I happen to love SF & SciFi as forms of escapism. After a very trying day an hour or so in a good book is a great way to get my mind on pleasant things before drifting off to sleep.

I don't do cons because they are always very pricey. When I want to show an author, actor, visionary etc. my appreciation I do so by buying their stuff telling others about them & sending them tasteful Thank You cards & notes.

I guess I've always known the difference between being a fan & being a fanatic.

Fanatic may be the root word for Fan but that does not mean that fandom should be fanaticism IMO.