(this is the author here ... wow i'm amazed somebody actually found my article and posted it to HN ... cool!)
most of the interesting clubs or school activities aren't a road towards high school popularity. (e.g., death metal hate bands aren't exactly for popular kids, nor is film club)
Edit: Re Fine, you can start zillions of other clubs or activities. I think the key point here is that starting a club isn't really a path towards popularity, because the whole point of high school popularity is to conform to an already-existing 'cool' path, like being a football player or cheerleader. Being entrepreneurial and creative will likely lead you in the opposite direction (make no mistake, i think it's more fulfilling and useful ... it just won't get you to be popular)
Being in a death metal band would make you popular among death metal fans. What is the definition of high school popularity anyway? If the definition is "being rich and beautiful", then no, being in a death metal band might not help.
my definition of popularity is the form portrayed in mainstream media and films ... e.g., student council officers, athletes, cheerleaders
you bring up a good point, though. the popular kids are actually in the minority at school; there are far more unpopular kids than popular kids. so there will likely be more people who like death metal, computer games, etc. than the 'popular' activities.
most of the interesting clubs or school activities aren't a road towards high school popularity. (e.g., death metal hate bands aren't exactly for popular kids, nor is film club)
Edit: Re Fine, you can start zillions of other clubs or activities. I think the key point here is that starting a club isn't really a path towards popularity, because the whole point of high school popularity is to conform to an already-existing 'cool' path, like being a football player or cheerleader. Being entrepreneurial and creative will likely lead you in the opposite direction (make no mistake, i think it's more fulfilling and useful ... it just won't get you to be popular)