Still fans because they are participating. I have met several people who do not like or have watched much Star Trek but they love the visual aesthetics, either starships or uniforms and love to add through design work.Funny you should say that because I can post in a message board rn and I haven’t ever watched a single episode of Star Trek ever. And I’ve bought a Star Wars light saber without ever watching Star Wars. These are just examples. There are loads of people who buy merchandise and follow the aesthetic but not value the actual content. So what would they be classed as? Would you say they are a fan because they’re still taking part? Or are they “fake”? ...
To me that's a part of fandom.