Popularity

Being popular. When people like you. Generally, things that are popular are Good things; for instance, Lord of the Rings is popular. However, sometimes popular things are at the same time generally held to be Bad; e.g. The Inheritance Cycle.

On the other hand, being popular is also not always a good thing - the popularity of the Lord of the Rings amongst Fanbrats has led to much Badfic.

Popularity, therefore, is both a two-edged sword, and a not-very-good measure of quality.

Remember kids, just because all your friends are doing something doesn't mean you have to as well! Well, unless they're eating their vegetables, getting their vaccinations, and doing their homework. Then you should copy them. But if they're jumping off bridges, writing badfic, or Fangirling sparkly vampires, then feel free to ignore them.