And if someone is looking to increase support for (or even interest in checking out) a theory, telling people to enlist themselves as "adherents" and trying to get them to pick "sides" is unwise.

[web:727551c6a5]http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/adherent[/web:727551c6a5]

The word "adherent" just makes the whole thing sound cult-like. It implies obedience and commitment... which is why it reminds me of my mom.