Comments on: How to avoid being “fan boy” or “fan girl” when building relationships with people you admire

By: Adarsh

Adarsh — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 16:59:48 +0000

You find a lot of “link to my stuff” requests in the blogosphere.

It was an excellent article. I find the problem you described most with celebrities. People worship them like Gods.

By: Who is on your High Council of Jedi Knights? | Escape From Cubicle Nation

Who is on your High Council of Jedi Knights? | Escape From Cubicle Nation — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 02:12:02 +0000

[...] merge,” where you feel an unexplainable desire to be in their presence. Yes, at times it is fan boy or fan girl behavior, but very powerful nonetheless. If you really pay attention, you will notice that you [...]

By: Caryn

Caryn — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:12:41 +0000

One thing that helps is to realize that almost everybody is somebody’s hero, idol, etc. at one point and for something. I’ve had people more accomplished than I raving about this or that thing I’ve done, and I’ve thought, “But you’re so amazing and I’m nothing special.” Then I realized that if someone could look up to me, especially someone I myself have admired, and I feel so normal, maybe our heroes/idols feel the same way. That makes them seem more real, and makes it easier to act around them like I would around anyone else.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:55:36 +0000

Oh my gawd! I laughed my a** off at the possessed woman photos. I met Barbara Kingsolver and did the same thing, except I look like a goofy school kid.

Great post Pam. I think you helped me tremendously when you reminded me to tell what services I bring and if it isn’t a fit, offer to help find someone who IS a fit.

My world has changed tremendously, in no small part bc of you.

YOUR fan girl
Kelly

By: Naomi

Naomi — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 22:07:40 +0000

Great post.

Actually, on the subject of famous people, I’m continually surprised how awesome, brave and interesting not famous people are.

Everyone has a story. I guess it’s in the eye of the beholder. But sometimes, instead of being ‘fame struck’ it’s better to get on and talk to the person sitting right next to you. You might be surprised at what you learn.

By: Ellen Hart

Ellen Hart — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 21:02:38 +0000

This article was a delight to read because I certainly relate to falling into “fan girl” mode. It’s human nature to be in awe of those we admire and it’s fun to laugh at ourselves when we do so. Thanks for the advice on how to build productive relationships!

By: 'Chelle Parmele

'Chelle Parmele — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:45:38 +0000

It’s kind of fascinating to me that people are able to connect so easily with people they admire. Ten years ago, being able to casually talk to someone like John Hodgeman from the Daily Show or the author of a book I particularly enjoyed (I’m looking at you Mr. Kawasaki), wasn’t even something in any realm of possibility.

Now, in this world of Twitter, Facebook and email, I can reach out and touch pretty much anyone easily and quickly. (And even get a response!!)

Incredible. How large a world and yet how small it’s getting day by day.

Fantastic post!

By: Planning, Startups, Stories

Planning, Startups, Stories — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:16:32 +0000

Read Pam’s How to avoid being

I was with my wife and son once walking around the lower east side of Manhattan, where he lived, when we ran into an oscar-winning movie star (no names in this one) having tea at some five-table place. My son

By: Todd

Todd — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 01:20:13 +0000

Great stuff. It seems you’re basically saying, “Be authentic and courteous. And, oh yeah, it’s okay to be a little psycho as long as no one gets hurt!” Great pics of you meeting with Gloria!

By: Geoff Livingston

Geoff Livingston — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:49:59 +0000

So appropriate. We are seeing a strange parasocial culture rise up, and people need to remember that most bloggers are geeks, too. Pedestals are extremely uncomfortable.