"Follower" vs. "Fan" equals discrimination on Hubpages.

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  1. pylos26 profile image69
    pylos26posted 14 years ago

    A follower is a disciple, a member of a flock of sheep (if you will) with religious connotations.

    A fan is not a disciple and does not bear religious connotations.

    I protest being labeled a “Follower” by Hubpages and demand to be labeled other than “follower”. Fan is suitable.

    1. Cagsil profile image70
      Cagsilposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Neither makes a difference. It is how each individual reads into it that matters and with that said.....since it was fan and is now follower....if you have that much hatred for religion, I suggest you channel your energy elsewhere, like maybe writing more Hubs, denouncing religion.

      Either way, it shouldn't make that big of a difference. The explanation given for the change I accept and I've made the proper adjustment I've needed to. big_smile

    2. darkside profile image66
      darksideposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      And where does the 'discrimination' bit come into it?

      1. pylos26 profile image69
        pylos26posted 14 years agoin reply to this

        Not a “follower” of blind religion and prefer not to be linked with the term.

        1. darkside profile image66
          darksideposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          So you find it a derogatory term.

          That's still not discrimination.

          1. pylos26 profile image69
            pylos26posted 14 years agoin reply to this

            I respectfully disagree.

            1. darkside profile image66
              darksideposted 14 years agoin reply to this

              Have you been singled out by the use of the term?

              Other than "I don't like it" there has to be something about being discriminated against that is based on an action rather than an opinion.

              You mentioned that discrimination has been banned in America. Therefore it is illegal. But you really need to back up a claim of discrimination with something more than "it's discrimination".

              1. pylos26 profile image69
                pylos26posted 14 years agoin reply to this
                1. pylos26 profile image69
                  pylos26posted 14 years agoin reply to this

                  I may not want to tolerate being arbitrarily labeled as a blind religious “follower” on a public website. It goes to “civil rights” would you like for me to explain civil rights to you?

                  1. PB_Smith profile image61
                    PB_Smithposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                    Let me ask, are you into any pro sports? If so do you have a favorite team? If so then you could legitimately be "labeled" a "follower" of that team as well as "fan".
                    In this context though I see no connotation of the term "follower" in HubPages that has any reference whatsoever to your religious affiliations. You need to step back and reassess the way you are interpreting the use of the term "follower" in this context.
                    I feel the term "fan" leads another person to interpret that you agree and support a certain person or idea much more.
                    I'm sure a lot of people "follow" the war in Iraq, but not all of them support it.

                  2. darkside profile image66
                    darksideposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                    So now it's a violation of your civil rights? LOLOLOL!!!

                    I'm sure you wouldn't be able to explain civil rights to me, seeing that you've already done a terrible job of convincing anyone that a website changing a word from fan to follower is 'discrimination'.

                    An opinion is one thing, but when you start throwing around allegations it's another. Mind you, it's outrageous allegations. If you are being discriminated against and your civil rights are being violated, I'm sure there is an appropriate government department that can take a written complaint.

                    You should really work on being less intolerant.

          2. Katelyn Weel profile image91
            Katelyn Weelposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            I agree, I don't see how discrimination comes into this issue at all...?

            1. PB_Smith profile image61
              PB_Smithposted 14 years agoin reply to this

              The perception of discrimination comes into play based upon the notion that the term "follower" is being used in the same context as it would be if it were referring to a person who adheres to a certain religious belief system.
              That is an incorrect understanding of the context of the term "follower" in this instance.
              As I stated before in the context of HP a follower does not necessarily support and agree with the views of a particular hubber, they are merely "following" their activity. A fan has a more supportive connotation to it in the context of the HP.

    3. Aya Katz profile image83
      Aya Katzposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Fan derives from fanatic and is related to the word "fane". It most definitely does have a religious connotation.

    4. AEvans profile image72
      AEvansposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Oh Pylos, relax if you are on Twitter you are also a follower , if you are not a leader at your job then you are a follower so the word can have multiple meanings not just biblical. smile

      Ex: Manager at work (leader) employees: Fans? this would not make any sense, how many employees are fans of there bosses? They are followers same context. big_smile

      1. PB_Smith profile image61
        PB_Smithposted 14 years agoin reply to this

        No, now the politically correct term is "associate" in a retail environment and "co-worker" in most others.
        I prefer the term follower more than fan.
        You can "follow" someone's hub activity and keep up to date on what they publish and still think they are a buffoon worthy of no praise.
        Being a "fan" just doesn't leave that latitude and has the connotation that you agree with and support them. smile

        1. AEvans profile image72
          AEvansposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          I see and agree. smile

    5. lilmnstr profile image61
      lilmnstrposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      The meaning of a word does not come from the speaker but the listener. It is all in how you interpet the word, not what the speaker (in this case writer) intended it to mean. Therefore if YOU TAKE offense to it, its you with the issue, the offense wasn't given to you.

      1. PB_Smith profile image61
        PB_Smithposted 14 years agoin reply to this

        No, the meaning of a word is the meaning of the word, otherwise communication would not be possible. Read my previous post. The terms "follower" and "fan" most certainly have different meanings.

        1. Katelyn Weel profile image91
          Katelyn Weelposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          Actually, the meaning of a word really does come from the listener, that's why communication sometimes IS impossible!

          1. PB_Smith profile image61
            PB_Smithposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            Only if the one communicating lacks the needed vocabulary and understanding of contextual modifications of meaning of the words used to convey the intended message. The English language can be very precise through both the definition of the words used and the context in which they are used. Both the situational and structural context can have significant effect on the hearers perception of the message conveyed.
            It is up to the one communicating to use language that conveys the meaning intended.
            Saying the meaning of a word is dependent on the hearer is incorrect.
            The communicator has to use language that is accessible and understandable to their intended audience.
            If that is overlooked then of course the hearer will interpret the message based upon thier vocabulary and comprehension skills.

          2. pylos26 profile image69
            pylos26posted 14 years agoin reply to this

            If you prefer to “slang” that idea around…go for it...But the facts are a word means what it means and the speaker has no duty to insure the listener’s wrong definition or idea of it as long as he has Merriam Webster at his back.

    6. rebekahELLE profile image85
      rebekahELLEposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      you are kidding, yes? hmm

      1. pylos26 profile image69
        pylos26posted 14 years agoin reply to this

        I have a low opinion of the term "follower".

        1. rebekahELLE profile image85
          rebekahELLEposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          well, I wouldn't loose any sleep over it. it's just a term used in social media. smile

        2. candice5 profile image58
          candice5posted 14 years agoin reply to this

          Same, it conjuers, up all sorts of "Groupie" scenarios.

  2. jimmythejock profile image84
    jimmythejockposted 14 years ago

    grow up, follower or fan who cares!

    1. hublim profile image66
      hublimposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Ditto

      Is the name really that important?

      You are acknowledging the quality of their work and want to follow their progress.

    2. profile image0
      L. Andrew Marrposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I care!

      I write because I want people to read. You can follow someone and not be interested in their work ('spam fanning' if you will). Fan implies that someone likes your work and follow you because they like your work, not just because you happen to be there.

      The followers thing irritates me because I feel like it has taken all my dignity away as a writer. You don't buy a book because you follow the author (after all that is stalking) - you buy a book because you are a fan of that author.

      Anyway, everyone's entitled to their different opinions. That is just where I stand.

      ...

      Although, I have become used to it now so I'm not overly worried anymore.

    3. lorlie6 profile image73
      lorlie6posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Agreed.

  3. profile image0
    Crazdwriterposted 14 years ago

    I liked fan better too. Made me feel special when I read I had so many fans. Now I feel like I am on Twitter and I hate Twitter.

    1. pylos26 profile image69
      pylos26posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I don't support twitter either...cool response.

      1. marinealways24 profile image59
        marinealways24posted 14 years agoin reply to this

        Merry Christmas!

    2. profile image0
      lyricsingrayposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Totally agree with this Craz. big_smile  Are we like Twitter now?

  4. Misha profile image62
    Mishaposted 14 years ago

    You are free to leave pylos. smile

    1. pylos26 profile image69
      pylos26posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Sir…as I may be grateful for your suggestion…I seem to possess a natural instinct that’s contrary to marxist indoctrinations and concepts. ( and suggestions)

      1. JYOTI KOTHARI profile image61
        JYOTI KOTHARIposted 14 years agoin reply to this

        You are right (and not leftist!)

        Thanks,
        Jyoti Kothari

  5. Marisa Wright profile image86
    Marisa Wrightposted 14 years ago

    This is a very, very old discussion. HubPages has explained why the change was necessary and it makes sense. If you want to comment further, please go to the main thread.

    1. JYOTI KOTHARI profile image61
      JYOTI KOTHARIposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Where is the main thread? Please post a link.
      Thanks,
      Jyoti Kothari

    2. pylos26 profile image69
      pylos26posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I'm within the rules of hubpages by posting in the hubbers hangout...
      discrimination is banned in america.

      1. Ron Montgomery profile image61
        Ron Montgomeryposted 14 years agoin reply to this

        Not against rodents.

        1. pylos26 profile image69
          pylos26posted 14 years agoin reply to this

          Haha...cool

      2. Marisa Wright profile image86
        Marisa Wrightposted 14 years agoin reply to this

        I wasn't saying you weren't allowed - I was just saying it was pointless.  This has already been done to death.

        1. pylos26 profile image69
          pylos26posted 14 years agoin reply to this

          Sorry marisa...i'm still protesting. It's part of the democratic process.

      3. darkside profile image66
        darksideposted 14 years agoin reply to this

        That's the thing though. How is a description of a site feature, be it follower, fan, subscriber or reader, akin to discrimination?

        1. pylos26 profile image69
          pylos26posted 14 years agoin reply to this

          Already answered that question for Darkhorse.

  6. starme77 profile image79
    starme77posted 14 years ago

    whatever is better for us in the search rankings is better for us and thats my story and I'm stickin to it smile

  7. profile image0
    Nelle Hoxieposted 14 years ago

    Now that they've explained the change and I've seen the Hubfeed and all of that, I get it and it doesn't really matter to me.

  8. goldenpath profile image67
    goldenpathposted 14 years ago

    I am really not that tall so being called one of the sheep really doesn't sound so bad to me.  Just kidding!  The term doesn't matter to me as it still serves the same function.  If we begin to disect and pick at the smallest of details we may wind up curtailing our own individual progress in whatever our pursuits on HP whether literary or monetary - or both.

  9. Ron Montgomery profile image61
    Ron Montgomeryposted 14 years ago

    I believe sheep are at most, agnostic.

    1. profile image0
      Denno66posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Says you.

      1. Ron Montgomery profile image61
        Ron Montgomeryposted 14 years agoin reply to this

        Sorry, didn't mean to speak for ALL sheep.

  10. Aya Katz profile image83
    Aya Katzposted 14 years ago

    The dictionary, actually.

    1. Uninvited Writer profile image80
      Uninvited Writerposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      The dictionary says all sheep are agnostic?

  11. Katelyn Weel profile image91
    Katelyn Weelposted 14 years ago

    Well fan means FANATIC... so what's really the difference?

  12. alexandriaruthk profile image60
    alexandriaruthkposted 14 years ago

    it is just the same, fan or follower,

    I trust HP is doing everything for the betterment of this site too,

  13. thisisoli profile image73
    thisisoliposted 14 years ago

    I couldn't give two of the proverbial.  Fans, Followers, it's given a specific connotation by Hubpages.

  14. pylos26 profile image69
    pylos26posted 14 years ago

    Sorry...
    darkside.

  15. zadrobi profile image60
    zadrobiposted 14 years ago

    A follower is a flattering yet non-existent stalker.

  16. Misha profile image62
    Mishaposted 14 years ago

    Feeding trolls Glen? Uh-oh lol

    1. darkside profile image66
      darksideposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I had no idea.

      I just noticed that Uninvited Writer also thought that the thread wasn't serious.

      I guess we should stop asking questions, or otherwise the OP might want to charge us with homicide.

  17. jessicab profile image61
    jessicabposted 14 years ago

    Have anyone found out the reason the name fan was changed to follower.

  18. Uninvited Writer profile image80
    Uninvited Writerposted 14 years ago

    I thought you were joking...

    I think you are taking things way too seriously. There are many definitions of follower...

  19. readytoescape profile image61
    readytoescapeposted 14 years ago

    Given the below definitions and alternatives I prefer the use of the term Fan, if given only the choice of the two. However, that most of us are more individualist and once we have “Fanned” someone we merely stating we hold an interest to be advised of new work that may be produced by those that we have chosen as potentially interesting.

    Find a word that defines the above and that’s what term should be applied. 

    Follower:

    Definition: person who believes or has great interest

    Synonyms:

    addict, adherent, admirer, advocate, apostle, attendant, backer, believer, bootlicker, buff, client, cohort, companion, convert, copycat, devotee, disciple, fan, fancier, freak*, habitué, hanger-on, helper, imitator, lackey, member, minion, parasite, participant, partisan, patron, promoter, proselyte, protégé, pupil, representative, satellite, sectary, servant, sidekick, stooge, supporter, sycophant, toady, vassal, votary, worshiper, zealot 

    Fan:

    Definition: person enthusiastic about an interest

    Synonyms: addict, adherent, admirer, aficionado, amateur, buff, devotee, follower, freak*, groupie, habitué, hound, lover, rooter, supporter, votary, zealot 


    Personally for the reason stated above I don’t really like either of the options.

    1. pylos26 profile image69
      pylos26posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Do you see apostle or disciple mentioned in the definition of “fan as you do in “follower”?

      1. readytoescape profile image61
        readytoescapeposted 14 years agoin reply to this

        I don’t see anything in the definitions with religious connotation at all. The words disciple, apostle, worshiper are all synonymous with all the other words. Whether they be applied to political, social, economic or any other association. Any other such definition with religious connotations you have added and its meaning is one that only applies to your personal interpretation of that word.

        But none of those words provides equity to the definition of the actions we are discussing as I described. So if your intention is for me to agree to your interpretation, I do not.

  20. brimancandy profile image79
    brimancandyposted 14 years ago

    So I guess pylos26, you, would be stuck in Oz with the munchkins, because you didn't want to follow the yellow brick road. because you would be considered a follower?

    You're never going to get to the emerald city with that attitude! You would be letting everyone who follows you down!
    Sorry tin man, Lion, and the scarecrow. I will never meet you, because I can't be a follower. And, you certainly can't follow me. Because then you would be followers too! I hate you all!!!

    Sorry, I just couldn't resist.

  21. pylos26 profile image69
    pylos26posted 14 years ago

    I consider myself pretty tolerant listening to you rant.

    1. darkside profile image66
      darksideposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Let us know how you go with your civil rights protest.

    2. candice5 profile image58
      candice5posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Nice, to realise that I am not the only one that feels as you do. You certainly are tolerant.

  22. pylos26 profile image69
    pylos26posted 14 years ago

    Just asking a simple question...and you don't see an religious connotation in the words disciple and apostle?


    hubbers are taking this thread way way too seriously anyway.

    1. readytoescape profile image61
      readytoescapeposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I have many times heard and read those words used with a religous connotation, but I have also heard and seen them used in the other scenerios I described. Are you suggesting the associations for other words can only be used in one format.

      For example the word "convert", can it only mean one that changed from one religion to another, or could it be, for example, that a liberal progressive became enlightened and educated to the facts of real life and choose to convert to conservatism.

      1. blue dog profile image62
        blue dogposted 14 years agoin reply to this

        in your opinion, of course, what are "the facts of real life"???

        1. readytoescape profile image61
          readytoescapeposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          Ah the progressives have arrived. I shall allow you to continue the conversation along the anti-religious vain, though I was only discussing the actual definitions of the two words.

          That you are asking the question however seems to demonstrate you are of the of the liberal progressive crowd and the entitlement strain, and either recipient of or supporter for and/or happily advancing the cause of redistribution of wealth.

          Not knowing you, other than the information in your profile, my bet is recipient now or at some point, via academia and/or endowment for the arts or both, but again that is just a guess. If my guess is incorrect, well, oops, sorry.

          Interestingly you only entered the conversation when I proposed a hypothetical example of conversion, like that's impossible. I assume the standard liberal ridicule will be your next retort.

          1. blue dog profile image62
            blue dogposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            actually, you brought up the facts of life, i only asked for a clarification.

            regarding the "liberal progressive crowd" you refer to, i don't hang with crowds.  kind of funny about that, free thinker and all.  there is no such thing as entitlement.  anything i have been the "recipient" of came through effort and hard work. that includes working my way thru college.  twice.  so yeah, oops. 

            i look at the "redistribution of wealth" that you speak of more along the lines of a transfer of cash from the working class to the elite.  i guess it could be a redistribution of sorts. 

            regarding these forums, you or i or anyone else can enter into any discussion whenever we feel like it, as the set-up currently stands.  when i enter into this discussion is totally irrelevant to the question asked.

  23. pylos26 profile image69
    pylos26posted 14 years ago

    Seems I may have kicked up a hornet’s nest and the attention of possible a pre-law student arguing an imaginary case.

    Most attention I’ve had in days.

    1. readytoescape profile image61
      readytoescapeposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      And perhaps you should check profiles before spouting, though I am not surprised about the attention statement considering the content thus far. Forgive me for thinking you might have had something intellegent to debate. Sometimes relative boredom drives one to make poor choices. Have a nice night.

      1. pylos26 profile image69
        pylos26posted 14 years agoin reply to this

        Wow...you seem extremely intelligent...perhaps a mind reading tent would suit you as well.

  24. readytoescape profile image61
    readytoescapeposted 14 years ago

    I must say though, political opinions aside. I have visited your hubs before this conversation and find your work quite talented.

    1. blue dog profile image62
      blue dogposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      thank you.  i'm glad the passion comes thru in the work.

  25. xboxps3wow profile image40
    xboxps3wowposted 14 years ago

    I say, WHO CARES?

    Follow me and I will follow you smile

  26. cindyvine profile image69
    cindyvineposted 14 years ago

    what difference does it make?  Both start with an 'F'

    1. lorlie6 profile image73
      lorlie6posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      lol

  27. Uninvited Writer profile image80
    Uninvited Writerposted 14 years ago
    1. earnestshub profile image79
      earnestshubposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      They said it so well I just went to the link and listened to it to the end. smile Thanks UW that was great! smile

      1. wyanjen profile image70
        wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this

        smile thanks UW. smile

        So peaceful and happy...
        HP theme song contender? lol

        (I do still prefer fan. But I'm much more mellow about it now. See the power of Genesis?)

    2. blue dog profile image62
      blue dogposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      uw,

      you're giving our ages away.

  28. Cris A profile image60
    Cris Aposted 14 years ago

    Or maybe we're giving the word too much thought and thereby ascribing more meanings to it when we know for a fact what the term means in the context of HP's usage of it. cool

    And who cares if it's so much like Twitter? It's not as if they invented the word cool

  29. profile image0
    Crazdwriterposted 14 years ago

    I just think that it would have been a bit more fair if hubpages had let us vote on the change...

    1. pylos26 profile image69
      pylos26posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with you Crazd and thanks.

  30. Len Cannon profile image89
    Len Cannonposted 14 years ago

    you are all welcome to join my cult. discrimination? Yeesh. We should all be so lucky if this is the type of "discrimination" we face in every day life.

 
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