FAQ page:

A fan is someone who follows your Plurk. A friend is someone who follows your plurk, and at the same time you also follow his/her plurk.

So having someone as a friend is probably enough? Thanks for the answer

I know that I only allow friends. I figure if I don't want to follow you then I probably don't want you following me.

But fans are a nice way of keeping your timeline tidy as you get more friends/fans.

I once referred to fans as being like "stalkers" - they see you but you don't see them. That didn't go over well in the in-service.

dadams: I imagine not. Way to "sell" it!

haha! That's funny!

Thanks, I've wondered. How do you "fan" somebody rather than "friend"?

If they are asking you to be their friend, you can "Add them as a fan" instead. That will let them see you, but you don't see them.

If you are the follower, click the "Follow x's plurks" button rather than the "Send friend request". You will see them, they won't see you.