Win Gold Tickets to Creation Chicago 2012 con

[Saevitia]

Stargate was one of the things that brought my family closer together. I began watching SG1 when I was in middle school. Every now and then I would be joined by my mother. Of course that every now and then turned into a regular occurance and she became almost as much of a fan as I am.

Occasionally when we would be watching Stargate my father, who is the epitome of workaholic, would come out of his office and join us. And then proceed to pester us incessantly about characters and plot details.

I only had one friend who enjoyed the shows as much as I do, and she moved away when I was in eigth grade. I had no one else to watch or discuss the shows with other than my parents. None of us followed many shows, and the three of us never followed the same show all together. It became a fantastic way to pass an hour, and, at least briefly, prevented fights breaking out over who wanted to watch what on the television.

While I was the only person who continuously kept up with the shows, my mother will still sit down to watch a rerun with me from time to time when I'm home. Her birthday is in early August and I'm tired of getting her knitting books. In the (unlikely) event that I do win, that second ticket is going to her.

[SPARTEN II]

Stargate introduced me to the world of science fiction. Without it, I never would have discovered many of the other amazing science fiction shows.

[djtech1982]

Stargate has transformed my life in ways I would've never even imagined. I've made some good friends because of that, and found out that my best friend loves it as much as I do (never knew that!). Every day after work, I love coming home and watching a random episode of Stargate. Stargate is one of the few series that has transformed the science fiction genre. I love to research the making of SG1. I'm amazed that, "According to the SG-1 producers, a broadcast network would have cancelled SG-1 after a few episodes, but Showtime put no pressure on the show to 'deliver the meteoric ratings the way network shows do.'"

Stargate has even inspired my friend and I to create a sci fi/fantasy television series, which we will be trying to get produced. When we write down our ideas for storylines, we always like to make homages to Stargate. It would be awesome even to work with some of the people from the Stargate series sometime in the future. But we know we have a lot of work to do in order to get the series sold produced.

[Altarf81]

Stargate was, and still is, for me a lot more than just a TV show. It's a pretty good excuse to sit on my couch and watch my all-time favorite show/franchise. I don't really know where my fascination for Stargate lies, maybe it's the mythology, the numerous serious action scenes (and yet humoristic at some point) or the idea of space travel in our very present, but I just love it. However, the thing that makes Stargate what it is is the entire crew working hard to accomplish the incredible! Indeed those are talented actors and brilliant producers. It has also brought me closer to some friends of mine. Wether it's SG-1, SGA or SGU I'll always have the time to enjoy one or two episode with my best friend who is also a number one fan!

[littlesquirrel]

The Sci-Fi community as a whole is such an amazing community and Stargate offered so many great stories and characters. You don't have to be an alien like Tealc to understand how hard it is to leave your family and go to a new world (city, state, country, etc.), or to join a new group of friends. Daniel, Rodney, Sam, Nicolas - they made it cool to be a geek. SG gave us unusual but lasting friendships and frenemies, not to mention some fun-to-hate villians. It was sad to see the SG era end on TV, but we keep it alive here on the forum and with the friendships we've struck up through the years.

[1651959]

After having watched the Stargate series from movie length and into the tv series, I purchased the boxed set of Stargate SG1 and rewatch all the series(Atlantis,SGU) over and over and even re-runs on tv, you could say I'm hooked, don't have a day that isn't Stargated.

[luquado]

Well, I got into SG1 first, years ago, after tuning into reruns on SciFi after a knee surgery left me with not much to do for a week or so, and I was hooked. I quickly went back and watched the feature film and then eventually got caught up with all of SG1, finished that out, some of SGA, and all of SGU.

How it's affected my life? I loved, loved, loved the actors, but in particular RDA's, Michael Shanks's, David Blue's, Louis Ferreira's, Robert Carlyle's, Jamil Walker Smith's, and Brian J Smith's approaches to their roles and characters... and if I ever get back into acting, watching how they approached their material will inform what I do. I loved the imaginative expansion of the original film's concept over the many seasons, which has made me try to be that creative and evolutionary in my songwriting and storytelling. The shows were some of the few shows I could watch as a break from long hours of coding/programming and not get taken out of the "zone", probably because they often engaged viewers intellectually as well as tell a fun story.

But most of all, it was cool to watch how, every week, the writers, actors, producers -- heck, everyone on the gig -- constantly stretched the boundaries of what shows on cable, at that budget, were all about and what you could do with them. I mean, it was camp at times, but even then it was good, no, great camp. It was fun to be along for the ride and watch the story unfold, and I was saddened by the end of SG1, the cancellation of SGA and SGU, and MGM's subsequent financial troubles, knowing what that meant for the films and that those stories wouldn't be completed. Other shows have come and gone, but none really captured my imagination the way SG1 and SGU did. They're some of the few shows that have made me think, "man, it would have been a blast to be on / write for that show".

Plus, as an aspiring composer-on-the-side, Joel Goldsmith's (RIP) work, especially combining moody electronic and orchestral elements on SGU, was absolutely top-notch and up there with some of my favorite scoring composers.

I'm truly thankful for the seasons we were able to go along with the cast & crew for the ride.

[Conchobair]

Stargate has changed the way I look at The Simpsons.

[gildor23]

Stargate has affected my life in many ways. The biggest is that it gave me many characters and stories that are as real to me as any in real life. I quote Master Bra'tac all the time. "A warriors greatest strength is his wit." I keep an autographed picture of General Hammond over my bed and I salute it every morning before work. I really want to go to Chicago

[biscuits]

The leadership qualities of the leading characters provide excellent vignettes of how to lead a team through adversity. Stargate has done a better job of demonstrating tolerance and acceptance than other series have been able to achieve, and best of all, it's happening here and now -- not 400 years in the future. The characters are all real and approachable. It's easy to imagine one of them as your neighbor, or your cub scout leader, or somebody who you'd love to have on, or leading your team at work.

Observing and studying the characters has helped me to identify ways that I can be a better leader to my team. Also, how at the most basic level, it's not the mission that's important: it's the personnel management. It's levity, focus, big picture goals, making everyone feel valuable, and making decisions from an ethical and moral platform. You become the type of leader that you would want to have leading you, and Stargate presented those qualities every week.

I think that's what I miss most of all about the series (even SGU) being off the air. It's hit-and-miss to find another series that gets into the same enjoyable focus on characters without wrapping it around so many layers of (procedurals, vampires, betrayal, empty sitcoms, etc ...).

[killerbacon]

Stargate is my all time favorite show. It made me join the air force. I am proud of my job, and love doing with the hope that one day we will encounter another being from space. The show has helped me through some tough times. My drug abuse, and depression. Now I have a great job and 2 beautiful girls and Stargate deserves some of the credit. I will watch any episode or movie any day of any week!! In short, I love this series and will always be a fan!!!

[rkgardner2003]

Well, I don't think I can compete with some of the other entries for this contest, I'm a relative newbie to the Stargate world compared to some others, I've also never been to a convention of any kind. But, I will say that it has been a long while since I have found and enjoyed a series as much as the Stargate series. I was so clueless that I've actually been watching them in reverse order, started with Universe and now am on to Atlantis. I wasn't really sure I could get into another series as I loved Universe so much, but Atlantis has really won me over. After a long day of work and family it's been a real pleasure to sit down and watch something that is sure to put a smile on my face and erase the days stresses. I would just love to experience a convention, sounds pretty awesome! Good luck every one!

[FrenchyJenny]

How Stargate has affected my life*?

Well, it changed it in many ways. When the show first aired in my country (France), I was about 11. I basically grew up watching SG-1 and Atlantis. Adolescence is a tough time in somebody's life and Stargate was my way to escape reality for about 40 minutes each and every day. Now, after watching the show over and over again, I still see it as a wonderful window to another world where the troubles that I can have in my life are insignificant compared to what the kick-ass SG Teams face on a daily basis. Simply put, it made me a very positive person who always try not to complain about anything.

Stargate also made me curious about a lot of different things, like learning more about the different cultures in our world. I guess that Daniel Jackson influenced me a little, lol. And even something as simple as looking at the stars make me think about the show*: I always recall Sam saying to Jack that «*only a few planets with a Stargate are visible to the naked eye*» and I can't help but trying to figure out which stars has a gate, lol.

In essence, Stargate has affected my life the best way possible*: it opened me up to all the «*worlds*» that are contained in our own planet, and made me meet some great people. I've been a hardcore Stargate fan for almost 14 years now and I always will be*!

[bascotty]

How has stargate affected my life? I could write an entire book based on that one question; with respect to everyone else ill ATTEMPT to keep my answer somewhat coherent...
-The women greatly influenced the way I precieve women, and what is and is not "sexy". I think that the female cast of the show did an amazing job of depicting a woman's strength, character, and intelligence as sexy traits. In turn I think that the show influenced my respect, admiration, and love of all women. On a side note, I'd like to say that while the women of star gate are gorgeous, they are by no means skin and bone. These women had curves; they are women with a woman's body, and did not go along with some ridiculous/potentially health hazard standard that women must me deathly skinnee. The female characters also played important roles, and kicked as much ass as any of the male characters. I definitely admired that.
-Christopher Judge proved that a black man could play a serious part in a sci-fi series that everyone could identify with. I really do think that his work on the show helped round up some edges in a transition from ignorance to acceptance; that strange period between the equal rights movement of the violent 60's to a more educated/accepting modern age. My mother allways recalled my favorite character as the "big black guy with the gold **** on his head"; mom could never tell a lie, but it retrospect it's interesting to remember Teal'c as a hero for all. In that way Stargate, Judge, Teal'c, etc stood out in my mind as a illustration of the plight of the weak many vs. the privledged few (system lords).
-Characters like Daniel Jackson, and Samantha Carter made it sexy to be a nerd. Though I would love to give Micheal Shanks hell for going from the wheezing nerd, to the stud taking his shirt off every other episode. Daniel Jackson got more women than a twilight convention; not only that, but he got the most beautiful women possible. It made me read more, and try to learn math....and work out cause there's noway that Shanks love affair with hockey didn't give him those pecks. Damn, Shanks.
-Stargate has greatly affected what I believe about religion, and it's place in society. More specifically, religious oppression vs. true spiritual enlightenment. I also contribute the show with some of the views i have in regards to acceptance of all religions (so long as these religions do not hinder the rights of others). It (stargate) also taught me to kill false Gods.
-Most importantly Stargate gave me an escape from the cruelty of the world. Puberty sucks. It was nice to have something somewhat wholesome that did not waiver from expressing true humanity. The characters were flawed, had problems, were good/sometimes bad. Not everything in the series was so cut dry; there was alot of grey area. I've had problems with shades of grey my entire life. At least Stargate exposed me to it. Stargate also gave me a respect of the military, and a respect/acknowledgement for civic duty. Stargate also managed to make Canada seem more to me in my mind than just some big American state (please remember I live in the South, and Canada is a great distance away; more of an idea then an actual place that I could visit) not yet made sovereign. The show gave me more of a view of cultures I had not yet experienced, and for that I am grateful. I also give the show credit for influencing me in my love of sociology/anthopology, pyschology,history, science fiction, and my intense attraction to Amanda Tapping, and Claudia Black.
Hope this was a decent enough of answer, and did not step on any toes. I've never been one to know what "modest" meant.

Life long fan,
Patrick (aka. bascotty)

[acsprite15]

I feel like Stargate has changed my life for the better. I keep kicking myself for not watching it when it was actually on the air. I missed it! I started watching it from the beginning at the end of 2010. I went through the whole series using a list from another thread on this website listing episodes of SG1 and SGA and the order in which they aired. I think this really enhanced the experience. No one around me, friends, roommate, could understand why I was constantly watching his show. I didnt care. Something about the writing and the acting makes you feel like you are there with the characters, like you know them. When I was done with SG1, SGA, and SGU. I was so sad. luckily not long after the world wide rewatch started, and I also met a really great guy. I told him I was going to participate in the rewatch and he was onboard. We are still not done yet with season ten, but he is loving every episode we watch! It feels great to be able to share this show with someone else who appreciates it like I do, and even though I have seen it its like I am watching it for the first time. We talk about the episodes and social issues they may touch on which helps us bond and become closer. He even bought me one of the SG1 collectors books off this site for christmas, and it was the best christmas ever! I have never cried from happiness so much haha. I know Stargate will always be a part of our lives, even if MGM does not revive the series or do anything else with it.

[jesseshattuck]

So many things come to mind when i think how Stargate changed my life. I first found the show flipping through channels on vacation when i was young and quickly fell in love with show. I first played catch up on the first five seasons and decided this forever would be my favorite show. I continued to watch the show throughout the years growing up and having the cast and the characters effect my life and i even felt that they were a part of my life. I was heartbroken when the show was finally cancelled but i knew all good things must come to and end. The show simply put changed my life and il never get tired of watching it as long as i live.

[Stargatefan15]

I started watching stargate when I was little and fell in love with the show. The character Daniel Jackson was my favorite and made me fall in love with history. I decided then that I was going to Study History in College. Watching stargate sg1 and Atlantis with my family was one of the fondest memories of my life. My mom loves Jack O’Neill and my dad loves Tealc. They didn’t like the show at first mostly because they thought it was some cheesy Sci fi show, but as time went on they began to love it completely. Stargate is always on my mind and it will always be a part of me forever.

[the42ndfl00r]

I watched Children of the Gods during my senior year of college on Hulu Plus. Over the following four weeks leading up to finals I managed to squeeze in every episode of SG-1, SG-A and all the films in order of air date. It was the most mesmerizing month. I had always been a bit of a sci-fi geek but I had met my dream show in Stargate.

I wanted to travel to other worlds, meet creatures from other planets, ancient Earth cultures and see unbelievable things. I wanted to become Sam Carter, freak out with Daniel over some ruins, get treated by Janet for an unknown disease, go fishing with Jack and have Teal'c save me from impending doom. Then I wanted to fly puddle jumpers with Sheppard, spar with Teyla and Ronon, and listen to Rodney freak out after destroy most of a solar system. After graduation, I watched it all over again to lead myself up to watching SG-U. Then again for the second season. I've been reading the Atlantis Legacy series like it's my own personal bible and I'm waiting very impatiently for The Furies to be released.

The characters became a part of my life. I commended Dr Weir on her undertaking with the Atlantis mission, I mourned Carson, and rejoiced after his clone was retrieved. I cried my eyes out when Janet died, and cringed every time Sam and Jack never quite got together. My heart broke for Daniel as his wife was taken from him, and I even felt bad for Walt in the future timeline when he was stuck being a tour guide. I laughed out loud when Cam and Vala joined the rest of the cast in a parody of Farscape. I felt sorry for Michael until he created those monsters and kidnapped Teyla. I respected Todd for his mutual understanding with John. Stargate is my favorite science fiction franchise by miles. I've watched all 250 hours of the franchise four times over by now. Most may consider it a waste of time, but another Stargate just knows, it's more than just a television show.

I've never been to a convention, but every time a Stargate one rolls around I just dream that I could attend. Usually it's work or funds that stops me from attending, but with the show gone (possibly for good) I don't know how many more of these conventions with come around. Attending this convention would be a dream come true.

[Melody Kondrael]

Stargate was my first science fiction fandom that I was really serious about. I'd never really gotten into television before. While I was interested in going into film production as a career, I'd never considered television as a real job. But seeing the complex plots of Stargate SG-1 and Atlantis, I realised that it could be a real thing after all.

Now I'm seriously looking at television as an option as I go to college for film production. (I only wish I was in Canada so I could have the opportunity to cast some of the wonderful actors from Stargate who have not gotten major roles since then.)

[yorkiemischief]

I put off answering this, because I could write a novel about it. But here are the highlights.

We found Stargate after it came to Syfy, and bought the DVDs to catch up. I remember racing home from work so we could watch as many episodes as possible. When we moved from an apartment to a house, we had almost no furniture and a tiny TV but somehow we had a projector, so we would set up the projector and our friends would come over on Friday nights and for "bring your own chair" Stargate night.

In the following years I had a ton of health issues, and when I felt like crap Stargate was tv equivalent of comfort food. Stargate always made me feel better, even if it was just by distracting me and making me laugh. I had seen it so many times I could just listen if I was too tired to watch. To this day, even though I'm feeling much better now, I have Stargate and Sanctuary on all the time, because they make me happy.

Stargate also gave us Amanda Tapping. And Amanda (and Martin and Damian) gave us Sanctuary. Between Helen Magnus and Sam Carter, Amanda gave us 15 seasons of strong women characters. That is what I'm most thankful for.

The coolest part of these beloved shows has been the friendships. Connecting with people around the world, giggling every day at quotes passed around on twitter... how can you beat that?