They signed it and both gave me an appreciative smile as I thanked them for everything while being rushed out of the area by the Creation security, who were obviously a little miffed that I slowed down the assembly line. The only thing running through my mind as I wandered through the ballroom in a daze was, “How am I ever going to top that moment?”
I SO get it now.
My Final Thoughts
I’ve given my hugs and said my goodbyes to the friends that I now know in person, and I’m sitting here alone in quiet reflecting on what a weekend it’s been. I came to Chicago with no expectations, but everything about this weekend turned out to be a mind-boggling surprise.
I was told correctly that the first con for “virgins” was always the overwhelming one. They weren’t kidding. From the moment I arrived I questioned why I was here, but soon I instantly connected with everyone. I was floored that loyal people came out and volunteered their weekends for these events to make these shows possible. I was floored by seeing the actual people that I’ve watched on my DVDs multiple times standing in front of me and talking like we’re regular people. I was floored by running into someone in line and as we got talking finding out I’ve already met that person online and we’ve shared several conversations.
A few people mentioned fan cons like this are a mixed bag. They all are run differently and each one delivers a different fan experience. I heard some criticisms this weekend over Creation’s running of the show, how the prices charged for tickets, autographs, photo ops, and merchandise were getting out of control and how everything again was very rushed, but overall fans left happy. They left with their pictures and memories and many already were making plans for next year.
On the final evening, we were all wiped. The excitement of seeing Jensen and Jared took our breaths away and it was a great finish to all the bustle of the entire weekend. We sat in the bar having drinks, and a few of us stared off into space running the events through our minds while others pulled out their digital cameras and started going through their memories that way.
A short distance away, all the con volunteers sat together exhausted, yet determined to have one last gathering before they parted until the next one. I went over and congratulated them for their efforts and told them how well their hard work paid off. They were appreciative and I can only hope I’m not the only one that told them that this weekend.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Emma
Oh my gosh Alice, they recognised your article. That is so cool. I would have been weak at the knees too.
I was watching some of the con vids on youtube yesterday and I heard the Sera Gamble question and knew it was you. Thanks for asking a question we all wanted to know the answer to and for getting such a great response.
I too am meeting both boys when they come down to Sydney Australia for a con in April and am super excited to see Jared again and meet Jensen for the first time. I hope I remember how to talk as I have many questions for the both of them.
I still can't get over the fact that they had read your article, you must be so proud.
Glad to see you had a fun time and thanks for the reports!
Love Emma
Author of Tales From The Krip
2 - Patty
You DO get it and it's wonderful isn't it?
3 - Rene
I was there too and I remember your question, I was glad you asked that. It was definitely an experience I will remember. I psyched myself up for the big meeting almost to the point that I was almost too calm. But I do agree with you on everything you wrote it is just something you have to experience as a fan. Thanks for sharing.
4 - Carrie Goddard
Dear Alice:
How sweet are you to take the time to thank the volunteers?? I work Creation's West Coast shows (any chance you'll come to L.A. in March?) and can't believe it every time I'm approached by an incredulous ("You guys don't get PAID??") yet grateful fan. Our jobs are not easy, but the fans make it fun!
So, really, thank YOU.
Carrie
5 - JoAnne
What an amazing report you are sharing with all of us!
I was a Star Trek fan, I was an XFiles fan. Through my life, I have become invested in many a TV show, in many a character. But, there has been no other character or show in the past or present that has taken my heart and OWNED it like Supernatural has. No cookie cutter plots/storylines here, no cardboard cutout characters here. The stories are unique and rich and the characters are wonderfully layered, so much so, that we have only scratched the surface in really knowing Sam and Dean.
Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles are phenominal actors who knock it out of the park each and every time.
Creation's Chicago con last year was my first convention ever. I then went to the LA convention last March and I will be going again next year. I have had photo ops each time and will continue to do so figuring that with those 20 second photo moments here and there, maybe I will be able to finish a complete sentence during my time with the boys. :D
The boys are very gracious and funny and kind and what you feel being there, like what we feel through watching Sammy and Dean, is a true, caring friendship between the two and it is electric!
Reading your experience has brought back a flood of wonderful memories for me. So very happy to hear that even wonderful writers can turn to mush too. :)
Thank you!
JoAnne :)
6 - Sandy
Hi Alice.
I just want to say a heartfelt thank you for posting your reports. Im in New Zealand... a long way from Chicago and family commitments (plus the expense) make it almost impossible to travel such a long way so its great to be able to read others experiences. Im such a huge fan of Supernatural. Can you believe our stupid tv networks have only shown season 1!!!!! Outrageous. Thank god for dvds and online shopping...hehe...Anyway thanks again for all your Supernatural blogs. I read them all!!
Sandy
p.s. when and where is the next one??
*starts balancing the cheque book*...lol...
7 - Nita
Alice,
I loved your report on the Chicago con, I watched the youtube vid of your question being asked and you asked it like a pro!! hahaha I will be going to my first SPN con next March in LA, but just wanted to tell you that you've given me kind of a run down on what to expect coming from someone who has the same mentality of that celebrities are just people doing their jobs and what is the big deal and I too have this mentality, but I've also worked with and for celebrities so i've gotten that whole starstruck feeling out of my mind, although i've been warned about these Texas boys and I'm preparing myself.. LOL.. I'm going to go find your first article and read it now..but i wanted to comment and thank you for the report..
Thanks,
Nita
8 - Vanessa
wow, loved the article. And I must say, I faced the same question when I went to my very first SN con last March in LA, but it was such an experience. It's really something else to meet the people behind the faces and characters that we have come to know...^_^
and what a freakin honor to have your article recognized by Jensen and Jared...makes me want to go into journalism/writing just to someday be recognized by awesome people...hehehe...XD
9 - Naomi
That is so so lovely! (:
10 - cindyls
Oh Alice, how wonderful!
The con experience with those boys is so different than any other cons I have been to in the last... cough... almost 30 years... I was in Chicago last year and that was THEIR 'virgin' experience as far as appearing together at a con and I can tell you, the electricity in the air could have lit the city! I always get the Gold Ticket because I can't resist the breakfast -it's different than the panels because they have nothing planned and it's more informal. People shout out questions and there is much bantering.
Then in March I went to LA to see them again and they were just as wonderful. I get the photo ops as well because I figure - when am I ever going to get the chance to touch them and be that close? It's worth the money, imho, lol. The tandem photo ops is the best - standing between those two gorgeous guys with my arms around their waists - very nice ;-)
I gave them each a photobook at the LA con that I made of the first two years of them doing the show - it had a bunch of pictures in it from behind the scenes, appearances and the like. They were both very gracious and Jared even started opening it and he said, 'No way, you made this?!'. So adorable ;-)
I've been in fandom for a lot of years, but I have never been in one where the actors were such good friends off screen and so appreciative of their fans. I'm glad you had the 'con' experience with the J's ;-)
Will you be in LA next March? If so, I'll look for you - my best buddy and I are going again!
By the way, do you think you could mention the fact that Supernatural was nominated for a People's Choice Award in your column soon? The voting is taking place on the website and this is the first high profile award they have ever been nominated for. We need to get the word out and have people vote!
11 - Drew
Wow, Alice, they recgonized your article! That's amazing! Good for you.
12 - Sam
I quickly read your article that you had signed - and I'm so glad I did! Thank you for the link. It’s brilliantly written and extremely articulate. And just makes a whole lot of damn sense! So glad that the boys saw it too. As you said, it sometimes seems that their network is their own worst enemy. I live in constant trepidation that they’ll cancel it before Kripke has finished telling us his story " a devastating thought! It’s just so sad that it is completely misrepresented on every non-fan site that I’ve ever been on. The synopses simply don’t. Get. It. Sam and Dean are two of the most well-fleshed characters I’ve ever come across on TV and I don’t think I’ve ever been as invested in two fictional characters as I am in these two. It’s the Samn’Dean show, and everything else is just gravy.
I live in South Africa, and discovered Supernatural through a fanvid. A friend had recommended it to me, but I never really bought into it. Then I watched a vid and for some reason, my curiosity was piqued in a big way! I spent the next week finding out as much as I could about the show, and ended up getting quite spoiled because this happened right about the time What is and What should never be was airing. I went ahead anyway and got out Season 1 that weekend and watched the whole lot in 4 days. The rest as they say, is history. It airs here in South Africa, but only on an obscure channel on Satellite, though it must be said that Season 1 is currently airing on the national network late on a Tuesday night. There’s absolutely no buzz for it here, but I’ve certainly spread the word and got a few people watching and interested.
Long may the fan networks do their bit!!
PS " I am so very jealous that you got to meet the boys :o)
13 - Alice Jester
Thanks everyone for your great comments! I'll have some better replies soon, but here's the link to that fan video they aired before Jared came on (thanks Vichi!). It's fantastic!
14 - Alessandra
Hi Alice,
During my lunch break yesterday I was on youtube and heard the Sera Gamble question, smiled and wondered if it was you. :) Well now I know! I'm glad your first con. turned out to be memorable and thanks for your series of articles - they were entertaining as per usual!.
How wonderful the 'boys' had read your article and I'm not surprised they remembered it! This was actually the first article of yours I came across and it made me a fan of you. I haven't missed one of your posts on Supernatural since then and religiously place the link on the BDOHB thread so my virtual BFFs can also share in the awesomeness of your writing!
Can't wait for my next AJ reading fix!
Take care,
Alessandra
(aka Scorpio of BDOHB)
15 - Rosewood
Congratulations Alice! I really enjoyed reading your convention stories, especially since you got the full convention experience - connecting with other fans and meeting the people behind the characters, and getting your question answered.
I didn't get it about photo ops or autographs at fan conventions either until I had a 'speechless moment' talking to Nathan Fillion (Capt. Mal Reynolds of Firefly).
I'm so glad for you that both actors read your article! That's awesome.
There is a positive power from people social networking. I totally agree that fan word of mouth is a key reason the audience for this show is growing. I'm looking forward to your next article.
Wendy
16 - rain
Great convention report.
You're so lucky for meeting Jared and I can understand your fangirl moment.
I don't even watch Supernatural anymore, but I can't help to love Jared.
He's a wonderful human being and a great actor.
It'a beautiful how Jared and Jensen are still such great friends.
17 - heraldtalia
Wow! It's funny, because when you asked that question, I thought about you, but had no idea it was actually you who was asking it. And how awesome that they read and recognized and remembered your article, especially since, as you noted, they were really rushing us through so the guys could catch their planes!
This was my first SPN con too so I can totally feel how overwhelmed you were. But it was so wonderful--not just because of the gracious actors (many of whom were just wandering around the hotel) but also because of the other fans there. I did pay for the "sandwich" photo op and it was worth every penny. While my two friends and I waited in line, we were all such nervous panicked wrecks wondering why we had put ourselves through this, but we came out squealing bubbling fangirls already planning to get all 3 photo ops next year. :)
You hear stories about how great all the actors are and how tight of a set the show has and how much they appreciate their fans, but it's totally different when you experience it in person. I'm already registered for next year, when I had no intention of ever going again when we first started the drive from PA to IL Thursday night.
Thanks for posting this and helping me relive some of my con memories.
18 - Riverbella
I was not at the con, but I have watched many of the videos, so I heard your question (which was a very cool question, btw)! I'm excited for you that you had such a good experience. I remember when I first read that article you had the boys sign. I loved it. It gave me a wonderful sense of community, and I printed it out and put it with all my other prized Supernatural memorabilia. I've enjoyed your pieces on Supernatural ever since. Way to go!
19 - Karin
Hi Alice,
thank you for the amazing report, I really felt and giggled with you. I live in Germany so it is rather unlikely I get to a convention in the near future but after your report I will definitly try very hard!
And I am so happy for you, the guys read your article (it is really good btw).
20 - elle2
Alice,
Congratulations on the weekend and the special memories you've made and shared.
How amazing it must have been to have Jensen remember your article and then to call out to Jared and discuss it with him.
I'd hoped they'd read the article and hope that perhaps they'll read more of your writing, especially because I love how you dissect the show in all ways, symbolism, characters, plots, behind the scenes and so much more.
It's my hope that through positive discussions and analysis of the episodes and themes we can encourage Mr. Kripke and co. to stop going to some other site [erh, TWOP comes to mind] and listening or reading the blather there.
I'm digressing in my rant but waiting eagerly for your write up of ep. 9 so I can add my thoughts (although I've already posted in two places my thoughts on 'the scene' and how that developed...for the record, I thought it worked beautifully!!!!
Again, thanks for your reports, I've heard your question summarized on the CWConnect group and am looking forward to watching the videos people have graciously posted. (I mean how awesome for people to pay all that money and make the effort and then graciously share the experience online!!!)
Thanks to you and everyone who goes, writes, videos, and shares. Thank you so much.
21 - shauna
reading about your experience has made my day, im grinning away here. its brilliant that your article was recognised by the guys. im glad you had a good time.
22 - Robin
Alice, I so wish I'd had the chance to meet you at the Con! I'm a big fan of yours! I'm the gal who made up and wears on my large bosom the WATCH SUPERNATURAL THURSDAY 9 PM CW11 IT'S THE BEST t-shirt, white letters on black. I wore it to my photo shoot with Jared and Jensen, and stood there, threw out my arms and announced, "Check it out--I whore myself for your show!" Jared yelled, "Yeah! I love that t-shirt!" (He noticed it when I asked my question at the mic, too, about Jensen, Harley and Sadie.) I ran between them and they slid their arms around my waist. Was I fangirling at my advanced age of mmmm? You bet I was! Love, Robin
23 - kate
Congrats Alice on having such a wonderful experience and thank you for sharing it with us. I really felt I got to be part of the Con which, since I live in Ireland, is not likely to be the case even next year.
I am now a staunch fan of yours having only found you just before the con but I have read back through many of your articles and look forward to the rest.
Good luck.
24 - Mary
Oh, delightful, Alice! I particularly envy you their recognition of your article, and getting to put your face with it - bravo! Well-deserved, to boot ... *grin*
When I read other reports of the con, I laughed out loud when I hit the Sera Gamble question, because I knew that had to be you. I loved Jared's answer, too; how very appropriate.
I'd done some of the literary science fiction cons in years gone by - Boskone, Arisia, Baltimore, even Worldcon - but before going to the LA Creation Supernatural con back in March, I'd only done one other commercial media convention, another very small local Creation one-afternoon event for Stargate SG-1 some years back. I'd been disappointed in that one because of its impersonal nature, but enjoyed the chance to hear directly from actors on the show. I debated going to LA, but ultimately couldn't resist the lure of meeting not only Jensen and Jared, but Eric Kripke. Despite my issues with the rushed and very commercial Creation experience, I had a great time and built memories I'll never forget both with other fans I was getting the chance to meet in person, and through those few seconds during photo and autograph ops where I got to thank Jared and Jensen for making Sam and Dean so real, and Eric for making the show in the first place.
Will I do it again? I don't know. I did Eyecon in September, and had fun; and there's always that lure of another moment, another online friend with a face and a voice, another memory, another chance to ask a question or try to find an original way to say "thank you" again lurking in LA or Chicago ... Yeah, I suspect I'll go again, even though it will be in the cheap seats. And I'll hope beyond hope that maybe they'll recognize the "Bardicvoice" name on my shirt and connect it to my reviews.
Hey - a girl can hope, right?
Thanks for sharing!!
25 - Cindi
Thank you SO much for sharing, and letting me live the con vicariously through you, Alice. I'm surprised that you even recovered after finding out that the boys knew who YOU were. Gah!
I love that you've finally admitted to being a fangirl! Have you squeed yet? It's a pre-requisite, although you don't need to do it out loud, unless you just can't help it :)
I should have known that it was your question when I saw the printed con report from CW Source. Now I have to run to find the YouTube of one of my favourite reviewers asking it! *Squeee!*