Fandom Should Feel Reciprocal

Allie here!

I am fascinated by fandom. I read about it, I listen to podcasts about it, and I live it. I am a fan of so many things—lunch, art, reading, my friends, and even people I’ve never met. I’m a fan of artists, chefs, authors, and performers. Being a fan and feeling excited about something adds so much positivity to my life.

A few years ago, when we were building an online membership for a client with a massive fanbase, we started discussing pricing.

They asked, “Will people actually want to pay for this?”

I remember smiling to myself before speaking up. I told them how I’m a devoted fan of a handful of podcasts—ones I spend hours listening to every week. And when those podcasts launch merch or announce a tour, I don’t hesitate. I hit purchase immediately. Not just because I want something, but because I want to give back to them.

I said, “I wish they gave me more opportunities to support them. I never want them to stop doing this. I want them to make enough money to take breaks. I don’t want them to burn out!”

For me, fandom feels reciprocal rather than extractive. A big part of that is respect—understanding that producing and creating consistently takes real work. That’s why I love what we do at Wonderly.

We help fandom feel reciprocal for our clients, so their audience isn’t just consuming—they’re supporting. They’re investing in the work they want to see continue for as long as possible.