In any case, today there are lots of different types of geeks, who harbor deep passions on a wide variety of topics. Which brings me back to that conversation I mentioned: with so many different types, there should be some kind of geek ranking system. Something that would indicate a “level” of geekness, in a manner of speaking. There is the classic Geek Test that you can take online, which sort of measures your percentage of geekness and ranks you from “Geek” all the way up to “Dysfunctional Geek”. It’s pretty comprehensive, but … as fun as that test is, it does not include some areas of geekdom that might not normally be considered. So, we came up with a list of geek types, ranked from 1 to 10, with ten being the highest. One note – costumers were given higher levels because it takes more effort to find/make a costume than it does to read ten scifi books, and those who have costumes PLUS elaborate props were even higher. By no means is this list definitive, and lots of people can be part of more than one grouping (I’ll raise my hand for at least four of these categories), but it does include some folks you might not have thought of. Enjoy, and if you can come up with more, please comment!! J
Level 1 – Vintage Virtuosos
These are the people that are completely obsessed with the 1920’s, 30’s, and 40’s. Just liking the music and films is not enough – these folks regularly dress in vintage clothing they either find in stores or make themselves. Pattern swapping is big with this crowd, and they hang out online in places like the Fedora Lounge. Since the clothes they wear are more modern (20th century) and thus can be worn everyday, Vintage folk are not actually considered costumers.
Level 2 – Computer Nerds
This is pretty self-explanatory. These are the brainiacs that actually build their own computers, create lots of websites and almost never leave the house. They are usually very pale as a result. Weird Al Yankovic, the poster musician of geeks everywhere, gave props to his homies in It’s All About the Pentiums and White And Nerdy, virtual anthems to computer nerds.
Level 3 – Gamers
Please note that there are different levels of gaming, so to clarify: THIS level of gamers includes board games and simple video games (which can be played on consoles or computers). We’ll get to the role-players a little later, but these gamers are especially fond of strategy games, and board game geeks in particular (many of which can be found, appropriately enough, on BoardGameGeek.com) play games that can be really in-depth and complicated. Asking to play Monopoly would be considered an insult to these people. Many of the strategy games they like can also be found online, and for more light-hearted fare they’ll hop on to FaceBook and play FarmVille or something similar. They’re often the ones on your friends list who post a lot of game updates.
Level 4 – Science Fiction and Fantasy Book/Media Nuts
These are the more classically-minded nerds out there; they read a LOT. This includes people who not only like scifi/fantasy books and mags, but they also enjoy watching a ton of genre movies and television. You see a lot of these folks at conventions that have several media personalities as special guest speakers. Comic Book geeks fall into this category as well.
Level 5 – Renaissance Faire participants
These are the people who are not only wearing period costumes, but they are also the ones acting, singing and otherwise performing at Renn faires in full Elizabethan garb and sporting English accents. Of course, pirate aficionados AAARRRRR included. J
Level 6 – War Re-enactors
The Revolutionary War, the Civil War, World War I, World War II…it doesn’t matter which war you pick, these folks will re-enact it. Getting period costumes for this particular activity requires significant effort, because whatever they wear has got to last through some pretty intense stuff. They spend hours/days in all kinds of weather crawling through mud and running up and down hills, all the while lugging some really heavy equipment. Those aren’t plastic guns they’re carrying! Although they shoot blanks or (for the older gun models) powder only, they’re the real deal.
Level 7 – Science Fiction and Fantasy costumers
These people make up a lot of the attendees for the fan-run scifi conventions. They’re higher on the list than re-enactors because these are the people who take costuming to the next level. Buying clothes and props for re-enacting is easier because the stuff they need at least already existed, but for scifi/fantasy costumers, it’s all derived from fictional worlds/scenarios, so they have to make it themselves! And some of these costumers go above and beyond, with truly elaborate creations that rival the prosin Hollywood. On the other hand, this category also includes Furries – make of that what you will.
Level 8 – Steampunk costumers
This is a step above the scifi/fantasy costumers, but ONLY because these people include props with their Victorian garb that are un-friggin-believable. Check out a few here.
Level 9 – Dungeons & Dragons/World of Warcraft/etc. Gamers
Second-highest level of gamers, including D&D and online role-playing quest-type games. Why so high up on the list (and why such a large gap between the first bunch and this one)? It’s pretty simple, really – these gamers are dedicated. I mean really dedicated. Plus, it takes a certain level of geekiness to be a DM, and even more so if you keep all your stats and info on paper (as opposed to on a computer). The same level of dedication applies to devotees of World of Warcraft, Everquest, Age of Conanand other online cooperative role-playing games. These games take up an enormous amount of time to advance in, and thus require a level of commitment far beyond what your spouse asks for.
Level 10 – Live Action Role Players (LARP)
LARPs are a combination of D&D players and SciFi/Fantasy costumers. Here is a short clip of some young LARPers in action. ‘Nuff said.