What is the biggest threat to a brand if their integration clashes with core fandom values?

The biggest threat to a brand if their integration clashes with core fandom values is *a widespread and highly vocal boycott, coupled with sustained negative sentiment that permanently damages brand perception and makes future engagement with the fandom exceedingly difficult or impossible*. Fandoms are built on passion, loyalty, and shared values. If a brand integration is perceived as disrespectful, exploitative, or inauthentic, the fandom can mobilize quickly and effectively to express their disapproval. This can manifest as a boycott of the brand's products or services, a coordinated campaign of negative reviews and social media posts, and the creation of anti-brand content. The intensity of the backlash can be amplified by the interconnected nature of online fandom communities, allowing negative sentiment to spread rapidly and reach a large audience. Furthermore, once a brand has been perceived as violating core fandom values, it can be extremely difficult to repair the damage. The negative association can linger for years, making it challenging to build trust and engage with the fandom in the future. For example, a brand that attempts to profit from a fandom's passion without acknowledging or respecting the source material may face a boycott and lasting negative sentiment, making it nearly impossible to successfully integrate with that fandom in the future. Therefore, aligning brand integrations with core fandom values is essential to avoid the potentially devastating consequences of alienating a passionate and influential audience.