Intro from Alice: I do love sharing these fan stories when I get them. I remember when I shared my own story, just when I started blogging for Supernatural back in 2008, I only found the show at the beginning of season three. I'm stunned how new fans are finding it today, often times through the daily TNT repeats. This is one such story. I had to honor of meeting and spending time with Nightsky at Chicago con, and her story is always so refreshing to hear. It reminds me why I keep doing this. Because the Supernatural fans are the greatest in the world.
This is part one of Nightsky's story. Part two will be up in a few days. Enjoy!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Journey to Becoming a Card-Carrying Supernatural Fan
Part 1, Indoctrination
I discovered Supernatural accidentally (if you believe anything ever happens by accident) about 6 months ago. I saw reruns of the show one morning while I was spinning through channels and remembered my daughter telling me about it several years earlier. She said it was a good story about two guys who hunt ghosts and demons. Yuch! I hate creepy things that keep me up at night! Well, it was either that or CNN, so I decided to give it a try.
At first, I was only half paying attention, but something about it pulled me in. I found I had stopped what I was doing and was watching these two brothers who were gorgeous, unassuming, sensitive, dangerous, complex and ingenuous. They were gun toting heroes who were driven by "family". The classic rock music was my music and unlike most TV shows, I couldn't figure out the plot's "big reveal" in the first 3 minutes of the show. The next morning, I tuned in again. This happened day after day, until I realized I was completely hooked! The reruns were somewhere in season 4, which was exciting, confusing, compelling and a little terrifying all at the same time. Who were these guys? I could tell there was a much bigger story here, and I was intrigued. So, shedding the reticence that had previously kept me squarely rooted in the real world, I bought the entire series on DVD (the first time I had ever bought a TV show on DVD). The show was currently airing its 7thseason in prime time, so I had 6 years of captivating suspense and heart-wrenching moments ahead of me. I caught up on the lives of "the boys" by watching 130 episodes straight! Two to three hours of Supernatural every night. My poor family had to either watch Sam and Dean with me, or be exiled to the basement TV!
In retrospect, I think this was the best possible way to enjoy seasons 1 through 6. I didn't have to endure suspenseful cliff-hangers, "Hellatus", character or plot angst, or writers' strikes. Impala gets T-boned "“ no problem. Just start the next episode from the spot on the floor where I collapsed in shock. Sam dies by getting stabbed in the back "“ hit "play" with the slightly tear-soaked tissues in hand. Dean gets strung up in hell "“ gasp, breathe"¦hit play. You get the idea. It is not enough to say I had absolutely fallen in love with the show, no, I had become obsessed with it. Nothing had ever captured my imagination, my dedication, like this before.
As much as I told myself to get a grip, I just couldn't shake my need to be further immersed in the SPN world. There was something going on with the show, its fans"¦and me that I didn't recognize and couldn't identify. I needed to know more, but where to start?
My first frustration was recognizing that everyone seemed to know things about the show, its actors, the season - really anything related to SPN - much faster than me. How were they all so connected? Exactly how did everyone know to vote for the People's Choice awards at exactly the right time? Why didn't I find out about Jared and Thomas being on the cover of People magazine until the issues were no longer at the newsstands? This was no longer just about the show. I was feeling something else going on. There seemed to be a broader connection, a vastly interconnected world I was beginning to sense. I had to find out more. So I Googled. And Googled. And Googled. Which sites had interesting information and intelligent commentaries? Which analysts gave insightful, respectful reviews? Who knew what was going ON??
What I found completely amazed me. Technical analyses of directing, lighting, timing and writing. Complex examination of plot arcs and mythologies based in world religions that rivaled the symbolism autopsies I had to do on Shakespeare's works back in school. I learned that I wasn't alone in my fascination with Supernatural. There were a lot of really smart people mesmerized by this show. That, at least, was comforting. So I picked a few web sites and started reading.
This was about the time that Jared was approaching his 30thbirthday. The fans seemed to have a personal connection to Jared, Jensen and Misha (as well as several others) that was really cool. I wanted in. From the web sites I was following thus far, it seemed that Twitter was the path through which all information was flowing. Oh boy. Out of necessity and blatant peer pressure I had a Facebook account, but I had never really found a use for it (I have no idea why anyone would want to know what I am doing every minute of the day!) Now, it seemed, an even faster paced social media formed the links in the chain that bound fans together. No one I knew was on Twitter, not even my kids. So if I was going to be in the middle of fandom, I would have to enter this brave new world by myself.
I have to pause here and explain something. I had been quite proud of the fact that in the last several years of my life, I had lived a fulfilling existence without burying myself in the technological advances that connected people electronically. Don't get me wrong - I was quite adept on the internet, instant messaging and texting. But that is where it ended. I had a cell phone, not a smart phone. I liked to read books by turning paper pages, not scrolling down on a screen. I had been given an iPad for a gift, but I used it only for to-do lists on the "notes" tool. I didn't have "apps" or "accounts" or "screen names". It was painfully clear though, that I wasn't going to be able to break through to the inside of the Supernatural world without upgrading"¦a lot.
So I got myself an Apple account, learned how to add icons to my iPad, downloaded the Twitter app and taught myself the power of 140 characters. I had a deadline: July 19. I read the help screen and "followed" @jarpad. My very first tweet was a heartfelt congratulations to Jared on 30 wonderfully successful years and living his dreams. I had done it. I was the newest member of the Supernatural fandom! In about 3 months Supernatural had catapulted me out of my safe, familiar world into the world of iPads, apps, blogs, social media, podcasts and internet radio. Twitter is now the second thing I check every day (the first still being email). I know which "WinchesterFamilyBusiness" writers share my views. I anxiously await the episode rating from the "Supernatural Review Blog". Supernatural had done in just a few months what I had not been motivated to do for several years"¦.catch up on technology.
So now I knew what was going on as fast as any other fan around the world, and I was awed by what I saw. Something about the Supernatural fans, and the power they collectively have, inspired me. For example, The People's Choice Awards were avalanched with votes to win Supernatural the Best TV Drama award. More than popularity contests, though, the fans could, and have, quickly organized themselves to change the world for the better. Recognizing his opportunity to harness this power, Misha founded the Random Acts charity, and with the fan's support was the first person ever to win 25,000 from a European lottery system for his charity. In the very next month, Jensen was propelled to #1, winning another 25,000€ for his Down Syndrome charity"¦ and the fans are now working to get Jared's charity to #1 for his share of the pie. When Thomas Colton was born, Jared and Genevieve were astounded by how much money was raised for St. Jude's Children's hospital, all because they requested that gifts be given to the hospital instead of sent to their home. There is even a group (Support SPN) whose mission is to help the show and its fans while raising money for charities. At a moment's notice, the worldwide fandom can be pointed in a direction, and it/they/we will accomplish amazing things.
So we have arrived at my interest in the Supernatural fan conventions. Through Twitter, I heard stories of the worldwide conventions. I felt the excitement shared by the fans before, during and after they got together. I started following links to YouTube clips, which led to watching longer clips, which led to doing searches for entire panel talks, which led to (have you guessed yet?) adding YouTube to my iPad and getting my very own YouTube account. I became familiar with the uniqueness of each city's conventions, and the best (and worst) questions asked by fans. I would have thought that I was beyond being surprised by anything SPN, but I was once again amazed at the thought and care Jared and Jensen put into their answers. They were honest, personal and open with their fans. I guess I expected standard, practiced answers, but no matter how many times the same question was asked, they were attentive, polite and sincere. Who were these guys? How long could I hold out without seeing them in person?
I have tried to analyze the show's strange magnetism many times. I know that it motivates me, entertains me and inspires me. I have become completely absorbed by the Winchester brothers' pain, fears, doubts, loyalties, triumphs and courage to keep going against all odds because a part of me has experienced so many of the same emotions in the privacy of my own heart and mind (albeit not with real demons, monsters, heaven or hell but with the more recognizable challenges of living life). But go to a convention?? Admit my dedication to a compelling fictional story, imagined characters, and oh yeah, two amazing actors?? What was wrong with me? How could I even be considering such an indulgent use of much-needed paychecks? What had happened to the practical, responsible, type-A family member I had always been? Picture a house in the suburbs, SUV in the garage, dog in the backyard. Was I really ready to be seen at a fan convention of any type? I may have joined the Supernatural wave, but I was ready for the big plunge into fandom?
Maybe I could find a way to test the waters and judge if it was safe to go in. Chicago is my home town, so I rationalized that I wouldn't have to spend the money to travel to a remote convention location. I could go home each night, further reducing costs, but more importantly, holding onto that life preserver of sanity and familiarity I needed. I peeked at one and two day admission prices, thinking I wouldn't be totally committed to the whole convention, but the people I wanted to see and the parties I wanted to attend were strategically spread across all three days. So I priced out a silver ticket, which would at least guarantee me a place to sit in the totally unfamiliar universe I was entering. I had controlled the experiment as much as I could. So feeling guilty, embarrassed, crazy and uncertain, I dug deep for some courage of my own and bought a ticket to ChiCon.
Comments
I got a smart phone so I could get Twitter! And to check on the sites when not at home. Since my husband totally doesn't get it and unfortunately is not so nice about accusing me of being obsessed! But, I'm going to Vegas Con and can't wait. I have watched every YouTube video from cons I could find all summer also. And like you, had NEVER bought DVD's of a TV show, but got them all shortly after I started watching. And you are right. It was great to watch in succession.
thanks for making me not feel like such a nut since your story almost mirrors mine. I can't wait to hear about your Chicago con. I wanted to go to that one, but needed more time to save money! Craziest thing I've ever done and am sharing it with another 'mature' friend who has watched since the show began.
Great post!
Not with SPN
Instead of doing other stuff while it was on in the background there I was, chin in hands, inches from the laptop screen, concentrating (of course it doesn't hurt that the person you are concentrating on is so close to the camera their face is lifesize - i mean you can see they are wearing contact lenses, or the moment their eyes well up with tears...but I digress).
This has been an amazing experience for me too. I love the con videos on youtube almost as much as the show (they are pretty much endless, whereas you run out of episodes occasionally). I found a whole new set this week from 2007 subtitled into Portugese!
Maybe I will get to go to a con some day and meet some of this new family.
I watched that episode just for timepass and had no intention of watching it again as I am not a fan of horror. Nonetheless, I tuned for the next episode too as the ending of that episode and the brother's bonding got me hooked (not to ignore the fact that the guys were just too good looking).
After watching two three episodes, I was totally into it. I searched all about the show. All information there was to take. And watched all the seasons upto season 7.
There was nothing about the show which I didn't know.
And now as I am tuning into 8th season, I myself don't realise that I started watching this show this year only.
Now Supernatural has become a part of my life.
After the finale of 7th season, I have survived hellatus while reading all the articles related to show.
This has been an amazing experience for me. And I love to watch all the con videos on youtube and on this site. This site has become a must visit for me each day. All I can say that I have never been hooked to anything before like I am hooked to Supernatural .
Support Supernatural. So like I said, obsessed, you betcha!!!
I found the show much like you, on TNT, and before I realized what had happened it had sucked me in and captivated me like no show has ever before.
Chicago Con was my two year anniversary of being a fan and it was a lot of fun to see all the fans.
When they call us the Supernatural Family, I believe it. We are that. It's amazing how much good we can do through a collective effort for charity.
I look forward to hearing your take on the Con!
I knew Supernatural existed since 2005, thanks to my brother who wouldn't let me watch it then because I was 11 at the time. I finally got around to watching it mid way through Season 6 when a second channel began reruns of Season 1 through 5, and gosh, I'm so obsessed.
Living in India means I will never get to go for conventions, but that doesn't stop me! I've got a network of friends who record the whole thing on video, so I don't feel infinitely left out. I love that there are "smart people fascinated with the show" and I love reading the reviews, especially here. I'm such a boyish girl that I'm totally surprising myself by also turning into a Fangirl and voting away for Jared, Jensen and the SPN family at People's Choice, an award show I'm aware of only because of SPN. I found so much classic rock because of the show (because, seriously, no one seems to know Rush or Styx or AC/DC where I'm from) for the first time ever, I actually bothered to find out all the names of the people in the show and behind it- the writers, the directors....ev en the families of the stars, and I've never done that with any other show. I even wake up at 5 in the morning on Thursdays to get the newest episode on iPad as quick as possible.
Where I live, we don't get the DVDs at stores and shipping is way too expensive, so I have to make do with torrents. Just watched the Pilot and the first four episodes this last weekend. I started watching from Skin, so when that came on, I couldn't help but grin like a fool. (and notice that the stupid channel i first saw it on had cut out all the grossest, coolest parts)
Can't wait to hear about your convention experience :)
Funny how so many of us have had such similar experiences with this show!
I haven't yet made it to a con. I'd love to, and I know my husband would be supportive, but... it seems extravagant, and I'd probably die (believe it or not, I'm deathly shy)...
Luckily, my husband laughs at my Supernatural obsession, knows not to get between me and the TV when it's on, and asks me daily what's new on twitter and the site. What a guy!
Thanks for sharing, and I look forward to Part 2!
(And I wasn't even talking about the stars... That would definitely kill me. Just the crowds! Yikes! WAY outside my comfort zone. I'll just hide here behind my computer screen. LOL)
And at least there's plenty of company in lurkerdom.
Quote: There was a paragraph in the second part of my story that thanked my husband for his support as well. I ultimately deleted it (at his request), but it said in part, "I need to mention that I would never have been at the convention at all if my husband hadn't been completely supportive of the whole experience. He was the person that convinced me to go in the first place...." If his reaction to my new interest had been condescending or judgmental, I know I could not have come this far. Frankly, most of the rest of my friends and family are still leery. How can we expect them to understand if we don't understand this ourselves?? That is why is was SO great to meet peers at the convention (After the 2nd part of the story is posted, I will tell you more about this).
Since not everyone can go to a con, we need to support each other through these websites! Carry on! If you are crazy, so are the rest of us, but it feels good! I am anxious for you to read the rest of my story. Please tell me what you think!
Shh... the rest of my friends and family (aside from my daughters) don't know I'm obsessed with this! Don't tell them!! LOL
Quote: I AM crazy, I'll admit it.
And I will definitely let you know what I think of Part 2. Who knows? Maybe you'll be my inspiration to go to a Con. There are a few site members I'd love to meet someday....
Yeah, not likely to happen.
I haven't yet been able to convince any of my friends to join me in this interest (I bought the series for one friend, but she hasn't started watching it yet). So before I went to the con, I made sure I would connect with some people there. I will tell you all more about that after the second part of the story...
Keep those stories coming! The more we hear, the more we know this is a GOOD thing!
It is like a drug. I just cannot get enough and also bought all the seasons last year when I discovered it thru a friend.I actually have almost wore some episodes out and just bought a couple of seasons on BluRay .
I even went to Vancon this summer and am still in a dither about meeting the boys and can still feel Jensen on my hand I swear thru his very light shirt . They were both so sweet and it was wonderful to meet the fans. I was amazed at the fans from other countries and the expense they went thru to get there , such dedication.
I was thrilled to meet Bardivoice because I had discovered her great commentaries , I am missing her of late I gather she is a very busy woman.
I'm missing Bardicvoice, and I really hope she has time to review again soon. I think she said in the New Year, perhaps. :)
Congrats on getting to a con and meeting the guys! I go to Vancouver fairly often, but not for a con - yet.
I am so glad the show is on TNT or I would have worn out some DVD's by now. Recording my favs is a must for quick access on the TV upstairs, where I don't have a DVD player! And I RARELY watch a movie twice or any show again. It's totally a magnet.
Trucklady. I hope to meet you in Vegas!
I'm thrilled you discovered SPN fandom through Fangasm -- and I'm thrilled to have spent some quality time with you at the Chicago Con and to have met your lovely family. Your generosity in welcoming me into your home when I was stranded there after the hurricane is what fandom is all about. Keep writing, gf!
Lynn from Fangasm
Quote: There is a great list about 2/3 of the way down on the Home page of this (WFB) website. Look on the left side of the screen. They are all live links. I can't say if it is a complete list, but it is certainly more than enough to keep fans busy! That is where I started.
I work at an IT COmpany as procurement admin for a coporate customer. Yes, I´m in sales.
Our technical manager just gave me a quick workshop on some really tricky contract management stuff and saw my wallpaper of Crowley with our company sales departement joke on it. ( yes, we have one. Punch line: Phone calls from hell to hell are free of charge!)
He looked at me, grinned and said: Oh, you´re one of them too!
Looks like half staff at our main offices spend their lunch break discussing Supernatural.
And then 5 years later, I was feeding my baby on sunny summer day and watching Charmed reruns on TNT. SPN came on and I had no way of changing the chanel because I was stuck with the baby, so I left it on. Thought it was interesting but hated the gore. The next time this happens, which is the second time I see SPN, the episode was Bedtime Stories. I was beyond intrigued - who the heck was that Crossroads demon that only got 2 minutes of screen time at the end? Why was Dean going to hell? WHAT terrible crime had he done?
And before I knew it, I was googling. Then I was on Wikipedia, and Facebook, and DVRing every episode. And then 2 a day wasn't enough, so yes - I got the DVD's for seasons one through 5. And caught up with the whole series by the time "Exile on Mainstreet" aired for the first time. Websites, youtube, fanfic, Sam-jokes (SW is so smart he could divide by 0, twice), Dean-jokes (DW visited the Virgin Islands, now they're just "the Islands").... You name it, I did it - because I craved more. It wasn't enough, nothing was enough. I would watch it all day and still it wasn't enough...
So yeah, it wouldn't be an understatement to say that this has become my own personal brand of heroin! (No, I'm not really a twilight fan - no room in my heart for anything but SPN).
And that whole thing about being a grown woman, a professional with a respectable career, raising a family, being a proactive figure in the community - HOW COULD I ACT LIKE TEENAGE GIRL about this!!! Yeah, didn't matter. I did. I do. Can't help it.
And I've seen found that there are MANY others with VERY respectable credits who will act like teenage girl when it comes to SPN. Good to know I'm in good company.
So to everyone upthread and everyone reading this - because you wouldn't be here if you didn't feel the same way - Cheers, to Supernatural!
I didn't really discover how cool the SPN fandom was until about a year ago. I was in Vancouver visiting my brother (who lives there) and I thought it would be cool to see some locations. So I got online and began doing some google searches. Through Twitter & some of the fans, I managed to find out that they were actually filming the next day in New Westminster. I was so lucky to catch a glimpse of Jared & Jensen filming a couple of scenes (episode 7 of season 7). I still can't believe it!
Since then I've become totally obsessed - I love watching the convention videos and reading as many reviews of the show as I can manage. Most of my friends and family think I'm nuts because I talk about SPN all the time... I'm discovering my 'inner-geek' in my mid-forties instead of my twenties.
Next year, I'm returning to Vancouver to go to VanCon. I'm going on my own & I admit I'm a little bit nervous as I'm not an extrovert. And I do wonder if I'll be the oldest one there. But I'm also very excited because it seems to me that the stars of the show & the fans are all like one big happy family. I really can't wait.
Thanks for sharing your experience. Now I'm going to read part 2.
Here's the link if anyone feels like a giggle. http://kgrahamjourneys.wordpress.com/2012/08/28/supernatural-twitter-and-the-reluctant-groupie/
I should add that I'm actually a travel writer, so I very rarely get the opportunity to write about SPN. This was just a bit of fun. Cheers!
I then bought all the DVD's, magazines, books - anything that I could get my hands on.
Such is the level of my craving and addiction that my garden is dying from neglect, my bathroom could really do with a good clean (true story!) because of my all consuming need to get my fix whenever I have a spare moment.
How has this happened! I am a professional woman with three grown children, one husband, a dog and two goldfish.
I live in Australia and did not go to the All Hell Breaks Loose Convention in May, as I was still a new addict and couldn't see myself fangirling at my age.
But finding like minded people and internet sole mates has made me accept this debilitating addiction, and if ever there is another Australian convention I will be there with bells on.
I too have become more computer literate since my obsession kicked in; I have a youtube account, relentlessly peruse the internet -including fanfiction (i know!) and tumblr - and am currently toying with twitter. I had never participated in any chats on the internet before I found The WFB.
Thanks Nightsky for allowing me to see that others are like me and we can function in real life while feeding our Supernatual obsession.
Where do you live in Australia? There is another 'All Hell Breaks Loose' convention in June next year. It's one day in Sydney and one day in Melbourne. They've got an awesome list of guests, although not J&J (yet). I'm still hoping they'll be announced.
I'm taking my 14-year-old nephew to the Melbourne event, which will hopefully get me in practice for the three day convention in Vancouver (which I'm also going to). So, if you end up going to the Melbourne one I'd be happy to meet up with you.
I think if you make a comment on my blog (maybe my SPN one...haha) I should be able to see your email (because you have to put your email in to comment). It doesn't publish it for everyone to see but I'm pretty sure I can then find it on my admin page.
I'm also on twitter @kgrahamjourney s so you could follow me & then I can direct message you my email address.
That's so cool that you're going to come to Melbourne. Can I convince you to come to Vancouver too :)
Cheers, Karen
I am going to comment on your blog (yes, of course the Supernatural one) right now. I don't have a twitter yet, but have been inspired to get one, will be joining you and the fandom in cyberspace soon.
I am like a fangirl now that I have made up my mind to go to Melbourne, as for Vancouver - I'm afraid at this moment I can only dream
Cheers, Linda
I've actually been reading quite a bit about SPN fandom especially lately, and it's just made me appreciate even more being a part of it all.