One little drive by thought here without getting to into the discussion: I have know countless women that have worn team jerseys, cheered at games, knew all the players and all the stats … because the guy or guy they were interested in was a hockey / football / insert sport here fan. And when interest in that male passed, so did all interest in sports.

Similarly I have seen this with cars, music and art.

Just as these girls were ‘fake’ jocks, or gearheads, etc. so I am sure, there are now many ‘fake’ geeks. (indicating ‘geeks’ have now lost social pariah status.)

This is not to say those women do not know their stuff or even are genuinely interested … but that interest is spawned from social inclusion, whereas “true” geeks, male or female, will stick by their interests even if it results in being excluded socially.

That, I would say is the crux of true vs fake distinction. A lot of people are interested in something because it will help their career, their health, their social standing or love prospects. The people who play golf because of the networking potential, or work out out of fear of a coronary rather than love of exercise are prime, if unsubtle, examples. A true ‘geek’ likes, or even loves his subject even if it hurts his or her career, health, social standing and love prospects. Be they birders, ballerina’s or comic fans.