I’m a fan. Gosh, that sounds so shallow and really rather embarrassing. I am so used to defining myself as something important, a teacher, a technology advocate, a devoted friend. And now, I’m actually calling myself a fan. So trivial, actually…

The first stage in my “fandom” was just a passing interest, a passing interest in a beautiful man who seemed to have a unique talent. And then I met all these other regular people, many of which were new at this fan stuff, themselves. Maybe this wasn’t as odd as I thought. Haha.

But then the plot thickened. Let’s just say this whole thing snowballed on me. It turned into the creation a fan website and a lot ( I mean, A LOT) more. It was fun. It was exciting and joyful. I was doing it for ME.

And then…. All activity of my artist stopped. His tour was over and people started to return to their regular lives. I (and now I say we. We, as in my website partners and many other devoted fans) started seeing fans lose interest. By that time, we had begun to feel committed to this artist. We wanted so desperately for him to succeed and for him to continue to have an audience that we worked our asses off to keep the few fans he had left, engaged. We posted at our own site like fools and at other sites, as well. And still we watched the casual fans go on to newer and more visible artists. Some of us hung on. Sometimes it was for him, sometimes for each other but hang on we did.

And then came the street team. Most everyone I had come to know through this bizarre new world, jumped right in, rolled up their sleeves and joined the team. There were more people interested in helping than there were positions to be filled. Lucky him. It seemed like we were finally doing something real to support our artist. The street team was a good fit for some of us. Others of us learned we worked best independent of that structured environment.

This is what I have learned:

Out of 47,000 plus “fans,” there are about fifty that are more than casual fans. And so what? Some may say these fifty are the nuts. But, these remaining fifty or so are the ones who constantly tell anyone who will listen just how great their artist is. They buy multiple copies of his CD so they can give them as gift to friends and even strangers to get the word out about this guy. They drive their Facebook friends crazy posting his videos and tour dates, and make store managers roll their eyes when they continue to request copies of a CD by an artist most managers have never even heard of. They travel for miles to see his concerts. They buy tickets for friends to go with them to the concerts, promising them that he is wonderful. And. They promote him. THEY are the ones who go out in freezing weather and ask store and restaurant managers to allow them to hang poster or pass flyers. THEY are the ones who document every aspect of said postering because it is a requirement for the privilege of doing so,. They write blogs. They write reviews. They use Twitter to not only communicate news but also to find new and creative ways to reach beyond their small circle and out to the world, in general, to get this new artist the attention they feel he deserves. The hours they have spent are countless. And all out of love.

Fifty or so people out of 47,000 may not seem like they’re very important, but. they. are. You are.

You have helped start a launch without any expectation of reward or compensation. You should be proud of yourselves and the artist should be forever grateful.

And that is the true VALUE of being a fan.

So often I see celebrities at charity functions. And being an intelligent person, I realize that at least some of it is for publicity. It looks good to have an artist show their altruism. And I know that some celebrities just get their pictures taken, take a couple of calls, answer a few questions. You know, basically whisk in and whisk out. I've wondered just what impact they make.

And now I know.

The following is an excerpt from a blog written by family members of a boy being treated at Boston's Childrens' Hospital. It brought me to the tears I am now shedding. Tears of empathy for Cody and his family. Tears of embarrassment for feeling so jaded. Sometimes these "photo ops" touch hearts. They make a difference even if it's just for a moment.

It was just so beautiful and really spoke to me. This has been a difficult time and we often aren’t completely in touch with our emotions about it. I find myself being strong at the hospital and then crying at commercials. This time, I was crying right there in the hospital for the reasons that I was actually hurting. Just so real.

Read the rest of the blog here:

Maybe you can help Cody in your way ....like Jason Castro did.





Photo courtesy of Life Magazine

More photos here

Prior to going to the show in Tucson on Saturday, Feb 20th, I had decided I was only going to film Jason's performance of If I Were You. Mostly because I just wanted to enjoy the show. And that song, because I love it so much. Boy was I glad I decided to record it.

This is classic stuff!!

Amidst the controversy and confusion of canceled tour stops and scheduled tv appearances, Jason, the MAN, does not fail to impress us. This is not a man who tolerates criticism he does not feel he deserves. He is no shrinking violet. And while all his fans rush in to defend him against all the fans who have seemingly turned on him (out of disappointment, no doubt), Jason, the man, takes care of business. He sets the record straight with sincerity, humor and.... pardon my French, balls.

This is the Jason Castro that Jason's Goth Girls love, support and are hopelessly head-over-heels for. This is our man. *sigh*

I just had to.



Mtv.com has 9 more glorious pictures of Jason. Check them out here.

photos by: Michele Crowe and Liza Chrust

Thanksgiving. Traditionally, a time to gather with family and friends to give thanks for all the blessings we have received in the recent year. It is still a time to share a table with loved ones and to share God's bounty. But traditions evolve and so I find myself give thanks in a new way today.

I have been blessed, during the past year and a half, to meet and get to know some remarkable people. Some of them remain "on-line friends" but many others have become the dearest of friends in real life. I know I would never have met them in another place and time. They live across this country and around the planet. Because of them, my world has gotten a little bit smaller and my life has become far richer. And for this, I give thanks.

So why here? What does this have to do with Jason Castro? It is simply because, for whatever reason, we all saw a man, an artist, that struck a special chord in us. He is our common thread.

And so Jason, I do give thanks for you. While you were following your own path, lives were being changed, and for the better. I know mine has been.

I wish all of you the happiest of times. Appreciate every moment. I love each and every one of you.

Colleen


(Such. a. sap.)

The first leg of Jason Castro's tour has been announced. He's partnering with Matt Hires in January and February for the State Line Tour.


For the schedule, click here.

This segment focuses mostly in the south and midwest.
Lucky bitches