FanHost Forums - View Single Post

**Plastic Flute** · 10-18-2006, 09:12 PM

Fans Host First Ever Supernatural Con
Posted By: Jerrica / Source
Related News : Sci-Fi Movie News , TV News ,

Back in March, the WB-turned-CW television series "Supernatural" was featured at the 2006 William S. Paley Television Festival, and the show’s creator Eric Kripke remarked that to his knowledge that was the first ever gathering of "Supernatural" fans. Well, Kripke might be interested to know that there has been another one. Having attended the Paley Festival that first weekend of March, this October 13-15 I had the privilege of attending Winchester Con 2006, the first "Supernatural" con, completely unofficial, organized by fans and for fans. Held in Nashville at the Millenium Maxwell Hotel, the con was slated as the Winchester Writer’s Conference, drawing more than a hundred creative minds and excited participants from the online fan community.

Attendees came from several states and even from other countries, reaching as far as the other side of the world. Registration packets included series-themed trinkets and toys, and even a custom-made sticker with an amusing catchphrase from either Jensen Ackles’ character Dean Winchester in the pilot episode or actor Jared Padalecki on the panel at Paley Fest. Along with other fun items and schedule materials, the packets distributed ID badges bearing the image of Dean’s precious ’67 Impala, which has been christened Metallicar by the extensive following "Supernatural" continues to accumulate as it enters its stalwart second season. While commercialization and merchandising were blessedly absent from the con, there was no shortage of "Supernatural"-inspired shirts, jewelry, music, and just about anything else that fangirls could imagine to revel in and proudly display passion for the unique style and enthralling characters of the series.

This momentous event perfectly illustrates how the Internet has revolutionized fan culture and what a wonderful life of its own a fandom can take on, particularly given those, like one of the WinCon hosts the lively and wonderful Nan, who want nothing more than to celebrate their love of the show. Several panels were formed based on the interests of attendees as discussed online. The first day, an informative panel was held on Urban Legends and Mythology, and a panel held on the second day cast as a Dear Dean advice column was just plain fun. As suggested by the conference designation, several of the panels had a focus on writing as it pertained to fan fiction in the "Supernatural" universe. There were panels addressing the intricacies and issues conjured by subjects such as beta-reading, alternate universes, and slash. Complete with dinner, raffles, and screenings of fan vids and the latest episode, the open fan forum these panels as well as the general environment provided lent itself superbly to a high-energy yet refreshingly relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Besides the scheduled functions of the first ever WinCon, there was plenty of conversation, rock music, television, spirit, and partying to keep guests immersed in their fan heart’s content throughout the weekend. Winchester Con 2006 was a great success, becoming such a hit as to warrant a demand for another one next year, which is tentative at this time. The call for cons like these isn’t surprising when you consider how many shows are beloved by fangirls, and of course fanboys, all over the world but are not given enough attention at official conventions and often get little to no coverage in the media, which does not reflect the obvious popular desire for outlets like this unabated "Supernatural" fan event. Cons hold what fans cherish together by bringing the fans themselves together in celebration of their favorite shows, characters, etc., and Winchester Con was a shining example of this. "Supernatural" lovers, rock on!

10-18-2006, 09:12 PM	#1 (permalink)
Plastic Flute ICHiBAN HoOT Join Date: May 2006 Location: New Jersey Posts: 13,804 My Profile	Supernatural: Bits an Pieces Fans Host First Ever Supernatural Con Posted By: Jerrica / Source Related News : Sci-Fi Movie News , TV News , Back in March, the WB-turned-CW television series "Supernatural" was featured at the 2006 William S. Paley Television Festival, and the show’s creator Eric Kripke remarked that to his knowledge that was the first ever gathering of "Supernatural" fans. Well, Kripke might be interested to know that there has been another one. Having attended the Paley Festival that first weekend of March, this October 13-15 I had the privilege of attending Winchester Con 2006, the first "Supernatural" con, completely unofficial, organized by fans and for fans. Held in Nashville at the Millenium Maxwell Hotel, the con was slated as the Winchester Writer’s Conference, drawing more than a hundred creative minds and excited participants from the online fan community. Attendees came from several states and even from other countries, reaching as far as the other side of the world. Registration packets included series-themed trinkets and toys, and even a custom-made sticker with an amusing catchphrase from either Jensen Ackles’ character Dean Winchester in the pilot episode or actor Jared Padalecki on the panel at Paley Fest. Along with other fun items and schedule materials, the packets distributed ID badges bearing the image of Dean’s precious ’67 Impala, which has been christened Metallicar by the extensive following "Supernatural" continues to accumulate as it enters its stalwart second season. While commercialization and merchandising were blessedly absent from the con, there was no shortage of "Supernatural"-inspired shirts, jewelry, music, and just about anything else that fangirls could imagine to revel in and proudly display passion for the unique style and enthralling characters of the series. This momentous event perfectly illustrates how the Internet has revolutionized fan culture and what a wonderful life of its own a fandom can take on, particularly given those, like one of the WinCon hosts the lively and wonderful Nan, who want nothing more than to celebrate their love of the show. Several panels were formed based on the interests of attendees as discussed online. The first day, an informative panel was held on Urban Legends and Mythology, and a panel held on the second day cast as a Dear Dean advice column was just plain fun. As suggested by the conference designation, several of the panels had a focus on writing as it pertained to fan fiction in the "Supernatural" universe. There were panels addressing the intricacies and issues conjured by subjects such as beta-reading, alternate universes, and slash. Complete with dinner, raffles, and screenings of fan vids and the latest episode, the open fan forum these panels as well as the general environment provided lent itself superbly to a high-energy yet refreshingly relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Besides the scheduled functions of the first ever WinCon, there was plenty of conversation, rock music, television, spirit, and partying to keep guests immersed in their fan heart’s content throughout the weekend. Winchester Con 2006 was a great success, becoming such a hit as to warrant a demand for another one next year, which is tentative at this time. The call for cons like these isn’t surprising when you consider how many shows are beloved by fangirls, and of course fanboys, all over the world but are not given enough attention at official conventions and often get little to no coverage in the media, which does not reflect the obvious popular desire for outlets like this unabated "Supernatural" fan event. Cons hold what fans cherish together by bringing the fans themselves together in celebration of their favorite shows, characters, etc., and Winchester Con was a shining example of this. "Supernatural" lovers, rock on!