I’m not a psychologist, but the lighter crowds likely made talking with others less intimidating. That created a welcoming atmosphere that spilled over to the guests as well. On Friday night at karaoke and in the bar, Chad Lindberg, Jason Manns, and Richard Speight Jr. were all talking and having a great time partying with the fans with minimal security. Every panel I saw was loose and entertaining as well, while the guest stars in Chicago were a bit more uptight. Gabe Tigerman especially was far more relaxed and fun with his panel in Cherry Hill than when I saw him before. Again, I think the smaller crowd had a lot to do with it.
Saturday was not a main attraction day, and the general admission seats were all but empty. There weren’t many silver ticket holders either. Gold was mostly filled though, and Richard Speight Jr., Gabe Tigerman, and first time attendee Traci Dinwiddie really showed love for the crowd. If I had any criticism about their panels, it came from the fan questions themselves, which got a little too hypothetical at times. Plus there were the time wasting questions like what was the ring tone on their cell phones and whether they would live without cheese or chocolate for a year (both asked way too often), but the panelists handled them well, even if they took them a little too seriously.
This was the first time I went gold ticket, and that got me into the Saturday night dessert party and Sunday breakfast (it was not a brunch Creation!). I met some fascinating fans at those events, all with detailed histories with the fandom and great stories to share. I met two college professors that attend all the events and have made multiple trips to LA and the set in Vancouver, all part of the research for a book they’re doing on Supernatural fandom. The fan response to the show is such a unique phenomenon, unlike anything they’ve ever seen. I can’t wait to see the results of their study.
Also, I met Kat, who shared with us the book and pictures on her 2006 project “I am Not Jared,” inspired after Jared cancelled at Fangoria. She was doing the project again for this con, and had many fans posing with her drawing that clearly stated, “I am Not Jared.” I also met Elaine, a delightful and friendly senior citizen who’s attended just about every con with her daughter Debbie. That’s a huge testament to the fact that there are no age boundaries for this show. There were even children there asking questions at the panels. I know, broad demographics makes The CW go crazy, but I love it.
Article comments
1 - Deej1957
Sounds like you had a great time.
The professors who are writing the book: have they never seen any other fandoms? Stargate, for one. Supernatural isn't any different than its predecessors even down to the character one VS character two wars! Just as much screaming at cons, just as big when they were starting out. Supernatural fandom is just the latest in a long line of fannish shows.
The Creation breakfasts are usually the way you saw them in NJ with the guests going from table to table. It's only with Jared and Jensen that they stay on stage rather than mingle; it's a contractual thing with them as they have some exceptionally manic fans.