The Convention (without Gale)

[soulmatejunkee]

I didn't look at Facebook or Twitter and I think I won't.

As you all know, I will join the Con! And as some of you also know, Gale Harold wasn't/isn't the main reason for me to visit the Con.

But, I totally understand the fans disappointment, I feel with them. After all these months of happiness and joy, it’s such a let down that he now won’t attend.

And honestly, I think it’s way too soon to expect people – and especially his fans who paid hundreds of Dollars/€ just to see him and now won’t see him, but also won't get their money back! – to understand his reasons and on top of that accept it without being angry, disappointed and pissed.

Comments

[love4movies.livejournal.com]

After reading the first rumors I immediately thought of you and hoped they wouldn't come true. :(
But as disappointing as it is, I simply know, that you will have a great time with all the other actors and meeting lots of the fans!

*hugs*

Let's just hope, that the work opportunity that keeps Gale away will be something great and we'll see lots of good stuff coming out of it (meaning it's not theater in the US!).

[soulmatejunkee.livejournal.com]

Right now I don't care what his "big opportunity" is. Maybe after the Con, when the weekend was still great, and we're all on a high and happy and willing and able to get over this HUGE let down, I start to care.

And yes, it better is a BIG thing...

[xheartrockx.livejournal.com]

I understand your anger. I'm as sad the next fan.
I get the anger and the disappointment and people being pissed and I'm not expecting anyone to just shrug it off. Especially, since we've all be looking forward to this.

and still, I don't think it's reason enough to spew so much hate against him now.

[soulmatejunkee.livejournal.com]

Actually, I think right now he has to take it, even though he might didn't have another choice. As I said, it's too soon to expect understanding.

Of all people, he was the ONE that shouldn't have cancled.

They will all calm down, at latest after the Con, which will be fantastic with or without him. But right now, I don't expect fans to calm down so easily.

[kinnetikdreams.livejournal.com]

I am in total agreement with you. I was not going to the convention myself, but know many who are going, and many of them going for the opportunity of meeting Gale especially. With no disrespect to the other cast members of course, Gale and Randy would have been the biggest drawcard on the convention ticket. This trip and the costs involved - air fares, accommodation etc. etc. has not been cheap for anyone and for those especially attending the convention because of Gale, they are in the position of spending all this money to attend the convention, and their main reason for going won't be there. I can well understand the fans disappointment and the fact that the cancellation has come this close to the actual convention itself is very disappointing as well. This won't give the fans much time to get over the disappointment and I can't help but feel may in fact put a real damper on the whole convention. I sincerely hope this won't happen, but I have to be honest, if I had booked my tickets and paid for an expensive trip like this, I would be more than slightly pissed off as well - LOL I'm pissed off and I'm not even going - LOL But just the same, I truly wish everyone can get over this disappointing news quick and move on to having the most wonderful time and thoroughly enjoying themselves !

[soulmatejunkee.livejournal.com]

I think the organizers are working on something to "help" the fans get over it. I have no idea what, and I think neither have they, but I'm sure they try to make this weekend as special as possible.

And I really hope - just like you - that Mr. Harold last minute decision won't overshadowing the Con. That wouldn't be fair.

[guavejuice.livejournal.com]

I know it's a huge let down for you and for the rest of the girls and as much as I love GH I guess it takes time to accept the fact he won't attend the con, mainly because you all paid quite a lot of money to see him.
I wish you will be able to have been looking forward for it.
I hope this job oppurtunity is worth it...
*hugs you tight*

[soulmatejunkee.livejournal.com]

Yeah I hope it's worth it, at least for him.

Because honestly, as long as he doesn't star in a big movie with Leonardo DiCaprio, I am SO NOT interested in this "big opportunity" he chose over us. Not the slightest.

Unfair? Yes... but whatever.

[bidyke73.livejournal.com]

I guess it's a bit easier for us to get over it and move on because we don't have to travel so far. As a matter of fact, I'm not visiting because Gale or someone else will or will not be there, I'm way more curious to meet people from the fandom and to share that experience. But if it hadn't been in Cologne, I would have been perfectly happy with watching some videos on Youtube about it...seriously. But that's me. I'd probably squee more about meeting one or two of my fave fanfic writers...;o)

Back to the topic. Of course, it's a huge let down for the whole convention. I really hope that the fans are coming nonetheless, and that they will enjoy the still great things that will happen instead of regretting Gale's absence.

I have read Gale's statement and his regret sounds sincere to me. And by the way, I'm not the one to judge what kind of job opportunity is more important to him than this, but I do think that he wouldn't have let us down for just anything.

Always trying to make the best of everything, I've been thinking that maybe the convention team (are you part of it? I dunno) could try to get him to agree to a Skype conference during one of the panels. It will be good for him, too. Appeasing the fans and being a part of it despite his absence.

Anyway, I'm not pissed. I'm still looking forward to meeting all of you and that's what makes me happy.

Hugs, Sabine

[soulmatejunkee.livejournal.com]

You know, I love your posting ♥
It's very positive and lovely and mostly I agree with you and I am totally and 110% sure that we're still going to have a great time and that we will have fun.

But ... right now I am also still very disappointed in Mr. Harold. I can't help it. Guess I just need a little time.

[bidyke73.livejournal.com]

Like I said, it's easier for me to say. I'm just coming as a regular visitor anyway and I'm only traveling 250 km to get there. I didn't expect anything more - I just thought that maybe I could catch a glimpse at Gale, but apart from that? What exactly does his presence or absence for me to have a good time? It's very unlikely that he sees me, grabs my hands and drags me into his hotel room where Randy is already waiting for us. In that case, okay, it would have made a difference, but hey this a just a fan convention, not my wildest dreams. I kind of don't really expect the actors to me more than polite and friendly. We claim to know them, but we don't - but they probably just feel awkward anyway. I know it's their job and they owe us quite a lot. I can see that. But they are not the reason why that Con takes place. We are.

Should I post this now? I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. Of course it's okay to take your own time and mourn a little bit. But, then, please. Let's move on and make that convention the best ever. Because I believe that our fandom is special. (So don't tell me I'm not a hopeless romantic...*snorts*).

Hugs you all,
Sabine

[soulmatejunkee.livejournal.com]

It's great that you won't let this take you down and that you're still as excited as before :)
That's how it should be. And we others will get there too. One day. I think right now it's just too soon. But... the weekend is going to be great with all the other fans and the other actors. :)

[moonbrightnites.livejournal.com]

I completely agree with you, and I haven't seen a single person spewing hate -- just disappointment and hurt.

Anyhow. I've been to one con and the actor's panel stuff turned out to be my least favorite part. Actors tend to be nervous and awkward when they have to write their own lines and they seemed sort of bored and irritated by the questions. The fun part was meeting other fans in person for the first time and hanging out with them! That was a blast, and I'm betting you'll have a wonderful time regardless of which actors show up. ♥

[soulmatejunkee.livejournal.com]

It's my first Con. So I don't know what to expect, but I know that I didn't expect that... but on the other hand, I did. I never knew what to think about Gale Harold... him disappearing 2 weeks before the Cons happens, doesn't help much.

I'm still excited, but right now... it hurts, you know?

[santa-elidan.livejournal.com]

Due to work commitments?! WTF?!
Shouldn't he feel primarily committed to an event he closed a contract with?
He never was much into his fans. OK, I could understand him there. But this stunt is bad style in a big way!

No, I won't get over this ever. Because when I finally stop feeling hurt I'll still be a dumped fan who was stupid enough to put over 1000,- € on the Mr Harold's word.

[soulmatejunkee.livejournal.com]

And this is the big disappointment I feel. That there are so many fans who paid so much money for him - and mainly for him. And he doesn't really seem to care.

Honestly, he always seemed weird to me, so I had never been his biggest fan. So I'm not as disappointed as many others. But I do feel the huge let down.

We all booked the whole package! 9 actors!

But hey, we will have a very cool weekend :)
We can still enjoy it.

[manueladb.livejournal.com]

You know already how disappointed I am. I guess you can imagine, because you know how much I love Gale. Yesterday I was really seeing all black. Today it's already better but when I think I was this close to see him, talk to him, have a photo with him... It stills hurts a lot.

I haven't seen much hate from his fans, honestly. There were some nasty comments but the majority isn't hating him. Unless some people consider our disappointment and a little bit of anger as hate. I think there is a different between those.

[soulmatejunkee.livejournal.com]

I also didn't see much hate, I thought it's going to worse. People are horribly disappointed and I think they have the right to be. So I won't blame them.

I am disappointed, too. It just sucks! We were all so excited. And now we all feel this huge let down. This will getting better, I know. But right now it just hurts.

But hey, we're still going, we're still going to have fun! We will see 8 actors. 8 actors who didn't let us down at all.

That's all that matters.
*hugs*

[nivahl.livejournal.com]

For me Gale was THE REASON.
I am heartbroken.

[soulmatejunkee.livejournal.com]

I totally feel with you.
I feel sorry for all his fans, who admire(d) him so much and who are now heartbroken, like you :(

Feel hugged.

[sexy-pumpkin.livejournal.com]

Im so so sorry for you my dear friend:(

I just logged in today & saw the posts & I agree totally with you. Of course your upset & angry, I bet lots of people are, it's such a let down & OMFG I'd of cried for a week of Sunday's.

I'm thinking of you, I hope you still have a wonderful time, I'm sure meeting all your LJ friends will help & of course the other cast members. With all my love babe,,Hugs you Jackie x

[soulmatejunkee.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much Jackie *hugs*

We will all calm down again, it just needs a little while I guess. And you can bet we're going to have a great time there :)

There are still 8 actors coming for us :)

[jule2009.livejournal.com]

Right now I am just sad and disappointed. You folks had a few days to cool off, but for me it´s big news as I just read about it yesterday... :-( I totally agree that his work opportunity must be big otherwise I am... I don´t know even more disappointed?? Yeah I know scary thought... His announcement sounded a little blah to me, but perhaps I have to reread it. I am very sorry for the fans who spent tons of money to see him. And I am also sorry for Elke who was trying to give us this perfect convention and 2 weeks before the actual date- it must be hell for her..

For me GH wasn´t THE reason, but I was looking forward to see him and the others actors together and of cause I wanted to drool a little bit, cause he is (still) hot, so it put a little damper on my mood :-(
But I know me I wouldn´t know what to ask or say to him even if there would be the chance - I am sometimes a little shy.

But I am sure we fans will have a fabulous time and a lot of fun together. I am still excited to meet you all and this is what matters most to me. I think that this fandom is special and it is very special to me and it not just special because of the show but of the fans who kept the fandom alive. Most of the time I even like the fanfic more than the show :-) ( I am rewatching the show ...)

I think it´s still great to "meet" the rest of the gang and hope to meet all of you who will be there!!! So we will have fun - I think it´s in our hands.