As for the rest of the world, it seems that England and Australia are now caught up with the US and eagerly waiting for new episodes. Welcome to the “new episode angst” pool, the water’s warm! If there are any other great international sites that deserve a mention, especially those that aren’t in English, please share. I’d love to see them, and I have a babelfish translator handy to help.
Fans In Action
It’s great when fans can channel their love for a particular show into something extraordinary. Fan activism is rampant in this fandom. The Supernatural Underground and Team Winchester are dedicated to promotion. The Supernatural Underground runs fan campaigns and promotes site links designed to spread the word about the show. Team Winchester is trying a creative “street team” approach to promotion, which is what many fans do these days to support their favorite musical acts (since record company promotion budgets are practically nil these days, just like the CW). There are various teams throughout the US, all designed to get the word out in their little part of the planet. Judging by the small list though, Phoenix, San Francisco and surrounding bay areas, Wichita, Columbus (my hometown!), and Miami all need many more volunteers.
For something truly inspirational, there are two big charity sites. Operation: Winchester is dedicated to sending Supernatural Season one DVDs to the troops overseas via care packages. Word is the show is very popular among the soldiers, and fans are doing their part to show support by delivering them a part of the same joy we get at home. This campaign is ongoing, and details about how to donate can be found on the site. Fandom Rocks recently raised money in the name of Supernatural for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund and the Lawrence Humane Society in Lawrence Kansas (which is the hometown of Sam and Dean Winchester). In their latest campaign, they managed to raise $2350 for both charities. The site has a nice profile of each visit to those places and the challenges these facilities face. They also indicate to stay tuned, for another campaign is in the works, but they are always accepting donations online.
Yet again Supernatural fans, you've amazed me, and I’m sure there are still way more that I’m missing. It’s incredible what love and inspiration from one show can do to motivate people in different ways. Once everyone is done with the diversion of the four remaining episodes of the season over the next month, it’ll be time to share that pent up energy online all summer. I’ll be there lurking, taking notes, and having a great time.
Article comments
1 - Andi
I enjoyed your article very much, especially since you put the spotlight on a couple of my favorites: Plastic!Winchester Theatre and Bardicvoice's deeply thoughtful meta. For another approach to episode reviews, you might want to check out kroki_refur's Reviews of Doom and picspam on her livejournal. They are wonderfully entertaining.
You are doing a fabulous job capturing the flavor of this amazing fandom. I look forward to your next article!
2 - LindsayW
Be sure to also check out www.SupportSupernatural.com. :)
3 - MCM
I've been so busy avoiding spoilers that somehow I managed to miss this post. Well done, thank you!
4 - Mary (Bardicvoice)
Oh, my - thank you, Alice! I'm delighted and humbled that you not only enjoyed my work, but recommended it to others. I bow to you!
I've been enjoying your clear-eyed column for a while (even though I clearly miss it sometimes, as I somehow did this one!), ever since it started popping up on my regular Google alert. Thank you for helping to spread the "Supernatural" word across the Internet!
And thank you for making me blush ...