History Main / FanDumb

The end result of all this is someone who believes passionately that they're the champion elite of the fandom, guarding and preserving what makes it special, whilst ultimately contributing little of any actual value to the property or the fandom, even contributing to its ruining in the process. As a general rule of thumb, the phrase "[[http://tfwiki.net/wiki/True_fan True Fans]]" (or some variation thereof) being thrown around is an identifying signal that you're dealing with Fan Dumb, particularly if it's being self-applied; the subtext (or text), of course, is [[FandomHeresy "I'm a True Fan, and ]][[NoTrueScotsman you're not."]]

A fan who claims they're better because they're TOTALLY NOTHING LIKE all those other petty Fan Dumbs. Maybe a subversion if they actually are exactly like the buffoons in the fanbase; but the constant attention-begging can still get obnoxious even when the stay true to there word. Will go great lengths to express their superiority, to the point they may or may not only be there just to prove their one-of-a-kind amazing-ness.

"Fandom -- love it or leave it!" Usually a supportive variant, this fan gets a bit too confrontational when it comes to criticism of the object of their fandom. Regardless of how mild or gentle the criticism. Regardless of how valid or reasonable the criticism. Regardless, in some cases, of how ''even the WordOfGod'' may agree with the criticism. They feel that anyone who considers a work flawed is nothing more than a {{Troll}} or a misguided fanboy and they need to be set straight and see the work is perfectly fine. The minute someone doesn't like something in a work or finds something in the work that bugs them, you can bet that the Misplaced Champion will show up like lightning and try their hardest to squash these criticisms simply because (in their mind) the work is just so good that there cannot be any legitimate criticism for it. The number one culprits of ComplainingAboutPeopleNotLikingTheShow, tied with the Willfully Blind; a common line of argument is something along the lines of "why don't you go and watch something else if you hate [the show] so much?", even if the critic has made perfectly clear that they ''don't'' hate the show ''at all''.

[[folder:The '''Strawstuffer''']]
This fan might express what is a healthy amount of criticism... but ignores the chain of decay, middle management and [[ExecutiveMeddling all those who contribute to decision-making]] as an explanation to why things go poorly, instead preferring to focus their ire on an easily-named and recognized target regardless of what their involvement in this might have actually been. This target then becomes the subject of blame for all of the things that go wrong with the show, [[{{Misblamed}} regardless of whether they can reasonably be blamed for it or not]]. Furthermore, any failings or missteps are subsequently treated not as human error or the kind of slip-ups that any creative may encounter from time to time, but evidence that their target is out to spite them personally.

An extreme version of the Strawstuffer can risk becoming the '''Tinfoil Hatter''', a more paranoid and tragic creature. Like the Strawstuffer, the Tinfoil Hatter ignores CreativeDifferences or [[TheyJustDidntCare apathy]] to figure out why things occur. However, they instead believe that everything they don't like is evidence that the creators are out to intentionally and personally attack ''them''. Reasonably or not, they see slights and attacks everywhere, and blame everything on a vitriolic creator who has a personal vendetta against them. This extends to intentional {{deconstruction}}s of their favourite plots and characters, {{Creator Breakdown}}s and characters (especially those the fan identifies with) presented as [[ThisLoserIsYou less than ideal]] or in an unconventional way. '''Tinfoilers''' are usually involved in {{Periphery Demographic}}s and, more tellingly, {{Misaimed Fandom}}s.

This fan refuses to see any faults in the object of his love at all, even if they're staring him right in the face. Tends to go beyond merely liking something to an irrational state of mind where, because he likes something, that means that it cannot possibly have any faults at all. They also [[OpinionMyopia will not realize how other people could possibly not like it]], and will likewise [[ComplainingAboutPeopleNotLikingTheShow tell them they're worthless for not finding it the best thing since sliced bread]] despite that this mentality can lead to ''massive'' HypeBacklash. The Willfully Blind is fond of the QualityByPopularVote and ReviewsAreTheGospel lines of argument, often insistently referring to reviews, ratings or sales figures to support this assertion. If they encounter evidence of a flaw that even they cannot ignore, they are then prone to rationalize it away with the excuse that "it's still better than everything else" or "The rest will make up for it". When encountered here on TVTropes, these tend to be fond of chalking any and all criticisms up to an alleged unpleasable fanbase, as if that automatically invalidates them.

Chicken Little sees doom in every raindrop, and lives in perpetual terror that the sky is about to come crashing down on top of him. Whilst no show can claim to be entirely perfect and flawless, the Chicken Little is terrified that any misstep on the part of the producers will result in cancellation. While it is, in fact, possible for shows to get worse, Chicken Little responds to every proposed change, [[TaintedByThePreview every teaser, every trailer]] and every bit of KudzuPlot with paranoia. Chicken Little also has almost no hope for any spinoffs. Expect these guys to be screaming "This game/show/book is going to SUUUUUUCK!" or "This will single-handedly [[DarthWiki/RuinedFOREVER ruin the franchise forever!!!]]" Often combined with The Old Timer.

''Please do not put this on a work's main page. Put it on the work's YMMV page. The only exception is if it is {{invoked}} canonically as someone's character trait. In that case, mark it as such''.

This is, although not the only type of Fan Dumb by any means, probably the most classic example of it. S/he is SeriousBusiness taken to the extreme. ''Nothing'' outside of the object of the fandom exists for this person, except perhaps the fandom itself. This means that they will attempt to discuss the object of their adoration every single chance they get, often attempting to twist or divert other discussions to this end, regardless of how awkward or nakedly inappropriate it is ("Yeah, it sucks that your father died; I felt exactly the same way when Captain Magnatron failed to defeat the Zargons in Episode 19"). This often leads them to grossly blow the actual significance of the work in a general context quite out of proportion... and, naturally, leads to nothing but contempt from those who aren't quite as committed to the show as they are, or who (gasp) aren't part of the fandom at all and are sick of -- "don't they realise how ''important'' it is?" lectures. Naturally, any of the other listed types of Fan Dumb may find themselves ending up here. Unfortunately, [[StrawFan this is the way the vast majority of fandom is portrayed in the media]], which is why we have a trope specifically for that.

Chicken Little sees doom in every raindrop, and lives in perpetual terror that the sky is about to come crashing down on top of him. Whilst no show can claim to be entirely perfect and flawless, the Chicken Little is terrified that any misstep on the part of the producers will result in cancellation. While it is, in fact, possible for shows to get worse, Chicken Little responds to every proposed change, [[TaintedByThePreview every teaser, every trailer]] and every bit of KudzuPlot with paranoia. Chicken Little also has almost no hope for any spinoffs. Expect these guys to be screaming "This game/show/book is going to SUUUUUUCK!" or "This will single-handedly [[DarthWiki/RuinedFOREVER ruin the franchise forever!!!]]" Often combined with The Methuselah.

Then there's Fan Dumb. Fan Dumb is the underbelly, where SeriousBusiness becomes obsession. They are the fans who claim to be the [[MediaWatchdog watchdogs]] of their fandom, but in reality, they're the rabid dogs that need putting down (it's tempting to say literally).

This is, although not the only type of Fan Dumb by any means, probably the most classic example of it. S/he is SeriousBusiness taken to the extreme. ''Nothing'' outside of the object of the fandom exists for this person, except perhaps the fandom itself. This means that they will attempt to discuss the object of their adoration every single chance they get, often attempting to twist or divert other discussions to this end, regardless of how awkward or nakedly inappropriate this is ("Yeah, it sucks that your father died; I felt exactly the same way when Captain Magnatron failed to defeat the Zargons in Episode 19"). This often leads them to grossly blow the actual significance of the work in a general context quite out of proportion... and, naturally, leads to nothing but contempt for those who aren't quite as committed to the show as they are, or who (gasp) aren't part of the fandom at all -- don't they realise how ''important'' it is? Naturally, any of the other listed types of Fan Dumb may find themselves ending up here. Unfortunately, [[StrawFan this is the way the vast majority of fandom is portrayed in the media]], which is why we have a trope specifically for that.

A good fandom is successful by having a diverse community of people who share a mutual interest in the shared object of the fandom, but nevertheless remain mature and sensible enough to tolerate and respect differences of opinion. Most people in fandoms actually are like this.

An extreme version of the Strawstuffer can risk becoming the '''Tinfoil Hatter''', a more paranoid and tragic creature. LIke the Strawstuffer, the Tinfoil Hatter ignores CreativeDifferences or [[TheyJustDidntCare apathy]] to figure out why things occur. However, they instead believe that everything they don't like is evidence that the creators are out to intentionally and personally attack ''them''. Reasonably or not, they see slights and attacks everywhere, and blame everything on a vitriolic creator who has a personal vendetta against them. This extends to intentional {{deconstruction}}s of their favourite plots and characters, {{Creator Breakdown}}s and characters (especially those the fan identifies with) presented as [[ThisLoserIsYou less than ideal]] or in an unconventional way. '''Tinfoilers''' are usually involved in {{Periphery Demographic}}s and, more tellingly, {{Misaimed Fandom}}s.

''Please do not put this on a work's main page. Put it on the work's YMMV page. The only exception is if it is {{invoked}} canonically as someone's character trait. In that case, mark it as such''

Although a Fan Dumb often holds idiosyncratic views about the show and demonstrates a passionate interest in it, it is important to note that neither controversial views or intense interest are themselves indication of Fan Dumb; differing viewpoints are inevitable in a large gathering of people (and knee-jerk objection to a differing opinion simply because it's a differing opinion is often a good sign that you belong in Fan Dumb yourself), and most people join fandoms in the first place ''because'' they're [[SeriousBusiness passionate about something]] and they want to celebrate it with other people who find it special. Many people manage to hold contrary or passionately enthusiastic viewpoints whilst still remaining civil and decent; similarly, many dismissed as Fan Dumb hold views that, on the surface, are actually quite reasonable. The problem with Fan Dumb is not the level of interest or the viewpoint, but the way it is expressed; even a reasonable argument will sound insane if it's being screamed in someone's face.

Similar to the Theocrat below, the Mad Scholar places too much emphasis on the overall importance of {{canon}} and the WordOfGod, and will dismiss {{Fanon}} as being unacceptable. Where they differ is that while the Theocrat only views that which WordOfGod has declared as being 'true', the Mad Scholar demands that everything in the story fits together neatly and that every loose end is tied up. They consequently hate ambiguities, gaps in the narrative and inconsistencies, and insists that they all have a {{canon}} or WordOfGod depiction or explanation, no matter how trivial or intentionally ambiguous the gap in question. They consequently demand that every single NoodleIncident, CrypticBackgroundReference and throwaway InJoke or backstory reference have an 'official' explanation and / or eventually be shown on screen in precise detail no matter how redundant or boring this would be to watch, and complains loudly if it isn't. It's almost as if they're keeping detailed charts or spreadsheets of what's happening in the narrative and insists that everything be filled in. This fan can often be heard erroneously complaining about '{{Plot Hole}}s'; the difference is that while a genuine plot hole is a failure in story-logic that can be annoying and intrusive to the point where it ruins the work, what the Mad Scholar often complains about is either ''supposed'' to be ambiguous and left up to the reader's imagination without explanation, or is so mind-bogglingly unimportant to the overall narrative that it doesn't ''matter'' if it's not explained or shown. The typical stereotype of this fan is the person who can be found at conventions insistently demanding that the creator answer every single question he has about every arcane little bit of the story in detail, no matter how trivial or ridiculous.

''A fan who's paranoid about their favorite show being [[DarthWiki/RuinedFOREVER ruined]].''

* '''Mad Bride/Groom''': A fan who refuses to follow the show when their favorite character is being left out of it.
This fan is more a fan of a specific character than the show, with the series largely being a vehicle to enjoy them. The lack of this character's involvement in the series or characterization going off in another direction than expected often turns this fan into a more personalized version of the ''Tinfoiler''. Tellingly, the fan often has a [[DracoInLeatherPants rather idealized, if not distorted, view of the character]]. [[{{Shipping}} Shippers]] are heavily associated with these sorts of fans; this can become doubly worrisome if the character they like is involved with another character the fan actually identifies directly with, or if they become involved in a LoveTriangle. Contrast with (and sometimes rivals to) [[HateDumb The Hate Monger]].\\
\\
The classic example of this, was when Carson Beckett, the first medical officer in the TV series ''StargateAtlantis'', was arbitrarily written out of the show. The degree of fan fury which manifested in response to that was unbelievable, to the degree that the producers of ''{{Stargate Universe}}'' said that they believed that a retaliatory campaign waged by Carson/Atlantis fans, was partly responsible for the cancellation of ''Universe.''

* '''Insane Avatar''': A fan who associates themselves with a single character and hates any who criticize that character.
This fan will idolize, nay, ''see themselves'' as a character from something they love. Everything associated with said character is something they'd do or should be doing. Everyone who has a slightly different opinion other than that the character in question is "awesome" is wrong. "''Those people'' cannot understand why 'Character X' does those things! How could they?! Only ''I'' understand them!" is a common mantra for this fan, who will also reduce all sorts of questions to "WhatWouldXDo?" This fan will also fight tooth and nail when defending any ships this character is in.

* '''Bizarro Chicken Little''': A variant that operates under the belief that even the tiniest voice of criticism will reach the ears of the PowersThatBe, who will immediately cancel the show in the belief that nobody likes it anymore. Ergo, all voices of criticism must be silenced with prejudice in order to keep the show on the air.

This fan might express what is a healthy amount of criticism... but ignores the chain of decay, middle management and [[ExecutiveMeddling all those who contribute to decision-making]] as an explanation to why things go poorly, instead preferring to focus their ire on an easily-named and recognized target regardless of what their involvement in this might have actually been. This target then becomes the subject of blame for all of the things that go wrong with the show, [[{{Misblamed}} regardless of whether they can reasonably be blamed for it or not]]. Furthermore, any failings or missteps are subsequently treated not as human error or the kind of slip-ups that any creative may encounter from time to time, but evidence that their target is out to spite them personally (which can lead to some overlap with the Tinfoiler below).

* The '''Tinfoil Hatter''': A more paranoid and tragic version of the Strawstuffer, the Tinfoiler ignores CreativeDifferences or [[TheyJustDidntCare apathy]] to figure out why things occur. However, they instead believe that everything they don't like is evidence that the creators are out to intentionally and personally attack them. Reasonably or not, they see slights and attacks everywhere, and blame everything on a vitriolic creator out to attack them personally. This extends to intentional {{deconstruction}}s of their favourite plots and characters, {{Creator Breakdown}}s and characters (especially those the fan identifies with) presented as [[ThisLoserIsYou less than ideal]] or in an unconventional way. '''Tinfoilers''' are usually involved in {{Periphery Demographic}}s and, more tellingly, {{Misaimed Fandom}}s.

Similar to the Theocrat below, the Mad Scholar places too much emphasis on the overall importance of {{canon}} and the WordOfGod, and will dismiss {{Fanon}} as being unacceptable. Where they differ is that while the Theocrat only views that which WordOfGod has declared as being 'true', the Mad Scholar demands that every single gap in the narrative has a {{canon}} or WordOfGod depiction or explanation, no matter how trivial or intentionally ambiguous the gap in question. This is the fan who seems to be keeping a detailed series of charts and spreadsheets outlining every single thing that happens in the story, and hates any inconsistencies, ambiguity or gaps that appear in the narrative. They consequently demand that every single NoodleIncident, CrypticBackgroundReference and throwaway InJoke or backstory reference have an 'official' explanation and / or eventually be shown on screen in precise detail no matter how redundant or boring this would be to watch, and complains loudly if it isn't. This fan can often be heard erroneously complaining about '{{Plot Hole}}s'; the difference is that while a genuine plot hole is a failure in story-logic that can be annoying and intrusive to the point where it ruins the work, what the Mad Scholar often complains about is either ''supposed'' to be ambiguous and left up to the reader's imagination without explanation, or is so mind-bogglingly unimportant to the overall narrative that it doesn't ''matter'' if it's not explained or shown. The typical stereotype of this fan is the person who can be found at conventions insistently demanding that the creator answer every single question he has about every arcane little bit of the story in detail, no matter how trivial or ridiculous.

Similar to the Theocrat below, the Mad Scholar places too much emphasis on the overall importance of {{canon}} and the WordOfGod, and will dismiss {{Fanon}} as being unacceptable. Where they differ is that while the Theocrat only views that which WordOfGod has declared as being 'true', the Mad Scholar demands that every single gap in the narrative has a {{canon}} or WordOfGod depiction or explanation, no matter how trivial or intentionally ambiguous the gap in question. This is the fan who seems to be keeping a detailed series of charts and spreadsheets outlining every single thing that happens in the story, and hates any inconsistencies, ambiguity or gaps that appear in the narrative. They consequently demand that every single NoodleIncident, CrypticBackgroundReference and throwaway InJoke or backstory reference have an 'official' explanation and / or eventually be shown on screen in precise detail no matter how redundant or boring this would be to watch, and complains loudly if it isn't. This fan can often be heard erroneously complaining about '{{Plot Hole}}s'; the difference is that while a genuine plot hole is a failure in story-logic that can be annoying and intrusive to the point where it ruins the work, what the Mad Scholar often complains about is either ''supposed'' to be ambiguous and left up to the reader's imagination without explanation, or is so mind-bogglingly trivial to the overall narrative that it doesn't ''matter'' if it's not explained or shown. The typical stereotype of this fan is the person who can be found at conventions insistently demanding that the creator answer every single question he has about every arcane little bit of the story in detail, no matter how trivial or ridiculous.

Similar to the Theocrat below, the Mad Scholar places too much emphasis on the overall importance of {{canon}} and the WordOfGod, and will dismiss {{Fanon}} as being unacceptable. Where they differ is that while the Theocrat only views that which WordOfGod has declared as being 'true', the Mad Scholar demands that every single one of his questions has a {{canon}} WordOfGod answer, no matter how trivial or intentionally ambiguous. This is the fan who seems to be keeping a detailed series of charts and records outlining every single thing that happens in the show, and hates any inconsistencies, ambiguity or gaps. They consequently demand that every single NoodleIncident, CrypticBackgroundReference and throwaway InJoke or backstory reference have an 'official' explanation and / or eventually be shown on screen in precise detail no matter how redundant or boring this would be to watch, and complains loudly if it isn't. Often tends to erroneously complain about '{{Plot Hole}}s'; the difference is that while a genuine plot hole is a failure in story-logic that can be annoying and intrusive to the point where it ruins the work, what the Mad Scholar often complains about is either ''supposed'' to be ambiguous and go without explanation, or is so mind-bogglingly trivial that it doesn't ''matter'' if it's not explained. The typical stereotype of this fan is the type of person who can be found at conventions insistently demanding that the creator answer every single question he has about every arcane little bit of the show in detail, no matter how trivial or ridiculous.

Similar to the Theocrat below, the Mad Scholar places too much emphasis on the overall importance of {{canon}} and the WordOfGod, and will dismiss {{Fanon}} as being unacceptable. Where they differ is that while the Theocrat only views that which WordOfGod has declared as being 'true', the Mad Scholar demands that every single one of his questions has a {{canon}} WordOfGod answer, no matter how trivial or intentionally ambiguous. This is the fan who seems to be keeping a detailed series of charts and records outlining every single thing that happens in the show, and hates any inconsistencies, ambiguity or gaps. They consequently demand that every single NoodleIncident, CrypticBackgroundReference and throwaway InJoke or backstory reference have an 'official' explanation and / or eventually be shown on screen in precise detail no matter how redundant or boring this would be to watch, and complains loudly if it isn't. Often tends to erroneously complain about '{{Plot Hole}}s'; the difference is that while a genuine plot hole is an error in logic that can be annoying and intrusive to the point where it ruins the work, what the Mad Scholar often complains about is either ''supposed'' to be ambiguous and go without explanation, or is so mind-bogglingly trivial that it doesn't ''matter'' if it's not explained. The typical stereotype of this fan is the type of person who can be found at conventions insistently demanding that the creator answer every single question he has about every arcane little bit of the show in detail, no matter how trivial or ridiculous.

Similar to the Theocrat below, the Mad Scholar places too much emphasis on the overall importance of {{canon}} and the WordOfGod, and will dismiss {{Fanon}} as being unacceptable. Where they differ is that while the Theocrat only views that which WordOfGod has declared as being 'true', the Mad Scholar demands that every single one of his questions has a {{canon}} WordOfGod answer, no matter how trivial or intentionally ambiguous. This is the fan who seems to be keeping a detailed series of charts and records outlining every single thing that happens in the show, and hates any inconsistencies, ambiguity or gaps. They consequently demand that every single NoodleIncident, CrypticBackgroundReference and throwaway InJoke or backstory reference have an 'official' explanation and / or eventually be shown on screen in precise detail no matter how redundant or boring this would be to watch, and complains loudly if it isn't. Often tends to erroneously complain about '{{Plot Hole}}s'; the difference is that while a genuine plot hole is an error in logic that can be annoying and intrusive to the point where it ruins the work, what the Mad Scholar often complains about is either ''supposed'' to be ambiguous and go without explanation, or is so mind-bogglingly trivial that it doesn't ''matter'' if it's not explained. The typical stereotype of this fan is the type of person who can be found at conventions insistently demanding that the creator answer every single question he has about every arcane little bit of fan knowledge in detail, no matter how trivial or ridiculous.

Similar to the Theocrat below, the Mad Scholar places too much emphasis on the overall importance of {{canon}} and the WordOfGod, and will dismiss {{Fanon}} as being unacceptable. Where they differ is that while the Theocrat only views that which WordOfGod has declared as being 'true', the Mad Scholar demands that every single one of his questions has a {{canon}} WordOfGod answer, no matter how trivial or intentionally ambiguous. This is the fan who seems to be keeping a detailed series of charts and records outlining every single thing that happens in the show, and hates any inconsistencies, ambiguity or gaps. They consequently demand that every single NoodleIncident, CrypticBackgroundReference and throwaway InJoke or backstory reference have an 'official' explanation and / or eventually be shown on screen in precise detail no matter how redundant or boring this would be to watch, and complains loudly if it isn't. Often tends to erroneously complain about '{{Plot Hole}}s'; the difference is that while a genuine plot hole can be annoying and intrusive to the point where it ruins the work, what the Mad Scholar often complains about is either ''supposed'' to be ambiguous and go without explanation, or is so mind-bogglingly trivial that it doesn't ''matter'' if it's not explained. The typical stereotype of this fan is the type of person who can frequently be found at conventions insistently demanding that the creator answer every single question he has about every arcane little bit of fan knowledge in detail, no matter how trivial or ridiculous.

The opposite of the Theocrat, and often veering into HateDumb territory as well, these are fans who, above all else, prefer ''only'' the fanon explanations, or, even better, their own explanations of canon events and characters. Often found twisting a character's personality into a DracoInLeatherPants[=/=]RonTheDeathEater and saying that those should be the true characters, heaping scorn on the canon pairing and propagating DieForOurShip, taking WordOfDante over WordOfGod and declaring the latter as a result of bad writing, erasing any and all clarifications of PlotHoles to fit their own personal canons, the list goes on and on.

[[folder:'''Mainstream Militant''']]
This fan has an overdeveloped sense of entitlement, believing that certain works are aimed ''only'' towards members of his demographic. While it is true that certain works are, in fact, marketed towards specific demographics, the Mainstream Militant will insist that this means [[PeripheryDemographic members of other demographics]] are not allowed to enjoy those works. He'll typically act as if those fans who fall outside the target demographic somehow "cheapen" his own enjoyment of those works. He will make it known loud and clear that such fans are undeserving, and will attempt to run them out of the fandom. Often SuffersNewbiesPoorly.

[[folder:The '''Character''']]

* '''Bizarro Chicken Little''': They operates under the belief that even the tiniest voice of criticism will reach the ears of the PowersThatBe, who will immediately cancel the show in the belief that nobody likes it anymore. Ergo, all voices of criticism must be silenced with prejudice in order to keep the show on the air.

The Old Timer has been around for a very long time, maybe even since the beginning, and they're not going to let you forget it. They have an overdeveloped sense of entitlement, but it's based on how much time they've invested rather than money, or devotion. Because they've stuck with it over the years, they believe that they're far more important to the franchise than these kids and "Johnny-come-latelys" who have only just arrived, and resent the show changing in any way to include them. They view the franchise through a sharp NostalgiaFilter; the show is [[NostalgiaAintLikeItUsedToBe never as good as it used to be]], and any criticisms raised of the show at / before this point will be viciously rebuffed. LongRunners especially will attract Old Timers who will resent and attempt to get rid of younger fans who had the misfortune of being born after they were. It can also happen to works that are no longer in production (classics) -- but still manages to attract [[PeripheryDemographic younger fans]]. Essentially, they're the [[GrumpyOldMan grumpy old men]] of the fandom constantly complaining about the good old days and shouting at the "young whippersnappers" to "get off their lawn", saying that they're too young to deserve it. Very commonly they may be found complaining about something that back in their day was a problem...yet they complain at the lack of it now, acting like those adults who make better lives for their children yet say "back in my day we...and we liked it."

This fan is more a fan of a specific character than the show, with the series largely being a vehicle to enjoy them. The lack of this character's involvement in the series or characterization going off in another direction than expected often turns this fan into a more personalized version of the ''Tinfoiler''. Tellingly, the fan often has a [[DracoInLeatherPants rather idealized, if not distorted, view of the character]]. [[{{Shipping}} Shippers]] are heavily associated with these sorts of fans; this can become doubly worrisome if the character they like is involved with another character the fan actually identifies directly with, or if they become involved in a LoveTriangle. Contrast with (and sometimes rivals to) [[HateDumb The Hate Monger]].

They are nearly always someone who has completely lost perspective on [[MST3KMantra exactly how important or special the show, the fandom and their views on same is in the scheme of things]], and don't understand [[OpinionMyopia why others don't feel the same as they do]]. As a result of all of this, they tend to view even polite or minor disagreement with them and their views as a personal attack, which often leads to them adopting an irrationally combative, defensive tone towards others in response; in discussion, they will usually resort to unrelated [[AdHominem 'ad hominem' ]] attacks on others and place value judgments on ''them'', not their arguments -- expect snide comments about race, gender, sexual orientation, age, etc. ("Oh, you just think that because you're black/female/gay/old....!") And any jokes made about the subject of the fandom (or them) will be responded to either with out-of-proportion offence or [[CompletelyMissingThePoint a humourless deconstruction of why the joke is 'inaccurate']].

A fan who appears to have nothing in his heart but loathing towards the show... and yet still keeps coming back, often insisting on how loyal they are in the process. Often a fan who's been burned in the past, he nevertheless keeps hanging around purely to complain about how he's been burned. The Loyalist Complainer is very fond of announcing that he has been burned once too often by the show and will be leaving the fandom, and yet he never actually seems to leave. Despite the fact that he does nothing but complain about it, should anything threaten the show's existence (such as a cancellation threat), his will be among the loudest voice raised in protest of the cancellation. Basically, for those of you who have worked in a business or public service job, the Loyalist Complainer is, in summary, the type of customer who says they will not be coming back to do business with you, but comes back again and again. May be their {{Guilty Pleasure|s}}.

* '''Falling-Sky Sentinel''': They operates under the belief that even the tiniest voice of criticism will reach the ears of the PowersThatBe, who will immediately cancel the show in the belief that nobody likes it anymore. Ergo, all voices of criticism must be silenced with prejudice in order to keep the show on the air.