Derby

Talent without discipline is like an octopus on roller skates. There's plenty of movement, but you never know if it's going to be forward, backwards, or sideways.

~ H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

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So, I've been to a couple of roller derby bouts now. This is what I think I know about the fans. There are five types:

1. The fan of a particular skater. This person can be heard yelling, "STELLA!!!!" or the like - depending on his or her favorite athlete.

2. The fan who just wants to see people fall down.

3. The fan who is knowledgeable about and interested in the sport.

4. The person who goes to random events just to be able to say that they've "been there, done that."

5. Somebody who is friends with one of the people in the previous four categories.

Let's - for the sake of argument - refer to #1 as Ryan, #2 as Rod, #3 as Mystery Person, #4 as Michelle, and #5 as Chris.

If you don't know which category suits you, you should go watch roller derby to figure it out.