Hello,My name is Tyler Wyckoff, a graduate student at California State University, Sacramento, working on a Master's degree in Communication Studies. I am studying subcultures associated with musical genres.Purpose of this study:There often seem to be similarities in the demographics and perceived identity within many popular music fan bases and differences between the fan bases of many genres. Although there is much overlap in the demographics and perceived identities of casual music listeners, many serious fans belong to a subculture associated with their genre or subgenre of preference. This study will investigate the following four questions related to music fandom and identity: Do fans of different musical genres differ in the criteria used to decide whether or not to like a type of music, song, etc. or to become a fan? Do music fans differ in how they use music, artists, and these criteria as a way to communicate their own values and identity? Based on these values and identities are fans of a specific genre automatically included in an associated subculture or are there different criteria for acceptance into the subculture in comparison to the criteria used for general fandom? To what extent is opposition to a different genre, subgenre, or musical subculture a criteria for being a fan, self-describing as a member of the associated sub-culture, and/or acceptance into that subculture?Benefits to participants:There are no direct benefits to participating other than knowing you may have helped with a research project.Risk involved:Participants may experience mild psychological discomfort while reflecting on these questions.There are no known risks to participation in this data collection. Your participation is completely voluntary, and you may end your participation at any time. Your responses will be kept completely anonymous. After your individual survey has been entered into a computer database, your survey entry will be deleted.Duration of study:Each survey will roughly take between fifteen and twenty minutes to complete and will be conducted in one session.If after reading this letter you decide to participate in this data collection, simply fill out the attached questionnaire. Please be honest and as complete as possible with your answers.Researcher’s contact informationTyler WyckoffPO Box 188946Sacramento, CA 95818916-380-8977Submitting this questionnaire certifies that you have read and understand this consent form and agree to be a participant in the data collection described. Additionally, you agree that known risks for your participation have been explained to your satisfaction and you understand that no compensation is available from myself, California State University, Sacramento, or university employees for any injury resulting from your participation in this research. Participation in this data collection also certifies that you are 18 years of age or older. Please understand that you may discontinue participation at any time without penalty or loss of any benefits to which you may otherwise be entitled.Thank you for your time. We greatly appreciate your willingness to complete this questionnaire.Sincerely,Tyler Wyckoff, graduate student, Communication Studies, California State University, Sacramento.