The 3 Degrees of Fans

In a discussion with a friend and co-writer, I realized that there are 3 degrees of fans when it comes to music.

1. The "Passive" Fan

2. The "Simply a Fan" Fan

3. The "Super" Fan

In the discussion, we realized that not only does an artist have fans who represent each category, but also, each fan falls into different categories with different artists.

The "Passive" Fan is the fan who kinda like your stuff. Not enough to buy it or even go to a show if it was free, but if they heard you on the radio they wouldn't turn it. What you do is admirable from a technical standpoint, however that little kid inside who lights up when you hear something incredible doesn't really get aroused.

The "Simply a Fan" Fan likes most of your stuff, loves some of it, but not crazy about ALL of it. I'll buy the CD if there are two or more songs on it that blow me away, but I'll probably wait for the greatest hits record just to be safe.

The "Super" Fan buys everything you make available, watches every video of you on the net, gets into discussions about how great you are, goes to see you live, (even if it means a road trip) and in some cases even profess their devotion to you with a tattoo. (I'm a Hank Jr. "Super" Fan....all above including the tattoo apply.)

As artists, our goal should be to convert as many people as possible into "Super" Fandom, and also

not take it for granted. We have to make as much available to them as possible. Alternate versions, live versions, behind the scenes videos, outtakes, original demos....you name it. If someone is willing to buy eveything you do, then the more product options they have, the better.(For you and for them)

I just found this to be an interesting discussion so I wanted to share it with all of you. What's fun is to look at yourself as a fan and ask yourself, "which category do I fall into" with different artists.

I hope everyone has a good week,

Randall Clay

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Permalink Reply by Bob Olhsson on December 6, 2010 at 8:33am

It's always amazed me how many artists aim for the largest number of what you call "passive fans" instead of focusing on what you call "super fans." Indeed all you need to do is turn it around and study the artists you love in order to understand what is required.

The only REAL fans are the latter. From what I've seen they are also the only source of any income for an artist, quiet as that's kept. They are also a unique group of people for each artist. This is why formulas and "business models" have never worked in the music business. It's all about connecting with fans as opposed to objectifying them.

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Permalink Reply by Joe Pasquale on December 6, 2010 at 3:18pm

i am a USC & Lakers fan- but only when they're good- i will watch every game and read the papers- but when they suck - i'm not wasting my time- like a restaurant- as long as i am served a good meal - I am there- !!!

regarding your 'passive' fan- with the death of radio- we will soon see the death of the passive consumer- at least with respect to Radio- ;) The simply a fan- will become irrelevant as purchasing a CD will become irrelevant- and most new artists will revert to a singles only medium- not unlike the 60's ;)

so 3 cheers for the "face painter" !!! long may he live !!