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Over about four decades or so of being a fan, I've seen and heard a lot of interesting fan behavior. I won't say that I've seen or heard it all because just when I think I have, something else comes out of left field. Some fans manage to distort reality into their own fantasies, doing a very good job of convincing themselves, at least. Sometimes it's amusing, and sometimes it's sad. Most of my observations happened in secular fandom, but I've been surprised to note that even gospel music also has its share of fan storytellers and potential fiction novelists.

Perhaps my earliest experience I've had with these storytellers was when I was in grade school. I grew up in the 60s, being a big fan of groups like the Beatles and Paul Revere and the Raiders. Some of the boys who knew about this figured they would be smart alecks and try to convince me that one of the group members had quit, got married, or even died. Oh, but that wouldn't fly past me. You see, I read 16 magazine and Tiger Beat magazine, so I knew what was up and what wasn't.

One characteristic of some of these tall tale tellers is coming up with a number of excuses when they are asked for more information or something tangible to prove their claims. For example, I had one tell me regularly that she had a vast collection of personal items from a prominent rock star, including a gold record from his first band. When I asked her to take a picture of it, she would say her camera was broken…she just couldn't get around to getting it fixed. Upon further research, it turned out that first band never made it into the studio to record.

You also have those who stretch the truth about how well they know artists. I once had an opportunity to check out one of those storytellers. This artist who one person I knew claimed to be tight with came to town. I had a chance to meet this person and said, "I hear we have a friend in common, so and so." The response was "Hmm…I don't think I know her." Next time I'm in that situation, I'll be sure to phrase it as a question.

Now, granted, I know a lot of people are telling the truth about their fan encounters…I've had my share of them over the years. But there's a good piece of advice out there when the stories may sound fishy to you: trust, but verify.

Wendy Vickers
http://www.wendyv.com
http://www.embraceencouragement.com

Reader Comments

Very good piece, Wendy, & very true. I feel sad for those who are trying to impress others with stories rather than being themselves.

God is good all the time & all the time God is good. 

Elaine Harcourt

I can say I have had a very similar encounter!!
I have to agree with Elaine, it is rather sad.

Becky
Lord, keep Your arm around my shoulder and Your hand over my mouth!

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