Fandom: a competition?

First, is fandom a word? I don't know, I guess it is now!

So, I was wondering today: does being a fan (an ardent devotee, enthusiast) include trying to one-up other fans? Is there an unspoken contest between fans to show who knows more, who's been to more concerts, who has the inside scoop, who has more bootlegs, who owns more paraphernalia, etc. etc.?

Maybe not, but it sure seems that way to me. Just as in any other "community" there is a pressure to conform to the views of the majority and there is a competition to show who is the biggest fan.

I'd just like to say that I reject all of that.

I like the way the Destroyers music makes me feel, and that is the end of the story. I am not here to tell you how you should feel about anything, how a "true" Destroyer fan would think, or to make you feel inferior for what you do think. If that's what you're looking for, go here.