I love ABC’s Once Upon a Time. So much so, that my wife and I have taken our love for the show (as well as our pining over the ending of Lost) and created a podcast about it. All was going well, when I checked my Twitter account and saw some Tweets from fellow Oncer (That’s a Once Upon a Time fan, people), @xAngelTashax (“Just read some totally Heart crushing #OUAT #OnceUponATime Articles. I think i’m gonna cry.”) about an article in The Hollywood Reporter featuring some not-too glowing reviews about OUAT.
Here is the article that I’m referring to: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/once-upon-time-ginnifer-goodwin-jennifer-morrison-252502
It upset @xAngelTashax so much that she Tweeted Ginnifer Goodwin, “@ginnygoodwin I just read that you get embarrassed to read your lines for #OnceUponATime is that true?” and Ginnifer tweeted back, “@xAngelTashax not a bit. entirely untrue.”
As sad as reading articles like this, it is so cool to see the community (and even the cast members) coming together. Critics will be, well – critics. It’s what they are. They speak their truth and send digitized text salvos out to get headlines like d-list celebs. Critics will always be critics, but the Oncers have hope and goodness on their side, and remember what Snow White said, “Good will always win”.
With the dark curse of jaded critics gathering around, Oncers can use the power of community, hope and goodness to fight the dark clouds that might roll in.
Here is a plan of defending and protecting the show we love;
Guard against apathy. Realize that with budget woes in Hollywood, decisions made in boardrooms (without you), ratings and ad revenue generation at stake, it is a battle even to keep a show you love on the air. The minute you think, “This show will be on forever,” it could be gone. I don’t need to read of a list of shows that people love, and are now off the air. I don’t want that, and neither do you, so let’s continue our battle plan.
Enjoy Once Upon a Time. The one thing I’ve learned is that nothing lasts forever, and what that really means is to live and enjoy in the moment. OUAT is a great show, and instead of me just enjoying it, I talk to my wife about all the twists, the theories, the great writing and incredible acting. Talk to other fans about the show. When you share it with someone else, it can be shared on to someone else.
Find like fans online. Whether you love Facebook, Twitter, forums, etc, find other OUAT fans to share your passion. You can fuel each other through the rough times (especially the breaks between weekly episodes).
Blog, Podcast, draw, etc – Creatively show your fandom. Talking and communicating is great, but find what your good at and express your fandom creatively. I’ve seen some incredible graphics created, blogs, websites, on and on, but there is still more room for you. Like I mentioned, my wife and I host a podcast (http://onceuponatimepodcast.com) to share our love for the show and to gather other fans to listen and share their love for the show, too. It’s so much fun.
Spread the good word of OUAT to the uninitiated. If you mention OUAT to someone, and they respond that they “just don’t get it,” take some time to explain it to them to see if they would interested. You never know, maybe you will help someone who didn’t get it, to join us on Sunday nights, as well.
Use electronic tools to let the cyber world (and especially the studio big wigs) that you are watching OUAT. Checking in with @getglue (a Social Networking iphone app) to let your FB and Twitter followers you are watching OUAT, but you will also see other OUAT fans as well. Tweet and update your status that you are about to watch OUAT. Use as many electronic tools as you can to let everyone know that you are watching.
Finally, use all these electronic tools to connect with and encourage everyone involved with the show how much you appreciate it. The read and sometimes they respond. The coolest thing is how the Smartphone you use has made connecting with your favorite directors, writers and actors much easier. Here is a list of OUAT Twitter handles to get you started:
Once Upon A Time Podcast
http://twitter.com/#!/ouatpodcast
Catherine Lough Haggquist
http://twitter.com/#!/catlh
Josh Dallas
http://twitter.com/@joshdallas
Once Upon A Time
http://twitter.com/#!/OnceABC
Lana Parrilla
http://twitter.com/@lanaparrilla
Jessy Schram
http://twitter.com/#!/jschramer
Lee Arenberg
http://twitter.com/@leearenberg
Mig Macario
http://twitter.com/#!/MigMacario
Ginnifer Goodwin
http://twitter.com/@ginnygoodwin
Jamie Dornan
http://twitter.com/@JamieDornan1
Raphael Sbarge
http://twitter.com/@RaphaelSbarge
Jennifer Morrison
http://twitter.com/@jenmorrisonlive
Adam Horowitz
http://twitter.com/#!/adamhorowitzla
The Evil Queen
http://twitter.com/@TheEvilQueen108
Faustino Di Bauda
http://twitter.com/#!/FaustinoDiBauda
Once Upon A Time
http://twitter.com/#!/OnceStorybrooke
Once Upon A Time [search]
http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23onceuponatime
I’d like to thank David for the above list. David write this awesome OUAT quiz that you should check out: http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2011/s11110169.htm
