What is a Fanlisting?
Basically, a fanlisting is a type of fansite that is interactive and joinable. Most often, they stand alone, assuming that the visitor already has knowledge of the subject. However, sometimes a fanlisting can be a part of a larger fansite, such as a shrine.
According to The Anime Fanlistings Organization, "A fanlisting is a web clique that lists fans of a particular subject. Unlike most web cliques, a person does not need a web site in order to join. Fans from around the world submit their information to their approved fanlisting and they are then listed to show their love for the subject."
Fanlistings are not officially owned by the entertainment companies for the subjects they represent. These fanlistings are created by fans for fans. On the internet, the online community largely acknowledges TheFanlistings (TFL) and AnimeFanlistings (TAFL) as a major unifying force behind fanlistings. Their websites act as link directories to fanlistings, with rules and approval requirements. Fanlistings are not required to be a part of TFL/TAFL. However, to be approved by the respected TFL/TAFL community carries much weight in itself, as there can only be one fansite per subject listed.