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.
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.
And where does the 'discrimination' bit come into it?
Not a “follower” of blind religion and prefer not to be linked with the term.
So you find it a derogatory term.
That's still not discrimination.
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".
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?
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.
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.
I agree, I don't see how discrimination comes into this issue at all...?
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.
Fan derives from fanatic and is related to the word "fane". It most definitely does have a religious connotation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Actually, the meaning of a word really does come from the listener, that's why communication sometimes IS impossible!
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.
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.
Ditto
Is the name really that important?
You are acknowledging the quality of their work and want to follow their progress.
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.
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.
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)
You are right (and not leftist!)
Thanks,
Jyoti Kothari
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.
Where is the main thread? Please post a link.
Thanks,
Jyoti Kothari
I'm within the rules of hubpages by posting in the hubbers hangout...
discrimination is banned in america.
I wasn't saying you weren't allowed - I was just saying it was pointless. This has already been done to death.
That's the thing though. How is a description of a site feature, be it follower, fan, subscriber or reader, akin to discrimination?
whatever is better for us in the search rankings is better for us and thats my story and I'm stickin to it
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.
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.
The dictionary says all sheep are agnostic?
Well fan means FANATIC... so what's really the difference?
it is just the same, fan or follower,
I trust HP is doing everything for the betterment of this site too,
I couldn't give two of the proverbial. Fans, Followers, it's given a specific connotation by Hubpages.
Have anyone found out the reason the name fan was changed to follower.
I thought you were joking...
I think you are taking things way too seriously. There are many definitions of follower...
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.
Do you see apostle or disciple mentioned in the definition of “fan as you do in “follower”?
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.
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.
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.
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.
in your opinion, of course, what are "the facts of real life"???
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.
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.
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.
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.
I must say though, political opinions aside. I have visited your hubs before this conversation and find your work quite talented.
Genesis said it best...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SONbWDjLtm8
They said it so well I just went to the link and listened to it to the end. Thanks UW that was great!
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.
And who cares if it's so much like Twitter? It's not as if they invented the word
I just think that it would have been a bit more fair if hubpages had let us vote on the change...
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.
by Adam Vogt 9 years ago
Hello! I became a Follower of a poster, but did not take the option of leaving a Fan Mail at that time. Now, a little later, I want to send a fan mail that can be posted, but the only option under the Fan Mail section of the poster's account is to send an email, which I know is not the...
by Support Med. 13 years ago
Do any of you have people following you, but they have not writen any hubs, yet these people...have some 5-50 people following them? And, do you think that it is possible that these people may copy hubs and try to pass them on as their own?
by saleheensblog 13 years ago
many hubbers profile don't show the fan mail box. how to send them fan mail?
by Hmrjmr1 14 years ago
The recent change in phraseology made me wonder if the phrase followers makes anyone uncomfortable. Kinda feels like you're signing up for church or some cult group. Kinda liked Fans better it's a more secular phrase. What do you all think?
by Randi Benlulu 10 years ago
When you are notified of a new follower, how do you respond?Do you go to their page and check them out? Do you read any of their hubs? Do you mke sure that they are legitimate? I have a lot of followers who seem to be advertisers. Hubpages are really good about weeding them out but I do see many...
by Ben Guinter 13 years ago
In my years on this site I have seen so many people randomly follow me in hopes that I follow them back. And then as soon as I do, if the topics they write on interest me, they delete me from the hubbers they're following?Do you guys really think this makes people want to read and comment on...
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