I love my new status as a member of a murky demimonde (any demimonde). Well, maybe it's not so murky down at rank 80. But what is meant by 'disinterested amateur'? I'm actually quite passionate about books. I'd never label myself 'disinterested' although I try for 'honest.'

Howdy - 'disinterested' doesn't just mean 'uninterested' - it usually means 'free from selfish motive or interest'. I think that's what the author was getting at. So it's okay and possible to be both disinterested and passionate! :)