Is it Alright to not like the fandom?

Recently I’ve pushed myself further away from the fandom than ever because of the unneccesary bullying and drama that’s been going on. My friend from one of my classes doesn’t like that I hardly go to any meetups nor talk about the fandom anymore. I mention to him that I just enjoy the show and not the fandom, but that isn’t good enough to him and I shouldn’t hang out with him anymore because I won’t like the fandom anymore. I participate in fan art and watch the show, but that’s the most I’ll ever get involved from now on.

You do whatever you feel comfortable with. Unless you go bad-mouthing us, it’s a’ight.

The fandom is not a single entity…You can interact with the people you like and hate others.
 
But yeah what Grieffon said. Do whatever the f- you like. Just don’t be a total d+ck.

No you don’t have the right to not like the fandom. You must conform to the hivemind.
 
But in all seriousness you can, and your friend should respect that. However I don’t see what goes on in matters not directly related to you or your meetup group would deter you from interacting from other fans.
 
There was a point where I got fed up with things going on in the fandom and thought about reducing my involvement with the show. But sometimes you have to be able to be above it,work through the BS and sometimes not get involved. But I totally see where you’re coming from.
 
 
Vree and Grieffon have it right though I would reconsider your decisions on abstaining from the group personally.

I’m pretty passive to fandoms in general. Some art and discussions, that’s about as far as it goes for me for anything.
 
People like the show for different reasons, and have their own level of involvement and specific interests, really shouldn’t be criticized for not being super into something, it’s silly.

It’s quite alright.

As long as you’re not a toad about it, no one should care about what you like or don’t like.

It’s okay to not like things  
It’s okay, but don’t be a dick about it  
It’s okay to not like things~  
Don’t Be A Dick About The Things You Don’t Like™
 
_{^{(seriously though, I never go to meetups and rarely talk about the show unless I’m around people I already know enjoy it; I guess I’m a passive fan)}}

Why would it be wrong?

Of course its fine. Just don’t be dick about it.
 
Or get out.

If you don’t like or hate something, say it in a neutral tone in an approriate place. If someone ask you a question about the thing you don’t like/hate, just say to him to not talk about it.
 
@The Twelfth Doctor Whoof  
I’m also a passive fan in a way

Basically what everyone above me said.
 
It’s funny you bring this up, since earlier tonight I was working out the differences between active fans and passive fans. Anyone can correct me if I’m wrong, but I am under the assumption that if you participate within the fandom, then you’re an active fan, whereas if you’re just a fan of something, but don’t really participate within the fandom, then you’re a passive fan.
 
Ergo, I’m an active brony, but a passive whovian (for example).

@Ebalosus  
Fringe fans are also fans that aren’t terribly active in any given fandom.
 
Fans and fandom isn’t an all-or-nothing deal. It’s more like a sliding scale. Do whatever you feel most comfortable with.
 
Also, most larger fandoms tend to share problems with humanity. They’re really humanity problems. In that case—just like humanity—it really tends to be more important to decide who you decide to spend your time with. Like humanity, there are awesome folks, terrible folks, and everyone in between.

Just because we like the same cartoon, doesn’t mean we have to like each other.

I used to like the idea of being a part of a community where other people my age liked a series targeted to little girls. Imagine my reaction when I learned how many sour apples there are in the fandom. I personally think it’s gotten especially bad with the last few seasons of FIM.

@Megalobronia
Ironic, considering this post was 9 years ago.
And true.

Yes

@Mr.Myoozik
Agreed, every fandom can be harsh at times, sometimes makes you so cringe.

Old thread is old, but abso-fucking-lutely.
I use to love this fandom to bits (my only gripe back then was how they treated Celestia), but once 2019 hit, it all went downhill from there. It got so bad, from the Season 9 drama to the Pony Life reveal, and the general ugliness of the fandom really showed. You know things have sunk to a massive low when death threats were being sent to the crew. And don’t even get me started on SaveMLP and the SaveEquestriaGirls cult.
Things seemed to have gotten better, but G5 seemed to also open up another can of worms with so many G4 purists trying to ruin the fun for everyone, and it seems like it isn’t gonna slow down if the G5 comics are anything to go by.
It’s kinda funny how the show preached morals about friendship and acceptance, yet the fandom doesn’t seem to care or even follow those morals. Like, at all.

Reading through the first post, man some things don’t change. I still love many people and things in the fandom, but nowadays I avoid large segments and keep to a little corner of it. Nobody is forcing you to enjoy the whole fandom. If you like pony, you like pony, and it’s bonus if there’s anything in the fandom that excites you.

@IronYoshi
🤷
@Mr.Myoozik
👍

Of course - it’s not a new concept to separate the media you like and the people surrounding it.
Liking something doesn’t automatically lump you in with a certain group of people, especially the toxic side of it.
If I want to get into something, be it a show, game, book series, etc. that is known for having a “toxic”, I’ll just keep it to myself and quietly enjoy it for it is, not for what people see it’s community as, kind of like me and MLP for example.