A Fan Letter To The Fans: Part One

When I was nine years old, I had a gigantic crush on Donny Osmond. Everything I owned was purple, right down to the wall-to-wall carpeting in my bedroom (for which I am eternally grateful – it was awesome!). I had two Donny and Marie records that I played over and over and over again – I swear I still know all the words – causing my family to run for cover when it was my turn to use the stereo. The day my Tiger Beat arrived in the mail was the highlight of my week – I would spend hours poring over the pages, staring at the pictures, and carefully cutting out the posters and the iron-ons. At night, I’d lay awake in my ridiculously cool purple bedroom and dream up all kinds of crazy stories – “The Adventures of Donny Osmond”. Alas, the yearning for my Donny was mine alone to bear. My friends didn’t share my affections, so the only conversations I ever had about my dearest love was my big sister yelling, “Mom! Tell Laurie to stop talking about Donny Osmond!” – I hardly think that counts. One Friday night, my parents had to hire a babysitter because I refused to leave the house – “But, Daddy! I can’t go – the ‘Donny and Marie Show’ is on!” Clearly, my predisposition to fanaticism surfaced at an early age.

Fast forward 30 years (slow down over my 20’s – they were fun) and imagine my joyous discovery of the world of internet fandom. Uber-fans UNITE! Enclosed within the hallowed forum walls lies a fairytale world for the celeb-stricken: news, videos, audio, pictures – anything you can imagine is here! The message boards bring fans together in ways never before possible – think of it as a year-round, always accessible Trekkie Convention. The best part is admittance is guaranteed – uber-fans can be young or old, married or single, working or going to school, or be of any nationality, race, color or creed. As long as you feel the love, you’ll be welcome for life. Is there anything better than sharing the thrill of a new CD or bit of information with your like-minded buddies? Feeling a sudden surge of love for Elliott Yamin? Jump on the board at the E-Train and share your mushiness with the equally afflicted. Did you just run into Constantine Maroulis at the neighborhood deli in the Bronx? There are hundreds of people at Greek Speak who are dying to hear your story! “What was he wearing? Did he pout for you? You know, did he make ‘the face’?” Are you a Carrie Underwood fan who just happens to live in Siberia? No matter. Lose the parka, grab a bottle of vodka, and belly up to the forum at CarrieFans.com – the place where everybody knows your (screen)name and they’re always glad you came.

When I was a girl, no one wanted to hear the story of how my beloved Donny saves me from a burning building: “Cradling her in his strong arms, Donny bravely dodged the flames and fled the towering inferno. Choking on smoke and tears, he looked down at the light of his life fading away. ‘Don’t leave me! I love you!’” Yeah, well…not so sure anyone wants to hear it now either, but that’s not my point… Today, I could post my stories in the fanfic section of the board and get immediate feedback: “Awww…that’s so romantic!” or “Gosh, that’s a little creepy coming from a nine-year-old.” The artists among us upload their drawings, wallpapers, banners, and blends to share their creative vision. I have several pieces of Kelly Clarkson fan art hanging in my office – at my age posters are simply not acceptable, but a beautiful black and white sketch is perfect! (Jess (awesomeaussie) at the KC Express – you rock!) I am always amazed when I read through the creative threads on boards and see all the poetry, songs, artwork, and stories. Uber-fans don’t only invest their time and money, they invest their passion.

And passion, my fellow fans, is the key. It’s the force that creates a Claymate from a mere Clay Aiken fan. It’s the magic that transforms an occasional Taylor Hicks listener into a Soul Patroller. It’s the fire that forges a Louisiana wife and mother into a Hot Damn! 10,000+ poster on the Kelly Clarkson Express. It’s what keeps the career fires burning for Bo Bice until he can make a full recovery. It’s what drives Highrollers to raise over $30,000 in 30 days. At its best, passion is love in its purest form – at its worst, a dangerous obsession. This Christmas season, celebrate your passion in its purest form with your nearest and dearest. It is a remarkable gift to share, for a life without passion is simply a long, dark road.

Fourteen years passed before I finally saw Donny Osmond in person. He was performing the National Anthem before a BYU football game and I thought, “I have never been happier than I am right this very second.” And they called it puppy love…whatever.