I started this post yesterday, and couldn’t finish it until today. So turn yesterday into the day before yesterday and tomorrow into today and then ask yourself why you even bothered because it really isn’t all that important.
I woke up this morning because my dog was fussing to go outside.
“I didn’t know this was a pet-friendly hotel,” I thought as my brain got off the train from Dreamland. “I have to move to part of the hotel that doesn’t have pets in it today.”
Then I opened my eyes, and experienced the glorious moment when, after being away from home for a week, I realized that I was back in my own house, in my own bed. I got up, let her out, and made myself a cup of coffee … then I enjoyed that glorious moment when, after drinking hotel “coffee” for a week, I get to make it myself, just the way I like it.
The flight home last night was pretty rough until we got over Texas. It was so turbulent over the Gulf of Mexico the flight attendants didn’t even get out of their seats for close to an hour after take off. A few years ago, I would have been an absolute mess during the whole thing, but I’ve been flying so much, I just ride it out and try not to spill my water all over myself. I’m about halfway through book three of A Song of Ice And Fire, and I want to finish it before the new season premieres, so while my body was bouncing around on an airplane, my mind was in Westeros. It was pretty great.
So I promised I’d share a couple of memorable moments from MegaCon. Before I get to the pictures I took yesterday, I’ll do that now.
Appearing as a guest at a big convention like this is a lot of fun, but it’s also exhausting. People always ask me if my arm or hand or wrist is tired near the end of a long day of signing, and I always tell them the truth: my body never gets tired; it’s my brain that is exhausted. Signing is so much more than, well, signing. It’s listening and engaging and sharing moments and meeting hundreds of people in a relatively short amount of time, doing my best to not rush people while understanding that the person in front of me and the person still waiting behind them may have been in that line for over an hour. It’s drawing out shy kids who are excited to meet me, but don’t know what to say. It’s handling people who can be a little strange — if harmless — who may not know when it’s really time for them to move on. It’s telling someone that I’m sorry, but I can’t sign that thing, or I can’t pose for that picture, or I’m really not going to go have beers with you because I don’t know you at all even though you think you know me.
I suppose I could make it less mentally taxing if I just sat there and didn’t make an effort to engage people or treat them like human beings (and there are some folks who do exactly that), but that’s not how I roll, and I will stop attending conventions before I become That Guy. That Guy has no perspective, no humility, no gratitude, and while I’ve met him a few times (there are a few people who act like fans at conventions are simply meatbags attached to wallets) I won’t ever be him.
And I wouldn’t have it any other way. Because I was a fan at conventions long before I was a special guest, I know what it’s like to be on that side of the table, and it’s important to me to treat people the way I want to be treated. It’s also wonderful, because I get to meet remarkable and inspiring people, and share in the mutual joy we have for Doctor Who, Tabletop gaming, Game of Thrones, Star Wars, Star Trek, beer, hockey, and silly Internet memes.
This weekend, I met dozens of people who told me that they were scientists, engineers, doctors, or programmers because they were inspired by Wesley Crusher. I met tons of women and a few men who told me that I was their first teenage crush. I met a lot of people, men and women, my age and younger, who thanked me for speaking out about depression and anxiety. I held a young woman’s hands while she cried because her anxiety was so intense and scary, and I promised her that she would be okay. I was moved by her bravery, and inspired by her courage. I met some families who were all geeking out about different things at the convention, from Star Trek to My Little Pony to LEGO to Star Wars, and happily sharing in each other’s joy. I was honored to be part of all of these experiences, and grateful to have them.
But there is one meeting that stands out, that moved me so much, I’ve been struggling to find the right words to recount it. On Saturday, a young woman walked up to my table with her husband and her two children. She handed me a typed letter and told me that she knew she wouldn’t be able to get through what she wanted to say to me, and would I please read it.
I unfolded it, and read her story. When she was a young girl, she had a serious complication due to her Lupus, and her doctors told her that she would never walk again. She had a photo of me, though, that she took with her to physical therapy every day, and the therapists would hold it up for her and encourage her to walk toward it — toward me — while she recovered. She made a promise to herself, she said, that she would walk again some day, and if I was ever in her town, she would walk up to meet me. At the end of her letter, she thanked me for being there, so she could *walk* to meet me.
I looked up at her through tears, and she looked back at me through her own. I stood up, walked around my table, and put about fifteen feet between us. I held my arms open, and asked her to walk over to me. She began to cry, and slowly, confidently closed the distance between us. I embraced her, and we stood there for a minute, surrounded by thousands of people who had no idea what was going on, and cried together.
“I’m so proud of you,” I said, quietly, “and I am so honored.”
We wiped the tears away, and I sat back down to sign a photo for her. I looked at her young children. “Your mom is remarkable,” I said, “and I know you don’t get it, because she’s, like your mom? But you have to trust me: she is.”
The kids nodded, and I could tell that they were a little freaked out by the emotion of the thing, even if they didn’t understand it. They looked at their father, who said, “Mommy’s okay. Mommy’s okay.” That made me tear up again. Mommy was okay, and she is a remarkable woman who defied the odds and her doctors, and *walked* up to meet me. I’m still overwhelmed when I think about what that means, and how I was part of it.
Okay. While I compose myself, here are some pictures from the final day of MegaCon 2013:
I was pretty geeked out by this awesome AWESOME-O cosplay.
I’ve forgotten this young woman’s name, but she drew an incredible Wilthulu for me.
Another remarkable artist who’s name has gone out of my head (my brain rotates those logs pretty quickly). She drew this fantastic picture of the TNG cast with Q, and gave me a copy of it. I really, really love it when people get excited and make things, and I love that Star Trek is something that inspires that so frequently.
Chris Hamer drew this commission for a couple, who asked me to sign it for them.
How incredibly cute is this Borderlands 2 Cosplay?! I just love the little muscles his mom drew on his shirt.
Fix-It Felix and Vanellope Von Schweetz cosplay! How adorable are they together?
Last one: it’s me and my space mom, Gates McFadden!
Gates has a wonderful theatre here in Los Angeles (Atwater Village, to be precise). Her theatre’s tumblr is one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen: Gates has a Doctor Crusher action figure that she takes all over the place and puts into darkly comic situations which are photographed and captioned. The individual images are hilarious, but when they are taken as a whole, they tell a story that … well, I don’t want to spoil it for you.
Seriously, check it out, and tell your friends.
MegaCon was really great. I had a good time on my panel Saturday morning, where I told some jokes and did a Q&A with about 3500 or so people in the room. The TNG panel Saturday night suffered from appallingly bad moderation (Patrick was interrupted during a wonderful story about working on the show when the moderator decided to make it all about him with an inappropriate unprofessional, and disrespectful Harlem Shake bit) but I think the group of us overcame it as best as we could.
I’m really glad I went to the convention. I got to visit with my TNG family again, knowing that the entire group of us probably won’t be in the same place like this for at least a year, and I got to share in some of the most wonderful and inspiring moments I’ve experienced in years. If you were there, thanks for making it a great weekend for me.
Glad to have seen you, Wil. Thank you for being you and coming to see us meatbags!
btw… I think someone was cutting onions while I read your story about the woman with lupus.
Effing onions have me bawling all over my desk.
You have a gift at making moments for people. I like to think the majority of people in your situation would be moved and give that woman a hug. But you had the presence of mind and creativity to make a moment for her that she will remember for the rest of her life. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Just another reason people love you so much. I was there and didn’t get the opportunity to meet you but I would step out of a line a million times over for someone like that to have the chance to share that moment with you. Thanks for always being the class act that you are and hopefully next time. Will you be attending SDCC?
Loved this – great attitude. Always wanted to go to something like this – hope they do them in England 🙂
Darnit, I have that same onion problem as Jonathon up there. Or I have some MAJOR sweat glands in my eyeballs or something!
This is why we appreciate you so.
“…it’s important to me to treat people the way I want to be treated”
Thank you for being such a decent human being. It’s encouraging to see and experience your fundamental decency as you share yourself with those of us paying attention. It’s really very appreciated!
What a wonderful story. I hope you frame that letter and put it somewhere prominent for those days when you get down about life, the universe and everything. What an impact you had on her life.
(And while it would be too personal for you to post or for us to view, I hope there are pictures and video of that moment for that lady to look at. I have a feeling she was so overwhelmed she didn’t take a lot of it in.)
I had to laugh at this ” I’m really not going to go have beers with you because I don’t know you at all even though you think you know me.” why you ask? Because my first thought was “but.. but.. but.., I do really know you!” to which I chuckled thinking of the line from “Get Shorty”, “you don’t know me, you only think you do!”.
True enough.
But the Wil Wheaton I “think” I know is pretty damn cool and someone I’d hang out with any day of the week, you and Anne are both phenomenal people. This latest blog entry only solidifies my opinion, keep your stick on the ice!
I wish Holland still had proper Cons, (Guessing the Elf Fantasy Fair is a bit too far off the mark) and that you’d go to them. There’s an awful lot of us out there in the world who are scared shitless of going out to see people (personally, I barely leave the house), but for you I’d most certainly put my shoes on. Because you’re awesome like that. And knowing that there are boundries I’d cross on certain terms is something that’s hopegiving to me, and you don’t even have to DO anything for that 🙂 Thanks.
You’re an inspiration for a lot more people than you know, Wil. That story actually made me tear up a little. Thank you for being so awesome, and touching so many lives with your kindness and positivity. Whenever things aren’t going well for me, whether it’s my own self-doubt or the disparaging comments or actions of others, I remember that when I met you at Dragon*Con and gave you my duct-tape rendition of Rich Stevens’ portrait of you that you shook my hand, looked me in the eyes and said “You are an artist”. I replay this in my head whenever I start feeling lazy, uninspired, or scared to pursue my art. Thank you again for being an inspiration of grace and kindness to your fans.
This blog post really shows the ability you have to write in a way that connects with people. I hope you continue to pursue your writing, because as an avid reader I think you have something to contribute. I was one of those people who stood in line for the photo op at Phoenix ComicCon and was far too nervous to say a word to anyone. Thank you for getting it, and thank you for it all mattering to you so very much.
What is up with all the onions around the office?
I want to say thank you for not being “That Guy” when we met you at Austin Comic-Con. I still tell people how you had a real conversation with my husband and I (and Baby Sparks McGee) and made us feel special, even though you were feeling sick and there was a huge line.
Baby Sparks! I remember you, all hanging out with Austin Browncoats! Hope you are well.
Sincerely,
Duct Tape Sparks 😉
The people you forgot the names of are @PureGeeksauce and @rosenightshade
Thank you!
I know it is an overused comment but “Dammit Wil! Stop making me cry at work!”
Thank you so much for coming to Megacon and being so awesome Mr Wheaton!!! Meeting you was the highlight of the entire convention for me! <3
My name is Rose, I'm the lady who gave you the Star Trek print and had you sign one for me 🙂 Our whole family have been Trekkies since I was in diapers and Next Gen was always my fav series, it was awesome to see everyone and you were seriously amazing!
Thank you so much!
I’m going to my first Star Trek Con this year in Boston. They’re doing a big TNG event, but I’m bummed that neither you nor Gates are included in it 🙁
Came for some funny con stories.
“Boy, that escalated quickly.”
All these sudden feels! Pardon, while I pretend to stub my toe…
Thank you for sharing your story about the woman with Lupus. You really have a way with people.
And since I haven’t said it before, thank you for sharing your personal struggles with depression and anxiety. It seems that helped more people than you will probably ever know.
Damn, it must be hot in here because I’m sweating from my eyeballs. I hope I can muster the lady balls to make it to ECCC next year. The communing with a room full of your tribe sounds pretty dope.
What a beautiful moment for the woman with the letter and her family. (Yup, tears here. Not even gonna try to blame it on something else.)
I was fortunate enough to get to meet you at MegaCon, too, and was really taken with how you took time with each individual who came to the table. It might explain why people in line waiting to meet you were so amiable. (Waiting in line generally isn’t so friendly and fun.)
Friday evening, by the way, Patrick Stewart mentioned you when he was discussing his TNG family being in town for MegaCon, and how we should all come out and see all of you. [Part of why I went on Saturday. When Patrick Stewart tells you to show up, you show up.]
Thanks for making my first MegaCon experience (and I’m sure everyone else’s who had the opportunity to meet you) such a positive one.
My only regret? Not getting to see Anne vandaleyes something. 🙂
Keep up the great work, Wil! 🙂
I get how weird it must be to be in your position. All these people want to meet you and hang out with you and you have no idea who they are (nor do they necessarily know who you are to some extent).
While I’ve never been one of those people who sit in line for an autograph (holy crap those PAX lines are long!), I also understand for some people (you included, no?) those autographs and book sales and the like at cons are your bread and butter. I actually tried a couple of PAXes ago because I wanted to support you and I had a pair of dice to give you. But, the lines were too long the enforcers wouldn’t even let me get in line. I just ended up dropping the dice off at your table via your enforcer assistant. 🙂
You’re in a unique situation and I’m glad you aren’t completely jaded by the whole thing. Stories like the one above about the woman with lupus are just great to hear amongst all the bad news we hear about every day. One of my favorite things when watching the PAX videos are the Q&A’s that Mike and Jerry do and hearing all the inspiration they’ve helped create for a generation (or two) of gamers. It’s the reason I love them and PA in general. It used to be (and still is in a way) so lonely to be a gamer. Yet, these days, it seems everyone wants to be one. 🙂
I’ll end this as I know I tend to run on with a repeated Keep up the great work! Maybe I’ll bump into you if you do the Child’s Play golf tourney this year…and I’ll just cry out “WHEEAATOON!!” somewhere randomly on the course after I end up somewhere well out of bounds yet again. 🙂
If you weren’t as open and honest about your depression and anxiety, I doubt I’d be alive today. I was convinced at one point what I felt was real and normal and the voice saying I was worthless and better off dead was right. Then a friend reblogged (bless you, tumblr) one of your posts and I saw so much of myself in it.
I made a few phonecalls. I got help. I have medication. I’m in cognitive and behavioral therapy. I’m in talk therapy.
And a few weeks ago, I wrote out my suicide plan in a lovely hand-crafted diary, took it to the beach and buried it at low tide, where the wind and rain and tide could wash it away, wash it to pieces, wash it out of existence. It was too heavy for me to carry around and I don’t need it anymore. Now the wind and waves can carry it for me. I’m free.
So thanks. I’m here and happy and creating things because of your brutal honesty. I got help. I survived. The voice is still there, but it’s drowned out by a louder one that sounds suspiciously like yours, telling me I’m okay.
I am so happy for you, and so glad that you got help. It’s good to be out of that awful room, isn’t it?
Keep going. You are not alone, ever.
I am not as famous as Wil, but I understand from way down deep that sharing our stories about depression, anxiety and other forms of mental illness is more important than ever. I have been public with my struggles with anxiety and ADHD, and some people in my family don’t like it. When my son started having trouble in school because of anxiety symptoms, I was also open about our seeking treatment for him, and the steps we took to make sure that my 3rd grader didn’t end up a terrible statistic. People told me I should keep it quiet, because that’s a private thing. My husband’s family were ashamed that I spoke openly about him going to therapy.
I am not ashamed, and I hope my son never is, either, because it helped him, and now he’s not having any trouble at school this year. If me sharing that story helps another family get treatment for their kids, I would share it and endure the judgement and condescending attitudes and the bullying from people who are supposed to love us unconditionally, and I would endure it a thousand times.
So thank you, Wil, for sharing your story, for helping to remove the stigma attached to mental health issues. And thank you, doggydork, for sharing your story, and burying your suicide plan. As the good Doctor says, “900 years of time and space, and I’ve never met anyone who wasn’t important.”
Yes, This. Every single person making the decision to be open about depression, anxiety, etc. removes one more little piece of the stigma.
It’s not admitting you’re weak or defective. Because you’re neither of those things. Quite the opposite, in fact: putting those facts about yourself out into the world requires strength, courage, and shows a presence of mind — a conscience — to make an effort to better the world a little better place, not only for yourself, but for anyone who may be dealing with similar issues and needs just that one little nudge to go get some help.
I’ve never been shy about talking about all the “couch time” I’ve done over the years (enough that I’m now pretty good at self-therapy because I’ve integrated the process so well — though I wouldn’t hesitate to get to a pro as needed). I’m fortunate in a way, in that my brain chemistry is relatively “normal” (for broad and overly generous definitions of “normal”), but I thank Science daily for the sake of my friends whose brains need a little chemical assistance that they’re able to get it.
It’s folks like Wil, like John Moe, like The Bloggess, like doggydork, like Tabby and her son, EVERY SINGLE PERSON who is open and honest and talks about this, who will change the world as far as its perception of mental health. It won’t be some government official, it’ll be from the foundation, the grassroots level, and that’s why it will work. It will take time, but it will work. History is on our side here.
So yes, THANK YOU. ALL OF YOU.
*cries, then stands and applauds*
Hi Wil! I’m the woman who smuggled you a snack baggie with a handwritten note and two dice during the photo op on Sunday. I say smuggled because I know I wasn’t supposed to bring a “gift” to the photo op, but I couldn’t afford to do both the photo op and an autograph session so I decided to chance it 🙂
I wanted to let you know, my SO handed me that D20 at the last minute so I didn’t get to include the story for that one on my note. That was his first gaming die, so when he found out what I was up to, he wanted you to have it. And FYI – my son… Superman… was so excited that you spoke to him before the photo was taken and he can’t wait to get his own gaming dice so he can have one to give you, too… he’s already begging me to take him to the game store this weekend!!
I hope you’ll be back next year!!
Thanks again for coming out Wil! I really enjoyed meeting you!
And you’re right about the moderator. He kept making mistakes all day long. Plus his ‘humor’ was really something. My wife and I were wondering what the hell was going on with the harlem shake thing. We never got to hear the rest of Patrick telling us about the ship shaking bit. That was pretty disappointing. Maybe the mod thought it was a good idea at the time, but it most certainly wasn’t.
Now… just gotta go frame my Wil Wheaton signed fez photo…
This was the second time my wife (geekfitgirl) and I were able to meet you in person. The first being at GenCon right after you got the swine flu at Pax. It’s always nice to meet a celeb that allows time to talk and get to know the people that come all the way to see them. Thanks again for the autograph and keep your eye out for a geeky brewpub in Orlando if you come back for MegaCon next year!
That is such a beautiful story. I love that even with your health issues, you took it upon yourself to make that moment happen. Someday I would love to make it to another Con (was at a Trek Con very briefly several years ago, but was only able to see part of one panel before having to continue the road trip that I was on with my children) and I would be over the moon if I make it to one that you are at. Thank you for being you and not “That Guy!”
Best. Story. EVER!!
Thanks for sharing, Wil. You made me cry. (in a good way)
Okay, I admit, I definitely teared up quite a bit while reading that story about the woman with Lupus.
It was lovely to meet you at the con! We chatted about gaming for a bit when your line had died down on Sunday afternoon a little.
I’m still mad about not getting to see the rest of Patrick’s story at the TNG panel on Saturday. But it made it even worse that the moderator interrupted him AGAIN during his solo panel on Sunday. He was literally mid-word telling a story and he handed the mic to a girl to start the QA portion. After answering the girl’s question Patrick was like, “Apparently we’ve started the Q&A even though I wasn’t ready..” *dark stare*
I had to go get the tissue box….
Mr. Wheaton, thank you for your honesty and kindness to your fans. I have other quips, whitty, snarky, sarcastic, funny remarks but those don’t feel right today. You are a class act, keep up the great work!
Hi Wil,
This is the woman from MegaCon that gave you the letter 🙂
You have no idea how much my jaw just dropped. I never expected to your big MegaCon story! You have my permission to post the letter if you want to, or keep it personal. It’s up to you.
I was so incredibly moved by what you did. The chance you gave me to fulfill that ambition and dream, to *walk* to you and thank you for something you never knew you did. Thank you as well for that great hug. Another thing I never expected and I will never forget. Once I stopped crying (and I felt like such a total fool for crying) I don’t think I’ve stopped smiling about it yet.
I know you’ve been very vocal about depression (something I’ve struggled with a lot which I’m told is understandable given my limitations). I gave you the letter because I wanted you to have something to remind you that your are a completely awesome human being. I wanted you to have something to remind you that made a huge difference in the life of a person you didn’t know by doing something so small as autographing a picture. That way, if you were having a bad day, you could look at it and maybe feel a little better.
So once again thank you, Wil. For being you, for being awesome, and for once again being so much more than just a celebrity.
Much love always,
Amanda
From someone who doesn’t much like to touch people he doesn’t know (I won’t say ‘strangers’), that’s a very touching story. You are awesome.
That girl, that’s frakking awesome and once again reminds me that fandom can be a wonderful special thing.
..I’m a horrible person, but the part that bothers me is the bad moderation. I wish more panelists would speak out when they feel they’ve been disrespected by the host of THEIR time on the stage. Thank you for sharing your weekend with us!
If you’re a horrible person, than so am I, because I was furious about that. I would have said something at the time, but I was so shocked, I my brain didn’t catch up with what had just happened until about a minute later.
The same moderator was moderating Sir Patrick’s Q & A the next day. He interrupted him again in the middle of a story and just immediately started doing audience questions. No transition, no explanation, just pure interruption. I was very upset both times.
YOU are AWESOME-O. The post without the story of that courageous woman was already marvelous (I have seen the disconnected “stars” of whom you speak), but that… wow. It must be incredible to have touched someone so deeply by doing something you loved to do. I love that you appreciate it, too. 🙂
BTW, you and I are in the same place on Storm of Swords, and I’m also racing to finish before the new GOT season. Don’t know if this is your first read-through, but it’s my second, and, without spoiling, just keep going. I know. I know. Yes, I KNOW. Keep going. You’ll know what I mean when you get there.
WHEATTTTOOOON!!!!!! Damn you Wheaton, you made me cry. You ARE a class act brother.
It was incredible to finally meet you at the Con will! I was that slightly awkward guy with the giant cursed dice which you promptly broke by rolling a bloody 15 on your first try. As someone who is still getting over anxiety issues it means the world that you put the extra effort and go the extra miles. Thanks for being awesome Wil!
Ohmygod, the little Borderlands 2 Psycho is SO ADORABLE. I just want to hug him and then hug his mom for being so damn awesome about the outfit. (Or both parents, if that’s applicable.)
The world got all blurry there for a minute…what’s that about??
Seriously, though, what really hit me was not that she used you as PT motivation, but that you spontaneously made that moment even more special. You’re good people.
I’m just bawling all over the place from this one, Wil. Not even gonna lie.
Thanks for sharing such a touching story, and for not being That Guy. It does matter to us meatsacks. 😉
Beautiful story, and well worth breaking your no touch at cons policy. 🙂
My husband and I met you at GenCon last year, and we were so pleasantly surprised by how much time you took to talk with us. We’re game store owners and so we talked about TableTop and how much business it was bringing in. In fact, we weren’t the ones who had to be moved along…you kept talking and your handler tried several times to get you to finish up. 😉 LOL
I hope someday to take a JoCoCrazy cruise and perhaps cross paths in the board game room. 🙂
I would just like to say thank you for being That Other Guy, and not That Guy when being a guest at a convention. The first con I went to specifically for autographs was a complete clustertruck and I had two That Guy moments, sadly with Patrick Stewart and Stan Lee. But I in no way blame Sir Pat or Stan for what happened, because as much as I felt like a Meat-Wallet, I cannot imagine how those two gentlemen felt being treated like Signing Monkeys by the convention.
So thank you, for giving us little guys the opportunities for moments that become treasured memories.
Sometimes, I get so overwhelmed by my own selfishness that I become concerned that I don’t care about others, but, despite being a man and all, I will readily admit that I cried when I read about that woman who had recovered from lupus. A really touching story, she obviously is a remarkably strong person. It must be so humbling to know that you were such an inspiration to her, Wil, and to others, then and now. Keep fighting the good fight!
There’s not much on WWDN that I disagree with, but this post brings one thing to my attention, as have many in the past.
“About Wil: I’m just this guy, you know?”
No, you’re not. You’re an awesome person and an inspiration to the people whose lives you touch. Thank you for sharing this post, and the incredibly moving story within it.
It was great to meet the famous Mr. Wheaton. Thank you for coming to Megacon this year.
It was great to see what a down to earth person you are. The time you spent talking to us was worth waiting to meet you. I am sure all your fans feel the same. It touching to see the influence you have had on people both in the past and present. You really live up to the role model that society desperately needs today.
My wife was the one who was on Teen Win Lose or Draw with you 25 years ago, and at your request, the video lives on. I hope you enjoy the stoll down memory lane. http://youtu.be/yfDwRCN3KVc
Understand this is going to probably have me sleeping on the couch for the rest of the week, but it’s worth it.
So I have to ask, did you get to go to Space Camp that year?
Enjoy the video and watch out for cross eyed crocodiles.
Thanks, Tom! Keri had nothing to be embarrassed about. It’s charming and quite wonderful, and now I’m mad that I didn’t get to go to Spacecamp.
It was great to meet you all.
The color drawing of TNG+Q is made of equal parts AWESOME and WIN.
Ok, so I,ve got a question. Let me start by saying I kinda intrinsically know the answer.
I’m not a celeb or in the public realm, but I can imagine having that kinda of attention on you , and well, I wouldn’t, like it at all. I think Wil, as you say that you are prob better at most at it. ‘I’m just this guy, ya know’, we kind of see you that way. Yeah your Wil Weaton, but, but you don’t come across as, ” hi, I’m Wil Weaton, look at me!, I’m great!”.
So, back to my question. You say, oh I wouldn’t go for a beer with you (not the me ‘You’, but the proverbial ‘You’), because I don,t even know you.
That,s sort of what I don’t get. Yeah I get that you can,t do that with everyone, but why not take it a step further with a fan? I mean ya know one that’s not crazy or weird, but one you find interesting. Not knowing someone, well I get it, but its an opportunity to meet someone. I sort of get this sense that you guys produce content and are who you are for us the fans, but with you, felicia, hard wick, etc… I sort of get the sense that you don’t want us to treat you like we would, Madonna, Shatner, Bono ya know who I mean.
There’s this guy Neil Peart from Rush. He’s tragically fearful of his fans. He writes such great lyrics about human connection, but he is so adverse to even meeting them. He writes prolifically about his journeys of discovery on the road, etc.. In life. But there are times he has met a fan my accident and the fan wanted an autograph, he Peart was so disdainful of this guy, yet in another instance he met another person who didnt let on he knew who Peart was and he hae had a nice conversation with him.
Peary I’d now good friends with Mike portnoy (dream theater ). And mike says that its a great friendship, just as long as he doesn’t bring up anything about drums or the fact that Neil is Neil Peart from Rush!
I find that so bizarre.
So I guess I’m saying, why not take that chance and meet a fan for a beer. It’s an opportunity to make maybe new friend. I mean gosh, there was a time you didn’t know your own wife.
People Are people. Fan is somehow a dirty word?
It would be great to sit and have beer with you guys, but not because your will Wheaton or created geek and sundry or…. But because you might be nice folks, just like the fans might be.
The people you have on table top are just people, but they just happen to be making some sort of content. I don’t see how that qualifies them to be, ok, but a fan at a con isn’t .
Would be nice to have, “a fan” as a guest on table top.
Hey, this is so and so, I met at Mega con.
Not knowing someone, isn’t always a good reason to not get to know someone.
While I don’t know what it’s like to be a star, I also don’t know why it makes you avoid the opportunities for making a connection.
I meant to say Neil peat is now good friends with mike portnoy. The iPad likes to fish my sentences for me. See………
Wil,
I am glad you had fun at MegaCon! I am so upset that I had to miss it because I have no job right now. I am so sorry that the TNG panel, especially Sir Patrick Stewart, was interrupted by a lousy Harlem Shake bit. I hope this does not dissuade any of you from attending MegaCon in the future or from any other TNG gathering in the Orlando or Central Florida area.
This was a very uplifting post! I look forward to reading more about your adventures!
Respectfully,
R.D.
I have two eye leaks now, Wheaton. Your fault.
Haven’t been to a major con yet (there’s always science to be done around here), but have mad respect for those folks like yourself who know what it’s like to be a fan.
Bravo, sir.
I saw an excerpt of this on g+ and it made me cry. Thank you for not being That Guy.
And also thank you for enabling social login. I tried to register to comment a while back and your site claimed I was a spammer and refused me. Glad I’ve finally made the cut!