I've been in one "fandom" or another for 27 years (actively).
IMO there is a difference between "fandom" and "fan base". Fandom has always conveyed a sense of community. If you belong to a "fandom" you are there among friends and in many cases, an extended, chosen family. This has been true of the Furry Fandom, the Star Trek Fandom as well as a wide range of other related science fiction and fantasy related fandoms. These people come together as a community.
A "fan base" on the other hand seems to be more of a group of supporters of an person (celebs, artists, etc), a product, company, idea or trend. It lacks the community aspect that makes up "fandom".
I've been in one "fandom" or another for 27 years (actively).
IMO there is a difference between "fandom" and "fan base". Fandom has always conveyed a sense of community. If you belong to a "fandom" you are there among friends and in many cases, an extended, chosen family. This has been true of the Furry Fandom, the Star Trek Fandom as well as a wide range of other related science fiction and fantasy related fandoms. These people come together as a community.
A "fan base" on the other hand seems to be more of a group of supporters of an person (celebs, artists, etc), a product, company, idea or trend. It lacks the community aspect that makes up "fandom".