Whoaa, pretty simple:
Tenure; you must be hardcore for a minimum of 10 years. Anything less are levels of apprenticeship, novice, maybe it will last, etc.
Clarity of evaluation of the team you worship. This includes The owners, Front office, coaches and players. Clarity means you don't eval in terms of "potential" performances, minimum numbers of times an individual has performed up to snuff; but how consistent their performance have been over a period not less than 2 years.
Live game attendance; You have to go, period. If you are a fan that got their fanaticism from TV, Lore or winning years replete with numerous SB wins, Division and Conference Championships, or simply really liked the team colors and or unis. then it's like a probation period. There are NO more rabid followers than those who have sat in the rain, sleet (if you have traveled), etc, through horrid losses and elevating wins. Unfortunately it's kind of like people who wear punk cloths and hair cuts but..go home and say grace with fervor..no harm no foul.
This section includes traveling to away games and making your presence felt in The LOT and stadium.
Blind acquiescence to improper team management, training or any other; just going along for the ride fanship constitutes idiocy over and beyond the call of duty and a misunderstanding of what it is all about being "true" to the team Being an non-objective analyst of the team you love is a sign of fan perversion regarding how one see their symbiotic relationship to their team.
For the last 10 years plus and more in other activities, active promotion in advertising has made the case that anyone can become a fan or real live participant of whatever it is: Surfing, Authentic Cultural Phenomenons, Sports Teams, etc..just by buying into the idea. This of course is complete BS and a way to make even more money off of the lambs of the land who go forth into nothingness to work another hour but who have no other meaningful activities to fill their lives, with meaning.
In other words; They never worked or participated with passion for the identity they want to project. It becomes an empty lie.
Nothing is free and without the pain, to gain..
How long could I go on? Never enough time, never.
GO NINERS!!!
But get rid of the wankers who hold you back. Get rid of the underwhelming underachievers who hold your success back. This includes anyone on the team and organization who fits this bill...
And to you who think your opinion is the only one that carries weight, I call BS. You are probably one of those people who have never been to a game let alone sat in the rain, snow, ice, or had your last two beers bought before they turned off sales, stashed under your seat for the right time, only to be spilled on a great play when everyone jumped up and all hell broke loose. So sad to see the waterfall of beer tumble down the seat levels into other peoples gear. But more important, to not have those last couple beers to toast to another Niner Championship.. or these days, at least a win..
BOOO YAAAA NINERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!