when I hear the word fanatic I think more of something very different than tv-shows or music groups. And my definition of fanatic might be harsher than Disaster's - coz I would add a fanatic is small minded, uncritical and unreasonable. But I don't have the impression that anybody here is like that. On the contrary, I'm seeing open minds here. And though Cold Case is the focus, there is always place for a lot of different subjects as well.

I would call myself a fan of the show but not fanatic. Possibly passionate and for sure very interested in nearly everything concerning the show. Calling it a hobby fits (thanks Tati) and that is what expresses the term "fan" for me.

But perhaps it is hairsplitting to make a difference between fanatic and fan in a way, it's a question of definition, isn't it? But there is the urge to make a difference between someone who doesn't care about anything else and dedicates his/her life totally to one subject and someone who likes something very much and so simply cares much about it.

But as long as I get the meaning I didn't mind if someone calls herself/himself a fanatic or a fan.