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ash48It's hard explaining to someone what a convention is like if you haven't been to one. I certainly would never have understood it if I hadn't witnessed it first hand. :)
I went to an AHBL convention in 2010 (I think it was) and I got a little taste of what a convention is like, but that really didn't compare to this one. This one was much (much!) bigger and a very different experience for me.
The things that stuck with me the most:
So. All round a great weekend. I would have loved Jared to have been there (of course, totally understanding and accepting why he wasn't). Jensen said Jared was disappointed about not being able to come and would come again another year. I truly hope he does - I am TOTALLY going to be there for that (I'll start saving now!).
I went to an AHBL convention in 2010 (I think it was) and I got a little taste of what a convention is like, but that really didn't compare to this one. This one was much (much!) bigger and a very different experience for me.
The things that stuck with me the most:
- The feeling of absolute passion that is shared between the fans - no matter which character you are into, is incredible. It's quite an amazing feeling being amongst like minded people - people who you don't have to explain yourself to. There was a fan gathering the night before the actual con. I got to talk to a few new people (and met the lovely
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kazluvsbooks!). There was a lovely energy in the room and even though the fans were into different characters, we all came together to wish the best to Jared. - The cast members were true professionals. I mean, of course you'd hope them to be, but each of them performed so well - maintaining humour and passion throughout. I was particularly impressed with Mark Shepard. He surprised me tbh. He came out and was pretty abrupt and quite short with some of the fans. I didn't immediately warm to him. But then he spoke about other cast members, his experience with the show and talked about how lucky he feels to be part of all this, and I realised it was all part of the performance. And I loved it. He called out the people asking "stupid" questions - which was refreshing. They must hear the same questions over and over and some of them must drive them nuts. He was asked "which Winchester would you like to play?" and he said something like "it's never going to happen so why ask that?. It was gruff, but also funny. Though when he was asked which Winchester would Crowley like to kill he said Sam. Makes perfect sense of course, but I wasn't happy to hear the big cheer that went up after he said that. ;/
He then spoke about being here with the fans and his gratitude really shone. It was very moving (and yes, I wish I had a transcript of it). He said something about the passion that's put into the show - and I wanted to say it's why the show is so loved. He admitted to it not being perfect, but the commitment to it from all involved is what makes it so special. - Osric, Tim, Richard and Matt were all great too. Osric pretending to fall asleep on Tim's lap while he sung a lullaby from Galivant. It was ADORABLE! He patted him and Osric curled right into Tim. He then ended with a kiss on Osric's forehead. I asked Osric a question (!! :D) about the parody and how he got involved. He talked about it for quite a while - including how each of the cast came in to do the little dance bits after the Vegas con (Osric knew the girls from a previous parody and it sounds like that connection helped get the other cast members involved). Richard and Matt were highly entertaining. The moved through the crowd fast, and lots of questions were asked. Richard called people out on silly questions too. Though Matt some lost brownie points I think when he said he'd like to play Crowley and thinks he could do it better (probably joking of course, but it got a little boo from the crowd…)
- Jensen was absolutely wonderful. I wished I was up closer so I could just sit and stare at him. I think he was probably quite tired but he gave us a lot of himself. His gratitude was also obvious. I truly think these guys continue to be shocked by the utter love and devotion the show receives. He spoke lovingly about Jared and you could actually SEE that love. He said he was looking forward to getting back home to check on him.
Here are his exact words (pinched frommissyjack's journal):
"Speaking of continuing to fight, Jared got – he got tuckered out. His batteries ran a little low. As you know he is a big guy and he gives a lot of himself to a lot of people. Emotionally and physically and then just, well not physically, that’s weird. Scratch that! Scratch that!
Seriously though, he is an emotional man and I love him for that. He is my brother, he is my best friend and he happens to be a co-worker. So it’s all – it’s all good. He is back home. He is getting some rest. He is with his family, he is with his kids. I am excited to head back that way and check in on him and make sure he is just getting recharged the way he needs to be. He just - he has a problem with you know reserving, keeping some in the reserve tank and in my opinion that’s not a bad thing. But when it gets a little low sometimes, I have to be like, hey back to the filming station. So that’s where he is and I knew he wouldn’t be able to give as much as he would have wanted to, to you guys and that would have really upset him and I know you would have wanted him at his best and I would have wanted him at his best and he would have wanted to be at his best, so he is excited to hopefully see you guys in the future. I know he was really, really looking forward to coming here. So keep him in your thoughts, keep supporting him, keep sending him good messages. He gets them. He knows the love is out there. He knows the support is out there and I will remind him when I get home.
He is just a big dumb emotional Moose. Sometimes the smart little squirrel has to tell him what to do." (Oh god, protective!Jensen will be the death of me...).
He even took footage at the end of all of us "for Jared".2 all my friends in Sydney & the #AHBL6 crew...thanks 4 an amazing event. Thanks 4 the love and inspiration. Cheers! pic.twitter.com/vwU1sQNRqs
— Jensen Ackles (@JensenAckles) May 25, 2015 - Something Jensen admitted was the writers writing themselves into a hole at the end of each season (since season 5) with no idea what happens next. I'm not at all surprised to hear that, but also…I kind of was. Well, more disappointed than anything. But yeah, it makes sense seeing how the last 5 years have been I suppose.
- They played some of my vids! I can't begin to tell you what a thrill that was. I got some tweets from peeps in Melbourne to say they had seen my vids and it totally made my day (and I happened to be with my little sister at the time, who was nicely impressed *g*). Apparently the played 4 in Melbourne, but only 2 in Sydney (which is cool, I was in the audience when they came on so it was an extra thrill.
- I got to meet some absolutely wonderful people. I finally put faces to reggie11 and kazluvsbooks. Both of whom are a lovely as you imagine they are! I also got to catch up with my Perth pals redteekal and vyperdd (and met some other fans from Perth too!). I also saw missyjack again. :))
- There was a LOT of waiting around while the photos were done, but this ended up being a great opportunity to chat with different people.
I was so happy to be part of that for him.
I'm holding on to the second A (right up the back).
So. All round a great weekend. I would have loved Jared to have been there (of course, totally understanding and accepting why he wasn't). Jensen said Jared was disappointed about not being able to come and would come again another year. I truly hope he does - I am TOTALLY going to be there for that (I'll start saving now!).
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Date: 2015-05-26 12:41 pm (UTC)it was interesting reading the comments on the JIBcon site afterwards - so many people were saying that they'd got tickets fully intending this to be a one off experience, and within a few hours of the convention starting they were already planning a return next year!
I'm actually finding the experience is getting better and better - I think partly because the actors are now so familiar with the formats and the company of fans (Jensen being a case in point!) but also because that feeling of family amongst us is growing stronger and stronger, even while the show itself is, in many ways, growing weaker. It's like swimming in a warm bath of friendliness.
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Date: 2015-05-26 01:59 pm (UTC)Jensen was warm and comfortable, and rather bemused by it all - but in a lovely way.
Oh, and I just remembered something that was asked of him It made me scratch my head a bit. A girl told him that "his best was yet to come". He said, "no, this is the pinnacle" - he even held up his hand to show how high this was for him. It's like he couldn't imagine anything "better" than this. The girl then insisted that no, his best was yet to come. He seemed a bit taken aback and I don't blame him! what a thing to say). But he handled it well. The question (I think!) was how he'd like the show to end. I was then curious what on earth she meant. I actually think this much more either of them expected from their careers - especially all the fans they have. Sure, they might go on and make movies, but I doubt they'll do better acting than some of the work they've done in SPN. Anyway, it was the only "awkward" question or moment from the I think.
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Date: 2015-05-26 12:56 pm (UTC)OMG THEY SHOWED YOUR VIDS???
OMG THEY SHOWED YOUR VIDS???
Repeat until infinity...
Great con report!
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Date: 2015-05-26 01:59 pm (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2015-05-26 01:07 pm (UTC)That's the Jensen and Jared effect for ya. :) Having been at that same (previous) con as you, but also the first one the boys attended (which was the same location as this current one), there was a marked difference for me also.
Glad you had a great time. :D No photo/auto ops for you?
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Date: 2015-05-26 02:03 pm (UTC)Yeah, that definitely made a difference. And even though Misha was at the last one, at that time he'd only just started the show and didn't have the following he does now.
No photo/auto ops for you?
No. Money was one reason (I was on a budget doing this) and I'm kind of awkward about that stuff. I was going to get an auto from Jared (if he had come) and I wanted Richard to sign the book we are both in (might have been a fun talking point), but they ran WAY over time and I had to leave for the airport. I am hoping I have another chance next time - I might plan to leave much later so I don't miss out.
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Date: 2015-05-26 01:07 pm (UTC)Now I'm crying again just when I thought all my tears for Jared and Jensen had finished! Their relationship is beautiful and special. Jensen really is the big brotehr and best freind looking out for Jared.
Thanks so much for sharing this. I attended my first con (A14) recently and it was the most exciting, exhausting and exhilarating experience!
Mark S has a typical London manner and sense of humour, you're right that he comes across as rude sometimes but I just found him adorable and funny! I'm pleased you all got to see his sweet side too.
Just want to say I love your vids, it's fantastic they were played at the con, and would you mind if I friend you? Cheers :)
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Date: 2015-05-26 02:14 pm (UTC)Their relationship is beautiful and special. Jensen really is the big brotehr and best freind looking out for Jared.
It's so damn special. Jensen knew we'd been keen to know what was going on and he made a point of sharing that with us. I think he knows it help us knowing he's there for him. I think he'd be such a rock for Jared and would be very keen to get back to help him out.
most exciting, exhausting and exhilarating experience!
yes! All of that! :D
Mark came across as a smart and highly tuned-in person. He had his "performance" side, but also let his more genuine side come through. He sat down with a 10 year old boy when he first started his panel and casually chatted tp him for about 10 minutes or so. It was both hilarious and warm. The boy was amazing. The same boy later asked Jensen if he could be on the show best season. Jensen was lovely with him also - finding out that he was born just as the show first went to air. Jensen seemed blown away by that. Said he'd be telling the crew about it when he seems them.
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From:no subject
Date: 2015-05-26 01:15 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-05-26 02:16 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-05-26 01:20 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-05-26 02:20 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-05-26 01:22 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-05-26 02:21 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-05-26 01:38 pm (UTC)I've never been to a convention before, so I read as many reports from my flist as I can and the excitement and passion definitely comes across. But yeah, I'm sure it is hard to put into words what the atmosphere feels like, what it's like to actually be there. I mean I can feel the love and respect from here, so I can't imagine how much more powerful it must be when you're soaking it in in RL.
(And protective and supportive squirrel is just awesome, and it does ease my worry for JP)
Thanks again for sharing. Take care :)
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Date: 2015-05-26 02:25 pm (UTC)Jensen calling Jared moose and himself squirrel was funny and lovely. They seem to have embraced their animal personas. :)) And I agree, it's good knowing that Jared has Jensen (and other cast members) looking out for him.
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Date: 2015-05-26 02:01 pm (UTC)I would totally squee so hard if I made vids and THEY SHOWED SOME!!
*bounces around with you*
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Date: 2015-05-26 02:27 pm (UTC)And I was totally squeeing seeing the vids (even if it did feel a bit surreal *g*).
<33
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Date: 2015-05-26 02:17 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-05-26 02:28 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-05-26 04:18 pm (UTC)I'm glad you had a great time and congratulations on the vids.
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Date: 2015-05-26 10:46 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-05-26 05:08 pm (UTC)Now, when someone says they're going to a convention I don't actually get that slight niggle under the joy.
Let's be honest, everyone who's never been has had a small flutter of, "*sobs* I *so* wish that was me!" but now, there is none of that for me. I've now experienced the joy for myself and all I feel is a full blown blossom of "WOW YOU ARE GONNA LOVE THIS - GO YOU!"
I am so glad that you had such a great weekend, I know how disappointing it was to have Jared as a no show, despite the fact he desperately needed to be at home with his family, it was still disappointing, I know.
I still intend A14 to be the only convention I do, simply because I only made it with the considerable help of the ladies on here. It's not a financial obligation I can commit to again. However, if I win the lottery, I'm taking a year off and doing every single convention around the globe, from start to finish :)
Thank you for sharing your experience with us hun :D ♥
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Date: 2015-05-27 09:44 am (UTC)It's certainly something I'd recommend to anyone - especially if you have a chance to meet people you've chatted to on-line.
It's pretty expensive though, so I know it could be out the reach for some (especially when adding photos, autos, etc).
And I'm with you! If I win lotto I'd go to them all!! :D (or I'd at least my one of those super expensive tickets…;D)
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From:no subject
Date: 2015-05-26 05:21 pm (UTC)I have difficulty being in a room with more than five or six people, even people I know and love, so conventions are very much not a thing I will ever do. But it's so great reading about other people's adventures at cons. So thanks for the report, and again, I'm glad you had such a good time!
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Date: 2015-05-27 03:05 am (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2015-05-26 05:34 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-05-27 09:54 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-05-26 05:49 pm (UTC)They played some of my vids!
Squeee! Congratulations! :) Good to know they chosed well, it certainly improved the con. ;)
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Date: 2015-05-27 09:55 am (UTC)Not sure if you follow Kaz on Tumblr but she has written up a great repost - with photos!
http://lipglosskaz.tumblr.com/post/120001452882/kaz-goes-to-ahbl6
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From:no subject
Date: 2015-05-26 05:53 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-05-27 09:57 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-05-26 06:08 pm (UTC)I've only been to one con but I'm jonesin' to get to another. Not only is it cool to see the stars (Jensen was in great form for this one; what a guy!), but to meet up with folks you've known for years on-line? It's almost the best part, for sure.
Fandom spats sometimes (all the times?), but we're still in this together. And we all love the show. It's pretty awesome how this thing has grown such legs! I just adore it. :D
(There were cheers for Crowley wanting to kill Sam? Aww. Okay, that part's not quite so awesome...)
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Date: 2015-05-27 10:07 am (UTC)And yes - I'd say fandom spats "all the times" it seems - but you wouldn't really know it during the panels (though we did have a girl in front of us chew our heads off as we started to talk about the finale. She didn't want to be spoiled - which is fine, but man, if looks could kill…).
And yeah, cheers for killing Sam…*sniff* It's weird though - there was clearly a lot of love for Jared but I'd say most of the character love is for Dean and probably Cas. The fan meet up there seemed to be a lot of Cas girls - I really wish I got what it is about Cas that makes him so loved. The 10 year old boy was asked who his fave character was and he said Castiel. But I also met some fellow Sam!girls which was lovely too! :D) But we've always known our darling Sammy is the underdog. Makes him even more loveable I think. ;D
xx
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From:no subject
Date: 2015-05-26 10:26 pm (UTC)And yay that they played your videos!!
Osric, Tim, Richard and Matt were all great too. Osric pretending to fall asleep on Tim's lap while he sung a lullaby from Galivant. It was ADORABLE!
OMG, I can just picture this!! Love it.
Also, very lovely things Jensen said in support of Jared. You can tell just how much he cares for him. Very nice too see.
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Date: 2015-05-28 07:55 am (UTC)Osric was SO cute!! And Tim went a long with it - they both played it so well! :D If I come across a picture I will post it. :)
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Date: 2015-05-27 03:03 am (UTC)I just wish we'd had more time together :)
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Date: 2015-05-28 07:57 am (UTC)And I wish we had more time together too. Maybe next time we'll plan so we can spend some time together before hand (or after etc…*g*).
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Date: 2015-05-27 03:25 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-05-28 07:58 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-05-27 03:32 am (UTC)Glad to hear you had a great time!
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Date: 2015-05-28 07:58 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-05-27 05:52 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-05-27 09:31 am (UTC)It's been a very emotional time for many fans (including me!)
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From:con
Date: 2015-05-27 06:47 am (UTC)Re: con
Date: 2015-05-28 08:02 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-05-27 10:18 am (UTC)On your next con, of course, you won't just be holding an "A" for Jared but Jared himself to have a photo taken, yes? Yes? ;D
xox
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Date: 2015-05-28 08:04 am (UTC)xx
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Date: 2015-05-27 02:03 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-05-28 08:04 am (UTC)