Yes, she DID call you out, Becca, and I'm doing so too!

I went back into my "reserved" spot and started telling my story but it's too damn long so I've only got half of it up yet.

What is means to be a "Word Nerd"?

To be a wordnerd means that you an unconditional fan no matter what to the one and only original wordnerd Mr. David Cook. Its a great feeling to know that you are not the only one out there that has this great understanding for the man and that you have thousands of friends that you have something in common with. I love the fact that you always have someone to talk to and someone always is willing to give their fellow wordnerd their shoulder to lean on. Wordnerds are devoted to rocking the vote no matter what we are votin for. We proved our vote when DC one AI and we are always up to doing it again. We understand DC and his music and the fans always have something to talk about cause we are the bestest of the best.

How I Came to be one?

I didnt become an official wordnerd until later on in the show but have loved David Cook ever since the beginning. I knew there was something about him that I liked and boy was I right. I was the AI boards all the time reading and learning about all the wordnerds and for some reason even though I had an account never got on there to post until around April. I felt if I went on and posted I would jinx the poor guy but I gave in cause I coudnt take it anymore...There were people that were like me out there and I needed to associate myself with them and boy am I glad I did. I have met such great people being a Wordnerd and I love the fact that I tell everyone "I am a Wordnerd" and I love everyminute of it every day!!! Love Ya Wordnerds!!!! :LoveCookies:

What being a Word Nerd means to me:

I would have to say it is being a part of a very special group of people. Not just those with numbers and names, but a group of people with the same passion and goals. To see David's star rise as high as any star can possibly reach. I also have to add this: I have never been a part of a more compassionate, loving group of people. If someone needs help, this group is there for them. 100%. That makes me so proud! So, a special THANK YOU to David for making it all possible!

How did I become a Word Nerd?

From the first time I saw him I knew he was special. Sure, I liked a few others during the audition phase, MJ, Carly and Jason. But, after the first two weeks I knew there was only one I would dream of voting for, and that one was David. I had sworn off Idol after season 4, only watched the auditions and that was the extent of it for me. But...this year was different. REALLY different!

I have never been so passionate about any idol. Sure, I voted for Bo, but not on the scale that I did for David. To be honest, I don't ever see it happening again. I have been Cooked. I am Cooked and I know it will never end.

What does it mean to be a WN?

Being a Word Nerd goes so much deeper than just being a fan of David Cook. David's remarkable character and talent
have attracted people from all walks of life. We have all come together to form a community of people who not only
support David and his career, but also thrive on the camaraderie and doing as much as we can to help others. I am
so very proud to be a part of this amazing group of people. If David would have never shown the world his talent
and extraordinary personality, "we" would not be here today.



How did I come to be one?

I am proud to say that I was a fan from the beginning of the show. I loved everything about David: his appearance,
personality, charisma, and mostly his vocals. His passion for music was so obvious in every performance, week
after week. And since falling in love with David Cook back in February, I've been an active part of the Word Nerd
Community every day. I've developed very close friendships that I will always cherish. Word Nerds are the best!

I PROMISE TO READ THESE VERY LONG POSTS LATER...I DON'T THINK I CAN ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS DIRECTLY, I WILL JUST SAY THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I WAS EVER THIS INVESTED IN AN ARTIST BEFORE, SO THIS IS ALL NEW TO ME AND IT'S WORTH IT!

LOVE HOW ARTICULATE AND INNOVATIVE AND OPEN HE IS, NOW I AM HOOKED. I DON'T SEE "WN" AS MERELY A TITLE--IT'S A COMMUNITY THAT HAS ALLOWED ME TO THINK,WRITE AND BE INSPIRED AGAIN...

I WOULD LOVE TO SHARE WITH YOU A BLOG ENTRY THAT WILL HOPEFULLY ANSWER THE QUESTIONS, I AM A COMMUNICATION MAJOR SO FORGIVE THE COMMUNICATION REFERENCES:

(BLOG ENTRY DATED MAY 24, '08)


I am a child of the 80's, it was the era of That's Entertainment (an 80's teeny- bopper show here in the Philippines). In those days love teams were cool, out of tune singing sounded great, fans screaming their heads off were the norm. I never understood it back then and I don't understand it until now...or I just simply will not accept it under any circumstances. Here's why:

fan n. a devotee of a particular activity, performer, etc. [abbreviation of FANATIC]

fanatic n. a person filled wit excessive and often misguided enthusiasm hor something
-- Oxford Compact English Dictionary

I refuse to be unreasonable and misguided, thus my aversion toward fanaticism of the cheesy kind, (although I occasionally bask in the fun and love it). It is odd that this blind fanaticism leads the fan to "worship" an image of the celebrity rather then appreciate the artist for who he really is, rather then listen, REALLY listen to his message. There is almost a division, a separation that created by this fanaticism of the unreasonable kind between the artist and the audience.

I refuse to be blind.

In Communication101 the very first thing they teach you is tie SMCR communication process: Sender- Message - Channel - Receiver. In truth this is actually SMCRF communication process: F for Feedback, but often times this F is left out of the equation.

I have watched Idol for the past five years and over the years I have always had favorites who ended up second or third but no one ever came out the winner until now (yes I picked DC relatively early on in the competition).

It was almost important that he wins this. It was in fact so important that he win, it was one of my birthday wishes (may 19). It was so important that he win that I prayed for it (something I have never done for an Idol contestant who is a stranger....but then again he is not really a stranger). It mattered that he win, not for the biggest rock star he is destined to be but for the person that is, the family that he has, the messages that he wishes to convey, the heart that he possesses and the courage with which he lays his life on stage all the time.

Every time he steps on stage there is a life before you that commands your attention, demands that you listen, hopes that you understand.

The person on stage is a human being with a life story to tell just like all of us and not some witless celebrity churned out of a star making machinery for equally witless fans to fall head over heels for.

I, however, do not discount the fact that this season taught me to be a teenager, (something I think I somehow missed), loosen up a bit and have a bit of fun, but then again human experience matters more to me. No, genres do not matter to me, restrictive boxes do not exist. When your gifted, you are truly gifted, American or otherwise, nothing can change that. Being able to decipher the deeper message in the songs while seeing an entire life flash before your eyes is truly the gift that keeps on giving.

Now I get it. I finally understand media phenoms like American Idol in the context of the effective communication. The audience is merely responding to the messages they receive. Feedback. Feedback that is a result of sincere desire to connect, to be listened to and and to listen in return. In the end we (the artist and the audience) all learn that we matter in this world.

Art, Music. all of these fields aim to communicate. I therefore no longer see Communication as a one dimensional field and the possibilities it offers make me more excited...and I love it!!!

Now I get it and I got my birthday wish! Yay!!!

POSTSCRIPT: I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW. I HAVE A WIDER WORLD VIEW. I UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE PEOPLE AND LIFE NOW MORE THEN EVER BEFORE, THAT'S BECAUSE OF DC AND YOU MY FELLOW WN'S!

What does it mean?
It means appreciating and respecting a talented individual for who he is and what he represents. A David Cook fan enjoys his music and his (oh so beautiful!) pictures, but a WordNerd is moved by the way he interprets songs, reflects on lyrics and is poised to answer any question with intelligence and meaning (.. and we have really large picture collections )

We're not only fans of David Cook, the American Idol Winner... but we are fans of David Cook, the individual.

How I came to be?
It was a process, much like his time on Idol. I noticed David Cook when he sang All Right Now; and had the "I'm a huge WordNerd" opening video. I became a David Cook fan when I heard him sing Hello. The following week, with Eleanor Rigby I was absolutely in fan-love with him. Wordnerd crept up Top 8 week, when he chose to represent one of his fave bands (and mine) and show us that 'giving back' was something that could be incorporated into everyday life, beyond the scope of the show. Official Wordnerd status? The week leading up to Top 3 performance. The first real interviews, live performances, photos, emotions.. everything was coming together into a wonderful image of a respectable and genuine human being with an immense talent.

Ok, I'm not very wordy usually, so mine will be short

I love different voices and David definitely has a different type of voice. When he started singing in the auditions my head snapped up and I paid attention. When I saw he was from Blue Springs, I got even more excited lol It's always nice to see a hometown boy doing something good.

I had rarely watched Idol, watched the year Daughtry was on and that's it, but I decided to finally make an AI account and do some forum time. I found out how great most of the people there were and I stuck around So glad I did! Even though the mods tick me off!!

Sorry, I haven't read all the previous responses yet and I'm sure I'll be reiterating most but just had to add a reply to this thread


What exactly does it mean to YOU to be a Word Nerd?

To me a word nerd is someone who is behind, supporting and forever loving David Cook
Someone who, like him actually enjoys words, the meaning behind them (especially in regard to music)


And what exactly is it about David Cook and his music that made you want to become one?

The man can not only turn other's songs out and make it his own and sound better than the original but he does his own song writing, plays guitar, sings his a$$ off and most importantly makes anyone listening feel like he's singing just to them, or at the very least know exactly what he's tryin to convey in his song. That's just pure unadulterated beautiful talent that I personally haven't seen in music in a LONG time...and so glad that he is now easily heard throughout the world. I must take a moment to thank God for making such a human being!!


What is it really about him that makes us all strive to support him and his music career in any way possible?

From what I've seen of him in pics, video, tv appearances etc...he's just a genuine person, doesn't try to be someone he's not and honestly just loves music and sharing his talent with other's...who in the world couldn't support a person like that!

What is it about this group of people you've acquainted yourselves with?

I find that the the same qualities of DC resignate through the threads of Word Nerds
Just genuine people with a love of really awesome music :rock:

And WHY is it that we're all so willing to be called nerds?

David Cook said he's one and that makes it cool!!

What it means....WOW, where do I start? Being a Word Nerd means SO much more to me than just being a fan...I will admit that I was not "on board" from the VERY beginning, but have been around for long enough! I have always watched Idol, but have never really obsessed over a "favorite" before...my 17 year old daughter kept telling me, "Mom, the bartender guy and the dreadlocks guy are both awesome!"...so I started paying a little closer attention! Then David gave the now infamous "Word Nerd" interview, AND I WAS HOOKED! I am also a self-professed NERD...I love language, and often throw "big words" into conversations just to see who I can stump...an evil thing to do, I know...! Well, then David went on to perform "Alright Now"...and I have been following him ever since! That night, Ryan made his little remark about the American Idol website (which I had never explored before!), so I jumped online to see what that site was all about....AND MY LIFE CHANGED FOREVER! (And it led me here to our new home, which is even BETTER!)

The very first few nights I was online, I met people like realiTVlover (Stacy), gigibeans (Gina), and bunches of others who welcomed me into this crazy, loving, super-united family of ours...and I have never looked back! From the forums, I learned more about David's pre-Idol career, and began to explore his music with Axium and from Analog Heart........AND THE TRUE TALENT WAS DISCOVERED! I just could not get over the music that David had created...and started making EVERYONE I knew listen to it! I got my co-workers hooked, my mom hooked...literally everyone! At that point it became my mission to help make sure this genuinely super-talented musician got the recognition he deserved! I became what my firends have referred to as the "Southern Pied Piper for David Cook"...I bought the ITunes, burned the CDs, AND SPREAD THE LOVE! Pretty much everyone knew the name DAVID COOK was going to come out of my mouth at least 20 times a day...and it still does! From the boards, I got my WN number (#490...which really disappointed me at first, because I thought I had taken too long to get a number, and I wanted a LOW number...I should have known that before long, #490 WOULD be a low number! ) Then I went on to create my Word Nerd Name...Band Mom Word Nerd...in honor of my daughter who got me hooked on DC in the first place! She is a marching band kid to the HILT...and the Woodwind Captain of her band...and I am definitely a band mom...so what better thing to call myself?

I am now devoted not only to supporting David at every turn in his career, but to keeping and maintaining the friendships I have built from this wonderful group called the "Word Nerds"....I have made lifelong friends here, and am so grateful for David and his amazing talent which brought us all together!

I LOVE YOU GUYS!

What does WORD NERD means to me?

Well, for me, being a word nerd is such a great gift, and I love it. But the question is, what does a word nerd number means to me?
I had this Word Nerd number not only because I'm adore David Cook's music and his personal appearance. But also, I adore his personality, and I respect him. As one of the thousands of Official Word Nerds, I really respect him, I know that there's a lot people who's being so jealous or whatever bad feeling they had when they knew he's dating Kim Caldwell, and I'm gonna be honest, I was also jealous when I knew that, but would it affect David's music career? No. But I still respect him even he's dating that chick, and even he's engaged, or married someday, My respect for him won't just disappear like a bubble. I respect him for the way he is, and I respect him no matter what. I'm one of the billions (or more) of people who adores David Cook, not only for his appearance, music, personality, but also for the way he used to be.
Ok too much about that, well besides from respecting him, being a word nerd to me means a lot, cause being an Official Word Nerd to me means being a solid fan of David. Just like what I said before, it's such a great gift for me, and it's one of the greatest gifts I've ever had. Being a word nerd to me means Happiness, cause I have this very very good feeing when someone calls me Hey WordNerd2586! I don't know, but I just feel so good when I hear that, and it makes me happy a lot.
And I know that someday, David will see the whole thread of the Word Nerd numbers, and it's such an honor to me to be one of those Word Nerds. And even tho he won't see my name, I'm still proud to be a word nerd.
A Word Nerd number for me is like my family, friends, relatives, and my iPod, coz without it, I'm complete LOST.

What does it mean to be a Word Nerd?

To me, being a Word Nerd is like being a part of a "Movement". I know how I feel about David Cook as a person and what his music means to me, but it's amazing to me that so many people from so many different walks of life and across so many age levels have come together...and have pretty much the exact same feelings about this man as I do. To quote David Cook himself, I'm "having a hard time wrapping my brain around" that. He really is an American Idol in every sense of the word. We haven't met him but we feel we know him. He opened himself up week after week on "American Idol" and allowed us to form a connection with him. He didn't have to do that, he could have just let the music stand on it's own, but by opening himself up and letting us get to know HIM a little bit, he "made" us all fall for him... I don't think any of us really had a choice in the matter. We saw something remarkable in this man and we HAD to get behind him and support him.

David Cook was once asked how he wants to be remembered. His answer was "I just want to be remembered at all". Well, as his fans, that's our job and I think we've got it covered. We will always remember you, David. We're all in this together until the very end. David truly deserves to be sucessful and we all know he will go far. This "movement" of his very own Word Nerds will be behind him all the way.


Why/When did you become a Word Nerd?

I watched all the auditions just to see what talent was out there this year. While I definitely remember David's audition (hmmm...red hair, interesting...kind of dorky outfit...sang well....that was good), that wasn't when I was hooked. I do remember thinking that he was good but that they were NEVER gonna let a rocker win American Idol.....(boy, that was kind of dumb, in retrospect....LOL) I also remember he did well in Hollywood week and then he sang "Happy Together" for the Top 24 week and I thought okay, dorky outfit again, long hair....hmmmm.... Anyways, it was okay but didn't really stay with me. Then came "All Right Now".....I had no commitment to any contestant yet, just kind of liked all of them. Then suddenly here is this man on a video (looks very young, cute, jeans, white T-shirt, blue and grey scarf--looks young and innocent) sitting on the floor doing crosswords and saying he loves words and puzzles! This is the rocker???? Oh, my god....did the ROCKER just call himself a "Nerd" on national TV??? No way! That took guts....I'm likin' this guy. Then David sang "All Right Now" and I was smitten..... Wow!! Yeah, that's a ROCKER!! This guy is a rockstar already, what is he doing on this show???? He was incredible..... Randy says it was good, throwing pics into the crowd and all.... Paula says how all the young boys learning guitar would play that song and all the junior high girls fell in love with the guitar player....I'm nodding my head vigorously....yeah, Paula, spot on.... And David gives us a great quote "and I'm alright with that!"....wow....and THEN...... I have to quote Becsy Babes here from the intro because she totally nailed this---then "the world spun off it's axis"....what the heck happened?? Simon says David's problem is that he lacks charisma and that video did him no favors, people will think he's boring.... Simon, seriously??? Seriously??? This is why Simon is not married...he just doesn't get what women want. And then we see David, God bless him, tell Simon that he doesn't have to win him over, but has to win us over.... oh, David it's true but oh, I feel for him...Simon's gonna rip him to shreds...oh, I'm gonna cry ....leave him alone, Simon...you are entitled to your opinion and David has a right to say what he wants to say..... David handles himself well, but I feel so bad for him....we can all tell he didn't mean it the way it came across to Simon.... He did so well with the video and the song and the part he's gonna remember is the rebuke from Simon.... how sad.... But then Paula at the end---a brilliant lady!--says that "women like smart men"...... and I am applauding and nodding again.... Paula, I love you!!! Women DO like smart men and I was officially hooked on David Cook. The next week with "Hello" totally blew me away and it just continued week after week. How could this guy be so good?? Maybe a ROCKER really could win this thing??!!

Anyways, I was hooked towards the beginning but I didn't become a Word Nerd officially for a long time..... I didn't even know there was such a thing. I hung out on the AI boards on the recaps and the general discussion forums. I'm not sure what I was thinking .... like I didn't want to go to the David Cook forum cuz maybe that was toooo fangirly or something??? I just read the recaps and rooted for David.... well, eventually I made it over to the David Cook forum and lurked for a while. Quite a while... I didn't actually officially join and become a Word Nerd and get a number until David won. At that point , I just knew I had to be "official". This guy was gonna be big, big, big.... there was gonna be no stopping him..... I needed to officially be a part of it. No matter how "fangirly" it seemed, I needed to be in on it.... so I joined.


What makes us all so willing to be called "Nerds"?

In her intro, Becsy Babes said the obvious answer is "Because he's the American Idol". Well, yeah.... that is the answer.... That is MY answer..... "It's David Cook. He's the American Idol. He's OUR American Idol." Who else would I do it for? Maybe no one.....This man just blows me away--his talent, his compassion, his humility, his humor, his intelligence, and well, yeah, his killer looks, too!!....I am blown away every time I hear him sing or hear him speak... He is just so REAL. I am pretty dorky at times, but I never considered myself a "nerd".... but for David to say to the world that he's a nerd, oh, my God... that was a very brave thing to do. He just put it all out there over and over again and trusted people to believe in him and support him. And we did, en masse. If it means I need to call myself a "nerd" in order to support this wonderful man who so rightfully deserves all the success that is coming to him, then sign me up.... I am proud to call myself his fan and to call myself a "Word Nerd".

By the way, I have now totally embraced my inner "fangirliness (?)" and my inner "nerdiness/dorkiness" and am very proud of these attributes in myself! Thank you very much..... ROCK ON!! :rock:

Wow, so many wonderful posts, it's such a fantastic thread to read.

This will be my first post, hello everyone, glad I found you.

I don't even have a Word Nerd number yet; for some reason that I don't even know myself, I never thought of asking for one . But I am going to correct that right after I finish this post; I want to be part of this great family and be an official WN!

I just want to add my 2 cents as to what it means to be a Word Nerd; although you all pretty much said what I wanted to say!

Well, what it means to me is to show my unconditional support and love for this beautiful man and artist that is David Cook. And to show my eternal gratitude for all the moments of pure happiness that he brought and will bring to my life.

I will also have to quote what you, Made, said on the previous page because this actually is EXACTLY what it means to me, you said it perfectly:
"Setting aside what an amazing artist David is and how his voice, musical talent and sexyness attracted us to him, I think the kindness, the commitment, the respect, the loyalty and the sensitivity he showed us are also part of what being a WN means. Don’t get me wrong, neither him nor us are saints, lol. But we do have a moral code we abide to." I couldn't have said it better.

The other thing is that, like many of you, I actually am a real word nerd and I especially LOVE word games (scrabble anyone?? ).

How and when I became such a fan...Well, first of all, I had never ever watched even only 5 minutes of American Idol in my life before. There must have been some secret force somewhere that pushed me to start watching it this season, the season of David Cook. I followed him from the start and really liked him when he did Happy Together, and then Hello, of course. He became my favourite that day. But I still wasn't quite the fan that I was going to become a few weeks later.

My interest in him was growing bigger and bigger, without me wanting to admit it and trying to fight back. Because I admit that I was embarrassed to be a fan of an AI contestant, I was one of these persons who thought this show could bring nothing good to music (I have obviously changed my mind now!).

He completely knocked me down with Billy Jean and I just gave up the fight then; WHY the hell was I fighting?? This man was just too amazingly talented and wonderful not to be loved. And, with every show and every one of his performances, I loved him more and more. "The World I Know" topped it all for me; I was speechless, this was magnificent. I can't stop listening to this song every day, several times a day.

That's how I got here in a nutshell!! When I think about it, I was really stupid to be embarrassed, how ridiculous...All you can be and all I am is super PROUD to be a Word Nerd because I know like you all that David Cook is so fabulous that the word to say how fabulous he is hasn't been invented yet.

What does it mean to be a Word Nerd?

For me, being a word nerd is all about David Cook. It is about embracing everything about him. It means appreciating all things he do and will be doing in the near future and not being conditional to the fact that he can have limitations as all other artists. It is about loving his music, admiring his talents and believing in him. It is about giving and showing support regardless of what other people might be saying, be either positive or negative.

And how did you become one?

I was not able to watch AI religiously considering the fact that I am presently working. I first saw him on AI during the auditions and thought that he "kinda" looked cute. After that, I got the chance to watch a few AI episodes and was trying to brush off the feeling that I was beginning to like him. After seeing Always be my baby, I was totally mesmerized by his performance, noting the fact that it was one of my all time favorite songs. It struck me the reality that I have no reason not to give in to my admiration of him. He is an amazing person, a great performer and a talented individual.

RESERVING MY SPOT AS I HAVE TO PONDER THIS AND WRITE IT OUT WHEN I AM MORE RELAXED

All parts of the original query will be answered within this endless post!!:

Since I learned to read (pre-Kindergarten) I have loved language and words. As a child, I read everything I could get my hands on, played Scrabble (and kicked ass!), crossword puzzles, word finds etc. All thru school, college and into my adult life, I have continued my love affair with words--passing it on to my children as well. My use of uncommon language labelled me as a dork, a nerd, a smarty-pants-know-it-all by those who didn't understand the meaning of the words I used. Nobody I knew really shared my joy of the written and spoken word.

Then one night while I was watching AI, the guy with the voice and the wierd hair said something that stopped my breathing for a moment. "I'm a Word Nerd." OMG!!! That's me! That's him!! The connection commitment was made that night. But then... I ventured to the AI website. Lurking around the General Discussion threads was interesting, but not captivating. I started looking around a bit more. I surfed on in to the David Cook threads and it was like coming home! There were Nerds EVERYWHERE!!!!! The more I read, the more I enjoyed myself. Here was a group of people who embraced Nerddom and reveled in it!! AND...they were all talking (writing) about David Cook and his performances. At this point, I had not signed up; I was a lurker.

Then, Mr Cook sang "Hello".

I started out sitting on the couch and before his lip left the microphone, I was sitting on the BACK of the couch, eyes bugging out of my head, shaking like a leaf. My husband sittng across the room watching my performance. "DID YOU HEAR THAT??" He agreed that it was really really good (he's a hard core rock guy) and was mostly amused by my behavior. At this time, I should mention that I never really followed Idol before and certainly never voted. I'm a bit of a non-participator, preferring to watch from the sidelines. I still was nervous about phoning in my vote. I think that was the night I signed in to the AI boards. I became a participant and started following the threads in the David Cook folder. After a few really funny threads caught my attention, I started posting here and there. I simply HAD to share my feelings for this contestant who literally made me climb the couch! Not only that, but he was comfortable in his skin--enough that he told Simon he wasnt there to impress HIM; he needs to impress US. And he did.

That was the beginning of the end for me. I began getting excited about Tuesday nights and looking forward to what DC would bring to the show. As to the exact performance that turned me from the casually-posting-and-really-digging David Cook fan to the practically-obsessive-forum-addicted-frenzied-fan-girl...I think it was ABMB (for the record, I truly dislike Mariah Carey's style of music and other than this song, couldn't name ONE of her hits) But... from that moment on I started really listening, looking and feeling this man and his music. I surfed his pre-Idol vids on the Toob--my husband even surfing with me and really enjoying the Axiom collection. I stayed up 'til all hours hanging with the Nerds and laughing out loud--sometimes til tears ran down my face. I read everything about DC and really got to know the character of this entertaining Word Nerd with the crazy hair and the voice that made me shiver and the eyes...well...you guys know where that ends up!! The more I read, the more I realized the quality of people I was spending time with--and what a group they were! I was distraught 'cause I missed the boat on the dog tags. I was amazed that such a thing could actually be done! (sending gifts to someone on TV!! it was crazy!) Actually... DCcrazy, DoctorBice, ttpianogirl and a whole slew of other obviously intelligent people who were also ga-ga-fangirly and obsessing over this talented man so I was validated in my craziness. My husband feared for my sanity the night I stayed up 'til 2am voting feverishly (572 times!!)

I'm afraid I could go on and on, and I won't because you've all been there and know the feelings I have been through and still experience due to my involvement with this group and my devotion to this rare talent, David Cook. Even as a teenager, I never went "nutsy" over any actors or singers. DC is my first *blush*. I have experienced the heart rate increase, the nerves on Results Night, the getting choked up when reading posts about how DC has changed lives and done kind things, I have felt the rush of hormones when looking at pics of him with children (ack!) and the tingle that comes with the various, and dangerous picture threads. (I just noticed I went on and on anyway!) Yes...I've got it bad.

I think the thing that has completely enthralled me is that he is such a wonderful human being first, and an incredible talent to boot. The way he gives Lindsey Rose support, the way he treats his friends and family, the caring and respect he showed his co-competitors, the appreciation he shows to us and all of his fans--cripes...I'm getting teary eyed just writing this! I have posted this before, but I will do it again: David Cook has set the bar for all Idols hereafter. It's not good enough to have a voice. David has given us an Idol we can look up to, someone I would encourage children to see as a role model, someone I would want to be my friend. (if there were benefits, all the better )

I am willing, nay PROUD to be a Nerd if being a Nerd means I am a person who can see the good in life and in other people. If it means I want to be a better person because David has inspired me to do so, yes...I am very proud to be a Word Nerd. I will support David Cook's career--I will purchase his recordings, hang with the Nerds, be a part of his huge fanbase, participate in gifts and crazy threads and the ogling and clever wordplay...gah! It's just too much!!! Teri aka Rowana13 aka Devotee of DC Word Nerd #1342

What Does it Mean: It Means so Much just to be a part of this. I've grown to love ( most ) of the wordnerds.



To answer the second qustion, He had me at "Hello".

What does it mean to YOU to be a "Word Nerd"?

Being a "Word Nerd" means several things to me. It means sharing a fascination with words and their meanings. It means loving, respecting, accepting, admiring and supporting David Cook - the artist and the man - and my fellow Word Nerds. It also means investing time and effort toward others with an open heart and without thought of recompense.

How did you come to be one? And what exactly is it about David Cook and his music that made you want to become one ... that makes us all strive to support him and his music career in any way possible?

I'm going to borrow from myself here, unashamedly using some words I have posted before. *smirks* American Idol was something that played in the background while I worked. Seldom over the years had I ever been tempted to turn my head and watch. The day I heard David Cook's audition was just such a day. That remarkable voice reached out and grabbed hold of me - I heard it, I felt it, and the force with which it hit me was palpable.

Over the many weeks that followed, I listened to his music prior to (Axium, 'Analog Heart', etc.) and watched as he rose to or exceed every challenge presented on Idol; I quickly discovered that not only was David Cook an undeniably gifted singer, he was an incredible performer and talented songwriter, musician and artist, whose music is often brave, raw, emotional and truthful ... beautiful and exhilarating! I also witnessed countless examples, through his music and his actions, of his intelligence and thoughtfulness, his humbleness and kindness, his generosity, his respect for others, his waggishness and sense of humor, his genuineness, and glimpses into what I suspected was a very great heart.

To champion David Cook and his music was a no-brainer, and is intoxicating.

I had never before been inspired to regularly watch AI, let alone vote for any contestant or participate in a forum, etc., yet I found myself clearing my calendar every Tuesday night - eagerly anticipating his next performance and voting tens, then hundreds, and then thousands of times over hours in support. I shared videos, 'Analog Heart', etc. with friends, family and associates. Finally, I joined the AI forums, having come across the official signal and sentiment thread and feeling compelled to participate. Soon thereafter, as I felt I had been a "Word Nerd" since the moment I heard David's voice, I decided I might as well become one 'officially' and involve myself further - knowing that what we had heard of David's prior work and what we were hearing/seeing on Idol was only the beginning!

That David Cook seems to have remained true to himself and has touched and inspired many souls is no surprise to this or to any other Word Nerd; I suspect he will continue to do so for many, many years to come.

I am very much looking forward to what comes next! I am a fan for life.

FoolsApril64
Fools Fancy-Free Word Nerd #1323
/foolsfancyfree

Here are my thoughts on your questions:

What exactly does it mean to YOU to be a Word Nerd?

David Cook in his genius (though perhaps unwittingly) generated so much interest in his artistry and life that we could not help but join together in appreciation, fangirly (or plain old fan) worship, and VOTING!!! Word Nerds are a Community where I can come to share my hopes, thoughts, feelings, dreams, giggles, drools, and entire life. We have really become true friends, and it means that YOU ALL have changed my life for the better.

And what exactly is it about David Cook and his music that made you want to become one?
Ah, David Cook. Just hearing his voice usually can turn me into a puddle. I have very seldom heard a voice, a singer, who can completely mesmerize me. He reaches into my psyche and snags the one thing I am thinking about Right Now, and sings to it. He can create a masterpiece out of a 90 second cover song, and win over an entire country doing it (Hello). As his confidence grew throughout the season, so did his yumminess, his appeal, and his PERFORMANCES got better!!! For some reason, though I am happily married, David Cook turned into the Sexiest Man Alive for me. His music, his own soul seemed exposed to me more and more each week, and I lapped it up like a kitty loves milk.

I got a member account on AI to post recaps originally, because I felt I had to tell SOMEONE the things I was thinking. I appreciated it when people would reply and engage me in conversations about my opinions (Gwen!) and I enjoyed reading others' recaps too (Puckenstein, Doc Idol). Thinking about the contestants' performances in a constructively critical way was how I really began to get into David Cook. (OK, yeah, I decended into pettiness a few times, and I am sorry!)

Week after week, I began to notice that, at the top of my list consistently, was David Cook, usually followed by exclamations like HOT and WOW and SEXY BEAST. So, I started surfing more on the AI forums and found the David Cook folder.

Once I went in, I never came back out. I got me a Word Nerd Number (# 962), and came up with my own title: Serendipitous Word Nerd (because Serendipity is one of my favorite words, and it accurately described for me the journey David has made to become the massive talent and American Idol that he is).

I LOVED the picture threads, I loved the S & S thread, and our Weinermobile was ROCKIN (Thanks Jaqui!). I have made so many personal friends here and at AI. I became obsessed with the Rock the Vote. I joined here and got involved in the Go Phone fund and phone drive. Many people donated money, and put it in MY hands to ensure that David Cook got more votes each week. That trust in me was so amazing, it really touched my heart. I did my very best to make sure David Cook won American Idol. I sent people phones, I sent people calling cards, and money to buy phones. I enslaved my family and friends, and threatened them with certain death if they did not comply with my voting demands.

I spent a BAJILLION hours on the chat box here, making friends (Tainda, Becsy, Stacy, Gina, Annette, Jayne, Jodie, Puck, Joe, Courtney, Made, Jaqui, Becca, Allie, and I will list you all soon, I am so tired!).

I have more to say, but I will post this for now.
I LUV you all, and I love David Cook!

What It Means To Be A "Word Nerd"
You give David & his music all your support and appreciation no matter what. You can't get enough of it. You spend most of your time on the boards reading all things David. You spend/spent ALL night (what was it four hours on the finale?) voting for David (even though you got through about four times and slept through everyones else performances because you were sick all day haha sorry that was me). You only care that David is happy, acknowledging his fans, and making more of the AMAZING music we all love! You are planning on being FIRST in line to get Davids next album. You try to make ALL your friends love David & his music like you do! You would give ANYTHING to meet the man that you admire SO much!

How I Came To Be One
I thought David was amazing since his first audition. I remember hearing and seeing him and thinking this guy has an awesome voice and he is REALLY cute! Each performance he drew me in. I was verging on addicted when I heard about his brother & his support for Cancer. That is my sensitive spot. My cousin, he's 15, (who is more like a brother to me than my real brother is. He means the WORLD to me! I love him more than words can express) was diagnosed with Leukemia two Christmas ago. He's still battling it. Davids support for Cancer showed me not only was he the most talented and cutest musician the show has ever seen he was also the most sincere and genuine contestant ever. I knew I was hooked on Cook. There was no escaping it. So here I am today. Devoted Word Nerd #1682 & Cookified and Totally Addicted Word Nerd.

I Love You David! You are truly amazing!! Good Luck! I can't wait to see you at the Dallas Show! =))

What it means to be a Word Nerd
Really, it comes down to just loving David Cook's music. His music is a reflection of his qualities as a human being. He is obviously smart, articulate, kind and just a good person. Listening to his music, you get a sense of all of that.

How I Came To Be One
Honestly, by accident. I never watched AI before this season. I was flipping through channels and it got left on Fox. I started watching, out of boredom more than anything. Then the piece about David Cook being a "word nerd" came up. After his performance, I remember thinking he was really good and seemed genuine. So I decided to would watch the following week. The following week, he blew me away with his version of "Hello." At this point American Idol was on my must watch list. The next week I became a David Cook fan. His performance of "Eleanor Rigby" was what really cememted my status as a Word Nerd. From the second he started singing, it was no longer American Idol, it was a David Cook concert. There was a moment during that performance when he threw his arms out to the side...THAT was the moment that it happened for me. That very second, the chills went down my spine and I was in awe. Then afterwards, before Randy started speaking, David jumped up and down and showed the world that he was in it for the music. It didn't seem to matter him what the judges were going to say, he just loved being able to perform. And that is what he showed week after week, talent and a love of making music.

I'm so glad that he gets to make his living doing what he loves.