Fanaticism is something everyone in this world can relate to. It is passion for something to an extreme degree. Oftentimes this passion gives positive direction to human action, leading us to chase our dreams.

Yet, if I am not mistaken, fanaticism usually has a negative or superficial connotation. In this context it becomes a passion for say, a rock star, a movie, an author, a supermodel, and so on. As the saying goes, we, the audience, are captivated by their 'It' factor - also called their 'X' factor.

We become addicted to them. The more we expose ourselves to the objects of our fanaticism, the closer we feel to them. Tabloids feed off this facet of human nature like vultures, giving us the information we want, and, in a twisted form of symbiosis, seducing us into wanting more. By giving us 'exclusive access' into the lives of these celebrities and into the backstage (so to speak) of TV shows, movies and even fictional novels, they make us feel special. It creates a false sense of ownership and intimacy.

On the other hand, fanaticism binds people together via common interests. This can lead to a true implementation of democracy, power of the people. For example when Joss Whedon's TV show Firefly was decisively canceled after the first season, the outcry of its large fan base was a key element in reviving the story in the major motion picture, Serenity. This was the first and only time a major motion picture was made from a failed TV series.

In general, I try to hold myself above such things as true and utter fanaticism. But what tipped the scale for me was being given the chance to actually see my idols in person. The few that I am inclined to swoon over have a tendency to be either animated or an ocean away, which leaves me happily undisturbed in my little bubble. With my personal obsessions beyond my realistic reach - knowing that I'll never meet them in person - my "raving fangirl persona" is kept tentatively in check.

Several weeks ago, I was ridiculously lucky enough to have attended Anime Expo (an anime convention in L.A.), the same convention at which a new Japanese rock band decided to premier. This was not just any Japanese rock band. This band consisted of four of the biggest names in Japan who just so happened to join forces. I am talking about S.K.I.N. - a name that probably very few reading this will recognize. Let's just say that the concert was amazing and that being within 15-20 feet of my idols must have done something to my brain. With the isolating distance destroyed, my fangirl was dangerously and terrifyingly freed.

To those of you who are rolling your eyes with above-the-crowd arrogance and conceit - and thinking me a shallow girl - I say that, to an extent, you are right. I completely agree that latching one's self onto a stranger because of his or her talent, charisma or looks is depthless.

Now I must ask: If given the chance to be within several feet of and/or even meet any one person on the face of this planet in exchange for the price of a plane ticket and several hours in line, would you not take that offer?

My question is this: What is this 'It' factor that drives our fanaticism? What is this 'gift' that separates an average, hardworking American from a celebrity such as Paris Hilton who is plainly famous just for being famous?

Bosses look for 'It' in their employees. Producers look for 'It' in their prospective films and television shows. Stockbrokers look for 'It' in companies and products.

This 'It' seems to be nothing more than an indefinable cause of success and popularity.

In mathematics, the 'X' factor is a hidden value of great importance. Whether in business, life or the grandeur of fame, this little hidden value means everything. It makes you memorable and inspires confidence in others. Something about this 'X' factor draws people to you, but it is certainly not permanent or blanketing. It varies by culture and by fad - why else do stars rise and fall with the day?

In fact, the most lasting names in fame are those that died young, before their 15 minutes were over. Supply and demand.

The point is that despite all the talk about this 'It' factor, having it or not at any given instant depends on multiple factors over which you have absolutely no control. Fanaticism and the 'It' factor are not mutually exclusive. It isn't kill or be killed, or even little fish-big fish-bigger fish. We're all human with the same general DNA pattern no matter what the tabloids say.

Being a fan doesn't make you one of the little people and being popular doesn't make you one of the big people. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Kyra-lin Hom may be reached at kl_hom@yahoo.com