I will warn you that this post is going to be long. I feel that I need to explain/defend myself.
I have never been a fan of AI before this season. My sister-in-law told me about a cute guy on the show (Ace) and wanted to show me a picture on the Idol website. Then she showed me a picture of a guy from Richmond (Elliott). I happened to stop by her house the night of the first round of the guys’ performances. I was surprised at how well Elliott did. I found myself voting for the whole two hours. I was hooked! Each week I would call her after I got out of class to get Elliott’s number so that I could vote. I would sit at her house once I made it home to watch the taped performances. Each week that Elliott made it further the more I found myself connected to a stranger that lived inside my television set. I had to laugh at myself because I had never been this involved in something. I ended up searching the web for information about Elliott and found the AI boards. I enjoyed finding other people who were effected by Elliott the same way I was. I spent many hours on the boards being a part of a community, all the while embarrassed that I had let this consume my life. Then I decided that supporting an average guy with major talent was a worthy cause. I needed to do more than just vote, I needed to get others to vote too. I covered my car with “Vote for Elliott” and loaded skype on my computer so I could get more votes in. Once Elliott was voted off the show, I decided I would do everything I could to ensure that Elliott was promoted to the public. I wanted to be a part of something great and help with any projects that Elliott fans were planning. I moved from the AI boards to the E-Train Station. I signed-up to help with the banner, bought bracelets to support and promote Elliott, and signed-up the be an ENN reporter. I loved sharing my love for Elliott’s music. I joined many sites and did tons of poll voting. I did this for Elliott and I did it because I enjoyed being part of this community.

I decided that I was going to the Richmond concert and bought my ticket. My sister-in-law wanted to go to a concert too, so we bought tickets to the Norfolk show. After signing-up for the banner project, I saw where they needed someone to be in charge of the banner in Columbia. My husband has family there that works at the coliseum (I found out it was the wrong coliseum later) so I begged to go to that concert to make sure the banner would be there and possibly have a chance to get backstage. I did spend a lot of money to get my ticket for that concert, but if I was driving from Virginia to South Carolina I was going to make sure it was a great concert. (I will add here that I am not rich. My husband makes decent money and I am a waitress. I had a little extra money this summer since I didn’t have to pay for child care. Plus, I put a lot of it on credit cards.) Once I found out that my husband was going to be gone for a few days I added another concert since it was only 200 miles away. This was a chance for a mini vacation that was long overdue. For my birthday my husband spent $10 and his miles to get me a ticket to Los Angeles. That’s how it came to be that I got to go to so many concerts. I feel blessed to have been able to go to so many concerts.

I love reading other fans’ concert stories. I love seeing the pictures. It gives me hope that I might be able to do the same. The key word is HOPE. I show up early and wait to see if I can get meet and greets. I have never gotten one. I wait by the buses. I did stay at the same hotel and was able to meet them. I did get a pass to Elliott’s party. I did get into an after party. I did buy a ticket to the Viper Room and met Elliott. I have enjoyed meeting E-Trainers at these concerts. I have enjoyed meeting the Idols. I enjoyed everything about each of my trips. I felt like a part of a traveling family.

Something has changed. I really don’t have as much time to spend on the internet because my classes started this week. I also was a little hurt by some of the posts I have been seeing. I have received encouraging words by many of you and I would like to say “thank you”. However, I really don’t feel like I should share anymore of my concert stories and pictures. I don’t like being portrayed as mean or unthoughtful. This is in reference to my L.A. recap. This is what happened.

I arrived to find a group of about 30 people waiting to see the Idols. I met a few of the E-Trainers waiting there. I spoke with them for a minute and then decided that I was going to go back around to sit in the shade. By the ramp, I saw Elliott standing outside. I yelled down to him and took a picture. Then I thought about how I needed to share this moment. I ran back over to the area where everyone was and called to the first person I saw. People turned to look at me so I tried to play it off. I didn’t want 30 people running to go see Elliott. Elliott knew that 30 people were on the other side. If he wanted to have 30 people mob him he would have walked over there instead of staying where he was. So, should I have done what Elliott’s fans want or what Elliott wants? I chose Elliott. Maybe I was wrong to not announce seeing him. I don’t think I was. Could you imagine what Elliott would have thought of me for bring 30 people over gawk over him? I hope this clears things up. I don’t want to go to anymore concerts and have Elliott fans turn their noses at me or think poorly of me. I am a person with feelings too. For this reason I am only going to check in to read posts, but I am not going to post anything myself. I know that not everyone on here looks at me in this light, but I still need to relax and not worry about what I do or what I post. I will still support Elliott and his music. I will still go to concerts. I will just keep my stories to myself. I hope you all understand my decision. I may change my mind later, but if you do not hear from me for a while you will know why.

All my love and support,
Jessica

Jessy I am sorry you feel this way. I don't think most reasonable people would feel you have done anything wrong. The Idols promise to perform, to the best of their ability, at concerts. The fans pay for tickets to the concerts. Nothing else should be expected, nothing else is owed. The Idols are as generous as they can be and still keep their sanity with their time - meeting and greeting fans. If you are fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time to actually meet the performers, then you are blessed. If you are able to share that with someone else, then he/she is blessed. It shouldn't be an expectation of any fan who goes to a concert That any other individual fan owes others inclusion in their moment - sometimes it can happen and sometimes it can't. I think you did the right thing - for what its worth and I think most of us would agree with you.

I hope you continue to enjoy concerts and I sincerely hope that you will be joining us for the festivities on October 8 when we celebrate Elliott's solo concert.

Ahhhhhh sweetie, you have a lot of heart and I for one think you did exactly the right thing. You thought of him as I know I would have done. Lucky for me I printed your recap. :D I know that sometimes you have to back away from things and I understand exactly where you're comng from. I also took the same journey as you as this was my first time on AI boards (any board for that matter) and this is the first time I've ever gotten so into one of the contestants. Take care, maybe I'll get to meet you in Richmond in October.

:wub:

:goodpost: You have such a way with words. :thumbsup:

Thank you Linda, you said exactly what I could'nt figure out how to say.
Keep up your spirits Jessica. It's all good.

I loved what you said above, Linda!! It was Jessica's moment and it was meant to happen like that!

Jessy, I wish you would not feel the need to apologize. I can tell everyone this, if there were anyway I could have arranged my summer to have accomodated that many shows I would have done so, and not been apologetic about it either. What you were able to do by going to so many shows will be an event/summer that will stick with you thru your golden years. Have no shame in your game sweetheart.

Many Etrainers have met Elliott, but that is not the norm for concert goers to be able to meet one of the performers. Many Etrainers have because of a sheer, almost blinding dedication and cause, but that does not mean it WILL happen. Going to a show, like Linda said, is just that. You should be guaranteed a good show. No other guarantees are expressed or implied.

This does not mean that those who dont catch an up close personal glimpse won't feel down about it. The several people who helped me see Elliott i am forever grateful to them, but not once did i ever EXPECT them to do a thing. They did what they did but if they hadn't, i would not have been mad or upset wtih them at all. In fact, I was totally floored that they DID do something like that and went an extra mile for someone they didn't even know all that well. Your situation Jessy was totally understandable and different from mine, your actions had you shouted to everyone ELLIOTT would have caused the poor guy to be mobbed. You acted in prudence that you felt necessary at that moment.

I am saddened that you feel your excitement and wonderful stories should be silenced.

I also feel bad for the folks who were upset that they did not meet Elliott. I think perhaps now that they have had the opportunity to hear your circumstance and WHY you acted in that manner that they can understand it better.

Well said, Doxie!! :ilikeit:

You don't owe any explanantion to us for ANYTHING Jess! You are an Elliott fan & a part of my ETrain family as far as I am concerned! I admit, I was amazed at all the shows you were able to attend, being married with kids, but I thought..'How blessed she is to have these opportunites!". As a stay-at-home mom, I felt as tho I was 'at the shows with you', via all of your wonderfull recaps & picture postings. (As I have been living vicariously through all of you kind & generous folks who have shared you concert & Idol meetings with us!)

As for the scenario you are referring to, I personally commend your actions. We are all fans of Elliott, we all LOVE Elliott, & as Elliott fans, what we feel ELLIOTT would want SHOULD be first & foremost in our minds. I would have done the exact same thing were I in your position. It is a matter if respect to Elliott as not only an artist...but a human being.

I hate that you feel that you even NEEDED to explain OR defend yourself, because that isn't what we are about here. At least not me. I am here to share with others my love of Elliott as an artist & a person. I hope you will reconsider your decision to not post here, I enjoy reading about all of your concert & Idol meeting experiences! :glomp:

I remember reading your story about the Viper room and I will miss not having you share more. You have a tender heart and I shall miss your recaps. Just wish I could have gone to the concerts you were able to see. You helped me feel what it was like.

JESSY YOU DID THE RIGHT THING. YOU HAD ELLIOTT'S BEST INTEREST AT HEART AND WHAT YOU WROTE ABOVE WAS BEAUTIFUL. GALD YOU GOT TO MEET HIM AND I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND HOW YOU FEEL SINCE I HAVE FEELINGS FOR E THAT I CAN NOT EXPLAIN. HE HAS DONE VERY STRANGE THINGS TO ME. YOU HOLD YOUR HEAD UP AND I FOR ONE WILL BE HERE FOR YOU. I PLAN ON RIDING THE TRAIN 4EVER AND I HOPE YOU CONTINUE TO DO SO. LET'S WATCH THIS WONDERFUL MAN RISE TO THE TOP OF THE MUSIC INDUSTRY TOGETHER. EVERYONE HAS A RIGHT TO HANDLE THINGS IN THEIR OWN WAY AND PEOPLE SHOULD RESPECT THAT. HOPE YOU CHANGE YOUR MIND AND POST AGAIN IN THE FUTURE. WITH OUR LOVE AND SUPPORT OUR BOY WILL BE THE MEGA STAR HE DESERVES TO BE. :etrain: 4LIFE

I don't think anyone blamed you personally for making the judgment you made, or even knew all the factors that went into your making the decision not to invite everyone over to see Elliott. I think the person not getting to see Elliott was just "venting" her frustration and upset--feelings any one of us would have had. Her post was written just after it happened when her feelings were still fresh and she hadn't had time to understand your position. Please don't take it to heart! We're mostly all women and we just have tender feelings! Let's just know that they are just raw feelings--and that there is no personal blame attached.. We are all innocent--and any one of us could have happened to be in either position--and probably would have had the same feelings and made the same choices. Please don't feel you are personally being judged because I really don't think that's the case!I'm sure everyone here is glad for others here whenever any of us has the opportunity to get near Elliott!!

Personally, I think that you did the right thing by not calling unwanted attention to Elliott so that he would not be mobbed. That showed respect for him. Most of those people were total strangers, you owed them nothing.

I enjoyed the review/recap of your adventures that you posted and I enjoyed your pictures. I'm glad that you had the experiences and happy that you shared them with us.

I'm Sorry that you were made to feel guilty because you did the right thing.

I hope that you smile and feel joy whenever you think back on the trip, the concerts, meeting Elliott, the other Idols, and the sweet thing that your hubby did so that you could have your amazing adventure.

Your post was a bit heartbreaking but I understand your decision.

Jess, I'm so sorry you feel this way. I'm so glad I had the pleasure to meet you. And although we only spoke for a short time, I can tell that you are a very caring individual and very funny, too. Maybe if the individuals who were so upset can understand that Elliott was a level below you. It wasn't as if anyone would have been able to get his autograph or much less take a picture with him since he was at the bottom of a ramp that you had no way to get to, unless you wanted to break some bones by jumping down 30 feet.
I see all the postings of e-trainers meeting Elliott and it does sting a little that he didn't come out to meet our group in LA, but it's not fair to take out frustrations on you. I respect you feelings but please know that I think you are a very cool chick! :D

You have done nothing to feel bad about. What would those people have done if any of them had been in your shoes?? The same thing, I'll bet, but for different reasons, such as wanting him for themselves. You were being a considerate fan, and I think Elliott would have appreciated your thoughtfulness at that moment. I'm so sorry you feel this way and I will really miss your posts around here.

Jessica, I can understand being too busy to be as involved as before. You have been amazing to do all you have! I'm glad that you and many here who have been major supporters from the start have gotten to meet the man. Please do stick around here as you are a valued member of the E-Train! And Elliott needs all of our continued support.

I'm happy for all those here who have gotten to meet Elliott, take pictures, get autographs etc. AI is one of the few venues where singers are this accessible. The stories and pics are great and just like being there with you all. I'm not particularly invested in meeting Elliott although it would be great were it to happen. I can understand how meeting him in person or getting an autograph would be really important to some fans and failing to do so might be a huge letdown, but hearing and watching him sing live would be more than enough for me. Actually don't think I could work up the nerve to approach him in person.

Sometimes the Etrain provides a wild ride and things get pretty emotional. We will miss your posts and hope you start posting again soon! :grouphug:

Hey Jessica,
I am sorry you have had a bad experience. You should not have to explain yourself. You and your husband are hard working people and you all should not be scrutinized about what you choose to spend your money on. Some people have the time to stay on this board all day long and every aspect of their life is connected to Elliott, yet they are not judged. However, people who work hard and choose to use their money to enjoy the concerts and festivities are scrutinized and put down. I am always very tentative about posting, because people can be so evil and mean. Participating in the experience of connecting with other Elliott fans has become tiresome to the point that many people who have had these great experiences do not feel comfortable sharing their stories. It is to bad you are not going to post, because you are a very funny young lady and your stories are worth reading. You contribute alot to this board and it seems unfortunate that so much competitiveness has made the experience of being an Elliott fan very trying at times. It should not be a competition, fan boards are supposed to be a community of fans sharing their experiences, due to a mutual interest in a particular individual. Hang in there and don't be discouraged, you are just one of many, many fans who have met Elliott and your experiences are just as worthy of mention as anyone else's experience, if this is truly a fan community.

Jess, I think it's a pity to deprive the whole Train of your wonderful posts just because of what happened in CA. I would never have known about it if you hadn't pointed it out. Grow a thick skin, girl!

I hope you'll change your mind...and I bet you will. Other people have tried to wean themselves off the posting habit before...so they're off for a few days, and then the urge returns with a vengeance!

Posted by Yvette: Some people have the time to stay on this board all day long and every aspect of their life is connected to Elliott, yet they are not judged. However, people who work hard and choose to use their money to enjoy the concerts and festivities are scrutinized and put down. I am always very tentative about posting, because people can be so evil and mean. Participating in the experience of connecting with other Elliott fans has become tiresome to the point that many people who have had these great experiences do not feel comfortable sharing their stories

I would like to interject here to say that many of us who are here a lot have jobs that keep us close to a computer, or are stay at home moms, etc. so popping in and out of the etrain thru the day is easy, and literally only takes a few seconds to check out a thread and choose to post, or not. Typing 100 wpm does help LOL...but I felt I wanted to reach out and say this because I do pop in here a lot during the day, and so do many others, but i can assure everyone I have a very busy job and only have time here and there for the PC, yet I am still able to belt out a lot of posts.

I am not tentative about posting here, because yes, people can be evil and mean in this world, but i have found the majority of the people here to be sweet and supportive. There will always be one or two with an adversarial agenda, but they are not plentiful here, and I don't give people like that power to bother me.

So, here is to all of the hardworking people - some hardworking people can't go to a lot of shows or any due to other obligations, some are fortunate to be able to fit more than a few in their schedules. No one should feel bad if they went to a lot of shows, or were not able to go to any....or if they met Elliott a dozen times, or if they were not able to at all.

Jessica, I was sorry to read your "farewell' post.
I saw the negative reaction you received and felt sorry for you, 'cos there you were sharing your happy concert experience with all of us and suddenly it was like you got a tub of ice water thrown in your face! I'm sure it was as unexpected for you as it was for many of us.
I remember not too long ago a fan posted about how she had come upon Elliott on his own, quite by chance - I think he went outside to make a cell-phone call. The fan shouted out to everyone that Elliott was there and everyone rushed over there and poor Elliott was apparently not exactly happy about not even having a minute of privacy to make a phone call.
So taking into account that Elliott is allowed to have a couple of minutes to himself without being swamped, if I were in your place I would have behaved in exactly the same way, to enjoy the experience without disturbing Elliott. It shows consideration on your part for Elliott.
Chin up, Jessica. If you do decide to take a break, we hope it won't be for long.
(I tried it myself once and didn't manage for more than a couple of days! These boards are addictive! I'm one of the "others" that Sherwood mentioned a couple of posts back...)

Jessica,

You know, being "faceless" like many of us are on this board, seems to make it easy for some to say things that they would NEVER say in person. Makes it easy to be rude. I've had my feelings hurt on this board, too, but just like somebody said earlier, I came to the conclusion that I was NOT going to give others power over my life and what I say or do. Now, if you feel like you have said or did something wrong (which you haven't), you apologize and go forward. But, please don't back away.

You are a sweetheart...with a tender heart. Please honey, rethink your decision and continue posting here with us. We love you and enjoy your posts!!!!

Well put, Doxie. I am one of those fans who simply doesnt have the time or the money to go to any of the shows, I work alot of overtime (not because I want to , either), and coming on here and reading the posts about the concerts and looking at the photos gives me a chance to live vicariously through each person who puts their experiences on here. No one is obligated to do this, and I don't think they realize what a nice gift it is to be able to see some pics or watch a video or two from the shows. I for one am very grateful to all who choose to share their concert and meet & greet experiences with the rest of us. I feel no jealousy towards those who have the means to attend the shows or get to meet the idols---if anything I am happy for them. Thanks to these fans we have been given 'access' to places & people we might never get to enjoy. A good example would be Elliott's little birthday celebration in Richmond with the cake with straws for candles. It allowed us to experience a certain amount of intimacy with Elliott, almost like we knew him, in a way. No one on here should be taken to task because they made a judgement call...and a good one, I think. Jess did the right thing. It's sad that she feels self concious about posting on here now because of the actions of others. She shouldn't have to feel that way.

Same here nikkib. I would love to go to the concert but I simply can't afford to. It would involve a lot of money and more time than I can take away (from my full time job and my kids), since I'd have to fly over a sea and an ocean, at least, just to get there!
So I am VERY grateful to all the fan sites and the fans who have taken the time to post reviews, pics, video clips, news updates, discussions and so on, which enable me to be able to enjoy everything too, from afar, and feel a part of this incredible process of discovery.
Jessica, hope you can put it behind you and join us again.

Doxie, I have no judgement about people who have the time to stay abreast of everything the happens on this board. I said noting about if people are working while on the board or stay at home workers or parents. I was trying to draw the parellel between those who chose to show their support by going to the concerts and those who chose different forms of support for Elliott and how people are criticized or have to explain themselves if they go to more one concert or have more than one encounter with Elliott. It is really absolutely no one's business how and why a person can and will go to more than one concert, just as I cannot make any assumptions as to why some people can be very active on this board. I do not know why people have the time be on this board so often, in all honestly, I don't care, that is their business. However, when a grown working woman has to explain how she is able to go to more than one concert, that is inappropriate for her to be questioned about that. People don't get on the boards and post questions like: How do people have time to be invested and on the boards all day? I am sorry if you misinterprted what I expressed, but I knew that would happen, because there is always a defensive action to anything posted that can be percieved as criticism. Instead of supporting a fellow member and considering that it is true that people rarely do question the support for Elliott that comes in the form of being a member that is active on boards, the reaction is to defend something I did not even present. I have absolutely no idea what people do for a living and how they have time to be on the boards whether they work or not. I never assumed, nor stated in my reply any specific reason as to why people can be on the boards all day and I really don't care, to each his own. However, I do feel that if a person has any type of inside track to Elliott who is not closely connected with the E-Train that they are treated poorly, whether it be on the boards or behind the scenes and that is very unfortunate. Ultimately, that is going to negatively impact him if it continues. All the fans on this board, whether they are very active or lurkers, should feel safe stating an opinion without always recieiving a defensive answer. So please appreciate that my statements were to draw a parellel about unfairness and not a criticism of active E-Train members.

Jessica,
It's unanimous among us that you did the right thing at the concert. Please don't let anyone drive you away from here. You have added soooo much to this board. I always look forward to seeing your pics. and reading your posts.Please, when you have the time, stop in and POST also.Don't let :angry: someone else ruin it for you,hon.You still have genuine friends here, remember that. :grouphug:

Yes I understand that. But so many of us have NEVER criticized anyone for being able to go to a lot of concerts, or been angry that they have met Elliott more than once.

I have only seen that happen two or three times here. The overwhelming majority are people who are VERY happy for those who have been this fortunate. Some will never go to a concert at all, and most of those people are very happy to at least be able to read all of the stories from others.

I was not being bitter or angry. I just felt perhaps i should explain how i do have time to be here.

But you are right, it is beside the point. It is no one's business how many shows one goes too, or how many posts they make on a board. I am very opposed to negativity and try to not show it here.

Jessica,
I'm sorry that your feelings are hurt over some posts. :( I too feel that you did the right thing by not raising a ruckus that E was nearby. I have very much enjoyed reading your recaps and seeing your pictures and I will miss them both

As just a reminder to all of us, myself included, that some things are better handled through pm's. Confusion could be cleared-up before it becomes a negative issue. :grouphug:

Jessica,

I'm sorry that you feel the need to apologize and leave the forums. :( Quite frankly, I don't think you had done anything wrong. If Elliott wanted a gaggle of screaming girls, he would have gone over to the crowds! You did the right thing by not calling attention to Elliott. Just remember...we love you, and want you to stay. :glomp:

Don't worry, BE HAPPY!! Hold onto that dear "treasure" of a moment in your life with all that you've got!! Such a wonderfully eventful summer you've had, and noone on this earth can take that away from you! Imagine how appreciative Elliott would be if he were to know this!! Nothing can replace how he'd have felt!! I think it so awesome you managed to be so involved!! To be able to fill those shoes of yours would be a dream for many of us come true! God Bless you girl, and truthfully much thanks for all you've done. Good Luck with schooling! Maybe one day you'll fill us in on how things are going with you? :goodluck:

I agree that it is not the norm for most E-train members to be critical, but I do know that there are some people who have left this board, because they do not feel welcomed. This is supposed to be a fun experience and it should not feel stressful or unpleasant. I am perplexed as to how supporting Elliott has become so competitive and exclusionary. It is disheartening, because I have never wanted to do anything but support his career, because he is truly talented and deserves recognition. I have met many new people as a result of being an Elliott fan and I am very thankful for those relationships. However, I have also seen people's reputations and names be smeared due to cometitiveness, which is very sad. There should be enough love to go around for everyone, without an individual or individuals, being targeted for exclusion, because ultimately the goal of all his fans should be to support his career. I met you in Richmond and I did not see any indication of you being a negative person. However, I also think it is important that when you or anyone else responds to a post, that it should be read with an open mind and responded to from the true vantage point for which it was posted. Responding to quickly can create distance amongst members, which in turn leads to them leaving and not wanting to participate in supporting Elliott on this board. Maybe it will not have any impact in the short term, but in the long term, people may become weary of supporting Elliott on these boards if they feel unwelcomed.

I guess that even tho i am here a lot on these boards, I have somehow missed the attacks and criticism. I am saddened that some people have felt this way.

I saw a couple of posts that were IMO harsh, but i have not seen it a lot here.

I guess I am out of the loop on this. I am not being facetious when i say i feel somewhat of a connection to all members here. Maybe i have tuned out the negative because I dont like it, and that is how i missed it.

I honestly must be out of the loop on something. I have never criticized a soul here, and if they have criticized me, i did not notice it.

YOur posts sound like they are coming from a woman who has been hurt by someone here or criticized and I am very sorry for that. I am sorry for anyone who has been hurt by anything written here.

I have a very thick skin with message boards. I have been around them for years, and i just don't take things personal and I admit I guess i miss some of the controversy, as I tend to gravitate toward the fun threads.

I am just so sorry that you and Jessy are feeling this way. You shouldn't have to.

Well, I've read this entire thread and I guess I'm the only one who still doesn't understand what happened. Someone posted and criticized Jessica because she didn't call a crowd of people over to get a glimpse of Elliott?? Is that right?? If I'm getting the events right, then, all I can say is that it's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard.

I would have done exactly what Jessica did, but even if not, it was up to Jessica and anyone who complains about the choice she made is just whining to whine.

Analogy: We are all standing in a long line waiting to buy tickets to a movie. I'm the last one in line. I look behind me, and I see an amazingly beautiful rainbow. It is the brightest, most distinctively colorful rainbow that has ever been. AND it's forming a rainbow halo over the most beautiful park that has ever been created. I look at the rainbow for 30 seconds and consider what an amazing thing nature and science can be and maybe even have a spiritual thought or two. The line moves along, and I buy my ticket. During the previews to the movie, I turn to the person next to me and say "Did you see that beautiful rainbow?" The person in front of me, hearing this, stands up and yells "You're a horrible person! You let everyone down because you didn't tell us all to look at the rainbow. You should never be allowed to go to the movies again! I hate you!"

Who's the idiot in that situation? Not me--I saw a beautiful rainbow and felt very fulfilled, which is a rare and wonderful thing. Everyone watching the previews is annoyed with the yeller, not with me.

It's shocking to be criticized, and I'm sorry that Jessica felt hurt by it. But she isn't the person(s?) who acted badly.

Jessica,

You are a hell of fan of Elliott's. And things were the better for it.

All I can say is THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for your enviable dedication to anything and everything Elliott.

You will be amply rewarded, maybe not in monetary terms, but in self-realization and self-fulfillment.

Do keep it up!

:etrain: :etrain: :etrain:

Thanks for the support! The reason I originally posted was to make a few things clear.

* How I came to be fan.

* How I have been blessed to go to these concerts.

* The point of my sharing stories and pictures.

* Why I did what I did at the concert.

* Why I felt like I shouldn't post about my concerts.

I want to make it clear that the E-Train has not been the only site where I have caught some slack about the number of concerts I have been to. I personally love reading other people's stories and seeing their pictures. I am hearing from you that you enjoy this too. However, there are a few that do not share this view. My main concern was going to other concerts and events and having people recognize me from my pictures and associate me with negative posts. "There's that fan that was sneaky at that one concert". I still plan to post on the boards, but I was just going to keep from posting recaps and pictures. My next concert is still two weeks away. I will probably change my mind by then (being a woman and all, I have that right LOL). I just wanted to get the facts out there. I felt that I did and that you all now know that I am not some rich person buying my way into good situations. I drive hundreds of miles and wait in the hot sun like the rest of the fans. I have been lucky. Very lucky. Thanks again for the support. When I read the negative stuff, I was taking a break between classes, sitting there reading it while wearing my E-Train shirt. That kinda stung. I have truely loved meeting all of you at concerts. I walk around handing out glowsticks and meeting all the Elliott fans. Everyone has been great. I have no ill feeling towards E-Fans, I am an E-Fan. I just needed to get stuff off my chest and set the record straight.

Well sweets, that is what we are here for! Vent away!! :glomp:

Praying that your next concert experience is ALL FUN & no drama! :wub:

And I would LOVE to read about it!! :thumbsup:

:etrain: :eisfree: :ilikeit:

Let's just COME TOGETHER (as John Lennon sang) !!!!!!!!!!!

:glomp:

All I can say hon, as I for one, am a person who believes in concentrating on the ++++++++++'s in life, and leaving the negatives where the belong...in the negative trash bin;) There will always be people who judge you, when they know nothing about the truths of you, or your life, or situations, and there will be those that judge you that DO know you..(trust yellin' on this one as I am an expert lol). I say, try and surround yourself with as much positive as possible, and when there is not alot of that to go around, you have to make the positive for yourself sweets:) Be strong, and keep on keepin' on;) God Bless!!

xxoo
:etrain: 4 EVAH!!

:goodpost: I'll have to take that advice myself. :grouphug:

Jessy, you were definitely right in what you did! :yes: :clap:

I think I previously posted one time to you to thank you for a recap and pictures. Now I feel rather guilty that I didn't post more often to you (and to others) who have been kind enough to share all your stories, recaps and pictures. :( I really appreciate it because, as others have already stated, it helps me to feel that I "was there, too" and that I "know" Elliott. So, thank you for what you have shared!! :glomp: :rocker:

And, please stay!! :pray: