Egoboo means ego boost. In fandom, it refers to the pleasure of being noticed, praised, quoted, thanked, reviewed, nominated, or otherwise recognized by other fans. Egoboo is one of the small social rewards that helps keep fan activity moving.
Table of Contents
| Quick fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Term | Egoboo |
| Expanded meaning | Ego boost |
| Common context | Fanzines, volunteering, awards, letters of comment, fan recognition |
| Tone | Usually humorous and self-aware |
Why Egoboo Matters
Fan work is often unpaid. A fanzine editor, convention volunteer, archivist, fan writer, or club organizer may spend hours doing work that earns no money and little public attention. Egoboo names the reward that does exist: appreciation from people who understand why the work mattered.
The term is funny because fans know recognition can be both ridiculous and real. Wanting egoboo can be mocked, but it is also human. A good letter of comment, a kind review, or a thank-you after a convention shift can keep someone participating.
Egoboo and Fanac
Fanac is fannish activity; egoboo is one of the fuels that keeps it going. The word helps explain why fandom has produced so much writing, organizing, archiving, and volunteer labor without operating like a normal commercial system.
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