Darth Lars said:

When I say "fan", I am talking about people who are real fans, not just people who like Star Wars. Practically everyone likes Star Wars, but not everyone is a fan. The fan community is so much larger than the OT-diehards on this forum who see Star Wars as being only the three original movies.

Every person that I know personally who I would classify as being a Star Wars fan has read at least one book in the post-ROTJ EU continuity. People know and like these characters. For example, in my local 501st Garrison alone, there is soon to be a third Mara Jade costumer.

Star Wars fans tend to buy not only books but a whole lot of other merchandise, and that has provided for a a significant portion of Lucasfilm's revenue in-between the movies.

Ah, yes -- the groupthink mentality. How keen.