by Evil Eye » Sat Aug 05, 2017 1:02 pm
- Motto: "Don't be a goddamn coward."
- Weapon: Acid Spray Gun
The concept of a "true fan" as referred to by most when bringing up the "you aren't a TRUE fan" argument is absolute garbage, no doubt. Especially when looking at a franchise as long running as Transformers, where every era is practically its own fanbase.
HOWEVER
Whilst all fans are true fans, some fans are truer than others. That's not me being exclusionary or elitist, that's an objective fact. Some people are more casual fans of the brand, and some are much more dedicated. That's not to say one is "better" than the other of course, but it certainly is a thing. Not something that makes the "true fan" argument any less stupid though.
Of course, there's a difference between "You don't edit the wiki, attend every BotCon, track down obscure Venezuelan redecos and read really rare pack-in DVD comics, you aren't a true fan and therefore your opinion means nothing" (the more common True Fan argument) and "You don't even like Transformers, why should our fanbase cater to your demands?" (which is a perfectly salient point to bring up). By contrast to the no-true-Scotsman variant, not wanting outsiders meddling in your fandom is, IMO, perfectly reasonable and understandable.
I'll illlustrate two different scenarios to explain what I mean, using fictional examples:
1: SledgeFan199X says he doesn't particularly care for Quakebreak because she's hideous shades of magenta and beige, and will be saving up for Ruination instead. Broadblast21 says "They look like that in the comics, and there's been uglier coloured combiners before, therefore it's fine, besides you should just be grateful we're even getting a female combiner". SledgeFan199X replies that he doesn't like overly bright clashing colours (such as the G2 combiners or the like) and that he doesn't particularly care about the comics, he just wants a cool toy, which in his opinion Quakebreak isn't. Broadblast21 responds that because he doesn't read the comics that he isn't a true fan and thus his opinion on the matter is irrelevant. SledgeFan199X is disappointed by his fellow fan's utter lack of tolerance for divergent opinion and leaves the website.
2: "Media critic" Skeeter Aneesian (a woman with no prior interest in Transformers) starts making accusations that artist Kimiko Shinbo's new manga "Cybertron Tea Party" is sexist because it portrays Thunderblast, Minerva and other fembots enjoying delicious cake and tea whilst chatting about frivolous matters, which is apparently offensive because how DARE anyone portray female characters enjoying afternoon tea! (something something "negative gender stereotypes" are mentioned.) The fanbase are quick to respond that she isn't even interested in Transformers and therefore has no business complaining about what fans of the franchise enjoy- after all, if she does not like it, she has only to turn her attention elsewhere to something she does like. Skeeter then accuses the fans of using the "no true Scotsman/true fan" argument and cries about being "harassed" by evil fans of transforming robots and Victoria sponge cake on her Squawker account, causing endless friction between the Transformers community and the (sadly large) proportion of intrusive busybodies on the internet.
TLDR: "You're not a true fan" is not a valid argument. "You're not even a fan" (depending on context) is.
Ha ha Transformers go brrrrr
"Decepticons! Transform and Rise Up!" 
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