What it means to be a Word Nerd

I've been a fan of certain singers before, and have posted on their message boards, but never to the extent that I do now for David. With those few others I have posted for, I've gotten together with other fans, gone to shows with them, and once the singer falls off the radar, we've all sort of lost touch or gone our separate ways. Word Nerds are a wonderful group of people, who all came together for one particular reason, and I can see where there will be lifelong friendships amongst the group. We all come from different parts of the world and from different backgrounds, yet this one man has brought us all together to share our stories, our experiences and our lives.

Even though so many people from this group live very close in proximity to me and I saw quite a few of them only a week ago, I find myself missing them already!

How I became one

Since the very beginning, I've never missed an episode of Idol. I've bought countless cds from contestants, but this year was different. After sitting through a ridiculous amount of bad auditions early in the season and getting bored with it, the only people who stood out to me were Archie, Michael Johns, Brooke and Carly. When the top 24 was named, I was out to dinner with some friends and we were discussing who we thought would win and I kept mentioning the ones I remembered. A friend of mine said he really liked the guy with the argyle sweater and the soul patch, and I honestly could not remember who he was talking about. Then came the episode where David said he was a word nerd and that piqued my interest, so I started to pay attention because, after all, smart guys are hot. I started to like him a bit, but I still had my favorites and he wasn't there just yet. Not long after came Hello, and everyone else I was voting for completely went out of my mind. I was hooked. I started going on the AI boards looking for more info. Each week after just kept getting better and more surprising. Billie Jean came along and that's when it hit me that if this guy didn't win, something was seriously wrong with the voting public. No contestant in the history of the show ever made me sit there, glued to the tv, saying 'holy crap, nothing on this show has ever been that amazing'. Up until the next episode, that whole performance kept running through my mind exactly as it played out. From then on, every Tuesday morning, I woke up and the first thought in my mind was 'I get to see David tonight!" When finale week came, I cried at Simon's comments, and even made my mother sit up until 1:00am voting. Checking DialIdol the next morning, I started feeling a little more calm, but was still nervous. When he was announced as the winner, I cried and had friends texting me to congratulate me.

I had downloaded AH and all of the Axium stuff before the show was over and although I'm the kind of person who listens to music for the music first and then the lyrics, these cds affected me in an entirely different way. The lyrics just grabbed me in a way no other artist has, which made me even more interested in everything about the man.

Things on the AI boards were getting a little dull (and poofed!) and after doing a little research, I found this board and am so glad I did because meeting the people on here really made my summer!

After the finale, I decided I HAD to see this man live. When I found out that he and Archie would be doing The Today Show, I told my boss I had a doctor's appointment, switched my work hours, and took off for Rockefeller Center before 5:00am. Even though I stood in a spot that seemed like miles away and could barely see a thing, I got to see and hear him sing, even if it was only one song. I got to work about a half hour late, but it was completely worth it. Even though I never went to an Idol tour show, I had to go. I noticed a show in Massachusetts was on a Saturday night, so I told my friends who live up there that I was coming up to visit. Then I decided to go to the Newark show since it was ten minutes away from me. While in Atlantic City earlier in the summer, I won $100 on a slot machine and decided to go to the box office and get tickets for that show, too. After seeing the show once, I realized Hartford was a stop on the way up to the Worcester show, so what the hell, I'll go to that one, too (and thankfully I did, it was one of the best experiences I had of all the shows I went to!). Then came the surprise invitation to go to Kansas City and I figured it'd be absolutely crazy, but why not? I don't regret going for one second--every single moment of that trip was entirely worth it, not only to see David perform, but to experience spending time with some of the coolest Word Nerds ever. Bridgeport was my final experience, not the best because of what happened, but at least I still got to see him one last time onstage.

Some of my "normal" friends think I'm a little obsessive over the whole thing and kept reassuring me when I was sad after my last tour show that the new season will start soon enough, they just don't understand that it will never be the same. There will never be another person on the show who will make all of us feel the same emotions that David Cook has, and for that I'm glad.

I watched American Idol occasionally and I never became invested in a contestant until this year. Due to school, I never had a chance to watch the boys perform so I’m sad to say you did not have me at “Hello”. Instead, the performance that captivated me was your arrangement of “Little Sparrow”. I was hooked once I heard that song and then I found this wonderful group of people who called themselves the “Word Nerds” and now here I am. Being a Word Nerd has brought me into a completely new world that I have never experienced before and we will always be here to back you up in your musical career. Thanks for giving us such great music to listen to (pre-idol and idol) and I’m excited to see what comes next from David Cook!

PS. The Idols tour was AMAZING! You really ROCKED the Houston arena!!!

Love always,
Dorine (little_sparrow525)
Hairbrush Singing Word Nerd #1140

What it means to be a Word Nerd:
For me, it's two simple words - LOVE and FRIENDSHIP. The Ladies I have met online and in person through being a Word Nerd have been amazing. It has brought a very broad spectrum of people together and created an amazing support system for each other and for David. It has given me a connection to other people who are supporters of David's, when I don't have that here at home.

It means doing things that I never would have dreamed of doing....going to two shows, standing outside the venues for 5+hrs each, buying a new ticket because they released seats closer to the stage, getting a Word Nerd #, spending hours on a fan site, among all the other things I've done to be able to see David. But I did/do all these things because David has touched my heart in a way that no other musician has ever done. His Compassion and Sensitivity are openly expressed. And His Talent is just amazing.

I know that I will forever be a Word Nerd and fan of David's because his talent is only just beginning to be shown. And I anxiously await what is to come in the future.


How I Became a Word Nerd:
I originally started watching the show because someone I knew on a shopping forum knows David A. I had never really watched AI before, bits and pieces over the years, nothing consistent. As I watched each week to see David A.....I slowly lost my heart to David C. He just stole it before I even knew it was happening. Watching him each week take over the show and show his awesome inspiring talent, was mesmerizing. I would anxiously await each Tuesday.

At some point, I found a pix of his on photobucket and posted it in my signature on a parenting board. Then someone else did as well....and she told me about the forums for David. Somehow I found the wordnerdhome.com and have been here ever since. But I believe it was after the show that I found this place and got my #. I had no idea about the support network that was building for him.

I am proud to say that I am Word Nerd #3030 and have given my 3 kids their own #'s....3030A, 3030B, and 3030C. They are fans of David's as well and really enjoy listening to him sing and see his pictures. One of my sons is quickly learning to sing TOML, as well as my daughter who's only 2. In fact they are such big fans, I had shirts made for them that say "DC ROCKS" and has theirs Jr. Word Nerd #'s on them. We took pix and will hopefully someday be able to show David.


Love and Hugs~
Tami (cntrypmpkn)
WN#3030

What it means to be a Word Nerd
To be a Word Nerd simply means to offer unwavering support to our idol, David Cook. It means buying multiple copies of his tracks to gift them to other people. It means voting for him in online polls. It means staying up late at night to listen to cellcasts of his concerts. It means spending a lot of time on the fan boards, watching his videos, discussing his pictures and mainly obsessing over every little thing he does or word he says. It means anxiously waiting for news, pictures and stories about him. It means listening to his songs every day all day long and never getting tired of them. It means donating to good causes in his name because he is giving us a good example and we want to become better too. Most of all, it means loving him as a musician and as a person.

And it means to be a part of an amazing group of people who have been connected because of their love for David and have since become friends for life. It means helping each other when help is needed. It means offering support to those of us needing money, goods or just a loving and reassuring word or a shoulder to cry on. It means spreading love all around.

How I became a Word Nerd
Well I was a little late tuning in for this year's American Idol season. It airs here in Slovenia after a year or so anyway, so I just follow it online usually. To cut the long story short, I somehow happened to come across his name once and decided to check him out. Everything else is history - he had me at Hello and I am spellbound to this day.

There really are no words that could describe the impact David and his music have on me. I've never been so involved with a musician (or any other celebrity) in my life. It's the emotion he puts into his performances, the sincerity of his lyrics, the uniqueness of his music. And it's the amazing, almost unbelievable personality with traits spreading from the unique sense of humour to the wonderful caring relationship with his friends and family, from the crazy goofiness to the "wearing-his-heart-on-the-sleeve" attitude, from the rockstar on stage to the down-to-earth look on life. He touched me, he changed me and I'm all right with that.

I didn't join any of the fan forums at first. I was lurking here and there, quietly sharing the emotions with other fans. I was a little scared of posting - some forums seemed and still seem too harsh for my sensitive soul But when this
place was made, I immediately knew it was my home. I registered, got my Word Nerd number and title and I STARTED POSTING! To this day I never regretted my decision. I am a Word Nerd for life!

What it means to be a Word Nerd
Well, it's something that everyone can be, but you have to want to be one and not just because. And have to be proud of being! Some people don't see that - and think we're crazy but to a true word nerd it's not it's normal lol. I just wish people would see it the way we do! It means to get all excited over the man himself David Cook! - What it means to be a word nerd is much more then what i just said you just can't find the words for it really. being a word nerd means that other nerds will understand when you get excited and be there for you when you need them. When other people don't understand you, you know that other nerds will.

How i became a word nerd
How i became one well, i have to say since i was at work most of the time i started to become one at the end of the top 10. I thought to myself "Wow! that guy is really good and cute!" and you know i had my favs there was MJ and carly and david. But then they started plucking them off! first there was MJ then carly and the last one was david...I was really sad that there was just david left, one of my favs left. So i cheered for him every week until the last two, and the woman i worked with she liked archie so then the two davids went head to head i got all worried. I loved archie but i was still worried, then the last day came and i was excited all day! and could not wait! the show started it was amazing. I was blown away by everything and i enjoyed it so much, and i was sitting on the bed with my mom and i got all worried as i watched. And when ryan started talking i got scared. And all i could hear was the tv, my mom tried to talk to me and i screamed 'Shut up! please!' (SORRY MOM I LOVE YOU!!!!) lol and he said 'David....Cook!' and went NUTS i was jumping up and down screaming and crying. And i called the woman up and told her but i felt kinda bad...But she understood, i was so happy! i hardly could hold it in. I went outside and ran around the house for about a half an hour people thought i went crazy, but i didn't care david won and that's all that mattered at that moment in time. And that's when i became a word nerd!

Love,
China

What It Means to Be A Word Nerd
Being a word nerd and being a part of such an amazing group of people, is only half of it. Being a Word Nerd lets me get to know this amazing, talented artist that deserves the world and more....and follow him into his next phase of life. And, it let's me know all of these other awesome people that are also totally in love with David. Being a Word Nerd means so much more to me than just obsessing over an awesome singer.....it keeps my hopes up that one day I will hopefully get to meet this Sweet, Humble, and ridiculously Beautiful man! Thinking about that always puts a smile on my face. I know whenever that day comes...(to me) my life will be complete! lol I know that sounds so crazy, but that day is going to be simply magical! I LOVE BEING A WORD NERD! We rock and are a "Force to be Reckoned With"!

How I Came To Be One
I can remember the exact day that I was pulled into the Word Nerd frenzy! It was Top 3 week on AI, and before that day....I was all for David Archuleta. I'll be honest and say that I hadn't even noticed DC until that night. I feel so bad saying that, but it's true. But, when he sang "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face", "Dare You To Move", and "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing"......I couldn't get him out of my head! It felt like a door had been opened.....and all I could see, hear, or think about was him. Ever since then, I've been a very faithful Word Nerd and I plan on staying that way. I will continue to love and support David for the rest of my life! I will be behind him all the way and will accept any choices he makes in his career. Becoming a Word Nerd was the best thing I've ever done....and also the craziest thing. I've never been this crazy over someone that was pushed into fame, but is still so humble and down-to-earth!

The next year of my life is going to be amazing and unexpected, and it's all because of a normal but also extraordinary guy named David Cook!

I love being a part of this and hope that David has enjoyed it as much as me! WNs FTW!!

Love,
Amber (iLoveDC)
WN# 3234

What it means to be a Word Nerd

Being a Word Nerd means several things; first and foremost being a David Cook fan. We are more than casual fans or music "listeners;" we are highly dedicated and loyal followers of David Cook's career, and we are music "lovers." We are the fans who stay up until the wee hours of the morning voting him through to the next round of American Idol, having lengthy discussions online about anything and everything David related, and we would defend him to the death (although I really hope it doesn't come to that... I quite like being alive). We record, TiVo, watch, and re-watch multiple times, TV shows that we otherwise would NEVER watch (i.e. Larry King Live and Oprah... for me, anyway), and we buy magazines we've never bought before (like TV Guide and US Weekly for starters... I'm poor now). We are creative, kind, generous, funny, and intelligent; much like David himself.

Being a Word Nerd means we support David Cook unconditionally. He knows what's best for him and for his career, and we trust that. He never led us astray on Idol, now, did he? Certainly not!

But most of all, being a Word Nerd means the world to me. It means that I have a community of fans to share my happiness with, and it completely validates what I’ve told myself all my life: it is not dorky to love words, reading, and writing (haha)! I hope that 30 years from now I’m still buying new David Cook records... that is, of course, assuming he’s still making music in 30 years (please, oh please, let him be!). Regardless, I can honestly say that I will be a faithful Word Nerd until the end of my days.

My family and friends think I've lost my mind, but as long I'm perfectly happy, I don't care. I'm so glad I have you all to share this with. We are, after all, witnessing history in the making.


How I became one:

I had actually been a fan of David since the beginning; no lie, I picked Michael, David, and Carly as my Top 3 during Hollywood Week. Michael was actually my original favorite of the 3, but after he was voted out, I swore David and Carly wouldn’t suffer the same fate. At least 1 of my 3 made it to the end. Haha. Anyway, the week that Michael left was the first time I EVER, in all 7 seasons, ventured over to the Idol Forums. I don’t remember how much longer after that I decided to request a Word Nerd number (can’t have been too long… possibly that same week).

After Carly left, David was the only one I had to worry about when I voted Tuesday nights. I voted like a madwoman every week, constantly hitting “refresh” at DialIdol.com, and keeping track of how many times I was getting through (yes, EVERY week, since Top 24, I kept a tally of how many times I got through on my landline phone… and I still have those sheets. Is that weird?). Hell, I even paid my sister (who does not watch American Idol, but still watched David’s performances on Youtube every week… mostly because I e-mailed them to her…) to take over voting for me at 11:30 the night of the finale, while I posted in the forums and hovered over DialIdol until I finally went to bed some time around midnight (work totally sucks sometimes). That was the first time that we ever voted non-stop for the full 4 hours. And honestly, it’ll most probably be the last.

I’m not ashamed to say that I cried when he won, and it was all I could talk about the next day at work. I think most people thought that after the show ended that I would “calm down” about David – not spend as much time on the Idol (and now Word Nerd) forums, not talk about him as much, not listen to his music as much, etc. Clearly, they were sorely mistaken. If anything, my dedication and loyalty grows with each passing day. I’ll see or hear little things about him (like the meeting with Lindsey Rose) that let’s me know I made the right choice.

I love you, David. And not in that weird, creepy stalker-ish sort of way… just in an “I love you” sort of way. You’ve given me so much, so the very least I can do is promise my unwavering, eternal support. And I have never made a promise I couldn’t keep.

With love always,
Heather (superspecial1)
Super Special Word Nerd #1197

(I posted entries in this thread and the S&S thread last night and the've gone "poof" because of the difficulties with our WordNerdHome server ... and I didn't keep copies! Arrrgh! So I'm quickly trying to re-write what I remember. I can only cross my fingers that it will still make it into the book ... Here's what I recall (and I'm sorry if it's not as polished, but I'm writing in big hurry ....)


What It Means to be a Word Nerd / How I Came to Be One — PART TWO

There is a post on Page 1 of this thread that I wrote back in June, and it's interesting to me to re-read it now, three months later, because so much has happened and changed since then, for David over there, for me over here.

In that original post, I talked (OK, gushed) quite a bit about the power and passion and unsurpassed expressiveness of David's voice being the thing that hooked me most and made me certain I'm here in the figurative front row for the long haul. At that time, I was brand new to feelings about David and new to the world of the Word Nerds.

But since then my understanding (albeit permanently incomplete) of what makes David, David, and my reasons for still standing here in the front row three months later have shifted substantially.

David's voice still keeps me mesmerized and rooted to the spot, certainly. It is a force of nature and like none other.

But gradually over the summer I've come to know bits and pieces about the complex and thinking and kind soul that he is as well — his complete adoration for his family and close friends; his openness toward and gratitude for us fans; his whacked-out sense of humor (OK, I'm a sucker for a guy with a dash of snark!); his voracious appetite for books and poetry; his passion for causes such as SU2C; his determination and endurance cranking out smokin' show after show on the AI tour while also producing his album; his tireless commitment to making his art pure, exciting and meaningful; the thoughtful, careful regard he holds for everyone and everything that's come to him, which has been clear as he's let us peek at his musings through his blogs ... and much more.

And so just as our understanding of the man has widened, so have my respect and fondness, and my reasons for knowing I'm invested here for the long haul. I look forward to all those aspects growing over years to come.

The other thing that keeps me here in David's figurative front row is the unexpectedly warm and loving sisterhood I accidentally stumbled into when I became Word Nerd 2598.

I've never followed a celebrity before, not once in my entire life, and don't plan to follow any other. Discovering Dave was accidental; the first Season 7 episode I watched was ... the award finale! I was drawn then to backtrack and learn everything I could through the AI forums at first, and YouTube. So I tiptoed into the cyberspace world of Dave fans, imagining it would just be a lot of fluffy fangirliness, I'd visit and then I'd be gone. ... And oh, to be sure, we engage in a bit of silliness still (forgive us, David, we ARE women and we are human, and you ARE so ... you. *sigh* *chuckles*). But I am still here because I have also witnessed and been the recipient of so much aloha, warmth, laughter, charity, wisdom, support and emotional/spiritual giving among my WN sisters that I can never leave them now. It's like a global group hug that David began, a loving sorority reaching across nations and oceans.

David, if you're reading this, I don't think it is remotely accidental that the fans who have flocked around you tend to be so beautiful both inside and out. I think it is a case of like attracting like.

<3

Sign me:
... Hawaii Sweet Cookie on My Space
... Callipygian Island Dancer Word Nerd 2598
... Keeper of David's Erudite, Elegant, Adorkable Word-Nerdiness
... Co-administrator of the APHA campaign, MySpace.com/DavidCookToursthePacific (haha, you can blame Andy's dad for that acronym)
... Moderator of groups.MySpace.com/DavidCookToursthePacific

... with probably more fan-wackiness — and future installments of this ongoing essay — to come.

*reserving this spot for the Aussie *

What it means to be a Word Nerd

For me it means sharing my love for David with others especially with you guys, reading and listening to anything related that comes my way. Giving back, being generous and creative. To be patient to the ones that doesn't feel the same about this wonderful artist and men. Supporting David and accepting him just as he is. Loving the music and the men and taking part in the progression of his career. Meeting great people from different parts of the world and forming friendships. Finding myself spending the majority of my day obsessing about DC, when I should be working for instance.

How I became one

This was actually my first year of watching Idol (I would usually be at my computer while my sis was watching it, not paying much attention) and all thanks to this guy how captured me from the start. When David walked into the audition room and started singing it certainly got my attention and when the competition started, I was absolute hooked on the guy naming him the "one" and sticking with him all the way.

Now since I live in Israel we would watch the show in a couple of days delay so at some point I couldn't wait anymore for the broadcast and started watching the show online, waiting half the night to hear what he will sing tonight voting logging to the various fan sites and talking with my fellow obsessed (crazy right?).

When I discovered his pre-idol music, I would listen to it non-stop unable to listen to anything but that for month. When the show was about to end I got an invite to join this wonderful site and I am here ever since and loving every moment.

I followed the AI tour each day for more new, pics and videos. I was supposed to have an interview at a US university over the summer so I decided I have to take this chance and see the men live (The interview went great BTW, so I guess I will be back next summer) and so I did, after my interview I flew to Kansas City to catch the two shows and even made great T-shirts to remember these great shows (and had him sign one too) and continued later to Green-bay and Bridgeport (where I got to meet him in the after party). The best thing about this journey was the ability to share it with my wonderful sister and not feel so alone in this (I never talk about it with my friends).

What It Means To Be a Word Nerd

David caught my interest at the very beginning of the AI season. I loved his style and voice. I didn't realize at that time how much more there was to the man. The night that he announced to the world that he was a "word nerd" I squealled and said, "Oh, I like him even more now! He's like me!" Throughout the season, I came to be such a fan of David, mainly for his amazing voice, his undeniable talent for arranging songs, for his bold choices, his unique style, and for the heart he put into everything he did. Every week, my jaw would drop and I would proclaim how amazing he was, how everything he did was perfect. I eventually found his pre-Idol music, both Analog Heart and his Axium music, and I fell hard. David's music moves me. It inspires me. It feeds my soul. I can honesty say that David reawakened my love of music.

But in addition to David's amazing talents, he showed us that he was a caring person, that he has a huge heart, that he is very giving, that he loves his family and friends, that he wants to do good, that he is inteligent, and kind, and funny, and silly.

So to me, being a Word Nerd means that you are a huge fan of David Cook, that you want success for him, that you will support his endeavors. But it also means being a considerate, kind person. It means I can be proud to be witty and intelligent. It also means that I can have fun with my fellow Word Nerds and embrace silliness.

How I Came to Be One:

Well, I considered myself a Word Nerd for several months before I officially requested my Word Nerd number. I was part of the American Idol forums where I loved all the witty, funny discussions about the awesomeness that is David Cook. When people started migrating to the "Home of the Word Nerds," I went too and have been here ever since. I've made friends and had a wonderful time here. Although I loved being a part of this awesome group of people, the idea of being numbered just didn't sit right with me. But then I went to see David and the rest of the Idols at the Sacramento concert. There were all these fans there, true Word Nerds, with their shirts, and their numbers. Then I realized that I really did want a number. I felt like I was missing out on something, that they were part of something "official" and I wasn't. I wasn't identifiable as a true fan. It was after that concert that I requested my number. I can't imagine a more amazing group fans, and I'm so proud to be a part of this community. I believe that the great qualities of the Word Nerds are a reflection of this amazing man that we all rally around.

We are all about the love, and we always have been!

What does it mean to be a Word Nerd?

Being a word nerd means a lot of things. For me, it means firstly to love and support David unconditionally, to always be there for him no matter what, to trust that he knows what's best for him.

Just as important, it mean to be apart of this amazing group of people that support David and each other, a group of people that I can share my addiction to David with.

As we learned for the men himself, it means to be a better person, to be a caring considerate person and giving back to others.

And of course most of all it means to be a part of David's journey to stardom.

How I became a Word Nerd?

When season 7 of American idol started I had absolutely no intention of watching it. I was so disappointed from this show after what happened to Chris Daughtry that I lost all interest in it and didn't watch season 6. For some reason (can't remember why), the TV was in the background when the auditions where on, and I heard a voice I couldn't ignore and no it wasn't David Cook, actually the first one that grabbed my attention was Michael Johns. So I decided to give it a chance and watch Hollywood week. Even then I still didn't really noticed David, but I really liked MJ so I kept watching. Then came "Hello" and changed everything for me, I was completely blown away.

From that moment on I fell more and more in love each week with his phenomenal voice, his big heart and his captivated personality until I was completely obsessed. He made me cry when he cried he made me laugh when he laughed. I felt like I had found music again. Every time I though it his performance couldn't get any better he proved me wrong. I started to get up in the early hours of the morning so I can watch him before I go to work and in the few last weeks of the season I found out that I can vote so I started voting as well.

I never joined or posted on any board before and even during the show I only read the AI forum, but I was lucky to have my wonderful sister (which feels the same way about David as I do) to share my addiction with. By the middle of the season I found myself spending more and more time on the forum and on other places looking into David's background and completely getting addicted to his pre-idol music. At that point I couldn't listen to any other music but his (nothing sounds as good anymore). Even though I was reading and watching everything related to David I only joined a forum and got my WN number when the home of the word nerd was born and I found myself with a group of amazing people that made me feel comfortable to share my obsession with.

I was fortune to have the opportunity to travel to the states this summer with my sister to watch the live tour and meet some of those amazing people. Needless to say that we had the summer of our lifes', we had a blast watching David perform and meet him at Bridgeport at the AP and had really great time meeting some of the coolest word nerds to share our experience with.



Love Always,
Anat WN #2851

Wow!!

I was trying to think of a different or unique way to describe what a Word Nerd is but I think everyone has pretty much covered that. So, instead I'll just talk about my experience of HOW I became a Word Nerd...


How did I become a Word Nerd? Little did I know what was about to happen when I saw this dorky looking guy with wacky hair walk into the American Idol audition. You know how the goofy looking ones at the auditions are usually the worst? Uh huh, that's what I was expecting when David Cook walked in the room. I saw that rooster hair with the red streaks and thought "Oh yeah, this is gonna suck!" Then when he said he was "vocally versatile" when asked if he thought he was the next American Idol, I thought "oh great! Wacky looking AND cocky! This isn't gonna to suck, it's gonna suck hard!" LOL! THEN he opens his mouth and starts to sing and my jaw nearly hit the floor. I was so pleasantly surprised by that rich voice of his. The fact that he was singing a Bon Jovi song didn't hurt either. Still, at that point he wasn't my ONLY favorite, not even my main favorite but he was definitely one of the ones I had my eye on. Michael Johns was my favorite at that point.

I enjoyed David as Hollywood week rolled on but it was when he did "Happy Together" during the Top 24 week that I became really impressed with him. The way he took an old song and added some new twists to it, slowing up the intro, then picking up the tempo. Already he was giving us a taste of the kind of musical genius he is in his ability to arrange a song in a new, fresh way. Michael Johns wasn't number one anymore. David had just become tied with him as one of my favorites.

As with so many others. it was "Hello" that sealed the deal for me. I vividly remember sitting there, watching him sing and at one point I started to noticed "hey he has really pretty eyes". As I continued to watch I realized not only does he have pretty eyes, he knows how to use them too! I thought "OMG, he's working us! And he's doing it so WELL!" LOL!!! THAT'S when I KNEW, this kid is something special. Not only does he have a warm, beautiful voice and is able to make old songs fresh again but he has this ability to not only perform well but he managed to reach right through the TV screen and make me feel like he was singing just for me and me alone. WOW! I was blown away! Move over MJ, David Cook was officially my man from here on out!

During the Top 12 week, when he sang "Eleanor Rigby", the way he displayed so much heart and emotion, completely surrendering himself to that performance, mesmerized me. He was electrifying. Then, after he finished, the pure joy and exhilaration he showed, the way he jumped up and down, hooting as he pumped his fist in the air, you just knew, that was a life changing moment for him. I was so thrilled for him, I was literally moved to tears! That night I went from being a fan of the performer to absolutely adoring him as a person. He stole my heart and I knew he was the next American Idol. He HAD to be! I so wanted to see him experience that kind of joy again. He deserved it so much!

As the weeks went by, there was another thing I had begun to notice about David. With every performance, he seemed to approached each one almost as if it were a one song play. He would totally immerse himself in each role or character, every one being entirely different, yet each one completely believable. That was also what made David's performance so exciting each week. Not just looking forward to WHAT he was going to sing and what he would do to change it to make the song his own, but wanting to see HOW he would perform it. David's performances on American Idol were becoming an event preceded with much anticipation.

My admiration for David was growing and I started to look for more information about his band work from his past. Fortunately, I found these little treasures on the internet in the music he created before this Idol adventure began for him. I never would have believed that I could be so profoundly touched by the poetic lyrics of someone so young. The emotional images he created in those lyrics made me feel every emotion right along with him. His music with Axium and his Analog Heart solo CD so affected me, I knew that I was going to be a David Cook fan forever, not just for the duration of his time on the show. This isn't just the new American Idol, he is a superstar in the making.

Another thing I admire about David is how caring he is. I love the fact that he wants so badly to take this "celebrity" status he's achieved and make a positive difference in this world. I know he's determined enough to do it too. David is such a genuine, intelligent, humble, GOOD soul. The list of adjectives that describe David could go on forever. But they combine to make up this incredible individual that not only have I become a huge fan of but someone I'm PROUD to be a fan of. Not just David Cook, the musical genius but David Cook, the human being as well. I'm so proud of him for what he has and will accomplish in life and proud to call myself a Word Nerd. I love him dearly.

What does it mean to be a Word Nerd?

OK, my turn. I've been a David Cook fan from the 1st month of AI and one of the earlier Word Nerds. But i have never posted about what it means to me to be a Word Nerd. Bottom line is that David Cook changed my life. In a very real and profound way he has turned my life on its proverbial ear, so to speak. The way I was before this season of Idol and the way I am now are like night and day. Before I was depressed, isolated and now I am happy, joyful and I have made terrific friends. I have opened up and woke up so to speak and now I feel alive. I have done things that I have NEVER done before in my life. And the young teenager I used to be, who I thought was long gone, just happens to be alive and kicking and I feel good to have found her again.

David has also had a huge affect on my desire to give back. Sometimes I can't give money, because it simply isn't there to give. David has such a generous heart and genuinely cares about people and as I watched him interact with his many fans over the summer I just loved what I saw. He has made me want to be a better, more generous and tolerant person.

So, there you have it. One young man, who has no clue who I am, has changed my life and the lives of countless others. The stories in the signals and sentiments threads over the last year have also helped me to see that I am not alone (or crazy) because David has had the same effect on countless others as well. He is a gift to us and to the world, pure and simple. The world is definitely a better place with him in it.

Viv

First of all I want to make this as special and sentimental as possible so It might be a little sappy.

Now then I'll tell my story. Before David American Idol was just another reality show my aunt and other relatives were addicted to. In fact she was sooo into it that she started having "Idol" parties a few seasons back. It just so happens that me and my mom decided to go this past season. Lucky us. So every tuesday we start with dinner usually a home cooked high calorie delicious something or other. After dinner we would watch Idol. Watch it with a set of rulkes of course. No talking what so ever during the singing. No getting up during the singing. commercials are for discussing the songs and the contestant and going to the bathroom.

Coincidentally one of the first idol parties we went to was on the night of Billie Jean. WHat a treat. I had been rooting for cook before but now he had me convinced. My ocdd had begun (obsessive compulsive David disorder). The pictures started coming up in the room. The rambling about him got to be all the time. The finding out about every little tidbit of information was being collected. And of course the voting. As the weeks progressed I became more and more confident in Mr. Cook. Even with all the cheering and support fo rDavid I still got nervous every time before he performed.

It was may 20. Voting night. I was sooo excited and very confident In my man. Even so I was persistent with my voting. 648 times. All phone calls on two phones by myself. 10 swollen fingers buzzing ears and droopy eyes the next morning were a result of my ocdd. HE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Ok now why its important to me to be a word nerd.

Being a word nerd is more than just a name and a number, mine is 3437. It represents you as a true listener and supporter of David Cook. It says I am dedicated to more than just American Idol, I am dedicated to a man of wonderful talent and personality and not to mention looks. Even if you don't have a name or number you can still be dedicated. You may just not even know much about the website resulting in this. So I recommend tell anyone who has any interest in David to get a number just to show your support. You don't have to be a die hard David is my life to do this just a llittle interest and 10 minutes t o register.

Now then th words "fan" and David cook don't relally mix for me. I think that fan is too broad, too commonm. There are so many "fans". I am a listener, a supporter, a marveler of his mind.

So last I hope you enjoyed reading my story and theories. Hope to write soulfully again soon.

Lauren (ilydcbabyeyes)

David,

I feel weird saying it, but I cant remember not being a word nerd. It’s been 7 months of pure bliss and I’ve enjoyed every second of it. To me a Word Nerd is not just a fan of David Cook. Being a word nerd means being a good person. It means supporting causes close to David’s heart. It means having an extended family of people who share the same likes as you do. It means having a home and a place where you feel loved and supported. Without David, I wouldn’t have that in this online community of friends. So for that among many other things I thank you David.

I personally wasn't much of an idol fan. My mom loved the show so I watched it with her a few times. Season 7 I watched from the very beginning and for that first audition I knew you had something special. I had a few other contestants I liked at that point ,but once top 24 rolled around I had my fav top 3 in you, MJ, and Carly. Then a couple weeks later it was all about David Cook. I had never been a part of a fan group or online community so through the season I had no idea there was a community of WNs out there. So I missed out on all of that fellowship. It wasn’t until finale night when I couldn’t eat and was as nervous as if it were me waiting to see if I'd won that I went online to AI.com for the first time, and the rest is history. May 21, 2008 was the day you won AI and realized your dream and I was the day I found what have become some of my best friends.

So I guess officially I’ve only been a WN for 7 months. But, I’ve been a WN in my heart for nearly a year. I have enjoyed watching you grow and seeing how well you have handled yourself with the media and with stardom in general. I think you have seen how much WNs love you and how dedicated we are in supporting you in all you do. I know we will have a wonderful relationship for years to come. I am proud to be a Word Nerd for life!
~~~Kim~~~
WN # 1982

What it means to me to be a Word Nerd :

Week after Week in the month of May I would tune in from the other side of the Atlantic from the UK to America to watch American Idol, but it was after the show ended that I became a word nerd. This year I have changed, I am more patient, more charitable and more open to suggestion. I now listen to a variety of music and don't judge when someone likes something different. I give more to charity. My dad had skin cancer earlier this year and that has made me more aware of life and what is really important. Being a word nerd has introduced me to a whole new world of charity and how several people brought together CAN change the world. I also go to a lot more live shows and gigs than I did before and I hope in 2009 there will be a David Cook show here in England so that I can add it to the ticket subs I've already got. This year I have changed and it's down to word nerd number one, David Cook! Thanks for giving me a new attitude on life and showing me how to live my life better and appreciate the things I have and will always have.
Emma x

What does it mean to be a Word Nerd?

When i think of what it means to me to be a Word Nerd, i truly believe that it isn't simply just a name that i call myself or the fact that i'm a David Cook fan. It is so much more than that. A Word Nerd is someone who is completely and whole-heartedly dedicated to David. Word Nerds i think as a whole are all smart, and very goofy and we're not afraid to act goofy in public, or even make funny faces lol. To be a word nerd means that we support David in everything that he does, and also supporting each other. When you become a wordnerd you join this community of people who all share the same interest as you do and have the same dedication to this man. Its like a support group in itself where you can go to and talk to other word nerds and go all fangirly or whatever you want to do. Especially helpful when you don't have anyone else in your life who shares the same feelings about David Cook like i do. We become this huge happy family and develop close bonds with one another. I'm sure other people probably look at us like we have completely lost our minds, and maybe we have lol and probably wonder what the heck all the numbers and titles and what the "signal" means.....they just don't understand, the only ones who do are other wordnerds. The longer one has been following David, the more it becomes part of your life, it becomes permanent. These "little" things become special tokens in your life and they make me proud to be a word nerd. When David does the "signal"....i know what it means and because of that, it holds a special place in my heart and when i see him do it, i feel extremely special. It is his way of letting me know, i love and appreciate you....makes me all warm and fuzzy inside! lol.
For so many months we all have spent way more time online than we ever thought we would, looking up anything and everything to do with David Cook and patiently waiting every single week for our Cookie as we like to call him, to appear on our tv screens to dazzle and amaze us once again. Doing so made us do all kinds of things, obsessive crying, dancing like crazy, singing along to the song, Shaking while we awaited the judges thoughts on the performance ready to scream and yell at the tv when we disagreed with what they said, in hopes that they would hear us lol. We all did this together every single week, it was and still is like getting our fix. we are addicted to David Cook! and the days inbetween shows was like withdrawl. that's we'd talk online and look up videos of the performance, watching it over and over again. Lastly he continuelly shows so much kindness, commitment, respect, humility and many other things he showed us every single week and still does are also part of what being a word nerd means. I am one of millions all over the world who gladly suffer from OCDCD (obsessive compulsive david cook disorder) and don't want to be cured!

How did I become one?

as clique as it sounds, he had me at "hello". I mean at his audition i thought....hmmm i like him! not sure about the hair but i like him. Then as the weeks progressed the same conclusion ran through my head.....i like this guy! that was a good performance! then.....*drum roll* he comes out singing "hello".....not only does he have a more "rocker-ish" look in his appearance, but the additude as well and really connected more with the camera. Looking through it as opposed to looking at it. He starts singing those 1st few notes and BAM! i'm immediately turned into a puddle of goo, sitting here on my bed watching this man sing as if he's singing straight to me, not able to speak a cohesive sentence or think anything.....just sitting here in a daze, in amazement at how awesome he sounds and yes how extremely good looking his is, even though he's embarresed when we say he's attractive or anything lol. From that point on, i was definately head over heals a David Cook Fan and Word Nerd! never failing each week to vote the entire time, voting till my fingers practically bled......i would gladly do that all over again for David!

Oh gosh, I need to think this over. I'll try to post mine tomorrow!

What it means to me to be a Word Nerd

For me, being a Word Nerd means the unconditional love and support for David Cook. It's more then just a name or number. It's being part of this AMAZING journey into David's career. It means being apart of this WONDERFUL group at the WordNerdHome site and meeting new and amazing friends (that I will cherish forever) As someone wise once said... "Live, Love and Laugh!"


How I Came to Be One

Well, I was never one to really watch AI - never caught my interest - but I was channel surfing one night and came across the 'Auditions' episode. Seeing as there was nothing that caught my attention, I decided to watch. I remember seeing Michael and Carly's performace and thought "Holy Crap!" these guys are good.

I continued to watch as the weeks went by and the talent was amazing. It wasn't till 'Hollywood Week' that I saw David's performance and thought 'Ohhhh, more outstanding talent!' So now I had 3 favorites to look out for. (funny that they became best friends too, lol) I was so happy when Michael, Carly and David made it into the top 24.

I continued to support all 3 of the 'best friends' as the weeks went by. Their perfomances amazed me. Then I saw David's performance of Lionel Ritchie's 'Hello' and well..... It blew me away!!!! I was (as we say) COOKIFIED!!! He was the next American Idol!!!! and well....... as we all know went on to do just that..... FINALLY a Rocker wins AI, I was so excited.

For the next month after David being crowned the next American Idol, I was searching everything about him..... pics, bio, music and thats when I found out about MWK, Axium and Analog Heart. I found several different sites dedicated to him. I browsed a few of them, but they just weren't for me. Then on June 23, 2008 I found this site, the WordNerdHome and I haven't looked back since. I joined right away and FINALLY got an 'official' Word Nerd Number and Word Nerd Title.

I am WN #3007 the Coffee-Flavored-Kisses-Word Nerd and so proud to be one!


Friendship

Each of us has a hidden place
Somewhere deep within ourselves
Where we go to get away
To be alone to be ourselves
But every once in a while whether by chance or design
Someone finds a way into that secret place
That person adds perspective to our hidden realm
The quietly settle down in their own little corner
We call that person a friend


~Tricia~ (Canada)
WN #3007

Ok, I am too old to be fangirly and all that....but:

I noticed David the first week but thought the red spraypaint hair stuff was a bit too much..especially with the dorky argyle sweater vest. His voice caught me although there wasn't much to go by during the audition.

I became totally convinced during the show when he sang "Eleanor Rigby" , a hard song to sing and then solidified my fandom with "Hello"
At this point I had already pegged both Davids as the finalists.

Every week I was sitting inches from my TV and after his performances I was always saying wow, he is just IT

I was going through a hard time physically with rheumatoid arthritis that is not responding to most of the medications that work for others. I was exercising a friend's horse for her while she spent the winter in the warmer south a few times a week even when I felt like crap. Great for my soul and spirit as I have always had a love of horses since I was a youngster.

My other great medicine for my soul and spirit has been IDOL. . . this season was the BEST of the rest. I liked season 4 also with Carrie and Bo as finalists. I totally started falling hard for this little Davey Cook from the Midwest. I have always been a rocker but had started to drift away from it.
The melodies that David incorporated into everything he sang..the little extras he sang into them just grabbed me like a tractorbeam on Star Trek.

I have had sort of mixed feelings becoming a FANGIRL at my age and tried to justify my feelings somehow. I am no predator, my kids are all around David's age. The Rock Star Show that David puts on everytime he takes the stage is really what I am in love with if that is the right term. The person he has shown us during the show and afterwards just renewed my faith in the human race and family values. THAT is what I am IN LOVE with.

Being a Word Nerd...I am proud that we stand for respectful admirers..glad I am not the only middleaged woman who is somehow caught up in this trance that David has put us all in. Maybe we can charge Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber for causing this by teaching him to make LOVE through the camera while singing. Yeah, he did that, didn't he? I have never joined ANY fan club before in my life!

Anyway, back to being A Word Nerd: I love many of the people I have played with on the fansites and follow every move on the internet sharing all that I find with others. I bought a t-shirt with my screen name and Word Nerd Number on it....I had a cap made/embroidered with a guitar and "David Cook Rocks" on it.

Being a Word Nerd has made me come alive again amidst my pain and fatigue. All at once I am whole again and excited about and for someone I have never met and might never meet face to face. I am back into rock music, however I think that whatever song I hear that I like I still think David Cook can sing it better. I am sure he can.

This past year has been the best in many ways even though I have been through some tough stuff. David's music just does something to me that I cannot possibly explain. It is great to be among thousands of others who understand the addiction/obsession that I have for this great new BAND of Davids old and new friends.

This is all I can think of for now. I thank you sincerely Mr. D

PicChick / Cherie from Maine

What Does It Mean To Be a Word Nerd?
To me, being a Word Nerd means being a fan of David. Not only that, but also supporting him 110% in anything and everything he does. Word Nerds are also a huge family who mesh together really well, and support one another as much as we do for David. Not only are we friends online and because of David, but also in real life. A lot of us have made many friendships that will last a lifetime.

How Did You Become One?
The story is actually quite embarrassing. I guess I'll share it though and be completely honest. I was not a fan of David at the beginning of Idol because I still had the "I will never like anyone more than Chris Daughtry" mindset in my head. Then, top 10 night came around and changed my mind completely. He blew me away with "Billie Jean" and I have been a fan since. Also, thanks to my friend Jess, she gave me the Analog Heart CD and I have supported and loved him more and more each day.

What does it mean to be a word nerd?

To me that means that I support David and all that he does and all the other members of the band and all the separatre projects that they do. It means that I will always tell my friends about him and try to get them to join me in being a huge fan and to show our support. It also means that I will always wish the best for all my fellow word nerds and everyone that we know and that David knows.

How did I become a word nerd?

I became a word nerd back in the American Idol forums. I don't even know how I came to be there. I guess I was bored and looking for something fun to do at the time. So I was looking through the different threads and I came upon David's and I was like "Well I like him the best, I'll check out this group." And then the next thing I know I had a word nerd number and was away on the weiner mobile and having the best time of my life with so many friends and all the support we were giving to our Idol and thinking this is a great group of people and to think I might never have been a part of this would have meant that I missed out on so much over the last year. But I'm a part of it and couldn't be happier in what I've done here and the freinds that I've made not to mention the music that I've come to know and love over that time.