Questions, questions, questions...

What is success?
What does it mean to be a professional drummer?
What makes a good drummer "good"?
How do "successful" drummers reach their level of success?
What's the difference between "success" and "achievement"?
What does it mean to be famous?
What are endorsements?

Maybe I am asking all of these questions to justify my own level of success versus what I have actually achieved.  I don't think I've reached anywhere near the level of success I have strived for, but maybe I have achieved far more than I give myself credit?

I also want to find out about branding.  Why do certain drummers insist on using "named" brands of equipment?  And what is the big deal about gear anyway?!
For decades there have been very few big-name companies producing drums and cymbals (the main two tools of our trade), and probably only two drumstick manufacturers that are widely known and stocked in the local music shop.  But it seems nowadays (and about time in my opinion!) that there is a lot more choice and loads more new young companies springing up all over the place offering a more diverse range of products, sounds and technology.
That being the case, how can you find out which ones are good and which are not so good?  And what are the most important things to find out when you are spending your (or your parents!) hard-earned cash?

I aim to find out the answers to these questions and more by interviewing many drummers from around the world about their experience and their thoughts.  These case-studies are hopefully going to help me find out the answer to the most intriguing question of all:

What exactly is it that makes drummers tick?