I think there is a deceptively high learning curve for fandom because, not only is it this thing with a long and largely invisible history, it is also, as you say, a very disparate set of communities rather than one overarching community.
I know people have made "Everything you Need to know about Fandom" posts before but how is a newbie supposed to find them unless they are friends with someone who points them there?
Re: This Diamond Ring Doesn't Shine for Me Anymore
I think there is a deceptively high learning curve for fandom because, not only is it this thing with a long and largely invisible history, it is also, as you say, a very disparate set of communities rather than one overarching community.
I know people have made "Everything you Need to know about Fandom" posts before but how is a newbie supposed to find them unless they are friends with someone who points them there?