The Celebrity and the Super Fan: A Match Made on Twitter

Does anyone remember how fans used to show support for their favorite celebrities? Before , webzines and message boards, fans would write letters to musicians, actors or performers regularly, professing their love, adoration and undying loyalty

"Before social media, I think fan letters were really the only option out there," said Jennifer Winters, a self-proclaimed New Kids on the Block (NKOTB) mega fan, who has supported the boy band since age 8. "Social media has made being a fan easier because you don't have to wait days and days to get a response back."

What used to be a private interaction between fan and superstar — sending a fan letter and potentially receiving a reply — has become a very public event in the form of a follow, retweet or reply on Twitter. And for many fans, a follow from their favorite artist ranks up there among their most memorable days on Earth.