I went with Trekkie. At one point people didn’t like Trekkie because it had the connotation of unhealthy obsession and social ineptness but that’s not the case anymore.
I'll be a Trekkie 'until the day I die. To be clear, I'm fine with other folks calling themselves "Trekker" if they prefer. My hackles only rise when folks insist that "Trekker" is the "correct" term -- as has been known to happen.
I've considered myself a "Trekkie" since the days of The Original Series and long before someone decided fandom needed to use the politically correct term of "Trekker". Much like those that used to embrace the term "liberal" now prefer to be called "progressives" due to the demonization of the former, I believe is the same path Star Trek took after outsiders decided "Trekkie" meant the crazy fans who dressed up at conventions and needed to "Get a life". I have also noticed the Trekkie vs. Trekker debate seemed to coincide around the same time as the premiere of TNG and the whole Kirk vs. Picard debate; where there was the suggestion that one's choice showed where they were on the crude/sophisticated scale and mirrored in the Trek terms. I have never changed my self-describer for other people and will not shy away from those terms, however unpopular it seems or whatever negative impression others have of it. I am an unabashed Trekkie. "Space cadet" however has always had a negative connotation and is also more specific to a general sci-fi fan or even a real-space program/astronomy enthusiast and I'm not sure anyone would chose to call themselves that by their own volition.
I'm definitely in the minority but space cadet just seems cute to me. I'm aware of the more "negative" connotations but I'm spacey and proud, damn it! But truly I don't think it should matter what word should be used when talking about Star Trek fans, whatever personally makes you the happiest is the right term!
I was a Trekker until I pulled the canon out of my ass and lightened up, began to have fun before facts. (not that there is anything wrong with them )
I would. Mostly because my favorite book in the world is titled it. I think Space Cadet now needs to be my user name.
Thank you for saying that, ShapeShifter ! Though I love Star Trek in all its forms I wouldn't know canon from...um, a cannon, so it's great to be here where you're not judged for being a more casual viewer. For some reason, though, I do remember an odd bit here and there, like Picard saying "Omicron, Omicron, Alpha, Yellow, Daystar, 2, 7", but please don't ask why he said it or what episode it's from !