Greetings! This is MarineDolphin here, providing you the need-to-know basics in the Fandom World!

Now, first off, let's get into the  basic terms that will pop up the most.

Fandom: Think of a kingdom, but with people who share at least one common interest. 

(See Fangirl)

Fangirl- A fan of a Book, T.V. Series, Artist, YouTuber, or any sort of entertainment (This, sadly, does not include watching slinkies go down stairs...), and is a female.

Fanboy- See Fangirl, but replace female with male.

Fanfiction- A story written by a Fangirl or Fanboy. There are many different variations, which I will go into later. 

NOTE: You are able to do whatever you want in a Fanfiction, but whatever you write about does NOT happen in the Canon verse.

(Also see Fanfic.)

Fanart: Akin to Fanfiction, but usually in picture form, such as a portrait of a character or a landscape of a common scene,

Okay, not too bad, right? Now, lets talk the pirate business!

Ship: Okay, when I say Ship, I mean relationShip. For example, let's say that I really like the idea of Person A and Person B becoming a couple. Then I may rant to a friend, "Oh my gosh, I totally Ship them!" 

(Also see OTP and BROTP)

Canon: Yes, I did spell it right. In the Fandom verse, Canon means that the writers/artist/slinky maker has written and confirmed something. For example, in the fairy-tale 'Little Red Riding Hood', it is Canon that Little Red wears, well, a red cloak. Events, Costumes, and Ships are examples of Canons.

NOTE: If something happens in a fanfic, but NOT the show/book/artist/slinky falling, it is  CANON. Instead, it is called a Headcanon.

Headcanon: A Headcanon is similar to a Canon, but it is Fan made. They focus on theories, superstitions, or mini-stories thought up by fans. 

NOTE: IT IS IMPORTANT TO MY MENTAL HEALTH THAT YOU ALL KNOW THAT A HEADCANON IS DIFFERENT FROM A CANON. Thank you.

 Trolls: Ah, the nasty little buggers. Trolls are known throughout Fanfiction forums for their ability to feed off of the suffering of others. They will try to tell you that your Fanfic sucks, or that your opinion is worthless. This is called Flaming. The best way to beat them off is through starvation. Don't respond, and if you do, be extremely kind and cautious. For all you know, their favorite character might have just died, and they're lashing out.

NOTE: You are not allowed to become a troll in my eyes, even if your  favourite character just died.

Flames: What trolls like to do. They will burn you with their fiery words, then retreat back to the depths of the internet. Many an author will put quips on their work such as, "Flames will be used to roast (least favorite character)", or "Flames will be used to make S'mores!"

Mmm...S'mores...

Well, that's all for now! Tune in next time for more!

Your favorite author,

MarineD