The Five Types of Lost Fans

Inside this folk group, there are subsets of this group, particularly relating to the level of dedication fans have for the show, or their motives or intentions of watching the show to the end. There are many different elements to the show, including the fact that it is an action show with mystery and science fiction added into it. It is also a character driven show, so of course there is also romance. "Because Lost attacks drama from so many of these angles, it has attracted very different audiences" (Surette). Because of these different angles, Lost fans have been separated into five general subsets (these were created by a writer at TV.com). While their dedication to the show is different, they still each have an impact on the fan community.
These are the different subsets:
1. The Catching-up-on-DVD set Fans. These people are not usually a part of the online community that engulfs the folk group Lost has created. They are in their own special corner in this larger group, because they are still trying to get to the point where they can understand what everyone else is talking about. Because of their ignorance of the current events happening in the group, they are somewhat seen as the pariahs.
2. The Angry Lost fans. These fans were mostly dedicated to the show in seasons one and two, but after so much confusion, and the level of commitment Lost requires, they usually give up. These fans are the ones that usually complain that nothing ever gets answered on the show, but on the rare occasion that something gets answered, too many more questions arise. There seems to be just too much mystery, and not enough resolution.
3. The Eternally Confused and Faithful Fans. This group really seems to appreciate the show for being quality television entertainment. "These are fans who simply take the show for what it is... Loyal to the program and filled with faith that everything will come around eventually, they don't mind that the show's questions are answered with more questions" (Surette). While they don't follow the online community as much, this group gives great benefits to the community as a whole, especially through personal contact with others, because they can express their appreciation for the show's unique elements with other fans. They are very accepting of how the show plays out.
4. Skaters and Jaters. These people are more prevalent on the online community, and they like to talk about the romantic pairings of different characters on the show. The terms Skater and Jater come from forums, where fans made up mash up names of the characters they want to see together (Sawyer and Kate, Jack and Kate). It doesn't matter so much how the whole plot concludes, it just matters who will end up with who.
5. The Super Hardcore Fans. This is the most interesting group of fans. They follow the podcasts, forums, and the Lost ARGs (Alternate Reality Games) that occur during the breaks between seasons. This is the epitome of the Lost fan folk group, and they are the ones that really try to bring everyone together as Lost fans and enjoy the show on a deep level.
All of the fans that have contributed to build up the sites dedicated to Lost help the rest of this folk group to share with others their discoveries, theories, and thoughts. The fans who add their thoughts and impressions to the online community have created an amazing community that is admirably supportive and interactive" (Surette). Even those that just search around without posting ideas and information contribute by sharing their knowledge with their own friends.

At a recent event online, two Lost fans, Jay and Jack, who have their own podcast dedicated to the show, held a live 30 hour Lost podcast in order to raise money for a charity called Autism Speaks. There were many different guests on the show over the thirty hours on March 20 and 21, 2010, including many different Lost podcasters, Jorge Garcia (Hurley), and Damon Lindelof (Executive Producer). From the hundreds of people that tuned in during this live podcast, they raised over $30,000 for Autism Speaks. It was a great success, and it is amazing to see that from the fans of Jay and Jack, and Lost, they were able to make that much money.

This community has become a very beneficial, rewarding group to be a part of. The subject matter that combines all of us together - the aspects of the show that make it great - has given us a place to commune with others and discuss the symbolism, or the theories of how the show will conclude. It has been a group that can easily invite others in, no matter what kind of fan they are. While there are different levels that appear throughout the group, such as the fans that just watch the show and contribute nothing else, or the fans that know everything there is to know about the show and talk in the jargon created around this community, the show keeps everyone at the same level and any kind of fan can communicate easily with another, because the group has so many diverse aspects to it. Fans have been able to find ways to bring everyone together and contribute their time, money, and concern to causes. Not only that, but this fan community has brought many new people together as friends.