What does it mean to be a true fan?

[Lhundulinwen]

Surely it is rather beside the point to try to impose criteria by which people can measure themselves and others in order to decide whether or not they are true fans. You know if you are a fan or not, and you don't need to prove yourself as such to anyone.

Exactly! Of course, it doesn't hurt to be a barrowdowner, quote random LOTR passages to friends, and save up your money to be able to buy the soundtracks and/ or the extended versions of the DVD's.