Life, Fannishness, and Thespic Infatuation

So . . . is this another change in internet networking trends?

First, it was a mailing list (angus, I think). And I was happy there.

Then, it was YahooGroups. And that was good, too. Particularly since I could read it as a message board without having it come to my e-mail if I wanted.

Then it was LJ, and things became less centralized and more spread out and not so easily accessible, but I can record my own thoughts and activities, but still . . . not as focused . . .

Now there's talk of the Dreamwidth thing. Are people jumping ship from LJ for the next trend?

I mean, I'm already on Facebook (mostly for family), and whitemartyr caught me on a low day and utched me into joining Twitter. I don't need one more place I'm not gonna keep up with . . .

Btw, I'd still be interested in an easy way to download or save my LJ to my computer. Any suggestions?

Dudes! Geo pointed out to me, and I did a quick re-watch, and there are Kroger labels in the grocery store!

Now, for those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, Kroger is a Cincinnati-based grocery store chain. Ralph's in L.A. is part of the same corporation.

So what was Kroger stuff doing in CA? Who on the crew is an Ohioan? Inquiring minds are inquiring.

What does it mean when a fandom is reduced to wailing "Oh, boys," flailing and/or flappy hands, then hugging said boys and never letting go?

Just curious . . .

I've seen in several places recently a reference of Dean's fear of rats. And for the life of me, I can't figure out where this notion comes from. I assume I'm missing some canon point of trivia, so if anyone can point me to the appropriate episode and scene to answer the question, I'd appreciate it.

NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE ACTUAL SPOILERS IN YOUR RESPONSE. I cannot stress this strongly enough. I am trying to remain as spoiler-free as possible (without completely leaving the Internet) until September 18. (Note to self: Stay away from TVGuide.com.) Here's my question:

For those of you who live for spoilers, who go hunting them down, who read the sides, who grasp at any and every spoiler as if it is a life preserver . . .

Has knowing the surprises and twists and turns and reveals of a show ever really enhanced your enjoyment of it?

The reason I ask is this: I've been watching YouTube vids of yesterday's SPN panel at SDCC. For the most part, I feel I came away minimally spoiled (yay!). Much of what was mentioned I read weeks ago (and promptly stopped reading spoilers), and some of it (like a guest casting mention and episode plot) was more like "coming attractions" than actual "spoilers." However, in one person's question, I learned something that doesn't really surprise me, but now I've lost the "Oh! Of course! That's awesome!" that I would have otherwise had when watching the season opener. Now this particular piece of information might not even be considered a spoiler to some folks. But I, now knowing to expect this piece of information, will miss out on the nifty-neato coolness of discovering it for myself (amidst all the angst).

So my question is . . . do you really enjoy the show more when you know what's going to happen? Do you worry for no reason when rumors or publicity prove to be misleading? Do you cope better with big reveals that disappoint when you know them ahead of time?

Because me? Half the fun of SPN is not knowing what's going to happen next. (Granted, this is a double edged sword, as not knowing also contributes to much viewer anxiety in the midst of the story arc. Of course, previous betrayals by various shows contributes to that, but I digress . . .) Some things I'm not surprised by, even if I'm not spoiled for them. (Dean's circumstances at the end of S3, for example. No surprise. Otoh, Don and Charlie's circumstances at the end of N3 last season? HUGE surprise. I was closer to tears for that one than for SPN, precisely because I did not see it coming.) But I would have been VASTLY disappointed if I'd been spoiled for the twist in "Mystery Spot," for example. Or if I'd known how S1 ended.

So I'm curious. If it does enhance the show, how so? If it doesn't, why do you spoil yourself?

Inquiring minds want to know.