Reading all of the post on what makes a "real" fan is pretty disappointing. Some people didn't go to Clemson (for a variety of reasons - $/major/distance) but love Clemson as much or more as those that attended Clemson. Let's remember we cheer for the Tigers, wear our Orange and support our team, players, coaches, university as one. As a graduate, I'm blessed to have attended Clemson and hope my children attend Clemson - but if they choose another school because of cost/major/or location it their choice... They will always love Clemson like their dad... So let's move on and find a common thing we can all despise - USC jr! Go Tigers!
From listening to all the BS (criticism of players and coaches) this week, my opinion is that there are those that think they are fans because they follow the program, possibly buy tickets, and/or contribute to IPTAY or Clemson. All these things are admirable and are the type of activities that would be expected of a fan.
The issue that seems to a separate a true FAN from a follower (that thinks they are fans), is whether they do these things because they want to SUPPORT CLEMSON, or do they do them because the want CLEMSON to be a part of THEIR IDENTITY.
I say this because most of the strong negativity that was stated last week was really based on how the current situation reflected on THEM, because they are identified with Clemson. This attitude demonstrates that they do not really love CLEMSON, they just love what Clemson can do for them (i.e., they want to be the associated with the thing co-workers, family, friends are ooh-ing and ahh-ing over). They do not want to do the hard thing of being realistic and encouraging when things don't go well, because in their mind, when things don't go well it is a poor reflection on them!!! The thing they say is framed to sound like they are passionate for Clemson, but what they say demonstrates they really don't care about the team, coaches, recruiting, morale etc., they just want to spew venom about how it hurt THEIR feeling (or other views that is purely based on why Clemson is not what THEY WANT).
Bottom line is it is all about THEM!!! (not Clemson).
So my opinion is that if you can support Clemson (encourage, defend, represent positively) when they are down, then you are a FAN and it doesn't matter if you are an alum or not. If you're only associated with Clemson because of what Clemson can do for you, YOU ARE NOT A FAN, even if you are an alum.