Exploring Fandom: The Ultimate Wiki Hosting Service

Unveiling Fandom: Your Go-To Wiki Destination

In the vast realm of online information and entertainment, Fandom has emerged as a leading wiki hosting service. Founded by Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales and Angela Beesley in October 2004, Fandom, formerly known as Wikicities and later Wikia, has become a powerhouse in the digital world. This article delves into the main subject of Fandom, explores its features, and offers insights into why it has become a popular platform for enthusiasts and creators alike.

The Essence of Fandom

Fandom primarily caters to wikis focused on entertainment topics such as video games, TV series, movies, entertainers, and more. This niche specialization has allowed it to create a vibrant and dynamic community of fans and experts who are passionate about their chosen subjects.

The Fandom Evolution

Over the years, Fandom has undergone several transformations. One significant milestone was its acquisition in 2018 by TPG Inc. and Jon Miller through Integrated Media Co. This move marked a new chapter in Fandom's journey, further solidifying its position as a major player in the online content space.

The Power of MediaWiki

Fandom utilizes MediaWiki, the same open-source wiki software used by Wikipedia. This choice not only ensures reliability but also familiarity for those accustomed to the world's largest online encyclopedia.

Navigating the Fandom Ecosystem

Revenue Streams

Fandom, Inc. generates its income primarily through advertising and the sale of content. While users contribute a significant portion of the content, Fandom also publishes most user-provided text under copyleft licenses, fostering a culture of collaboration and sharing.

Editorial Excellence

Beyond hosting wikis, Fandom runs an associated editorial project, delivering the latest pop-culture and gaming news. This additional layer of content enriches the user experience and keeps enthusiasts well-informed about their favorite topics.

Web Domination

Fandom's influence extends to the digital landscape, with its wikis hosted under the domain fandom.com. As of April 2023, this domain ranks as the 47th most visited website globally, according to Similarweb. Its widespread popularity reflects the platform's ability to engage and captivate audiences worldwide.

The Fandom Experience: A World of Possibilities

In conclusion, Fandom has carved a niche for itself as the ultimate wiki hosting service, catering to the passions of entertainment enthusiasts. Its evolution, commitment to user-generated content, and editorial initiatives make it a standout platform in the digital arena. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual visitor, Fandom offers a world of possibilities for exploration, learning, and sharing.

So, why wait? Dive into the Fandom universe today and become a part of this exciting online community!

Remember, Fandom isn't just about consuming content; it's about contributing to the knowledge base and connecting with fellow enthusiasts in a way that only this platform can offer. Start your Fandom journey now and explore the endless possibilities it holds.

Don't hesitate to share your thoughts or explore the diverse wikis waiting for your discovery. Fandom is more than just a website; it's an experience waiting to be embraced!

Fandom FAQs

Q1: Who founded Fandom?

Fandom was founded by Jimmy Wales and Angela Beesley in October 2004.

Q2: How does Fandom generate revenue?

Fandom generates revenue through advertising, the sale of content, and publishing user-provided text under copyleft licenses.

Q3: What is the web ranking of Fandom.com?

As of April 2023, Fandom.com ranks as the 47th most visited website in the world, according to Similarweb.

With this comprehensive overview, you're now equipped to explore Fandom and all it has to offer. Dive in and experience the magic of this dynamic online community!

Exploring Fandom: The Ultimate Wiki Hosting Service

In the vast realm of online information and entertainment, Fandom has emerged as a leading wiki hosting service. Founded by Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales and Angela Beesley in October 2004, Fandom, formerly known as Wikicities and later Wikia, has become a powerhouse in the digital world. This article delves into the main subject of Fandom, explores its features, and offers insights into why it has become a popular platform for enthusiasts and creators alike.

The Evolution of Fandom: From Wikia to a Cultural Phenomenon

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of online communities and knowledge sharing, Fandom has emerged as a significant player. This article traces the journey of Fandom, formerly known as Wikia, from its inception to its current status as a cultural phenomenon. We'll explore its acquisitions, controversies, and the technology behind its success.

The Early Days

Fandom's roots can be traced back to Wikia, which was rebranded as "Fandom powered by Wikia" in October 2016. This move aimed to align the platform more closely with the Fandom website, emphasizing its focus on passionate communities.

New Leadership and Branding

In December 2016, Fandom appointed Dorth Raphaely, a former general manager of Bleacher Report, as its chief content officer. This marked a shift toward a more media-oriented approach.

On May 18, 2017, Fandom underwent a significant rebranding, unveiling a refreshed logo, all-uppercase lettering, and a flat design. This makeover aimed to modernize its image and appeal to a broader audience.

A Change in Ownership

February 2018 brought a change in ownership, with former AOL CEO Jon Miller leading the charge, backed by private equity firm TPG Capital. Jon Miller took on the role of co-chairman alongside Jimmy Wales, while Andrew Doyle became the interim CEO. These changes set the stage for Fandom's next chapter.

Expansion Through Acquisitions

Fandom's growth continued with strategic acquisitions. In July 2018, it acquired Screen Junkies from Defy Media, expanding its portfolio in the entertainment sector. Later that year, in December, Fandom made a significant move by acquiring Curse LLC, gaining assets like Gamepedia and websites such as D&D Beyond, Futhead, Muthead, and StrawPoll.me.

Leadership Evolution

The year 2019 saw another change in leadership, as former StubHub CEO Perkins Miller took over as CEO. This transition coincided with Wikia's full domain name change to fandom.com. This move reflected Fandom's commitment to its new brand identity.

Platform Evolution

Fandom's dedication to improving its platform became evident in June 2019 when it embarked on rewriting its core platform. This effort aimed to update its software to a newer version, enhancing user experience and functionality. The release of the Unified Community Platform (UCP) in March 2020 marked a significant milestone in this journey.

Strategic Shifts

In 2020, Fandom made strategic decisions, including the sale of Curse Network properties to Magic Find, which included various gaming communities and news websites. Additionally, Fandom began migrating Gamepedia wikis to a fandom.com domain in November 2020 as part of its search engine optimization strategy.

Expanding Horizons

February 2021 brought more expansion as Fandom acquired Focus Multimedia, the retailer behind Fanatical, a platform specializing in digital games, ebooks, and related products. Furthermore, Fandom demonstrated its commitment to inclusivity by updating its terms of use policy to prohibit deadnaming transgender individuals across its websites in late March 2021.

A New Look

In June 2021, Fandom rolled out FandomDesktop, a redesigned theme for desktop devices. Two months later, in August, Fandom introduced a new visual identity, featuring new colors, a new logo, and the tagline "For the love of fans."

Full Domain Migration

By late November/early December 2021, all remaining wikis under the wikia.org domain had migrated to the fandom.com domain, streamlining the brand's online presence.

Recent Developments

April 13, 2022, brought news of Hasbro's acquisition of D&D Beyond from Fandom. However, Fandom also faced challenges, such as the shutdown of StrawPoll.me in August 2022.

A Major Acquisition

On October 3, 2022, Fandom made headlines once again by acquiring GameSpot, Metacritic, TV Guide, GameFAQs, Giant Bomb, Cord Cutters News, and Comic Vine from Red Ventures. This acquisition further solidified Fandom's position in the media and entertainment industry.

Services and Features

Fandom's Present

Fandom communities serve as online encyclopedias specializing in various subjects. While they cover a wide range of topics, the most common focus is on popular fiction franchises, including films, TV shows, games, books, and other media. This aligns with Fandom's shift from Wikia to a platform emphasizing passionate fan communities.

Articles in Fandom communities offer comprehensive and detailed information on specific topics, often surpassing what can be found on Wikipedia. This depth is particularly valuable for niche interests and specific vocabulary.

Content and Policies

Fandom communities adopt a more lenient approach to image policies compared to Wikimedia Foundation projects, allowing for more illustrations. However, all user-generated content must adhere to free licensing terms. Hate speech, libel, pornography, and copyright infringement are prohibited, while unique and original content is encouraged.

Collaborative Approach

Fandom communities operate on a consensus-based model, where decisions are made collectively. The founder's opinion carries no more weight than any other community member's opinion, fostering cooperation and inclusivity.

Technology

Behind the Scenes

As of October 2022, Fandom relies on a heavily modified version of MediaWiki software, emphasizing social features such as blogs, chat, badges, forums, and multimedia. These extensions enhance the user experience and promote engagement within the communities.

Open Source Initiatives

Fandom has a history of contributing to open-source projects, with some innovations initially created by ArmchairGM. These innovations, referred to as "social tools," are available under open-source licenses.

Entertainment News

The Birth of Fandom

In 2016, Fandom launched as an online entertainment media website. It introduced a new approach to content creation, utilizing volunteer contributors known as "Fandom Contributors" alongside an editorial team. Fandom focused on pop culture and fan-related topics, including video games, movies, and television shows. The platform featured fan opinions, interviews with property creators, reviews, and how-to guides, creating a space where fans could celebrate their passions.

The Rebranding

In the same year, Fandom made a pivotal decision to rebrand the entire Wikia platform as Fandom, emphasizing its commitment to the fan community. This transition aimed to increase adoption of Fandom's wiki-specific applications on various app ecosystems.

Wiki Partnerships

Official Collaborations

Fandom forged official partnerships to create wikis vetted as the "official" encyclopedia or wiki for various properties. These partnerships involved collaborations with entities like Sony Online Entertainment, Roddenberry Enterprises, 2K

Games, Warner Bros Interactive, Lionsgate Media, and others. These collaborations resulted in dedicated wiki communities, featuring exclusive content and support for specific properties.

Esports

Embracing Esports

In 2021, Fandom entered the world of esports by managing and promoting esports tournaments and streams on Twitch for the United States Navy. This move highlighted Fandom's versatility in catering to a wide range of interests.

Fandom Games (YouTube Channel)

The Transition

Following Fandom's acquisition of Curse, the Curse Entertainment YouTube channel was rebranded as Fandom Games. Under this banner, Fandom Games became known for producing "Honest Game Trailers," a popular series that provides humorous and candid insights into the world of gaming.

Past Services

OpenServing

OpenServing was a short-lived web publishing project owned by Fandom. It offered free wiki hosting, allowing founders to retain revenue from site advertising. While it used a modified version of Wikimedia Foundation's MediaWiki software, it ultimately faded into obscurity in 2008.

Armchair GM

Armchair GM was a sports forum and wiki site initially launched in 2006. Fandom acquired it in late 2006, incorporating its architecture into other Fandom sites. However, support for ArmchairGM's custom software ceased in 2010, leading to its discontinuation.

Search Engines

Exploring Search

Fandom's early foray into the world of search engines included the proposal of a copyleft search engine named "Wikiasari" in 2004. While the project faced setbacks and inactivity, it laid the groundwork for Fandom's later search engine endeavors. The public alpha of "Wikia Search" was launched in 2008 but was met with mixed reviews and was ultimately discontinued in 2009.

Questions and Answers Site

A Quest for Knowledge

In January 2009, Fandom introduced "Wikianswers," a question and answer website. This platform allowed users to create topic-specialized knowledge market wikis, expanding the scope of knowledge sharing within the Fandom ecosystem.

Controversies

Advertising Woes

Fandom communities have occasionally faced challenges related to advertising, including inappropriate or resource-intensive ads. The ownership of domain names by Fandom has also led to difficulties when communities seek new hosting arrangements.

McDonald's Grimace Shake Promotion

In June 2023, Fandom faced scrutiny for replacing content on the McDonald's Wiki with an advertisement promoting the Grimace Shake. This move sparked controversy, with some community members expressing concerns about the suppression of user-generated content.

Minecraft Wiki Departure

In July 2023, the Minecraft wiki on Fandom decided to move to another platform, citing reasons such as ad-cluttered experiences and a focus on search engine optimization over the wiki's interests. This departure highlighted the challenges faced by Fandom in maintaining its community trust.

Relationship with Wikipedia

A Complex Connection

Throughout the 2000s, Fandom (then known as Wikia) faced accusations of profiting from its perceived association with Wikipedia. While some referred to Fandom as the commercial counterpart to Wikipedia, Wikimedia and Fandom staff disputed this characterization.

In the past, Fandom and Wikimedia Foundation collaborated on various initiatives, sharing hosting and office space. However, they emphasized fairness and neutrality in their arrangements.

Conclusion

Fandom's journey from its Wikia roots to its present-day status as a multifaceted cultural phenomenon reflects its adaptability and commitment to the fan community. As it continues to evolve and expand its horizons, Fandom remains a dynamic platform at the intersection of knowledge sharing and fan enthusiasm.