The individual discovers a new show, game, or band. They consume every piece of BTS content, analyze frame-by-frame trailers, and join three Discord servers. This is pure zeal.
So the next time you see a friend posting a seven-tweet thread about why a minor retcon has ruined their childhood, do not call them a hater. Do not call them a fan. Recognize the hollow look in their eyes and offer a kind word: “It’s okay. You’re just zelootd.” Do you feel zelootd? Share your story in the comments (but maybe log off afterward).
The fan begins defending the property. They write 10,000-word Google Docs explaining the timeline. They correct casual viewers. The joy of the art becomes the labor of archiving it.