From time to time in various Criminal Mind chats and in comments left on this blog we have wondered if the networks care about what the fans are saying about their shows and whether they see what we post on the internet. I am happy to report that I can now answer those questions. CBS does read what is written and does care what the fans think about Criminal Minds. I know this to be true because as you are reading this post I am on the set of Criminal Minds watching them film "Ashes and Dust" which will air March 21st. The circumstances surrounding this wonderful opportunity could not have been more thrilling if the writers of the show had scripted it themselves. I was approached awhile ago by a CBS executive inviting me to come to the set to meet the cast and watch them film. In the middle of planning the trip Linn came up with the wonderful idea of collecting pens for Kirsten. What very few people knew was that I would be able to hand deliver the pens to Kirsten in person.
I drafted this post for my blog a few days ago and as of last night turned the blog over to Stacy until I return home. Stacy has agreed to finalize this post today for me. I will not be in the chat this evening since filming runs fairly late into the day. TIVO will record "Jones" for me and I look forward to watching it when I get back home. I packed several sharpies, tons of TV Guides, Parade Mags and pictures to get signed. Three digital cameras are already packed and the presents for the cast are in my suitcases. I would like to thank Stacy for everything she has done to help me get ready for this adventure and for babysitting my blog. She has promised to not turn the blog into a Thomas Gibson shrine during my absence but lets all keep our fingers crossed.
I look forward to sharing the pictures, autographs and personal memories with you all very soon. I promise to take tons of pictures. I feel as though I am going as a representative for everyone who visits this blog and are members of the Yahoo groups that I run. I hope to do you all proud but the last time I met Mandy I was barely able to babble. Lets all hope I can form actual words this time.
Watch the show tonight and know that I am with you in spirit in the chat room after the episode. We have a large break between the airing tonight of “Jones” and the airing of “Ashes and Dust”. I am confident that this trip will provide us all with plenty of things to talk about and share while we wait for our favorite show to air the new episode. As a side benefit of the trip I am going to get to meet our adopted Criminal Minds star Kris. I am very excited about that as well. So watch “Jones” this evening and post lots of spoilers for me to look at when I get home. Talk with you all soon. Jill
That...is..so...awesome...I..can...hardly...form...words
ReplyDeletesoooooo jealous, can't wait to see pics of MGG!!!!
wowowowowow! That is such an amazing opportunity! Have fun! I have to say I'm a member of the yahoo group but I haven't posted yet... I'm always swamped at work but I'll defintely have to post something soon. Can't wait to hear all the stories!
ReplyDeleteEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
ReplyDeleteLike Jenny, I'm ... words ... breathing ... whole sentences ... later.
OMG -- this is just too cool! Are they really paying attention to us? They couldn't have invited a nicer or bigger fan than Jill! We want details of every minute! What does MGG think of his socks?
ReplyDeleteWow! That is so amazing!
ReplyDeleteHope you have a wonderful time and lots and lots of fun.
wow
and just, wow
*squee*
ReplyDeletevery exciting.
and if MGG should accidently fall into your suitcase, you can bring him home with you!
Wowwwww - hope you had a great time - I am sure you would have - it is well deserved - cant wait to hear all about it
ReplyDeleteThat is so cool for you. I would love to be there with you right now but since I am not I really hope that it is an awesome experience.
ReplyDeleteAnd it is great to know that CBS is actually interested in the fan's opinion. So probably we will not have to be angry when watching a future episode.
Oooooh myyyyy Gooooodddd, I think you can hear my heart beating over there in the US.
ReplyDeleteIt's so cool that you'll see them all "in nature".
Enjoy this wonderful day and report every second of it... ;-)
CU sindee
*who would definitely help Stacy to build this blog into a TG shrine* :-D
Oh, god, I can FINALLY talk about this now! *lol*
ReplyDeleteJill, you already know that I think this was such a fabulous opportunity and I'm so glad you were able to go!
I think you deserve it for all the hard work you do on this blog and for the yahoogroup...take lots of pics and I'm looking forward to hearing all about your trip when you get back.
*squee* *bounce bounce* (I sure don't need any extra sugar today!!)
Have fun!
I am so envious. But I figure if I'm meant to meet the cast I will.
ReplyDeleteTry to get a photo of yourself sitting in the plane!
Also, what's next, stacey consulting on a show about a slash writer turned killer?
To use a 'Scouse' expression - I'm gobsmacked (just have to hope that doesn't mean something rude in the US..if it does, I'm sorry :-( ). Your blog is amazing and the honour couldn't have gone to a better person.
ReplyDeleteReally looking forward to your report'.
Oh my wow........I can't believe what an opportunity this would be to take part in! Just thinking about the opportunity gets the flutters going, I can't imagine what you're feeling right now, I really can't.
ReplyDeleteToo bad I'm newer to the forums/groups (but not to CM!!) and didn't get the chance to send something in. :-( Maybe next time, if there is a next time!
Have fun, and I can't wait to see your update!
I can't get too excited cause I am SO sick right now..but OMG AWESOME!!!
ReplyDeleteLee :)
OMG That is so AWESOME.
ReplyDeleteJill, I hope Mandy dances with you and sings in your ear!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations and I can't wait to hear all about it. I can't think of someone more deserving.
Absolutely amazing Jill!! Congrats - you deserve it - you do such a fabulous job here and in your group - I am thrilled to be a part of both :) Have a safe trip and lots of fun!
ReplyDeleteAnd Stacy - thanks for "babysitting" the blog!!
Awesome! And good for you!
ReplyDeleteWell-earned.
JILLLLLLL!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou really know how to build up doors so chance can knock at!!!!
You deserve it all!
Paola
Oh, Jill -- squuueeeeeeeeeeeeee! I'm so happy for you.
ReplyDeleteOkay, now, exactly HOW am I supposed to do boring accounting stuff when right now, right NOW, our favorite people may be opening their boxes of trinkets over their morning coffee?
I'm so glad Jill got to go, but I can't wait until she gets back so we can hear all about it!
Wow Jill, what an amazing opportunity for you. If anyone deserves it, its you. Thank you for all you do with the blog and yahoo group.
ReplyDeleteI am so jealous. Can't wait to see all the pics and hear the stories.
sindee: Re: the TG Shrine? Sounds good. After all, while the cat's away the mice can play...I'll see what I can do. *G*
ReplyDeleteomg jill that is awesome!!!! you are by far, the luckiest fan on this planet lol.
ReplyDeletei am sooo jealous. wow, words can't even describe it lol.
hopefully they check out criminalminds.org lol.
well, congrats!!
go on Stacy, see how many TG pics you can post! *G*
ReplyDeleteAnd Jill - hope you are having the most fantabulous day.
Jill,
ReplyDeleteLori said it best...I hope Mandy dances with you and sings in your ear!!
(you can then ask him about elles and prentisses watch.)
SOAK it all in, APPRECIATE and ENJOY!!
SSA Jentzer
Hey everyone. I just wanted to say that I finally met Jill last night and she is the nicest person on Earth. I will write about my experience meeting Jill on my blog in the next couple of days. As you know, I've worked on Criminal Minds and they are super cool over there. Jill is in good hands and I know she is having a blast right now as I write this.
ReplyDeleteTalk to you guys soon!
woawwww!!!!O_O
ReplyDeletei just have not words for this....i always read your blog Jill but i never have posted a comment...you make my dream come true!!!hope you have a wonderful day(i supouse it)and enjoy every secondd!!!:D
P.D:Sorry my english is so bad
Have a great day!!^_^
Ah, man, she got to meet Kris, too? That's just too unfair! (stomps about in a great huff)
ReplyDeleteBut seriously ... I'm so glad you got to get together you. That's awesome! If we'd known, we would have sent goodies for you, too. (Though I don't think buckeyes travel especially well ...)
OMG !!!!!! That's incredible !!!! I can't believe it !!! I can barely write ... It's a wonderful new ... Lucky you are Jill !!!!
ReplyDeleteJill - you are lucky lucky lucky
ReplyDeleteHope they all appreciate you!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'M DELIGHTED INTO SPEECHLESSNESS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congrats! I don't post much on here but I do enjoy the site and check it almost every day. Great job! That is awesome that they are having you come out to meet the cast and watch a taping. I am a little bit jealous ;)
ReplyDeleteUpdate from Jill: I spoke to her early this morning (her time; we're on opposite ends of the continent right now!) and she arrived safely in LA late last night.
ReplyDeleteEverything's going well...and she said to tell you she had some "exciting" news about the package MGG's stuff was in and that we might not believe but she'll have proof!
Of course, she was anxiously awaiting her trip to the set...I know she'll have a great time and I can't wait til she gets back to share her stories (and piccys) with us.
Wahhh I can't wait to read the report of how it went!
ReplyDeleteWhy is there such a long break before "Ashes and Dust?" It was so hard to wait for the winter break again, I'm pretty upset that they're having another break so soon.
I had to jump in and say I FULLY agree with Jentzner about Mandy singing and dancing with you!!! You'd deserve it. Awesome!!!
ReplyDeleteLee :)
dani: there are breaks in the tv season (and always have been) because they hold "sweeps" in Nov, Feb, and May--they have to air new eps during those times...it's the way the tv world works. (And the sweeps results let the networks set how much they can charge for advertising in a show).
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Jill will have enough stories and pictures and things to keep us occupied during that looonnnggg month. And people say February is the cruelest month....*G*
OMG!!! That is so fantastic! I'm so jealous but happy that you're getting this opportunity! I can't wait to see the pics and and hear the full report when you get back!
ReplyDeletehope it's all as wonderful as you hope and you're having fun fun fun... we'll talk before I go away.
ReplyDeleteOkay, after a looong day at school, this news SURELY makes my day!!! YAY. Congrats Jill! Hope you have a GREAT time. =)
ReplyDeleteP.S. If you see Matthew, can you tell him that our birthdays fall under March, and mine is on the 6? LOL. It's awesome to know he's a pisces. ;)
Jill that is so great! Now they are only two degrees of separation from the rest of us!
ReplyDeleteYou certainly deserve it. Have a great time!
ooh, so 'xcting!
ReplyDeletecan't hardly wait till you get back and tell all.
What a winning combo our special "Criminal Minds" is: TOP SERIES ON T.V...TOP CHARACTERS ("Hot Hotch" way up on TOP)...TOP GROUP OWNER (our Jill)...TOP CO-MODERATOR (our Stacy)...TOP BUNCH IN GROUP (ourselves)!
ReplyDeleteWell, CBS should know that makes them the TOP NETWORK...!!!!!!
What a wonderful, awesome time for our Jill...ENJOY!!!!!!
Oh my god!!! That's SO amazing!!!
ReplyDeleteJill I am so unbelieveably happy for you, and just a little bit jealous for me....
ReplyDeleteDon't forget to tell them about the plight of the Canadian Fan!
They filmed their pilot here so they do owe us something.
Wow !!! I'm waiting impatiently the news and pics. :) If you read this during your day with them, I have a question. Do they watch the fanvids ? Do they like the fanvids I made ? What do they think about these ? The fanvids are here : http://azertynin.livejournal.com
ReplyDeleteGod,Jill That's so exciting, how did you keep it a secret from all of us this long? I am so jealous. I snuck online at lunch today and I was so excited my supervisor practically had to nail my pants to my chair to keep me in it the rest of the day. I can't wait to hear the news about Matthew's package, it better not be that the airline lost it.
ReplyDeleteHope you get to meet the writers as well - after all, the show would be nothing without them. They do such a good job.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was talking to Jill, I never thought to ask if she'd get to meet the writers or other staff...I'd love to meet the writers. Because, well...y'all know why! *lol*
ReplyDeleteHope Jill's having a great time!
Oh, awesomeness!!! :D
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Jill, have fun and give the cast (and crew) our best!
I just read about this! Jill, you are so lucky! I think I'm jealous. Hope they're treating you well out there...
ReplyDeleteAnd have you found out any good tidbits you can pass along to us about the eps??? One can hope, can't they? *G*
How exciting! Congratulations Jill, you totally deserve it! Can't wait to hear your reports :)
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for posting the picture of the pens - glad to see mine arrived on time!
Wow, it's kinda cool that they're paying attention to us! I love CM and it's my fave show on TV. People know to NOT call my house while it's on cus I won't answer the phone. *hee*
ReplyDeleteGood luck with everything, Jill!
lol, stacy, I think I know why *G*
ReplyDeleteBut I would like to meet the writers too, if only to ask who is obsessed with our royal family??
We have had Spencer, Diana, William, Charles . . .
Jill - I hope you are enjoying yourself - what a lovely treat.
ReplyDeleteAnd please let us know if Thomas is as hunky in the flesh as he is on screen
*lol* nebula. Yes, and I wonder if Spencer was Diana Reid's maiden name: DIana Spencer.
ReplyDeleteYou're right it does sound like someone has a thing for the Royal Family. Interesting!
lulu: I totally agree with you, Thomas is the best looking guy on the show!
ReplyDeleteJill, I hope you get some nice piccies of him...and the other cast as well!
ANd I really hope you're enjoying yourself--you're SO lucky!
stacy - we can but wonder.
ReplyDeleteI did think he might be named for Edmund Spenser, who wrote the Faerie Queen (royals again!), but the spelling is different. But mother's maiden name would make more sense.
Hopefully Jill will get all the answers and more!
I was googling Criminal Minds and came across this blog. I can't believe I haven't found it before. I have just spent a good while looking around. Great piccies.
ReplyDeletewhat an awesome thing to do with the pens and gifts - i just wish I had found it before so I could have joined in and sent a gift as well.
I would have sent a tie to Matthew Gray Gubler, because he needs some new ones, and let's face it, the guy is hot.
This is so incredibly exciting!!! And no one deserves it more than Jill! Blogs and discussion groups don't just make and maintain themselves, esp. at the quality that we're so lucky to enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThanks also to slashgirl for co-modding while Jill's gone and for providing so many of our show caps for the blog. That doesn't happen automatically, either, and she puts in a lot of effort to download and choose the very best caps out of literally thousands!
We're so lucky in the talented women who make our groups so wonderful! i'm so happy to see Jill get recognized by CBS and the cast. She rocks!
I hope you gave MGG lots of hugs for us!! (But not too many!!)
ReplyDeleteHi, Ben! (waves wildly) I think you've found us on the most exciting day we've ever had. Welcome aboard!
ReplyDeleteHi Lin! (waves back)
ReplyDeleteThank you for such a nice welcome.
I have been looking around this blog and it seems like a real friendly place.
This is such a good day to find this blog, huh?
And I guess I am in good company with the Gubler fans. Reid rocks my socks.
Ben
That is awesome....I wish you to have fun, but i already know just the chance to see them film and meet the cast you'll have fun no problem.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy it.
Hi, Ben! Welcome to the blog. I think Lin is right, you did find us on a good day. I'm glad you've liked what you've seen here...it really is a fun place to be; Jill does a friggin' amazing job with it.
ReplyDeleteAnd while Reid is cute in a geeky sorta way? He's not nearly as sexy as Hotch is! *G*
Hope you come back and visit us often!
Welcome Ben! I am glad you found us on such an auspicious day!
ReplyDeleteHey slashgirl and lori
ReplyDeletethank you for the welcome. I have joined in with the yahoogroup and I look forward to chatting with you all.
And what a swell bunch of people you are!
Ben
Jill,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great opportunity! I'm thrilled that you were able to go and hand deliver the pens and cards from everyone! I'm so excited to hear about your stories when you get back!
AHHHHHHH!!! I'm so glad for you Jill! You deserve the trip and to go see the screening very much! And I'm very glad to be a part of this too! Have a great time! What a great experience, and give MGG a nice big hug for me! lol.
ReplyDeleteI have quite a giant smile, from ear to ear right now that I will wear right into the episode of CM that is on in 47 minutes!! And should MGG accidentally fall into your suitcase as someone above said, you know my address! This is sooooooooooo awesome! I can't wait to see what they think of all the awesome gifts!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so psyched!!!
I was out all day so I didn't get to read the blog until just this evening, it was killing me to get home and check it!!!!
ReplyDeleteWish I was in your shows. Then again, I wouldnt know how to act!
ReplyDeleteOMG, I can't believe it. I knew I should have sent you that card. I could have even emailed it, couldn't I. But I didn't. My chest just skunk in. And you know who I wanted to send a card to. But, Congradulation! You do deserve such a great vacation and gift. You have been a devoted fan of the show. I just want to know if they have ever been to the yahoo group site? My lost. Maybe I can get that card sent another time. Please take lots of pictures.
ReplyDeleteIt's great to know you'd chated with the the team! I can tell how excited you are!^^
ReplyDeleteI saw Kris's ms that she'd write about that meeting...curious to see what she'd talk about you!
Hey, I'm a boy!! LOLOL
ReplyDeleteWow Jill, that news rocks so much!!! hehe, you should have taken me in your suitcase!!! :P Also, as well as bringing back memories and pictures, bring back Thomas Gibson!!! :P Anyways, thats so cool, have fun!!!!!
ReplyDeleteOkay, I am now officially dying for Jill to get home and tell us everything!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHow long is Jill planning on being out there? I bet she's having a great time but now i'm so anxious and excited to hear what she has to say when she gets back!!!!
ReplyDeleteHas anyone heard from Jill since she got to LA? I am dying to hear some details. Any details. I bet she was really excited about meeting the writers and producers. She loves them as much as the cast. She is getting to meet Mandy. I know she must be on a cloud. How awesome. I am in shock.
ReplyDeleteOMG!!! I MISSED IT I WANTED TO SEND MY PENS TOO! BUT I AM SO GLAD THAT YOU HAD THE OPPURTUNITY TO MET AND GREET THE CRIMINAL MINDS CAST SET AND NICE TO HEAR YOU GOT A HUG FROM MANDY!? COOOL! WELL MAYBE NEXT TIME. SEE YOU GUYS ON THE CHAT.
ReplyDelete--SAN T
I definitely envy you for this opportunity.
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what it's like to meet someone you, dare I say, idolize. your mind just kind of goes blank and all you can think is "someone. pinch. me."
jacqui #241