Personal networks and the social world of ordinary Star Trek fans: Method and first results

Abstract

The fans of the science fiction franchise, Star Trek, are known as 'Trekkies' and are the only fan subculture to have an entry in the OED. This paper reports on a study of 'ordinary' Star Trek fans. The methodology uses in-depth interviews coupled with a study of respondents' egonets (their circle of close contacts). We discuss issues associated with the use of these two techniques and report the main findings of the study. We find that Star Trek is an important part of the social world of these ordinary fans but that each fan is selective, in individual ways, about sharing their Star Trek interest with close contacts