Unpopular opinion: I used to think gatekeeping was just part of being a comic fan, but a kid at the local shop asking me about my favorite Spider-Man run last month made me see it as just being a jerk.

I used to quiz new readers on trivia to see if they were 'real fans', but now I just point them to the first trade of Ultimate Spider-Man and ask what they think, because getting more people into the hobby is better than keeping it a secret club.

3 comments

3 Comments

rowanbennett3mo ago

Honestly, that bit about it just being insecurity really hit home. I read this article a while back about how gatekeeping comes from a weird fear that your own fandom gets watered down if it gets popular. Tbh, it's such a pointless way to think. Now I just get excited when someone shows interest, because it means we can actually talk about the thing we both like instead of me just testing them.

fiona7371mo ago

Oh man, @murray.gray totally nailed it. I've been there too where I'd quiz people on obscure lore just to see if they were "worthy" lol. Its honestly exhausting looking back on it. Now I'm like, if someone says they like a thing I like, thats a win in my book. I'd rather have someone to geek out with than sit alone being the "true fan" by myself. Its so much more fun when you treat it like a shared thing instead of a secret club. Like, gatekeeping just pushes away people who could become your next best friend over this shared interest.

murray.gray3mo ago

Yeah, it's just insecurity, man. I used to do the same thing with music, like you weren't a real fan if you didn't know some deep cut B-side. All it does is make people feel bad for liking a thing. Pointing them to a good starting spot is the actual helpful move.